This week in NFK: Mothers, Derby Day, Wine Fest, Killer Shrews, Bikes, Ultimate Roasts, Moontower, and more.

by | May 6, 2022

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Community. 

Bike Month has officially kicked off in Norfolk with bike events every single day in May. Rip it.

After a Virginia Mercury investigation, the NRHA’s Hampton Roads Ventures arm says it is attempting to include a Norfolk project in its next round of applications. Rip it.

National increases in the price of used cars have led to increases in personal property tax bills in Norfolk and surrounding cities. Rip it.

The Center for Crime, Equity, and Justice Research and Policy (CCEJRP) at CNU is surveying Norfolk residents on local issues and needs your responses. Rip it.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi has been asking state officials to fund Virginia’s unfunded witness protection program in order to aid in resolving criminal proceedings. Rip it.

The Elizabeth Trail kicks off a fundraiser for a glow-in-the-dark section of trail through Jeff Robertson Park this week. Rip it.

Protests were quickly organized in front of Norfolk’s Federal Courthouse in response to news that the Supreme Court may be poised to overturn Roe v. Wade. Rip it.

Two republicans, Terry Namkung and Ted Engquist, are facing off in a primary to challenge Rep. Bobby Scott, whose district covers most of Norfolk. Rip it.

The EPA assigned $40 million in funds to restore the Chesapeake Bay this week. It’s the first of a $238 million package. Rip it. 

The Virginia Employment Commission inadvertently leaked personally identifiable information in several incidents over the last few months. Rip it.

The National Guard’s Norfolk-based Bravo Battery is participating in the Military Through the Ages timeline event at Jamestown Settlement to celebrate the group’s 1828 roots. Rip it.

Norfolk State Baseball earned a walk-off victory in their series versus Delaware State. Rip it.

Former Norfolk State star De’Shaan Dixon has signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Rip it.

Former ODU Football players Jordan Young, Stone Smartt, and Isaac Weaver signed with NFL teams this week. Rip it.

The Norfolk Botanical Garden’s Rose Garden is in peak bloom – just in time to impress your mother. Rip it.

Culture.

Azaleas abound! The story behind the beautiful blooming bushes found around Norfolk. (NFK Currents Original). Rip it.

Weathers, whose hit single Happy Pills has over 100 million streams, comes to Chichos on Saturday. Rip it. 

Sunsets on the River, a concert series at the Hermitage MMuseumand Gardens returns for 2022. Rip it. 

Dan Deacon headlines a special summer show with seven acts on June 11th. Rip it.

Renée Elise Goldsberry, known for her roles in Hamilton, Rent, and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, comes to Chrysler Hall Friday night. Rip it.

Dialogue, a free-standing 23-foot-tall stainless-steel sculpture by Jonathan Russell and Saori Ide Russell of Ride Art Studio, is set to be unveiled in Bay Oaks Park this weekend. Rip it.

The In[HEIR]itance Project, practicing devised theater, brings Exodus: Homecoming to Attucks Theater this weekend. Rip it.

Grilled Out with Snake Mountain Revival, Shormey, and more comes to Toast on June 11th. Rip it.

Dermot Kennedy announced his upcoming tour, which includes a stop at Chrysler Hall. Rip it.

Currently on Display:
FloodZone: Photographs by Anatasia Samoylova at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Water’s Rising: A View From Our Back Yard at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
The Totality of Time Lusters the Dusk at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Art from Guantánamo Bay at Gordon Art Galleries. Rip it.
Motion / Emotion at Barry Art Museum. Rip it.
Hirata Gōyō: The Birth of the Japanese Art Doll at Barry Art Museum. Rip it.
Mystery Villans at Slowdive Gallery. Rip it.
Flourish at d’Art Center. Rip it.

Commerce.

Shop local for that unique Mother’s Day gift at Reaver Beach NFK’s Mother’s Day Market on Saturday with 30 vendors. (NFK Currents Original) Rip it.

Norfolk Southern signed a 30-year lease with a wind-energy logistics company to transform 111 acres of Lambert’s Point in a $100 million project. Rip it.

Four firms that currently hold the only medical marijuana licenses in Virginia are lobbying aggressively to shape the emerging recreation industry in the Commonwealth. Rip it.

ODU, EVMS, and NSU received two grants totaling $3 million that will fund efforts to decrease health disparities in underserved communities. Rip it.

Norfolk-based CV International Inc. subsidiary Capes Shipping Agencies announced Wednesday that it had acquired Savannah, Georgia-based Ryan Ship Services. Rip it.

A potential change to housing codes in Virginia could spur a wave of new urban infill development by changing the requirements for staircases. Rip it.

Lee Enterprises, which fended off a takeover by Alden Capital, owner of the Virginian Pilot and Daily Press, has been quietly laying off staff at several of its Virginia outlets. Rip it.

Local firm DoneUp scored a major drone delivery partnership with Walmart. Rip it.

The Virginia Tourism Corporation has awarded $2.7 million to local tourism entities across the state. Rip it.

Vacant lots across Norfolk are going up for auction as the City of Norfolk launches an online auction portal. Rip it.

Cruise season continues to heat up in Downtown Norfolk as the Norwegian Joy makes two stops at the port with thousands of passengers. Rip it.

ODU’s Engineering Innovation Expo awarded winners for projects in flood mitigation, cell stretching, and piezoelectrics. Rip it

Cardinal Skate Shop, located in the NEON District, is set to open “the Courtyard” this week. Rip it.


Regional Economic Stats. Port Stats. Labor Stats.

Norfolk Sinking Since Tote

Arches National Snark – Granby Street NFK

Crowds.

For fans of Mac Demarco, artist Michael Seyer performs live at Chicho’s Backstage on Friday. Rip it. 

All weekend catch a carnival at Military Circle Mall. Rip it.

This Wednesday Bad Cop Bad Cop, The Homeless Gospel Choir, Mean Jesus, and Longsleeves rock the Norfolk Taphouse. Rip it.

NorFunk Fest brings Tauk, Delirious George, The Hookz, Paper Aliens, and Ben & Friends to Maker’s Craft Brewery on June 4th. Rip it.

Virginia Arts Fest brings The Sound of Music to the Harrison Opera House later this month. Rip it.

The 46th Annual Harborfest lands in Norfolk on June 10th. Rip it.

**Please note that listed times are start times, many events run several hours**
Friday:
Norfolk Run Club meetup at Yorgo’s. 6:00 am. Rip it.
Sunrise Yoga + Coffee with Sky’s the Limit Yoga Co at the Pagoda. 6:30 am. Rip it.
tHRive Member Meetup at Cova Brewing. 7:30 am. Rip it.
Mother’s Day Floral Arrangement Workshop at Norfolk Botanical Garden. 9:30 am. Rip it.
Happy Hour Wine Tasting with Vino Culture. 4:00 pm. Rip it.
Ghent Farmer’s Market at Blair Middle School. 4:00 pm. Rip it.
Steve Link performs live at Cova Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
LAVA Presents Michael Seyer and Wabi performing live at Chicho’s Backstage. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Amy Kaus performs live at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Mike Gombas Jr. performs live at Benchtop Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Bad Movie Night: The Killer Shrews at Michael and Kimthanh Lê Planetarium. 6:30 pm. Rip it.
Wines From The Balkans Class & Tasting at Vino Culture. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Family Twilight Trek at Norfolk Botanical Garden. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
PBR Freedom Fridays Party at Waterside District. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Jarvis + Nate of Paper Aliens performs live at Varia. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
The In[HEIR]itance Project at Attucks Theater. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
An Evening with Renée Elise Goldsberry at Chrylser Hall. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
Freshtopia Night Bike Ride with DJ BEE. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
The Curious Savage at the Little Theatre of Norfolk. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
OK performs live at Grain. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Late Night Ladies Ride departing from Smartmouth. 8:30 pm. Rip it.
Brian Gaffney performs live at Grace O’Malley’s. 8:30 pm. Rip it.
2 Up 2 Down with Jofroxi, Fake Uzumi,  Boy Girl, and Zay The Ruler at Slowdive Gallery. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
Chris Johnson performs live at Tap It Local. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
The Dumpster Dudes Improve Show at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it.
Kobe Wiggins and DJ Mya May live at Thank You Thank You Bar. 10:00 pm. Rip it.

Saturday:
East Coast Bicycles Road Ride. 8:00 am. Rip it.
FIT4MOM at Cova Brewing. 9:00 am. Rip it.
Step Up for the UP Center at Harbor Park. 9:00 am. Rip it.
East Beach Farmers Market at 9680 Shore Drive. 9:00 am. Rip it.
Tour of Calvary Cemetry with NSCC. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Bay Oaks Park Art Dedication at Bay Oaks Park. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Free Comic Book Day at Local Heroes. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Derby Day Drag Brunch at Waterside District. 10:00 am & 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Adulting 101 at Slover Library. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Live Life Fresh Boombox Ride at Freshtopia. 10:30 am. Rip it.
14th Annual Spring Virginia Wine Festival at Town Point Park. 11:00 am. Rip it.
M.C. Escher-inspired Dance Performances with TRDance at Chrysler Museum. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Eric Staab performs live at Grain. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Donation Sorting and Volunteer Training at 757 Creative Reuse Center. 11:30 am. Rip it.
Mother’s Day Market at Reaver Beach NFK. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
PC Duo perfroms live at Benchtop. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
The Hurrah Players perform “How I Became A Pirate” at Perry Pavillion. 2:00 pm. Rip it.
The In[HEIR]itance Project at Attucks Theater. 2:30 pm. Rip it.
Women’s Club of Norfolk Kentucky Derby Fundraiser at Martin Mansion. 3:00 pm. Rip it.
Bennett Walker Wales performs live at Hank’s Filling Station. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Chris Ride performs live at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
LAVA Presents: Weathers, Moontower, and The Orphan The Poet performing live at Chicho’s Backstage. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Paper Aliens perform live at Hank’s Filling Station. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Skylark with Skip Hancock performs live at Varia. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Date Night Improv Show at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Japanese Breakfast performs live at the Norva. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
The Curious Savage at the Little Theatre of Norfolk. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Bluz Hammer performs live at Fishin’ Pig. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Brian Gaffney performs live at Grace O’Malley’s. 8:30 pm. Rip it.
Momma’s Groove with Omar Faison, Space One, Initial Eyes, and DJ Class at Slowdive Gallery. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
Charlton Phaneuf Duo performs live at Grain. 9:30 pm. Rip it.
Ultimate Roasting Championship at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it.
AFROBEATS vs REGGAE at MP Ultra Lounge. 10:00 pm. Rip it.
Izzy the DJ presents LEGACY at Caior Bistro. 10:00 pm. Rip it.
Jofroxi spins live at Thank You Thank You Bar. 10:00 pm. Rip it.

Sunday:

Brewed to Run at Smartmouth Brewing. 9:30 am. Rip it.
Pickleball Meetup at MacArthur Center Green. 9:30 am. Rip it.
Mom Day Bike Ride with Social Cycling Norfolk at Smartmouth Brewing. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Bella’s Creations Craft Popup at Cova Brewing. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Slow-Mo Sunday Ride with Local Bike Shop. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Dustin Furlow performs live at Grain. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Mimosas & Heels Drag Brunch at Public House. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Stonewall Sports Mother’s Day Remix at Larchmont Elementary. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Bob Bettis performs live at Cova Brewing. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Pups and a Pint with Sit Mofo Sit at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Marty C. Moore performs live at Benchtop Brewing. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
The Curious Savage at the Little Theatre of Norfolk. 2:30 pm. Rip it.
Organ Swell: Amanda Mole performing live at Christ and Saint Lukes. 4:00 pm. Rip it.
The Isley Brothers perform live at Chartway Arena. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Rid Of Me, Demons, and Prisoner perform live at Taphouse Grill. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Jeffrey Lewis Poulson performs live at Grain. 7:30 pm. Rip it.

Get a daily rundown of events on our Daily Instagram Story.

Chow.

International foods, Dole Whip vegan soft serve, and non-alcoholic spirits come to Ghent Grab and Go, a new local favorite. (NFK Currents Original) Rip it.

Catch Capt’n Crabby at the Mother’s Day Market at Reaver Beach on Saturday for a chance to try their legendary CBLT. Rip it. 

Why settle for a standard milkshake when you could get a milkshake stacked with cupcakes, cookies, and sweets at Shake It Up Shakes. Rip it. 

Dine Out For Life comes to dozens of local bars and restaurants this Wednesday. Rip it.

Miami Fusion is featuring bison in its chili cheese nachos. Rip it.

BBQ jerk Mahi with grilled mango is wowing tastebuds at 219 Bistro. Rip it.

Next Weekend Levity and Model Citizen team up for a special 5-course dinner available by ticket only. Rip it.

Iron Goddess Team Room, aiming to bring the full tradition of tea ceremonies to life, is soon to be available at Grandiflora Wine Garden. Rip it.

Toast is running up the mint juleps all weekend for those celebrating Derby Days. Rip it.

Softy SZN: Softshell crabs are on deck this weekend at Blanca Food + Wine in Riverview. Rip it.

Food Truck Sightings:
Friday:
Sense’s Vegan at Reaver NFK. Rip it.
Chesapeake Concessions at Cova Brewing. Rip it.
Miss Kim’s at Maker’s Craft Brewing. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth Brewing. Rip it.

Saturday:
Sour Street Pizza at Cova Brewing. Rip it.
Food Truck Rodeo at Maker’s Craft Brewing. Rip it.
Capt’n Crabby & On Ice at Reaver NFK. Rip it.
Shawna’s Rich Eats at Benchtop Brewing. Rip it.  
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth Brewing. Rip it.

Sunday:
Sour Street Pizza at Benchtop Brewing. Rip it.  
Hades Wood Fired Pizza at Maker’s Craft Brewing. Rip it.
Bumbling Bee at Cova Brewing. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth Brewing. 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.