This Week in NFK: Fresh Dropped Perks, Budget Funding, CaribFest, OV Comedy, Murals, & Gismo Power.

by | Sep 8, 2023

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Community. 

NRHA is interviewing candidates for a new director as the organization has come under increased scrutiny recently. Rip it.

Over 30 people gathered behind the Royal Farms on East Virginia Beach Boulevard this week to call for an end to gun violence in the community. Rip it.  

Several local activists spoke to Richmond’s NPR station on the state of Norfolk’s flood wall project. Rip it.

Norfolk State Students housed at a local Holiday Inn are reporting mold, bed bugs, and other hazards in their “dorms.” Rip it.

This week marks 60 days until election day, and candidates are gearing up for their final push. Rip it.

The HRBT expansion project has turned up at least eight cannonballs and several sunken ships. Rip it.

The Virginia legislature finally passed a budget deal with funds for pollution cleanup, employee raises, hemp enforcement, data centers, and sports team attraction. Rip it.

The U.S. Navy is grappling with the need to fight new threats and may reduce spending on big ships, which could have major local economic impacts. Rip it.

The CIVIC Leadership Institute named Robert Cross and LifeNet Health the 2023 Darden Award Honorees. Rip it.

Jackson Holliday, the Oriole’s first-round draft pick in 2022, is joining the Norfolk Tides for an end-of-season push. Rip it.  

Culture.

Lost Life Booking brings No Bragging Rights, Mouth for War, Downswing, .GIF from God, and Cataract to Taphouse this weekend. Rip it.

The Norfolk Master Gardeners are hosting info sessions for their 10-week classes. Rip it.

Now at Nauticus: a temporary exhibit on the real science and impacts of climate change. Rip it.

Barry Art Museum is currently exhibiting a rare “Wedding Dress Barbie” worth $42,000. Rip it.

The Little Theater of Norfolk is seeking volunteers to help keep its theatrical productions running. Rip it.

Local Author Gina Bright discusses her new novel, The Charon Club, at Prince Books this weekend. Rip it.

The Colonial Place and Riverview Neighborhoods are brining back their Front Porch Art Walk next month. Rip it.

The Renova Center in the NEON District has a new mural out front. Rip it.

The Attucks Jazz Club is returning with Alex McArthur, Dominique Eade, and Chris Whiteman. Rip it.

Next week Slover Library hosts “Sold Down River,” sharing stories of enslaved people from Virginia’s history. Rip it.

The Norfolk Forum is gearing up for its 90th season with a star-studded lineup. Rip it.

Norfolk Zine Fest returns to the calendar! Catch them at Not For The Weak Records this Saturday. Rip it.

Marv.P, Andre Love, and more are taking over Smartmouth’s Warehouse for a special GEMZ show. Rip it.

Currently on Display:
Reckonings and Reconstructions: Southern Photography from the Do Good Fund at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Heather Beardsley: Strange Plants at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Perspectives: Modern and Contemporary Glass from the Waitzer Collection at Barry Art Museum. Rip it.
Fashioning Innovation: Madame Alexander at 100 at Barry Art Museum. Rip it.
Vague Appliances and Utilities at Gordon Art Galleries. Rip it.
The Art of Data Exhibit at Slvoer Library. Rip it.
FACES by Lotus at The Gallery At Elation. Rip it.

Commerce.

From Navy to Grapes: Hear how the Witts brought their craft wine dream to Norfolk with Water’s Edge Winery. (NFK Currents Podcast). Rip it. 
 
Gismo Power, part of the 757 Accelerate program, recently secured a $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. Rip it.

IV Watch, a medical device startup that secured funding from the Norfolk-based 757 Angels, landed a partnership that will help bring their products to Europe. Rip it.

As Breeze Airways expands its presence in Norfolk, it’s offering 50% off flights. Rip it.

ABNB held a ribbon cutting for its new location in Ward’s Corner. Rip it.

Lawson Companies, a local real estate development group, is taking on the affordable housing crisis. Rip it.

Virginia ABC is cutting shop hours across the state, with 155 locations closing earlier than before. Rip it.

Dillard’s, the final anchor at MacArthur Mall, has closed its doors for good. Rip it.

Shane August, a former NSU quarterback, is investing funds and sweat equity in unique local businesses. Rip it.

A five-year plan and $1.5 billion in funds are putting Virginia on track to “functionally universal broadband access.” Rip it.

Regional Economic Stats. Port Stats. Labor Stats.

Nawfuk Trucker Cap

Norfolk Rocker Label Tote

Crowds.

Citizen Club members now get access to free tickets, discounted tickets, and early access sales on shows at the Norva. Rip it.  

Next week, The Hermitage hosts 100+ artists vending at the 8th Annual Hermitage Handmade Festival. Rip it.

The 18th Annual CaribFest and Parade of Cultures returns to Town Point Park this Saturday. Rip it.

The Tides host the playoffs for the International League starting September 26th. Rip it.

Elation Brewing’s popular Oktoberfest will be back in North Colley on September 16th. Rip it.

SailFest, with sailboat races and driving ranges at Nauticus, returns on September 23rd. Rip it.

Tickets are already on sale for LAVA’s Halloween Extravaganza. Rip it.

The Kings Daughters, a non-profit supporting CHKD, has a ton of fall events coming up. Rip it.

The Tides host the playoffs for the International League starting September 26th. Rip it.

FRIDAY:
Norfolk Run Club Friday Meetup at Yorgo’s Bageldashery. 6:00 am. Rip it
Sunrise Yoga with Sky’s The Limit at the Pagoda. 6:30 am. Rip it.
KinderSTEM at Mary D Pretlow Anchor Branch Library. 10:00 am. Rip it  
Lego Day at 757 Creative ReUse Center. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Toddler Time at Jordan-Newby Anchor Branch Library.10:30 am. Rip it
Oktoberfest at Coastal. 12:00 pm. Rip it
Rob Oliver performs live at Cova Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
U-Nite: Women & Business at Barry Art Museum. 6:00 pm. Rip it
Charlie Chan performs live at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Language of the Dead: Messages from the Dead Tour at Elmwood Cemetery. 6:00 pm. Rip it
Sonic Universe Sound Meditation at Norfolk Karate Academy. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Art Rowe performs live at Willoughby Fish House. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Mike Gombas performs live at Afterglow Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Norfolk Tides vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp at Harbor Park. 6:35 pm. Rip it
Pecha Kucha Night at 757 Makerspace. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Third Friday Clay Throwdown at d’Art Center. 7:00 pm. Rip it
Weekly TBMA Friday Jam Hosted by Roosevelt Area Civic Leauge. 7:00 pm. Rip it
Taught by Tawana: Pinot Noir vs. Gamay at Vino Culture. 7:00 pm. Rip it
September Open Build Night Art Show Night Market & Music at 757 Makerspace. 7:00 pm. Rip it
Tales from the Campfire at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Flyin’ West at Generic Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it  
Amanda and Roo perform live at Grace O’Malley’s. 8:30 pm. Rip it.
imprOV: Norfolk’s Night of Improv Comedy in Oceanview at Mudita Cafe & Coffeehouse. 8:00 pm. Rip it
The Driver Babies Improv at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it
Virginia Camo Fete at Broadway Nightclub. 10:00 pm. Rip it.

SATURDAY:
Weekend Long Run with OV Run Club. 7:15 am. Rip it
Send It Saturday Morning Group Ride at East Coast Bicycles. 8:00 am. Rip it
East Beach Farmers Market at Shore Drive. 9:00 am. Rip it
The Art of Data Exhibit at Slover Library. 9:00 am. Rip it
Headstone Cleaning Workshop at Forest Lawn Cemetery. 9:00 am. Rip it
RISE Men’s Retreat || Conversation and Understanding. 9:00 am. Rip it
Show & Grow Professional Critique at The Muse Writers Center. 9:45 am. Rip it
Second Saturday Volunteer Call at Little Theatre of Norfolk. 10:00 am. Rip it
12  Hour Comic Day at The Muse Writers Center. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Live Life Fresh Boom Box Bike Ride at Freshtopia. 10:30 am. Rip it
18th Annual Virginia CaribFest at Town Point Park. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Fall Foliage Fair at Selden Market. 11:00 am. Rip it
Live Mural Painting by Solomon Enos at ODU Gordon Art Galleries. 11:00 am. Rip it
UGA Alumni Football Watch Party at Cogan’s North. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Vision Boards at Richard A. Tucker Memorial Library. 12:00 pm. Rip it
Fall Vintage Market with Hanks Vintage! at Reaver NFK. 12:00 pm. Rip it
Lipgloss & Lashes Drag Brunch at 37th & Zen. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Gina Bright book discussion at Prince Books. 1:30 pm. Rip it.
Monarch Makes at Barry Art Museum. 2:00 pm. Rip it
Basic Sewing Machine Maintenance with Santiago at 757 Creative ReUse Center. 2:00 pm. Rip it
ODU Vs Lousiana-Lafayette Water Party at Afterglow Brewing. 3:00 pm. Rip it.
All You Can Eat Oyster Roast at Kitchenfinity. 4:00 pm. Rip it.
Art Rowe performs live at Cova Brewing Company. 4:00 pm. Rip it.
Rob White performs live at Afterlight Brewing. 6:00 pm.  Rip it.
Guitar in the Gallery at Glass Light Hotel & Gallery. 6:00 pm. Rip it
Noah’s Eccentric Art Show at Starving Artist Cafe. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Michael Clark Band performs live at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Gemz 757 Showcase at Smartmouth Warehouse. Rip it.
Fox and the Bear perform live at Elation Brewing. 6:30 pm. Rip it.
Norfolk Tides vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp at Harbor Park. 6:35 pm. Rip it
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater at The Granby Theater. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
SynHERgi performs live at Boss Queens Soul Cafe. 7:00 pm. Rip it
Darren Knight: Southern Momma & Friends Comedy Tour at Harrison Opera House. 7:00 pm. Rip it
Haunted Norfolk Tour with Norfolk Tour Company. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
The Unusual Suspects: Improvised Murder Mystery at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Flyin’ West at Generic Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it  
Barricade performs live at Cap’n Ron’s. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Amanda and Roo perform live at Grace O’Malley’s. 8:30 pm. Rip it.
Bawdy Du Jour! Burlesque at The Venue on 35th. 8:30 pm. Rip it.
Toga Party at MJ’s Tavern. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
CaribFest “Xhale” Official After Party Boatride. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
Second Saturday Stand-Uup at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it.

SUNDAY:
Harold and Improv Riot Auditions at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Slow-Mo Sunday Group Ride at Local Bike Shop NFK. 10:30 am. Rip it
Bhav Brigade Yoga at Sky’s the Limit. 12:00 pm. Rip it
DJ Bad Joe n Young Lion at Mona Lisa Restaurant. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Viewpoints with Deborah Wallace at Barry Art Museum. 12:30 pm. Rip it
Lipgloss & Lashes Drag Brunch at 37th & Zen. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Sunday Funday: Board Game Night at COVA. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Red Stapler Summer Fun at OV Pier. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Norfolk Tides vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp at Harbor Park. 1:05 pm. Rip it
AUDITIONS: TRD & VBT Fall Ensembles at TRDance Center. 1:30 pm. Rip it
Paul Urban performs live at Hank’s Filling Station. 2:00 pm. Rip it.
Blue’s Jam at Cova Brewing Company. 3:00 pm. Rip it
Ben Long performs live at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 3:00 pm. Rip it.
Music Bingo at Reaver Beach. 4:00 pm. Rip it
Ghost Town Union performs live at Afterglow Brewing. 4:00 pm. Rip it.
CommUNITY Play-in & Sing-along. 4:30 pm. Rip it
Talent Show at Conscious Planet. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Poems and Songs Evening at Voyager Cold Brew. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
48 Hour Film Project Best of Awards at Naro Cinema. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Saliva + Drowning Pool at The NorVA. 7:30 pm. Rip it
Flyin’ West at Generic Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it  
Chris Tucker: The Legend Tour 2023 at Chrysler Hall. 8:00 pm. Rip it

Chow.

Get $8 off Toast, Perro Blanco, and What The Frank when you join Citizen Club. Rip it.

80/20 Burger added Chorizo and queso Dip to the menu. Try it for yourself! Rip it.

Mac n’ Cheese, Roasted Turkey Leg, Jerk Chicken, all of this combined into Birds and Bourbon’s newest special only available on Tuesdays. Rip it.

Cova Brewing has an offer only available during September: The Biscoff Latte and The Biscoff Espresso Martini! Rip it.

Donuts and ice cream are a perfect pair, especially at Hair of The Dog. Rip it.

The BrambleBerry Cosmopolitan is the martini of the month at Lola’s Beach Cantina. Rip it.

The burgers at Red Wood Smoke Shack look insane! Rip it.

My mouth is watering looking at this pan-roasted salmon topped in Mediterranean sun-dried tomato pesto at The Ten Top. Be sure to check their IG every day for their specials! Rip it.

Yendidi prepares their specialty grilled chicken, and it looks gooooood. Rip it.

Food Truck Sightings:
Friday:
Gavin’s at Maker’s Craft. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen & Nacho Libre at Cova. Rip it.
The Potato Peeps at Reaver Beach. Rip it.
Salsa Libre at Benchtop. Rip it.
Revery Eats at Afterglow. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth. Rip it.
lil’za Pizzaria at The Veil. Rip it.
Bakehouse at Elation Brewing. Rip it.
Bar-q at Bold Mariner. Rip it.

Saturday:
Crop Circle & Munchies at Maker’s Craft. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen & Weng’s Kitchen at Cova. Rip it.
Gavin Dishes at Benchtop. Rip it.
Bar-Q Desserts at Afterglow. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth. Rip it.
lil’za Pizzaria at The Veil. Rip it.
Bakehouse at Elation Brewing. Rip it.
Bar-q at Bold Mariner. Rip it.

Sunday:
Revery Eats at Maker’s Craft. Rip it.
The American Taco at Cova. Rip it.
Ortegas Street at Benchtop. Rip it.
Salsa Libre at Afterglow. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth. Rip it.
lil’za Pizzaria at The Veil. Rip it.
Bakehouse at Elation Brewing. Rip it.
Bar-q at Bold Mariner. Rip it.

The Ripcurrent.

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.