Quick look at what’s happening in Coastal Virginia
Compiled by Butch Maier
Calling All Gingerbread Artists
Gingerbread & Gratitude, a Virginia Beach Restaurant Association initiative, will transform the traditional gingerbread house competition into a citywide holiday experience honoring Coastal Virginia’s military community. Military personnel, veterans, military families, commands, squadrons, ships, schools, and community organizations will create military-themed gingerbread displays inspired by service, patriotism, homecomings, travel, and holiday traditions.
The event also will continue its traditional competition categories for the general public, including the Adult, Youth, Student, and Culinary Professional divisions, encouraging participation from across the community. Rather than a single exhibit location, participating restaurants, hotels, and businesses will host displays throughout November and December, creating a Holiday Gingerbread Trail that encourages residents and visitors to explore Virginia Beach while supporting local businesses.
For more information about this year’s gingerbread house competition, email contact@dineinvb.com. To see the winners from last year, go to dineinvb.com/events/gingerbread-house.
CHESAPEAKE
Markets Every Weekend
The South Norfolk Farmers Market is every Saturday and the Waterway Market at Great Bridge Village every Sunday throughout September and October.
visitchesapeake.com/events
HAMPTON
Three-Day Bodacious Bazaar
The Bodacious Bazaar, a fall shopping weekend Nov. 13-15 at Hampton Roads Convention Center, is a great way to start checking off your holiday list early. The event runs 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 14, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 15. Tickets are $10 for one day and $15 for three days, with kids getting in for $5. Babies, toddlers, and strollers are free. Wagons are not allowed. Online ticket prices include convenience and service fee.
bodaciousbazaar.com/fall
Monster Jam in November
Monster Jam, a massive trucks event, is Nov. 6-8 at Hampton Coliseum.
monsterjam.com
NEWPORT NEWS
Model Wins Love Island USA
Newport News native Trinity Tatum won season 8 of Love Island USA, a Peacock dating show. The model shared a $100,000 prize with partner Bryce Dettloff.
NORFOLK
NSU Honored
Norfolk State University’s Office of Extended Learning/NSU Online Team won a Blackboard Catalyst Award for Training & Professional Development, honoring the institution’s leadership in advancing innovative, impactful, and student-centered educational experiences through technology.
blackboard.com/catalyst-awards
PORTSMOUTH
Two Tribute Bands at Casino
Rivers Casino Portsmouth welcomesCrazy Train, an Ozzy Osbourne tribute band, on Sept. 4 and Wilder Horses, a Rolling Stones tribute band, on Oct. 16.
riverscasino.com/portsmouth
SUFFOLK
Peanut Fest in October
The 48th annual Suffolk Peanut Fest is October 8-11 at the Suffolk Executive Airport. The festival brings together live entertainment, family activities, thrilling attractions, delicious food, and plenty of peanuts over four fun-filled days.
suffolkpeanutfest.com
VIRGINIABEACH
Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum, 45th Annual Pig & Oyster Festival
Sunday, October 25
Noon-5 p.m.
A local “must-do” festival serving locally sourced oysters, fried chicken, and pork BBQ, with beer trucks, wine, and live music, silent auction and more—right on the Virginia Beach oceanfront at 24th Street Park. vbsurfrescuemuseum.org
Cast a Spell on the Water: Witches & Warlocks on the Water for Edmarc
Sunday, October 25
9 a.m.-Noon
Grab your paddleboard or kayak and head to Owl’s Creek Boat Ramp for the 3rd Annual Witches & Warlocks on the Water! Hosted by Coastal Virginia Paddlers. Dress in spooky costumes and decorate your vessels for a leisurely paddle parade, costume contest, and an after-party at Ocean Eddie’s. This event supports Edmarc, a local organization providing free home health and hospice care to children with life-threatening illnesses. Thanks to generous community support, families never receive a bill for any of the services Edmarc offers.
Don’t just participate, DONATE. To make a difference in a child’s life, scan the qrcode today. Your donation goes directly to Edmarc.
For more information go to: coastalvirginiapaddlers.com/event
Butch Maier
