This Week in Hampton Roads - April 09, 2026

BB-64 82nd Birthday Celebration (Battleship Wisconsin) — Saturday, April 11, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM · Nauticus & Battleship Wisconsin, Norfolk

This is the kind of thing you move to Hampton Roads for. The Wisconsin turns 82, and Nauticus goes all out with special guided tours, kids' workshops, and commemorative programming aboard the ship. If your kids have never walked the teak decks of a 887-foot Iowa-class battleship, this is the day — the birthday programming gives the visit extra energy and structure beyond the usual self-guided tour. Get there by 10 AM before the school groups arrive. Tours and workshops are priced separately, so check the site for the combo that fits your crew.

Family Day: Spring into Art (Virginia MOCA) — Saturday, April 11, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM · Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, Virginia Beach

Free admission, hands-on art activities tied to the current exhibitions, and a building that's genuinely interesting for adults too — this is the rare family event where nobody's pretending to have fun. MOCA's family days are well-organized, with age-appropriate stations that let little ones actually create something instead of just watching. The ViBe District location means you can pair it with the Old Beach Farmers Market happening the same morning just a short walk away. No reservations needed; just show up.

Living History Program — The Fort Monroe Canoe Project — Sunday, April 12, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM · Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center, Hampton

This one's special. Rangers and interpreters demonstrate how Indigenous peoples built dugout canoes, and kids can get hands-on with the tools and techniques. It's free, it's outdoors on one of the most beautiful points in Hampton Roads, and it teaches history in a way that doesn't feel like homework. Fort Monroe itself is worth the drive — pack a lunch and walk the seawall after. The parking lot near the Visitor Center fills up on nice weekends, so arrive closer to 10 than noon.

Peppa Pig — My First Concert — Sunday, April 12, various times · Chrysler Hall, Norfolk

If you have a toddler or preschooler, you already know: Peppa is royalty. This is a proper concert experience designed for the under-five crowd — singalongs, audience interaction, and a runtime that respects a small person's attention span. Chrysler Hall is a real venue, so your kid gets the thrill of a "big" show without the sensory overload of an arena. Check the site for showtimes and grab seats on the aisle for easy escape if needed.

Sensory Friendly Morning (Children's Museum of Virginia) — Sunday, April 12, 9:00 AM–11:00 AM · Children's Museum of Virginia, Portsmouth

If your child has sensory processing differences, you know how rare it is to find a museum visit that's actually designed for them. The Children's Museum opens early with reduced lighting, lower sound levels, and limited attendance so kids can explore exhibits without the usual chaos. Admission is $11. This is a two-hour window, so arrive right at 9 to get the most out of it. The museum is in Olde Towne Portsmouth, and street parking is easy that early on a Sunday.

Virginia Symphony Orchestra — Scheherazade — Saturday, April 11, 7:30 PM · Chrysler Hall, Norfolk

Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade is one of those pieces that makes you remember why you go to the symphony — it's lush, dramatic, and builds to a finale that will give you chills even if you don't know the story of the sultan and the storyteller. Chrysler Hall sounds great for full orchestra, and the $25 seats in the upper balcony are honestly fine. Grab dinner beforehand on Granby Street (Freemason Abbey is a five-minute walk) and make a proper evening of it. Tickets range up to $112, but the mid-tier seats in the orchestra are the sweet spot.

40 Whacks: The Nightmare of Lizzie Borden — Thursday, April 10 – Friday, April 11, various times · Hunter House Victorian Museum, Norfolk

Here's something you won't find anywhere else: a theatrical production staged inside an actual Victorian house museum. The intimacy is the whole point — you're sitting in a parlor watching the Lizzie Borden story unfold in a space that looks and feels like the era. It's atmospheric, it's a little creepy, and it's the kind of date night that gives you something to talk about afterward besides the check. Small venue means limited seats, so book ahead.

The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show — Thursday, April 10, 6:00–9:00 PM · DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Norfolk Airport, Norfolk

Look, it's a murder mystery dinner — you know what you're signing up for. But if you and your partner are the type who'd rather solve a fake crime than sit through another quiet dinner, this is genuinely fun. The format is interactive (audience members are suspects), the meal is multi-course, and you'll be talking to strangers whether you planned to or not. At roughly $69 per person, it's not cheap, but it's a full evening. Go in ready to play along and you'll have a blast.

NoCo Spring Wine Fest 2026 — Saturday, April 11, 12:00–5:00 PM · Hank's Filling Station (North Colley), Norfolk

The North Colley neighborhood comes alive for this one. Multiple Virginia wineries pouring in a walkable stretch with food, live music, and a crowd that's there to have a good time, not to be sommeliers. Ticket tiers range from $10 general admission to VIP packages north of $300 — the mid-range tasting ticket is the move for most people. This doubles as a great daytime date: casual, outdoors, and you can walk to dinner in the neighborhood after. Arrive by 1 PM to beat the peak.

Thursday Night Trivia at Smartmouth — Thursday, April 9, 6:30–8:30 PM · Smartmouth Brewing Co. (Pilot House), Virginia Beach

This is the easiest entry point in Hampton Roads if you just moved here and don't know anyone yet. Smartmouth's Pilot House location draws a reliably friendly, late-20s-to-30s crowd, and trivia is the kind of thing where joining a short-handed team is not only acceptable, it's encouraged. Show up solo around 6:15, grab a pint (the Murphy's Law is always solid), and look for a table that needs a fourth. Free to play, and the beer is reasonably priced. Low stakes, high fun.

Sunday Goat Yoga (The Funky Goat) — Sunday, April 12, 11:00 AM · The Funky Goat, Chesapeake

Yes, goat yoga. Yes, it's a real workout (sort of). But the reason this belongs in the singles section is that it's genuinely social — you will end up laughing with strangers when a pygmy goat climbs on someone's back mid-downward-dog. It's $25, it's outside, and it's the kind of thing that makes a great story. The Funky Goat is out in Chesapeake, so you're driving, but the vibe is relaxed and welcoming even if you show up alone. Book online; sessions fill up.

Open Mic Night (Cozzy's Comedy Club) — Tuesday, April 14, 7:00 PM · Cozzy's Comedy Club, Newport News

Cozzy's is a peninsula institution, and Monday open mic nights are where local comedians and musicians try out new material in front of a forgiving crowd. It's free, the drinks are cheap, and the room is small enough that you'll end up chatting with someone at the bar. Whether you're performing or just watching, the energy is supportive and low-key. Perfect for a Tuesday when you want to do something that isn't just scrolling on your couch.

Naro-Minded: Screening of The Big Lebowski — Monday, April 13, 7:30 PM · Naro Expanded Cinema, Norfolk

The Dude abides, and so does the Naro. Norfolk's beloved independent cinema is screening The Big Lebowski, and if you've never seen it on a big screen in a room full of people who can quote every line, you're missing out. Rally the group chat — this is a $11-per-person Monday night that requires zero planning beyond showing up. The Naro is small, so don't roll in at 7:25 expecting good seats. Grab a spot in the middle rows and settle in. Street parking on Colley is usually fine on a Monday.

Norfolk Tides Home Game — Friday, April 10, 6:35 PM · Harbor Park, Norfolk

Harbor Park on a Friday night is one of the best group hangs in the region, full stop. The tickets are cheap ($16–$30), the waterfront views are great, and nobody actually has to care about baseball to have a good time. Grab a section in the outfield, split some ballpark food, and enjoy the promotions — Friday nights usually have something extra going on. Pro tip: park in the garage on Park Avenue and walk over; it's faster than the main lot after the game.

Juvenile — Boiling Point Album Release Tour — Tuesday, April 14, Doors 6:30 PM / Show 7:30 PM · The NorVa, Norfolk

If your friend group grew up on "Back That Azz Up" and 400 Degreez, this is a no-brainer. Juvenile at The NorVa is going to be loud, sweaty, and exactly the kind of Tuesday night that makes you useless at work on Wednesday. The NorVa's standing-room floor is where the energy is, but if your crew wants to actually see the stage, get there when doors open at 6:30 and stake out a spot. Drinks are standard venue prices — eat before you go.

Joint Navy Concert (French Navy Band & U.S. Fleet Forces Band) — Sunday, April 12, 3:00 PM · Harrison Opera House, Norfolk

Free concert, beautiful venue, and a genuinely unique program: the French Navy band performing alongside the U.S. Fleet Forces Band. Harrison Opera House is intimate enough that every seat is good, and the acoustics are excellent. This is the kind of thing that's perfect for a mixed group — your friend who loves classical music, your friend who loves free stuff, your friend who just wants to sit somewhere pretty for an hour. Reservation required, so grab your seats online now.

Pups & Pints (O'Connor Brewing Co.) — Saturday, April 11, 1:00–4:00 PM · O'Connor Brewing Co., Norfolk

Bring your dog to a brewery and feel good about it — O'Connor partners with Norfolk SPCA for an afternoon of adoptable animals, local pet vendors, and craft beer in their dog-friendly taproom and outdoor space. It's free to attend (donations encouraged), and the beer is excellent — the El Guapo IPA is a local staple. Even if you don't have a dog, watching other people's dogs try to steal each other's treats is solid entertainment. Water bowls are provided, but bring your own leash and good manners.

Old Beach Farmers Market — Saturday, April 11, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM · ViBe Creative District (Old Beach), Virginia Beach

The Old Beach market is the one that actually feels like a neighborhood gathering, not a tourist trap. Local produce is hitting its spring stride — look for early strawberries and fresh herbs — and the prepared food vendors are worth the trip alone. It's walkable, stroller-friendly, and dogs on leashes are welcome. Park on the side streets off 19th; the main lot fills fast. Get there by 9:30 for the best selection before the late risers show up.

Finding "Freedom's Fortress" Walking Tour — Thursday, April 9, 1:00–2:00 PM · Casemate Museum, Fort Monroe, Hampton

A free, ranger-led walk through one of the most important sites in American history — Fort Monroe, where enslaved people sought freedom during the Civil War and where the "contraband" decision changed the course of the war. The tour is an hour, it's accessible for all ages, and the setting on the Chesapeake Bay is stunning. This is the kind of thing visitors fly in to see, and you can do it on a Thursday lunch break. Parking inside the fort is free and plentiful.

Portsmouth Olde Towne Farmers Market — Saturday, April 11, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM · Olde Towne Portsmouth

Portsmouth's market is smaller and quieter than the Virginia Beach version, and that's the appeal. The historic district setting is charming, the vendors are local, and you can actually have a conversation with the person who grew your tomatoes. Good baked goods, solid produce, and enough craft vendors to keep it interesting. Street parking is easy, and the ferry to Norfolk is right there if you want to make a day of it.

Dear Evan Hansen (Norfolk Theater Festival) — April 24–26 · Fully staged Tony-winning musical at NSU Brown Memorial Hall — this will sell out, so grab tickets now if you want to go.

Earth Day at Mount Trashmore — April 18 · Free family celebration with eco vendors, live music, and activities at Virginia Beach's most iconic park — mark the calendar and bring the kids.

Chesapeake Spring Wine Festival — April 25 · Virginia wines, live music, and vendor village at Chesapeake City Park — $40–$50 tickets tend to move fast as the date approaches.

Boys 4 Life Tour (B2K & Bow Wow) — April 19 · Arena nostalgia R&B/hip-hop show at Hampton Coliseum — if you were alive in 2002, you already know whether you need these tickets.

Third Thursday at the Chrysler — April 16 · After-hours museum night with live music, a cash bar, and gallery access — $5 for non-members, free for members, and one of Norfolk's best low-key evening events.

Suffolk Earth & Arts Festival 2026 — April 25 · 140 vendors, live music, and food trucks take over downtown Suffolk — free admission and one of the Southside's best spring street festivals.

Victoria Melody — Trouble, Struggle, Bubble and Squeak — Thursday, April 10 – Friday, April 11 · Robin Hixon Theater, Norfolk

Solo theatrical show blending storytelling and stand-up, connecting 17th-century radicals with modern activism. An adventurous pick for theater fans.

Guided Kayak Tour at Stumpy Lake Natural Area — Saturday, April 11, 9:30 AM–12:00 PM · Stumpy Lake Natural Area, Virginia Beach

Guided paddle through a cypress swamp with equipment and instruction included. $35, registration required — a gorgeous morning on the water.

Walking Tour of Historic Fort Norfolk (on the ERT) — Saturday, April 11, 2:00–3:15 PM · Fort Norfolk / Elizabeth River Trail, Norfolk

Free guided walk exploring 18th-century harbor defenses along the river trail.

Hunting Demons: Demon Hunters Dance Party — Sunday, April 12, 12:00–2:00 PM · The Annex, Norfolk

Family-friendly K-pop–themed dance party with DJ and cosplay-friendly vibes. $19.50–$24.

Sail 250 Virginia — An Evening with Ian Toll — Tuesday, April 14, evening · Slover Library, Norfolk

Naval historian Ian Toll discusses maritime history and the Sail250 program. Free, reservation likely required.

Glassblowing Demonstrations (Perry Glass Studio) — Wednesday, April 15, 12:00 PM · Perry Glass Studio at the Chrysler Museum, Norfolk

Free narrated glassblowing demo — always worth a visit, especially if you've never seen molten glass shaped in person.

The Black Dahlia Murder (at The NorVa) — Wednesday, April 15, evening · The NorVa, Norfolk

Melodic death-metal headliner for fans of heavier music. Standing room, loud, and exactly what you'd expect.

Wine Down Wednesday (Mermaid Winery) — Wednesday, April 15, 5:00–8:00 PM · Mermaid Winery & Restaurant, Virginia Beach

Midweek wine specials and flights in a relaxed urban winery setting. A nice way to ease into the back half of the week.

Oozlefinch Beers & Blending — Fort Monroe, Hampton

If you haven't been to Oozlefinch yet, this is your week. The brewery sits inside Fort Monroe's historic grounds, which means you're drinking excellent craft beer in a building that's older than most states, with the Chesapeake Bay literally steps away. The barrel room is where the magic happens — their sour and blended programs are legitimately some of the best in Virginia, and the rotating taps always have something you haven't tried. Order the Fortress Gose if it's on, or ask the bartender what's freshest from the barrel program. After your beer, walk the seawall at sunset — the views across the bay toward Norfolk are the kind of thing that reminds you why you live here. Parking is free inside the fort; enter through the main gate and follow signs to the brewery. Open Thursday through Sunday, and Thursday evening this week they're screening Ken Burns alongside pours in the barrel room. There is no better Thursday plan.

https://visithampton.com/event/the-american-revolution-screening-series-at-oozlefinch/2026-04-09/

• Weekend Weather — Expect mid-60s and partly sunny Saturday with a chance of showers Sunday afternoon — plan your outdoor events for Saturday morning if you can, and bring a layer for evening concerts.
• Parking Pro Tip — If you're hitting multiple Norfolk events Saturday (battleship, wine fest, symphony), park once in the Waterside garage downtown and walk or rideshare between venues — you'll save time and sanity.
• Local Resource — Download the GoHRT app for real-time bus and ferry schedules if you're hopping between Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Hampton — the Elizabeth River Ferry is a $2 shortcut that beats bridge traffic every time.