Today
in Norfolk
Thursday, September 18th, 2025
Good morning, Norfolk. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Norfolk’s Hermitage Museum and Gardens’ annual Hermitage Handmade Festival returns Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.—showcasing over 90 local artisans, food trucks, children’s activities, and Walker Babington’s interactive Burden of the Beast exhibition that runs through Oct. 12. The event offers free shuttle service from four nearby sites and limited accessible parking across from the museum’s front gate in Norfolk’s Lochhaven neighborhood. WHRO
- ➤ Last week, nearly 200 neglected dogs were rescued from a property in Giles County, Tennessee, with over 130 removed by animal agencies. Norfolk SPCA took in 12 to 15 dogs—relying solely on donations—and asks the public to help support the ongoing rescue efforts. 13 News Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Carnival Freedom will reposition from Port Canaveral to Norfolk in May 2027, replacing Carnival Sunshine. The ship will debut on May 23 with a six-day cruise visiting Celebration Key, Nassau, and Bimini + will also offer eight-day voyages in the Eastern Caribbean and Canada. WAVY
- ➤ Carnival Freedom—a 100,000-ton cruise ship—will reposition from Port Canaveral to Norfolk in May and make its debut on May 23, replacing Carnival Sunshine with a new schedule that includes trips to the Bahamas, Bermuda, Eastern Caribbean, and Canada. Nauticus and Cruise Norfolk say the move will boost local tourism and strengthen the region’s cruise industry. Hampton Roads Messenger
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Martin Luther King III spoke on Wednesday at Norfolk State University and said he believes Charlie Kirk was a strong force but his legacy does not stand for inclusiveness—he argued that equating Kirk with his father misrepresents what it means to bring people together. WAVY
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Norfolk residents spoke out against the plan to consolidate schools at a busy board meeting on Wednesday night. The Norfolk School Board delayed the vote until Monday, September 29th at 5:00 p.m.—leaving questions about clear closure dates and future funding. 13 News Now
- ➤ Martin Luther King III spoke at Norfolk State University’s 90th anniversary founder’s breakfast Wednesday morning and said he welcomed the near $500 million federal funding for HBCUs but warned that the funds came at the expense of other minority institutions. He added that terroristic threats against HBCUs following the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk have deepened the controversy—prompting a call for unity through nonviolent action. WAVY
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BJ Griffin Live Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — The NorVa — Tickets required — Experience an electrifying performance from BJ Griffin and special guests with a meet-and-greet opportunity.
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Fall Fest at the Virginia Zoo
5-8:30 p.m. — Virginia Zoo — Check website for admission — Celebrate autumn with nostalgic games and elevated tastings in a cozy atmosphere.
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James McMurtry with Betty Soo
7-10 p.m. — The Annex — $27-$37 — Experience a night of storytelling and music with James McMurtry and Betty Soo at this full band concert.
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Johnny Marr Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — The NorVa — Ticketed event — Experience the legendary sounds of Johnny Marr, the iconic guitarist from The Smiths.
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CaribFest Block Party
5-10 p.m. — Town Point Park — Free entry — Celebrate Caribbean culture with music, food, and vibrant performances in Norfolk.
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Norfolk Oktoberfest 2025
4-11 p.m. — Hell's Kitchen — Ticket required — Celebrate Oktoberfest with drinks, food, and live music at multiple venues in Norfolk.
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I Need A Truck Tour - Maddox Batson with Ashley Anne
7:30-9 p.m. — The NorVa — Tickets available — Enjoy the sounds of emerging country artists Maddox Batson and Ashley Anne live on stage.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Have strong opinions, weakly held.
~ Marc Andreessen
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