This Week in NFK: Nightlife, Budgets, Surveillance, Patriotic Festival, and more.

by | May 26, 2023

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Community. 

Will Gold Bar Save Downtown Norfolk’s Nightlife? (NFK Currents Original) Rip it.

The latest presentation on Norfolk’s proposed budget included delaying parking fee increases, new funds for some arts programs, and a reduction in retirement system contributions. Rip it.

Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney, Ramin Fatehi says that crime is “moving in the right direction” as homicides are down 40% year-to-date. Rip it.

Norfolk spent $490,000 on 172 license plate reading cameras that state lawmakers recently voted against for privacy concerns. The cameras are already operational, yet department policies for proper use are still being developed Rip it.

Norfolk School Board is considering several proposals for Maury High School. Rip it.

The city is halting the push for $5 per hour parking meter fees while the spending plan is still being discussed. Rip it.

He drove over the damaged train tracks near BAE and damaged his car, the city says they don’t own it and can’t help. Rip it.

The Chesapeake Bay’s blue crab population is recovering after hitting record lows in 2022. Rip it.

Menhaden fishing is causing controversy as a Canadian company harvests 112 million pounds of the “most important fish in the sea” from the Chesapeake Bay each year. Rip it.

NSU’s Health Center is on the lookout for BORGs: “Blackout Rage Gallons.” Rip it.

For Kid is launching Financial Opportunity Centers with help from LISC Hampton Roads, Sentara Health, and Virginia Natural Gas. Rip it.

Culture.

The culture of Black watermen on the Chesapeake Bay is disappearing across the region. Rip it.

Kenny Jones has gone from Coast Guard recruit to the region’s hottest fashion designer. Rip it.

Coming up in June: Naro Minded showing Close Encounters of the Third Kind at ODU’s Michael and Kimthanh Lê Planetarium. Rip it.

Tyler Donavan drops Crescendo next week. Rip it.

Don’t miss the art showcase by Super Comp Studios at Cure on Saturday. Rip it.

Rooftop shows are back at Assembly. Lava Presents brings ()stans, Hope Magnet, and Grass Maiden to new heights. Rip it.


Currently on Display:
Barbara Earl Thomas: The Illuminated Body at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
Preston Singletary: Raven and the Box of Daylight at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
IDEAL, Intentional Designs of Expression in Artistic Languages at Chrysler Museum. Rip it.
The Great Exhibition: Bébés at the Barry Art Museum. Rip it.
Perspectives: Modern and Contemporary Glass from the Waitzer Collection at Barry Art Museum. Rip it.
People, Places, Dreams & Things at Gallery 21. Rip it.
Abstract Portraits in Mixed Media by Zander Riegle at The Gallery At Elation. Rip it.

Commerce.

Moving their Business to Norfolk, Hosting Community Events, and Landing a Beer Collab: Meet the Couple Who’s Doing it All (NFK Currents Original) Rip it.

Despite recreational marijuana sales in limbo, various types of vape shops, smoke shops, and head shops are popping up in large numbers in Virginia. Rip it.

Some businesses are expecting a boom this weekend due to Norfolk’s Patriotic Festival. Rip it.

Dominion Energy wants to allow for “Time of Use” billing, which would charge variable rates based on demand during that time. Rip it.

The Hampton Roads Biomedical Research Consortium opened a biomedical research facility at ODU to support several regional groups. Rip it.

ODU is helping prospective teachers with the financial barriers to tackle the growing teacher shortage. Rip it.

Breeze Airways announces new one-way flights starting this week, including major cities. Rip it.

EVMS and ODU are still planning on merging, looking towards early 2024. Rip it.

Virginia’s housing market had the slowest April in over a decade. Rip it.

Regional Economic Stats.Port Stats.Labor Stats.

NFK Dad Hat

Norfolk Snapback

Crowds.

ICYMI: The Hermitage Sunsets on the River concert series kicked off with a bang. (NFK Currents Original Video). Rip it.

Next week, LAVA Presents brings back-to-back nights of jams to Norfolk with NorFunk and Grilled Out. Rip it.

St. Pius X Church is holding a carnival this weekend. Rip it.

Jesus Christ Superstar comes to Chrysler Hall next week. Rip it.

Laugh your tail off with Commonwealth Comedy this month. Rip it.
 

FRIDAY:
Norfolk Run Club Friday Meetup at Yorgo’s Bageldashery. 6:00 am. Rip it
Sunrise Yoga + Coffee On The River at Pagoda & Oriental Garden. 6:30 am. Rip it
Lego Days in The Art Room at 757 Creative ReUse Center. 10:00 am. Rip it
Bobby Hall 4 Neighborhood Children Annual Golf Tournament. 10:00 am. Rip it.
OVBT – Memorial Day Weekend Cookout. 3:00 pm. Rip it
Vince Kornegay performs live at Waterside District. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Painting with Goats at COVA. 6:00 pm. Rip it
Friday Night Live at COVA. 6:00 pm. Rip it
Learn To Sail at Nauticus. 6:00 pm. Rip it
Derek Smith performs live at Benchtop Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Ancient Egyptian Magic Basics at Aries Apothecary. 6:00 pm. Rip it
Tom Kat performs live at Willoughby Fish House. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
The House of Graves Leather Munch at 37th & Zen. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Dustin Furlow & Matt Thomas performing at Elation. 6:30 pm. Rip it
Tidewater Classical Guitar Open Stage at Smartmouth. 6:30 pm. Rip it.
Class with Kiera: Old(er) Wines at Vino Culture. 7:00 pm. Rip it
Walker Hayes, Cooper Alan, and Corey Kent performing at Patriotic Festival. 7:00 pm. Rip it
Paint Party at The American Legion Post 327. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Gone Country RVA performs live at Waterside District. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
VOICES: An Open Mic Dedicated to Mental Health Awareness at The Muse Writers Center. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
James and the Giant Peach at Little Theater of Norfolk. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
The Improv Riot: Short Form Improv Show at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it
Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness performing at The NorVA. 8:00 pm. Rip it
Boss’ Daughter, Mean Jesus and Wilde Owl at Norfolk Taproom. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Laser Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon at Michael and Kimthanh Lê Planetarium. 8:00 pm. Rip it
Pat Garvey performs live at Grace O’Malley’s. 8:30 pm. Rip it.
The Improv Riot After Dark: Short Form Improv Show at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it

SATURDAY:
Weekend Long Run at Ocean View 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. 9:00 am. Rip it
Painting The Rainbow at MJ’s Tavern. 9:00 am. Rip it
Coffee and Conversations at La Vie Cafe. 9:00 am. Rip it.
Forest Lawn Tree Tour at Norfolk Society for Cemetery Conservation. 10:00 am. Rip it
Indie Comics Day at Slover Library. 10:00 am. Rip it
ERT Botanical Walking Tour – ODU Tree Trail. 10:00 am. Rip it
Baby Goat Yoga at Waterside District. 10:00 am. Rip it
Norfolk Area Monthly Recycling Event at Securis. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Asian Festival at ODU. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Live Life Fresh Boom Box Bike Ride at Freshtopia. 10:30 am. Rip it
Toddler Yoga at Sky’s The Limit Yoga Co. 10:45 am. Rip it
Yoga for Athletes at Sky’s The Limit Yoga Co. 10:45 am. Rip it
BigForestFire performs live at Grain. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Deep Dive: Mudras at Ocean View Yoga. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Love Petals Floral Arranging at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 12:00 pm. Rip it
Scarlet & Violet: Paldea Evolved Prerelease at Atlantis Games & Comics. 12:00 pm. Rip it
Open Mic Day/Night with Local Art Too! at Uno Pizzeria & Grill. 12:00 pm. Rip it
Spring Beer Fest at Cogans Pizza North. 12:00 pm. Rip it
Basic Bloomers with Beth at 757 Creative ReUse Center. 12:00 pm. Rip it
Spring Psychic Faire at Mystic Moon of Norfolk. 12:00 pm. Rip it
LGBT Life Center’s May Volunteer Orientation. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Plum Point Park + Fort Norfolk Walking Tour of the ERT!. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Lipgloss & Lashes Drag Brunch at 37th & Zen. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Digimon Store Championship at Atlantis Games & Comics. 1:00 pm. Rip it
MTG Competitive Practice Tournament – Pioneer at Atlantis Games & Comics. 1:00 pm. Rip it
Global Creations Presents Custom Sneaker Workshop at Lake Fashion. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Crazy DJ Music Bingo at Hank’s Filling Station. 4:30 pm. Rip it.
Tom Kat performs live at Willoughby Fish House. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Jim Newsom performs live at Waters Edge Winery. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Frank Sings Frank at Varia. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Troy Breslow performs live at Waterside. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Sam Hunt & Jordan Davis perform live at Patriotic Festival. 7:00 pm. Rip it
Brian Kenneth & The Soul Revival perform live at Boss Queen Soul Cafe. 7:00 pm. Rip it
TrapxCanvas – The 757 at Springhill Suites. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Girl-Prov at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it

James and the Giant Peach at Little Theater of Norfolk. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Red Stapler performs live at OV Beach Tavern. 8:00 pm. Rip it
Pat Garvey performs live at Grace O’Malley’s. 8:30 pm. Rip it.
Gerald & Marc performs live at East Beach Bar & Grill. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
Joe Gosman Band performs live at Grain. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
Gerald & Marc perform live at East Beach Bar and Grill. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
IMPROVAGEDDON: May 2023 at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it
Dark Divas Halfway To Halloween Show at 37th & Zen. 10:00 pm. Rip it.

SUNDAY:
May Beach Cleanup at The Bold Mariner. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Yoga on Tap at Oozlefinch Beers & Blending. 10:30 am. Rip it.
Slow-Mo Sunday Group Ride at Local Bike Shop NFK. 10:30 am. Rip it.
Trashy Hour Cleanup Meetup at O’Connor Brewing. 11:00 am. Rip it.
Pokemon Victory Road – Monthly League Challenge at Atlantis Games & Comics. 12:00 pm. Rip it
Scarlet & Violet: Paldea Evolved Prerelease at Atlantis Games & Comics. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
Sunday Funday: Board Game Night at COVA. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
MTG Modern Sunday at Atlantis Games & Comics. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Peace & Pints: Bhav Brigade Yoga at Smartmouth Brewery. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Lipgloss & Lashes Drag Brunch at 37th & Zen. 1:00 pm. Rip it.
Floral Design Workshop at d’Art Center. 2:00 pm. Rip it.
James and the Giant Peach at Little Theater of Norfolk. 2:30 pm. Rip it.
Joe Gosman Band performs live at Ocean View Fishing Pier. 3:00 pm. Rip it.
Reiki Level 1 Certification at Aries Apothecary. 3:00 pm. Rip it.
Brent Hall performing at Maker’s Craft. 3:00 pm. Rip it.
Music Bingo at Reaver NFK. 4:00 pm. Rip it.
A Victorian Cemetery Picnic (Yellow Fever Tour) at Cedar Grove Cemetery. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Cody Johnson and Randy House perform live at Patriotic Festival. 7:00 pm. Rip it
Sounds of Swing performs live at Ocean View Beach Park. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Big Boi performing at The NorVA. 7:30 pm. Rip it
Soundscape Session at The Hive Hemps & Wellness. 7:30 pm. Rip it.
2023 Memorial Day Yacht Party on the Spirit of Norfolk. 10:30 pm. Rip it.

 

Chow.

The Birch lets you have it your way with build your own gourmet grilled cheeses. Rip it.

Late-night Lil Za is now available in the Veil alongside Only You. Rip it.

Nothing says spring like a floral blend of rosehip, peppermint, and chamomile. Rip it.

LeGrand has ABC approval and waited no time to whip up a gnarly foam sour. Rip it.

Elation Brewing is remixing beers with the addition of some secretly sweet goodness. Rip it.

Taco Tuesday is a showcase in execution for Ghost Kitchen. Rip it.

Chicken teriyaki meets Philly cheesesteak at Major Phillie. Rip it.

Streats’ outside seating is here to stay, as is their made-from-scratch Mac. Rip it.

Kobro’s Early Grey and Lavender craft latte is back this weekend. Rip it.

Black Dog Cafe is serving a southern fried chicken rice bowl with collards and pinto beans that looks incredible. Rip it.

Lola’s ceviche is a towering half-pound of mahi mahi, scallops, and shrimp. Rip it.

Brother’s is open at their new location downtown. Rip it.

Food Truck Sightings:
Friday:
Revery at Sentara Brock Center. Rip it.
Shawna’s at Maker’s Craft. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at COVA. Rip it.
Hades Wood Fired at Reaver Beach. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth. Rip it.
Bakehouse at Elation. Rip it.
Bar-q at Bold Mariner. Rip it.

Saturday:
Locoto’s at Maker’s Craft. Rip it.
Big Belly at COVA. Rip it.
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:
Gavin’s Dishes at Maker’s Craft. Rip it.
Moontide Sundries at COVA. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth 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.