This Week in NFK: Bike Month, Va Arts Fest, Cinco de Mayo, Derby Parties, Wine Fest, Markets & More.

by | May 5, 2023

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Community. 

Spring It On! Massive Spring Market Comes to Reaver Beach (NFK Currents Original). Rip it.

Norfolk’s new Chief of Police, Mark Talbot, officially started his new role. Rip it.

After Military Circle Mall closed, a local non-profit boxing gym still continues from the instructor’s garage. Rip It.

It’s Bike Month in Norfolk, and the City has some safety tips for drivers. Rip it.

The Norfolk HRT paratransit vans are now in service. Rip It.

Virginia has seen a 132% increase in maternal deaths since 2019, potentially attributable to the effects of COVID-19. Rip it.

The Virginia Chapter of the NAACP is calling for the removal of Virginia’s Chief DEI Officer. Rip it.

Enjoy a free tour of Captain Miranda, an Uruguayan Navy sailship, while it’s in the dock next week. Rip it.

The Hampton Roads Community Foundation awarded $1.4 million to 12 nonprofit and community organizations last month. Rip it.

The Gosnold Apartments, a supportive housing community that charges residents 30% of their income, won $200,000 from HRCF for renovations. Rip it.

Hampton Roads Unity announced the “Be a Pillar” Scholarship open to any LGBTQIA+ high school senior or undergraduate student in Virginia who has volunteering or community service experience. Rip it.

Fox News fanned flames on a hot-button national issue when they targeted the Norfolk School Board’s new sex-ed curriculum. Rip it.

Joey Ortiz hit his first homerun at Harbor Park! Rip it.

Culture.

Leyla McCalla Weaves Haitian History and Her Own at Perry Pavilion (NFK Currents Original) Rip it.

A new public artwork commemorating the end of Massive Resistance in Norfolk was unveiled this week. (NFK Currents Original). Rip It.

Kirk Whalum, an award-winning Saxophonist, plays at Harrison Opera House this weekend. Rip it.

Next week, Nina Simone brings a 90-minute, one-woman show to the Wells Theater. Rip it.
​​
Commonwealth Comedy announced a Summer Series of shows under Chrysler Hall at Generic Theater, including the sell-out Titty Titty Bang Bang show. Rip it.

The Virginia Queer Film Festival is coming to ODU in June. Rip it.
​​
Ray Johnson’s “For My Brothers With Sons I Paint This” now on display at OffSite Gallery in The MacArthur Center. Rip it.

The Concert Truck pulls up to The Plot on Saturday. Rip it.

Lasso, a Brazilian punk band, makes a stop at Norfolk Taphouse next week. Rip it.

Following a national search, Mark Castro brings his 18 years of experience to the Hague to oversee the Chrysler Museum’s Curatorial, Conservation, and Collections & Exhibitions divisions. Rip it.

Josh Ritter & Royal City Band are bringing “distinctive storytelling, compelling subject matter, and astonishing musicianship” to Perry Pavilion this weekend. Rip it.

Experience the Barry like Wes Anderson. 
Rip it.

 
Assembly announced its first-ever “Changemakers in Residence,” with six residents announced. Rip it.

Currently on Display
The Sloane Collection at The Hermitage. Rip it.
Ninth Annual Wearable Arts Exhibition at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Facing Ourselves: Mike Disfarmer and the American Portrait at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Barbara Earl Thomas: The Illuminated Body at the Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Sam Bartlett: Low Stakes, Plywood Cutouts & Everyday Comix at Gordon Art Galleries. Rip it.
PERSPECTIVES: Modern and Contemporary Glass at the Barry Art Museum. Rip it.
The Great Exhibition: Bébés at the Barry Art Museum. Rip it.
“Blue Musings” by Hanna Kirby at Offsite Gallery. Rip it.

Flourish at d’Art Center. Rip it.
Still Jaybird Photography: Black & White Street Photography At The Gallery at Elation Brewing. Rip it.
 
 

Commerce.

The first hurdle has been cleared to one Norfolk native’s dream of a locally owned pharmacy. Rip it.

Port of Virginia plans to operate completely on renewable energy by 2040. 
Rip it.

Dominion plans to build natural gas and nuclear facilities to help meet demands. Rip it.

GloveScaler, a local company that has patented fish-scaling gloves, won the SITW pitch competition and got $25,000 to help get samples manufactured. Rip it.

A South Norfolk banana pudding business is finding success by landing deals in regional Whole Foods locations. Rip it.

SVT Robotics, a robotics software company, is bringing on a new CFO as the company continues to grow. Rip it.

757 Accelerator applications are open until May 24th. Rip it. ​​

Regional Economic StatsPort Stats.Labor Stats.

Naughty By Norfolk Black Koozie

Naughty By Norfolk Paper Bag Koozie

Crowds.

Spring it on! A 50+ person vendor market lands at Reaver Beach. (NFK Currents Original) Rip it.

Next week Vessel Craft Coffee and Commonwealth Comedy team up for Improv Social for anyone who enjoys a good laugh. Rip it.

LAVA Presents is bringing back NorFunk Fest on June 2nd. Rip It.

Join DJ Canrock at Harbor Park before every Friday game this season. Rip it.

May is National Bike Month, and Norfolk is giving power to the pedal. Celebrate with safe places to ride, locally owned shops, and plenty of cycling events happening throughout the month. Rip It.


FRIDAY:
Norfolk Run Club Friday Meetup at Yorgo’s Bageldashery. 6:00 am. Rip it
Cinco de Mayo at Cafe Mudita. 7:00 am. Rip it.
tHRive Member Meetup May at Cova Brewing Company. 7:30 am. Rip it
Writers Coffee Break at Cafe Stella. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Cinco De Mayo at Lola’s Beach Cantina. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Cinco De Mayo at Cova Brewing  4:00 pm. Rip it
Ghent Farmers Market at Blair Middle School. 4:00 pm. Rip it
Baila with DJ Supladies & Friends at Plaza del Sol. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Art Rowe performs live at Willoughby Fish House. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Learn To Sail at Nauticus. 6:00 pm. Rip it
Amy Kaus performs live at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Full Flower Moon Circle at Kindred Spirit. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Friday Night Live at Cova Brewing Company. 6:00 pm. Rip it
May Open Build Night at 757 Makerspace. 6:30 pm. Rip it.
Norfolk Tides vs. Durham Bulls at Harbor Park. 6:35 pm. Rip it
Cinco De Mayo Party at OV Beach Tavern. 7:00 pm. Rip it
Fiesta De Mayo: Cinco De Mayo Party at Waterside District. 7:00 pm. Rip it
Class with Kiera: Old(er) Wines at Vino Culture. 7:00 pm. Rip it
Ghent Neighborhood League Light the Night. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
TCG Showcase Concert at Goode Performing Arts Center. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
James and the Giant Peach performed live at the Little Theater of Norfolk. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Love Me Tinder: A Matchmaking Improv Show at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it
Heather and Nathan perform live at The OV Beach Tavern. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Fierce Friday at the Wave. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Friday Night Magic: Commander at Atlantis Games & Comics. 8:30 pm. Rip it
SALT performs live at Tap It Local. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
Nate Sacks performs live at Grain. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
Sketchmageddon! Ultimate Sketch Comedy Competition at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it

SATURDAY:
Weekend Long Run. 7:15 am. Rip it
Send It Saturday Morning Group Ride at East Coast Bicycles. 8:00 am. Rip it
Inaugural Mermaid Series Sand Run/Walk at Ocean View Beach Park. 9:00 am. Rip it.
East Beach Farmers Market. 9:00 am. Rip it
Volunteer Workday at Elmwood Cemetery. 9:00 am. Rip it.
Mother’s Day Sale at Chrysler Museum Glass Studio. 10:00 am. Rip it
Norfolk Public Library Book Sale & Community Day at Pretlow Library. 10:00 am. Rip it.
City Girls Walk Meetup at Stockley Gardens. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Free Comic Book Day at Local Heroes. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Slover Chess Club Meetup. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Live Life Fresh Boom Box Bike Ride at Freshtopia. 10:30 am. Rip it
Rob Oliver performs live at Grain. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Free Comic Book Day at Atlantis Comics and Games. 11:00 am. Rip it
2023 Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival. 11:00 am. Rip it
Tidewater Hokies Meetup at Town Point Park Spring Wine Fest. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Spring Psychic Fair at Kindred Spirit. 11:00 am. Rip it
Cool Creations Classes: April & May at d’Art Center. 11:30 am. Rip it
Spring It On May Market at Reaver Beach NFK. 12:00 pm. Rip it
Cornhole Tournament w/ Norfolk Storm Rugby at MJ’s Tavern. 12:00 pm. Rip it
Spring Festival at Elation Brewing. 12:00 pm. Rip it
Petey performs live at Elation Brewing. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Free Comic Book Day at Jordan-Newby Library. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Norfolk In Time Exhibit Grand Opening at Nauticus. 12:00 pm. Rip it
Coronation Luncheon at Norfolk Yacht Club. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Parking Lot Vintage Market at The Veil. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Bhav Brigade Yoga at Slover Library. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Lipgloss & Lashes Drag Brunch at 37th & Zen. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Derby Day at Grace O’Malley’s Irish Pub. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
The Wayfare Strangers perform live at O’Connor Brewing. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Zach Desocio performs live at Elation Brewing. 1:30 pm. Rip it.
Illusions The Drag Queen Show at EZ Inn. 1:30 pm. Rip it.
Kentucky Derby Party at Cova Brewing. 3:00 pm. Rip it
Derek Smith performs live at Elation Brewing. 3:00 pm. Rip it.
Matt Willard performs live at Waters’ Edge Winery. 4:30 pm. Rip it.
The Sandtones perform live at Elation Brewing. 4:30 pm. Rip it.
Opening reception For My Brothers with Sons I Paint This at Offsite Gallery. 5:00 pm. Rip it
Va Arts Fest Concert Truck at The Plot. 6:00 pm.  Rip it
Mike Gombas Jr performs live at Benchtop. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Chris Ride performs live at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Murder Mystery Dinner at The Granby Theater. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Saturday Night Yugioh at Atlantis Games & Comics. 6:30 pm. Rip it
Norfolk Tides vs. Durham Bulls at Harbor Park. 6:35 pm. Rip it
Fixity performs live at Elation Brewing. 6:30 pm. Rip it.
LAVA Presents: Demons, Meth Rats, State of Emergency at Chicho’s Backstage. 7:00 pm. Rip it
Romonta & Friends performs live at Boss Queens Soul Cafe. 7:00 pm. Rip it
Runnin’ Shine performs live at Waterside District. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Dry Land performs live at Cafe Stella. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Full Moon Ceremony: Renenutet Celebration at Aries Apothecary. 7:30 pm. Rip it
Chicago the Musical – In Concert at Chrysler Hall. 7:30 pm. Rip it
TRDance & Virginia Ballet Theatre Spring Ensemble Concert. 8:00 pm. Rip it
𝘓𝘦𝘵 𝘔𝘦 𝘛𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘓𝘪𝘬e at Generic Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it
James and the Giant Peach performed live at the Little Theater of Norfolk. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Reckoning Force, Self-Inflict, Strait Jacket, and Cicada perform live at Norfolk Taphouse. 8:00 pm. Rip it. 
​Date Night at the Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. 
Rip it
Kirk Whalum performs live at Harrison Opera House. 8:00 pm. Rip it
Fire The Mic at Be A J Juice Bar., 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Revenge of the Si[x]th at MJ’s Tavern. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Silent Disco at Waterside District. 8:00 pm. Rip it
James Ford performs live at Grain. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
MonoMania! The Completely Crazy Improvised Play at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it
UFC 288: Sterling vs. Cejudo at Waterside District. 10:00 pm. Rip it

SUNDAY:
The Mom Walk Collective Meetup at Northside Park. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Solange Eclectic Flow at Get Well Soon. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Slow-Mo Sunday Group Ride at Local Bike Shop NFK. 10:30 am. Rip it
Yoga on Tap w/ Sky’s the Limit at Reaver Beach NFK. 10:45 am. Rip it
Mimosas & Heels Drag Brunch at The Public House. 11:00 am. Rip it
Dustin Furlow performs live at Grain. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Magic: The Gathering – Commander League at Atlantis Games & Comics. 12:00 pm. Rip it
Sunday Vegan Market at Benchtop Brewing Company. 12:00 pm. Rip it
May Day at the Hermitage Museum and Gardens. 12:00 pm. Rip it
Allegra Duchaine performs live at Benchtop Brewing. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Norfolk Weekly Pokemon League at Atlantis Games & Comics. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Lipgloss & Lashes Drag Brunch at 37th & Zen. 1:00 pm. Rip it
MTG Modern Sunday at Atlantis Games & Comics. 1:00 pm. Rip it
World Street Soccer at the Veil. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Norfolk Tides vs. Durham Bulls at Harbor Park. 1:05 pm. Rip it
Succulent Planter Box Workshop at Reaver Beach Brewing. 2:00 pm. Rip it
James and the Giant Peach performed live at the Little Theater of Norfolk. 2:30 pm. Rip it.
Tour de ORF Pride Bike Ride at Smartmouth Beer. 3:00 pm. Rip it
Mothers Day Perfume Make & Take at Aries Apothecary. 4:00 pm. Rip it
Official Homie Kickball at Northside Park. 4:00 pm. Rip it.
Dr. Liz Groeneveld’s Book Party at Taste. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Comedy Bootcamp Graduation Show at Push Comedy Theater. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Restorative Yoga + Hot Stone at Sky’s The Limit Yoga Co. 5:30 pm. Rip it
LAVA Presents Yarn with Palmyra at Chicho’s Backstage. 6:00 pm. Rip it
ODU Decades Disco at Webb University Center. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Nate Bargatze: The Be Funny Tour at Chrysler Hall. 7:00 pm. Rip it
Kaboombox performs live at Grain. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
Josh Ritter performs live at Perry Pavilion. 8:00 pm. Rip it

Chow.

Free Macarons at Cafe Genevieve for members of Citizen Club. Rip it. Join here.

The biscuits in the railroad district sure are looking handsome. Rip it.

Tahitian Vanilla Cinnamon lattes are the flavor of the week at Kobro’s. Rip it. 

Levity Popup returns to Crudo Nudo for a five-course dinner and wine pairing. Rip it.

Cubanos on the patio is a big move at Lola’s Cantina. Rip it.

Did somebody say margarita flights? Stockpot doesn’t play around. Rip it.

Dinner under the lights on summer nights – right on Colley too. Thanks, Chef’s. Rip it.

Lobster mac & cheese grilled cheese is a treasure on Granby Street. Rip it.

If you missed out on GS cookies this year, fear not – Voyager and Bakehouse have teamed up and have your back. Rip it.

When life gives you mozzarella, Public House says make sticks. Rip it. 

Benny Damato’s making us drool with bruschetta and chorizo slices. Rip it. 

The Norfolk Grille is now open at Nauticus. Rip it.

Food Truck Sightings:
Friday:
Shawna’s Rich Eats at Maker’s. Rip it. 
Nacho Libre at COVA. Rip it.
Krazy Trompos at Reaver Beach. Rip it. 
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth. Rip it.
Bakehouse at Elation. Rip it.
Bar-q at Bold Mariner. Rip it.

Saturday:
Gavin’s Dishes at Maker’s. Rip it. 
Sour Street Pizza at COVA. Rip it. 
Smoke n Grease & Flippin Hangry at Reaver Beach. Rip it. 
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth. Rip it.
Bakehouse at Elation.. Rip it.
Bar-q at Bold Mariner.  Rip it.

Sunday:
Desmond’s Island Grill at Benchtop. Rip it.
Gavin’s Dishes at Maker’s. Rip it.
Moontide Sundries at COVA. Rip it. 
Boomerang Dishes at Reaver Beach. Rip it. 
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth Rip it.
Bakehouse at Elation. Rip it.
Bar-q at Bold Mariner. Rip it.
 
 

The Ripcurrent.

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Paul Stetson Rice

Chelsea, NFK

Paul is the creator of NFKVA.com. He was born and raised in Norfolk, graduated from Virginia Tech, and narrowly avoided law school. Chat with him about economics, entrepreneurship, hip-hop, and hiking. When he's not working on five different projects, you'll catch him sharing a beer with friends at a local brewery.