JUNE 2026

RESIDENT NEWSLETTER

CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH WITH MUSIC AND COMMUNITY


Norfolk's fifth annual Juneteenth celebration is bigger than ever this year!


This powerful and vibrant festival commemorates Juneteenth as a weekend of unity, freedom and empowerment. It honors the enduring achievements of African American communities through live music from national and regional artists, family-friendly activities and a stunning fireworks finale.


The day begins with an opening ceremony on Friday, June 19, at 11 a.m. The day will be capped off with headliners Sister Sledge and Patti LaBelle on the main stage.


Discover the full list of entertainment and educational opportunities at Norfolk.gov/juneteenth.

COUNTDOWN TO SAIL250® VIRGINIA


This year marks the 250th anniversary of our nation's foundingthe United States of America's semi-quincentennial!


For this milestone occasion, a fleet of the world’s most magnificent international tall ships and military ships, in an epic peacetime gathering, will sail into Norfolk as part of Sail250® America.


Over 10,000 officers, cadets and crews of more than 60 ships from 14 nations will engage with residents and visitors across the Chesapeake Bay region in events and programs symbolic of the bonds of international goodwill. 


View the full schedule of events, learn about the ships and find more information at sail250virginia.com.

A SUMMER MIXER: NEIGHBORS BUILDING NEIGHBORHOODS


The Neighbors Building Neighborhoods (NBN) Summer Mixer returns on June 4, bringing neighborhood influencers, community leaders and engaged residents together for an evening of connection and celebration at our Nautical Neighborhood inside Nauticus.


Connect with partners across the city while exploring hands‑on maritime activities, conversation cafés, topic boards and exhibitor stations designed to spark meaningful dialogue and strengthen community relationships.


Registration is $10 and includes heavy hors d’oeuvres provided by Groovin' Gourmet.


As part of the 2026 theme, "Anchored in Education," we will also recognize educators who strengthen our communities.


NBN 2026 Summer Mixer

Thursday, June 4

6-8 p.m.

Nauticus

Tickets: $10


Register by June 1 at Norfolk.gov/NBNSummerMixer

COSMIC BASEBALL IN NORFOLK!

 

It's GLOW Time! The Cosmic Take Over Tour comes to Harbor Park with two baseball games on June 5 & 6.


Enjoy baseball like you've never seen. The game begins like any other baseball game, but when the sun goes down, the stadium lights are swapped for black lights, transforming the field into a glowing spectacle!


Plan your visit ahead of time; free light rail and ferry service is available, as well as free parking at MacArthur Center South Garage. Or, prepay for parking at Harbor Park Lot C and Dominion Tower. Get the details.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT STREET TEAM (CEST): JUNE SCHEDULE


Norfolk Department of Human Services' Community Engagement Street Team (CEST) will be at Union Mission Ministries (5100 E. Virginia Beach Blvd.) every Thursday in June from 1-3 p.m., bringing access to benefits programs, public assistance and support services directly to residents in the neighborhood.


Every Thursday in June

1-3 p.m.

5100 E. Virginia Beach Blvd.


Visit Norfolk.gov/streetteam for more information on the CEST and future stops. 

NORFOLK NIGHTHAWKS: 
SUMMER 2026 HOOPS


Summer nights heat up on June 12 as the Norfolk Nighthawks kick off the 2026 season. Enjoy open rec time, basketball games and refreshments through Aug. 8. The season wraps with the championship game on Aug. 8 at Fairlawn Recreation Center. The schedule is:

  • Teens (17 and under): Fridays, 7–10 p.m.
  • Adults (18+): Saturdays, 9 p.m. - midnight


Nighthawks basketball locations include:

  • Berkley Community Center
  • Lambert's Point Community Center
  • Norview Community Center 
    

Visit Norfolk.gov/Nighthawks for more info.

GO SK8 DAY RETURNS


We’re back! Join Norfolk Parks and Recreation for Go Sk8 Day on Saturday, June 20, 2-8 p.m. at Northside Park for an action-packed day of music, food, games, sick tricks, flips and community fun!


Want to compete? Register by Monday, June 1, to participate in the competition!


Go Sk8 Day

Saturday, June 20

2-8 p.m.

Northside Park (8400 Tidewater Dr.)

BLACK MUSIC & ART CELEBRATION


Celebrate Juneteenth and Black Music Month with an afternoon of live music, dance, art and community! This free event—presented in partnership with the Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk Arts, the City of Norfolk and SevenVenues— will feature performances by the Bobby Blackhat Band, Shark City Drum & Dance Corp, the Black Music Collective and FORTRESSES.


Explore the new Rhythm of the Stage exhibition, meet the artists and join conversations on music, culture and the creative industry.


Arts at the Attucks: Black Music & Art Celebration

Saturday, June 20

Noon to 5 p.m.

Attucks Theatre (1010 Church St.)

PROPERTY AUCTION: NORFOLK'S SHARED VISION


The City of Norfolk's Shared Vision Auction is designed to support the existing neighborhood planning that is taking place by community advocates and community non-profit organizations. The auction process prioritizes:


  • Creating Homeownership
  • Supporting design standards 
  • Building upon the work of community advocates and organizations
  • Supporting access to opportunities for community investment

 

Designed for transparency, equity and efficiency, this new auction process aligns with city housing priorities and goals to transform underutilized properties, increase economic inclusion, encourage and support wealth building through homeownership, and strengthen neighborhoods and communities. 

 

The property preview period ends July 27. Bidder application deadline is July 24. Find out more at Norfolk.gov/SharedVision or call (757) 664-2470.

TUSKEGEE AIRMEN HONORED


The Norfolk Historical Society hosted a Memorial Day presentation on the Tuskegee Airmen, including a speech from the son of a legendary airman.

STORMWATER DITCH MAINTENANCE


When you see this crew out on Norfolk's streets and in your neighborhood, know their goal is to keep your property dry and safe.

FIRE STATION 11 OFFICIAL OPENING & DEDICATION


Ward 3 is home to a shiny new fire station, which was officially dedicated and opened on Saturday, May 11. Residents alongside City and State leadership were on-hand to celebrate the occasion.

WAVES OF CARE: A COMMUNITY WITH HEART


More than 200 attendees came to Pretlow Library for connection and compassion, and were greeted with support and resources from Norfolk Prevention Coalition, the Youth Council and CSB. A must watch.

UPCOMING ENTERTAINMENT AROUND NORFOLK! 
Click for more info on dates, times, location and ticketing