This Week in NFK: Merry Widow, Grand Slams, Raves, Tomato Sandwiches, Downtown Development, and more.

by | Aug 4, 2023

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Community. 

Norfolk International Airport has narrowed it down to three options for its on-site hotel. Rip it.  

Norfolk School Board is considering an alternative school for students on long suspensions. Rip it. 

Norfolk Police hosted National Night Out events to promote and advance violence prevention this week. Rip it. 

Several political candidates in the region raised most of their campaign funds from large donors during the last month of the primary cycle. Rip it. 

The Commonwealth has $5.1 billion in excess revenue, yet legislators still struggle to agree on a budget deal. Rip it.

With budget negotiations still underway, some officials say not to expect the back-to-school sales tax holiday this year. Rip it

Multiple environmental protest groups motioned to legally challenge the state over Younkin’s withdrawal from the carbon emissions reduction program. Rip it

Some healthcare providers will be considered out of network now, thanks to Bon Secour and Anthem negotiations coming to a halt. Rip it

State legislators plan to reintroduce legislation to cap prescription medication prices and more. Rip it 

CHKD desperately needs breast milk donors for premature and sick babies. Rip it. 

Wildlife groups are asking state regulators to suspend the use of large fishing nets after reports of Ospreys starving along the Chesapeake Bay. Rip it. 

A federal executive order has changed how sexual assault is prosecuted in the armed forces, hoping to combat rising numbers. Rip it

ForKids, a local non-profit, is in need of help keeping children equipt for the upcoming school year. Rip it.

ICYMI, the Tides’ Kyle Stowers hit an in-the-park grand slam against the Charlotte Knights this week. Rip it. 

Bob Green, a local WW2 veteran, celebrated his 100th birthday this week. Rip it.

Culture.

The Avett Brothers land at Chartway Arena next week with their high steppin’ tunes. Rip it. 
 
Jazz returns to the historic Attucks Theater with Virginia Arts Festival. Rip it. 

Demons drop a new album alongside Community Witch, Wandcarver, Rose Milk, and Karacell at the Norva next month. 
Rip it.

Virginia Queer Film Festival announced a screening of Too Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar at the Naro next month. Rip it.

The NEON District has an open call for artists to showcase their works in the 8th annual NEON Festival. Rip it.

Jazz Grits is back at Toast on August 10th with the “Boom Boom Duo.” Rip it. 

Chrysler Hall announces “Elf In Concert” to celebrate the 20th year anniversary of the film this December. Rip it.

Kendall Street Company put out a new music video for their song Tightrope. Rip it.

Palm Palm released a single in anticipation of their new album next month. Rip it.

Currently on Display:
Barbara Earl Thomas: The Illuminated Body at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Heather Beardsley: Strange Plants at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Perspectives: Modern & Contemporary Glass at Barry Art Museum. Rip it.
M/NYC: Rough Draft, a solo exhibition by Thomas O’Casey at Assembly Gallery. Rip it.
“Missing the Mark” by John Runner at Offsite Gallery. Rip it.
Shapes Everywhere at Commune. Rip it.
Photography by Dustin Furlow at The Gallery At ElationRip it

Commerce.

Eleanor’s in Ghent Is building a community in Norfolk, whether capitalism likes iIt or not. (NFK Currents Original). Rip it. 
 
Petit a Petit is setting a high bar for boutique experiences in Downtown Norfolk. (NFK Currents Original). Rip it. 
 
500 E Plume Street was bought by Monument Development, likely headed for conversion to residential units. Rip it.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced the three final Wind Energy Areas for future wind turbine development. Rip it.

Old Dominion launched a new office focused on helping students secure internships and co-ops. Rip it.

The restaurant industry has changed post-COVID due to higher prices and job insecurity, but businesses are still finding a way. Rip it

Hemp retailers in Virginia are getting fines of up to $90K for violating new restrictions on cannabis products. Rip it.

The National Flood Insurance Program is seeing big rate increases due to last year’s changes. Rip it

The Blue Horseshoe Crab is an important part of medical research, but it’s also the key to a certain bird species’ food source, and some environmental groups fear the Red Knot may go extinct. Rip it

Local business owners talk about the headaches that come with working with Amazon. Rip it

The tourism industry breathes a sigh of relief as tourist spending in VA is back up to pre-pandemic numbers. Rip it

Norfolk State University was recognized as one of the Top 100 employers for interns. Rip it.

District Apizza is hoping to bring a new style of pizza to the area later this month. Rip it.

NFK Dad Hat

Norfolk Snapback

Crowds.

Here’s the live music we’re stoked about this August. (NFK Currents Original). Rip it. 

Deadheads are heading to Smartmouth for the Missing Digit Fest with Grateful Jed. Rip it.

Late Night Drive Home, Benches, Pearloid, and Ryan Wright will come to Chicho’s Backstage this Saturday. Rip it.

Teens With A Purpose are hosting their annual Fuse Fest on August 5th with music, arts, food, school supplies, and more. Rip it.


Original live performances inspired by the Claudia Bueno: Echoes of the Heart exhibition come to the Hermitage this weekend. Rip it.


The Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival returns for its 40th year on August 18th & 19th. Rip it.

LAVA MiniFest returns to Toast with no less than nine indie acts taking the stage. Rip it.


FRIDAY:
Run Club Friday Meetup at Yorgo’s Bageldashery. 6:00 am. Rip it 
Writers Coffee Break at Cafe Stella. 10:00 am. Rip it 
Ghent Farmers Market at Blair Middle School. 4:00 pm. Rip it. 
Backyard BBQ First Friday at Ocean View Beach Park. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Derek Smith performs live at Benchtop Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Which Smudge to Smudge at Aries Apothecary. 6:00 pm. Rip it
Bad Movie Night at Michael and Kimthanh Lê Planetarium. 6:00 pm. Rip it 
Amy Kaus performs live at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Art Rowe performs live at The Willoughby Fish House. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Red Stapler Duo performs live at Afterglow Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Michael Clark Band performs live at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Dustin Furlow & Matt Thomas perform live at Elation Brewing. 6:30 pm. Rip it. 
LAVA Presents: TLVS, Dayripper, Zac Plastic, Chase Evers at Chicho’s Pizza Backstage. 6:30 pm. Rip it 
Derek Smith performs live at Benchtop Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Norfolk Tides vs. Charlotte Knights at Harbor Park. 6:35 pm. Rip it  
Moonlight Muse Open House at 757 Makerspace. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
TBMA Friday Jam at Roosevelt Civic League. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
Friday Night Magic: Draft – Norfolk at Atlantis Games & Comics. 7:30 pm. Rip it 
Family Twilight Trek at Norfolk Botanical Garden. 7:30 pm. Rip it. 
Commander Masters Launch Party at Atlantis Games & Comics. 7:30 pm. Rip it 
How the West was Improvised: The Made Up Western at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it 
Urinetown, The Musical at Little Theatre of Norfolk. 8:00 pm. Rip it
Friday Night Magic: Commander at Atlantis Games & Comics. 8:30 pm. Rip it 
Amanda and Roo perform live at Grace O’Malley’s. 8:30 pm. Rip it. 
Big Bubble Rave at The NorVA. 9:00 pm. Rip it
Chris Johnson performs live at Tap It Local. 9:00 pm. Rip it. 
MonoMania! The Completely Crazy Improvised Play at Push Comedy Theater. 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 
ERT + NKR Group Paddle at Plum Point Park. 8:30 am. Rip it 
Grant Writing Workshop at Slover Library. 9:00 am. Rip it. 
Drag Brunch at The OV Beach Tavern. 10:00 am. Rip it 
Sky’s The Limit Yoga At Waters Edge Winery. 10:00 am. Rip it. 
Live Life Fresh Boom Box Bike Ride at Freshtopia. 10:30 am. Rip it 
Pure Barre Norfolk Pop-Up at Reaver Beach. 11:00 am. Rip it. 
Teens with a Purpose Fuse Fest ’23 at Purpose Park. 12:00 pm. Rip it. 
Lipgloss & Lashes Drag Brunch at 37th & Zen. 1:00 pm. Rip it 
Illusions The Drag Queen Show at Public House. 1:30 pm. Rip it. 
NEON Art Tour with Norfolk Tour Co at The Plot. 2:00 pm. Rip it 
JP Lewis performs live at Afterglow Brewing. 2:00 pm. Rip it. 
The Adventures of Chico (1938) screening at Barry Art Museum. 2:00 pm. Rip it. 
Yugioh Duelist Nexus Case Tournament at Atlantis Games & Comics. 3:00 pm. Rip it 
Ben Long performs live at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 3:00 pm. Rip it. 
Wading Between Two Titans at Attucks Theater. 4:00 pm. Rip it
Missing Digit Fest featuring Grateful Jed at Smartmouth Warehouse. 4:00 pm. Rip it. 
Pushing Dragons Graduation Show at Push Comedy Theater. 4:00 pm. Rip it 
Opening Reception for Meditations in Nature at Gallery 21. 5:00 pm. Rip it. 
Paul Urban performs live at Cova Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Art Rowe performs live at Afterglow Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Saturday Night Yugioh at Atlantis Games & Comics. 6:30 pm. Rip it 
Norfolk Tides vs. Charlotte Knights at Harbor Park. 6:35 pm. Rip it 
Furioso performs live at Boss Queens Soul Cafe. 7:00 pm. Rip it 
Date Night at the Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it 
Miller Lite Hot Country Nights: Granger Smith at Waterside District. 8:00 pm. Rip it 
Urinetown, The Musical at Little Theatre of Norfolk. 8:00 pm. Rip it
Jidenna performs live at The NorVA. 8:00 pm. Rip it 
Amanda and Roo perform live at Grace O’Malley’s. 8:30 pm. Rip it. 
Sketchmageddon! The Ultimate Sketch Comedy Competition at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it 

SUNDAY:
Sky’s the Limit Yoga on Tap at Reaver NFK. 10:45 am. Rip it 
Legs & Eggs: A Burlesque Brunch at 80/20 Burger Bar. 11:30 am. Rip it. 
Magic: The Gathering – Commander League at Atlantis Games & Comics. 12:00 pm. Rip it 
Privateer Press Game Night at Atlantis Games & Comics. 12:00 pm. Rip it 
Meet Your Princess Lunch Cruise. 12:30 pm. Rip it 
MTG Modern Sunday at Atlantis Games & Comics. 1:00 pm. Rip it  
6 Shoes of Cabernet Franc with Akeyla at Vino Culture. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Weekly Pokemon League at Atlantis Games & Comics. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Modern Cacti & Succulent Garden Workshop at Reaver Beach. 1:00 pm. Rip it. 
Board Game Night at Cova Brewing. 1:00 pm. Rip it. 
Red Stapler performs live at OV Fishing Pier. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Lipgloss & Lashes Drag Brunch at 37th & Zen. 1:00 pm. Rip it 
James Ford performs live at Mona Lisa’s. 2:00 pm. Rip it. 
Happy Planner Group with Amy at 757 Creative ReUse Center. 2:00 pm. Rip it 
Urinetown, The Musical at Little Theatre of Norfolk. 2:30 pm. Rip it
Reiki Level 1 at Aries Apothecary. 3:00 pm. Rip it
Tour de ORF Bike Ride departing Smartmouth. 3:00 pm. Rip it 
Amy Kaus performs live at Sour Street Pizza. 4:00 pm. Rip it. 
Norfolk Tides vs. Charlotte Knights at Harbor Park. 4:05 pm. Rip it
Sunset Kayak Tour on the Lafayette River with Norfolk Kayak Rentals. 6:45 pm. Rip it. 
Pushing Dragons Graduation Show at Push Comedy Theater. 7:00 pm. Rip it
Slow Flow With Live Jazz at Sky’s The Limit Yoga Co. 7:00 pm. Rip it 

South Side Little Big Band performs live at Ocean View Beach Park. 7:00 pm. Rip it.

 

Chow.

Commune is a pillar of the local food scene with farm-to-table local fare. (NFK Currents Original) Rip it. 

Summer campfires meet the cool relief of ice cream with Lolly’s flavor of the month. Rip it. 

Merry Widow crafts amazing cocktails, but you might only see them at special events. Have you spotted them before? Rip it

Town Center Cold Pressed collabed with Emblem Olive Oil to bring us the spectacular Limoncello Olive Oil latte. Rip it

Elation is releasing its first-ever Brown Ale this weekend: The Main In The Brown Suit. Rip it. 

Orapax’s Mediterranean Grain Bowl is loaded to the brim with your favorite Greek specials. Rip it. 

Equinox dropped a new summer menu with Kalamansi-ade, a Filipino Limeade. Rip it.  

Blackened Salmon and grit cakes just rolled out of Coach House. Rip it. 

Peaches and Halloumi is probably the best seasonal dish downtown right now. Rip it. 
 
This is not a drill! Nutella Scones are at Chelsea Bakehouse! Banana. Walnut. Nutella. Scones. Rip it. 

Codex just launched PASTA NIGHTS – every Tuesday. Rip it. 

Don’t sleep on the octopus down at Crudo Nudo. Rip it.

Food Truck Sightings:
Friday:
Moontide at Reaver Beach. Rip it.
Bar-Q at Afterglow Brewing. Rip it. 
Hot Box Food Truck at Maker’s Craft Brewing. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen, Miami Fusion, & Sour Street Pizza at Cova. 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:
Shawna’s Food Truck at Maker’s Craft Brewing. Rip it.
Nacho Libre & A Bite of Maine at Cova. Rip it.
Tone Bonez at Reaver Beach. Rip it.
Sloppy Dawgs at Afterglow Brewing. Rip it. 
Low Country Cafe at Benchtop Brewing. 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:
Hades Wood Fired at Reaver Beach. Rip it.
Gavins Food Truck at Maker’s Craft Brewing. Rip it.
Sour Street Pizza at Afterglow Brewing. Rip it. 
Moontide Sundries at Cova. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth Rip it.
lil’za Pizzaria at The Veil. Rip it.
Bakehouse at Elation. Rip it.
Bar-q at Bold Mariner. Rip it.

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.