The 2026–27 school year began this Monday in Hampton Roads, as students returned to classrooms across the region. Local officials greeted students and families in cities like Hampton, Newport News, and Virginia Beach, adding to the excitement of the first day.

A notable change this year comes from Virginia Beach City Public Schools, where elementary students will see reduced access to Chromebooks. Leaders hope that limiting screen time will cut down on distractions and boost student engagement both in class and at home.

Early morning skies over Hampton Roads dazzled residents as a bright SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket streaked overhead, creating a glowing, cloud-like trail visible across southeastern Virginia. The spectacle was caused by sunlight illuminating the rocket’s exhaust plume against the dark sky, an effect that can happen when launches occur near sunrise.

Locals quickly snapped photos and videos, sharing their awe and curiosity online. With SpaceX missions becoming more routine along the East Coast, these stunning sights are increasingly familiar—offering breathtaking reminders that space exploration isn’t just for those at the launch site.

Hampton Roads companies are making waves nationally: this year, 26 local businesses earned spots on Inc. magazine’s 2026 list of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in America.

Firms from Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and beyond were recognized for their impressive revenue jumps from 2022 to 2025, crossing industries like real estate, marketing, legal, tech, construction, healthcare, and logistics.

Standouts include Aremco, Rival Digital, Active Digital, and Born Primitive, each contributing to the region’s entrepreneurial momentum and spotlighting Hampton Roads’ growing reputation as a hub for innovation and business success.

Hampton Roads school divisions are still facing a significant shortage of bus drivers as the new school year gets underway. Virginia Beach, Hampton, Portsmouth, and Newport News each have open positions, with Newport News needing about 70 drivers to fill the gap.

This ongoing issue has persisted since COVID-19, largely because bus driving requires split schedules and carries a lot of responsibility, making recruitment tough.

Districts are adjusting bus routes and continuing to recruit and train new drivers, but officials say transportation reliability remains a major challenge due to these shortages.

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"The sea is the same as it has been since before men ever went on it; the land changes, but the tide keeps its promise in Hampton Roads."

— Rachel Carson

• Bridge-Tunnel Pioneer: The Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, opened in 1957, was the world's first bridge-tunnel combination and inspired similar engineering feats elsewhere, including San Francisco’s Bay Area.
• NASA Ties: NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton is where the early U.S. space program developed many of its groundbreaking technologies and where the first American astronauts, including the Mercury 7, trained in the late 1950s and 1960s.
• Oldest U.S. Lighthouse: The Cape Henry Lighthouse in Virginia Beach, built in 1792, is the oldest government-built lighthouse in the United States and still stands near its modern replacement.
• Vastest Natural Harbor: Hampton Roads is renowned for being one of the largest natural harbors in the world, capable of accommodating the world’s largest ships, and it remains a strategic hub for both commercial shipping and the U.S. Navy.

Why don’t pirates ever get lost on the roads in Hampton Roads?

Because even their GPS says “Arrrrriving at your destination!”

Savor the vibrant flavors of the sea at the annual Crabtown Seafood Festival, where Hampton’s waterfront comes alive with fresh seafood, lively entertainment, and community spirit. With mouthwatering dishes, exciting games, friendly vendors, and engaging activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Join neighbors and visitors alike at Mill Point Park for a day of fun, local history, and unbeatable views. Indulge in fresh catches, mingle with fellow seafood enthusiasts, and soak in the festival atmosphere!

Don't Miss These Live Events

Join us at Buckroe Beach and Park for the vibrant Buckroe Arts in the Park! Stroll among talented local artists and craftsmen, discover one-of-a-kind treasures, and enjoy delicious eats from onsite food trucks.

Relax to live music and enjoy the refreshing beach breeze at this inviting community event, perfect for families and art lovers alike. Don’t miss out on a wonderful day by the shore!

Step into the wild, electric energy of a 2010s-style rager at House Party, hosted in The Annex. Immerse yourself in a night filled with pulse-pounding mid-2000s anthems, bloghouse bangers, and a playlist that’ll spark memories—or create new ones. Dig out your skinniest jeans, grab some neon bracelets, and get ready for a little bit of reckless fun.

This is not just another throwback—it's a fully immersive party experience, echoing with songs from LMFAO, Skrillex, A$AP Rocky, Swedish House Mafia, Passion Pit, Rihanna, MGMT, and more. Come ready to dance, laugh, and lose yourself in a thousand blurry photos. For ages 18 and up.

Get ready to celebrate Labor Day Weekend at the Virginia Beach oceanfront with an exciting series of free concerts! Enjoy nationally recognized artists performing over three nights at the 17th, 24th, and 31st Street Parks. Bring your beach chair, a blanket, and your favorite snacks, and settle in for unforgettable evenings under the stars.

Whether you're coming for the music, the ocean breeze, or the vibrant atmosphere, this community event promises something for everyone. The beach is the place to be for family-friendly entertainment and fun this holiday weekend.

Norfolk Tides Baseball presents Triple Play Tuesday

Norfolk Tides vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp:

$2 Beer, Popcorn and Soda every Tuesday home game in September!

LeGrand Kitchen in Norfolk’s Riverview neighborhood dishes up more than just burgers—it serves a slice of local culture with a side of rock 'n roll.

 Owner and chef Stephen Marsh, known for his laid-back style and culinary chops, draws crowds for the OG Burger, a double-patty favorite that recently landed on Yelp’s Top 100 Burgers in America.

Housed in a spot rich in music history, complete with a mural of Gary U.S. Bonds and décor honoring LeGrand Records, the restaurant blends community roots, creative cocktails, and an ever-evolving menu, making it a must-stop for locals and visitors alike.