Outdoors

July 5, 2026 at 5:47 p.m.

Ritchie Howell's boat shop in Wanchese has had a backlog of customers since the pandemic....

DENVER, CO – JANUARY 23: Kayaker Dejan Smaic negotiates the chilly waters of the South Platte River at Confluence Park January 23, 2021. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)

A beginners guide to kayaking in Colorado

By Darleene Powells

July 5, 2026 at 10:31 a.m.

Here are some tips on where to go, what to wear and other info.

Tony Newman and a co-worker sort fish brought in March 31 to O’Neal’s Sea Harvest in Wanchese, North Carolina. (Stephen M. Katz / The Virginian-Pilot)

How one Outer Banks fish house ships fresh catch to seafood markets across U.S.

July 4, 2026 at 1:22 p.m.

O'Neal's Sea Harvest is one of several competitive fish houses on the southern tip of...

The top three overall men and women at the Night Owl 9K received homemade apple pies courtesy of Geri Elder of Colonial Sports. Pictured from left are Aimee Gianoukos, Erica Foster, Emily Dahl and Jason Wahr. Dahl was first in 43:28, Foster was second in 44:41 and Gianoukos placed third in 45:31. Cathy Dahl

Four age group records fall at Night Owl 9K

July 3, 2026 at 11:18 a.m.

Four age group records were broken at the seventh annual Night Owl 9K on June...

Fireworks show seen from Town Point Park in Norfolk on July 4, 2023. (Staff/File)

Fun to Do: July 4th edition

July 2, 2026 at 12:42 p.m.

Coming up: 4th of July Great American Picnic, July 4 Stars and Stripes Celebration, Stars...

Fourth of July fireworks display over the Governor's Palace in Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area. (Darnell Vennie/The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation)

Where to see July Fourth fireworks in Hampton Roads

July 2, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.

No location plays a larger role in this year’s anniversary celebration than Colonial Williamsburg, which...

Colonial Williamsburg is expecting record crowds as the nation celebrates the 250th
anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. (The Colonial
Williamsburg Foundation)

Colonial Williamsburg fireworks will be ‘more spectacular’ than ever, organizer says

By Megan Roche

July 1, 2026 at 6:12 p.m.

Colonial Williamsburg is also hosting its first drone show prior to the fireworks display. The...

The Avalon Fishing Pier on the Outer Banks attracts tourists and fishing enthusiasts alike. As seen Thursday, March 26, 2026. (Stephen M. Katz / The Virginian-Pilot)

The anglers, ‘pier rats’ and ‘pirate’ of Avalon Pier

June 28, 2026 at 3:23 p.m.

Avalon Pier in Kill Devil Hills has character in history and plenty of local characters...

A corpse flower at Norfolk Botanical Garden is expected to bloom around July 4 and will be available to view starting next week, according to a Friday announcement. (Courtesy of Norfolk Botanical Garden)

Norfolk Botanical Garden’s corpse flower could bloom by July 4

June 27, 2026 at 1:34 p.m.

The large, smelly plant is expected to bloom in the next few weeks, the garden...

Pictured from left are Ashlee Sexton, Amanda Sexton, Rachel Gregg and Evan Clary after the fourth annual Timberneck 5K on June 20. Amanda Sexton had the fastest women's time. Rick Platt

12 age group records fall at Timberneck 5K

June 26, 2026 at 11:19 a.m.

Numerous runners broke records at the fourth annual Timberneck 5K on June 20.

Huntington Park Botanical Garden now features native species built for resilience in coastal Virginia. (Andi Petrini/Correspondent)

From devastation, Newport News rose garden finds new life

June 24, 2026 at 8:07 a.m.

In a community effort, native plants for pollinators now fill a longtime showcase in Newport...

Tisa looks up while meandering around the giraffe enclosure at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk Nov. 8, 2023. (Kendall Warner/The Virginian-Pilot, File)

Virginia Zoo offers discounted tickets for Sail250

June 19, 2026 at 6:10 p.m.

Visit the zoo in person and mention “SAIL250” or use the same code online to...

Patrons walk the shore as a tall ship docks in the area of Town Point Park and Waterside during Sail250 in downtown Norfolk on Friday, June 19, 2026. (Kendall Warner/The Virginian-Pilot)

Photos: Thousands watch Sail250 Virginia’s Parade of Sail

June 19, 2026 at 5:33 p.m.

Sail250 Virginia festivities continue in the region through Tuesday, with this weekend packed with activities...

Pictured are participants at the FURever Homes 8K on June 13. In the back, from left, are Annie VanSkiver, Tricia Murphy, Shannon Foxx Day, Dave Anderson and Jess Anderson. In the front are Rosemary McKowan-Kipers, Katie Kipers, Ella VanSkiver and Hailey Stedman (holding the dog). Tricia Murphy

Several age group records fall at FURever Homes 8K

June 19, 2026 at 10:58 a.m.

The top three women broke 8K age group records at the FURever Homes 8K on...

Sublime is, from left, Jakob Nowell, Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh. (Christaan Felber/Courtesy of Point Break Music Festival)

Sublime frontman says Virginia Beach’s Point Break festival will be ‘unforgettable’

June 19, 2026 at 9:56 a.m.

Sublime and Slightly Stoopid will headline the first night of the Point Break Music Festival...

Swimming advisory sign at Ocean View in Norfolk.

Swimming advisories lifted for Norfolk beaches

By Megan Rudacille

June 17, 2026 at 4:37 p.m.

Beaches are regularly tested during swimming season for factors like enterococci bacteria.

Unique Taylor, 16, with Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation, helps kids at the arts and crafts table at Thursday's Parks After Dark at Williams Farm Park in Virginia Beach. (Stephen M. Katz / The Virginian-Pilot)

A place to ‘just be kids,’ Parks After Dark program is a different kind of youth ‘takeover’

June 17, 2026 at 9:16 a.m.

The Virginia Beach Parks After Dark free summer program kicked off last week at Williams...

Fireworks are shot off at the Oceanfront on July 4, 2021 in Virginia Beach.

Twice-weekly free fireworks shows return to Virginia Beach Oceanfront

June 16, 2026 at 2:55 p.m.

Free fireworks shows are scheduled for Wednesday and Sunday nights starting July 8 through Labor...

Concertgoers enter Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater in Virginia Beach. The venue celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. (Courtesy of Alive Coverage for Live Nation)

Virginia Beach amphitheater celebrates 30 years with rocking summer season

By Clare Pacella

June 14, 2026 at 4:02 p.m.

Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater is touting big summer acts — such as Chris Stapleton...

The Marlin Fever crew already had earned $871,250 for reeling in the tournament’s first blue marlin weighing more than 500 pounds. (Photo courtesy of Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament)

North Carolina boat set to collect $6.5 million with win at Big Rock Blue Marlin

By Jami Frankenberry

June 14, 2026 at 5:45 p.m.

The 68th annual tournament's sixth and final day ended Saturday with Marlin Fever still atop...

The VA250 Mobile Museum visited Williamsburg in March of 2025. On Sunday, it will be in Yorktown as part of the Sail Yorktown Festival on Riverwalk Landing. (Courtesy/VA250 Commission, File)

VA250’s mobile museum stopping in Yorktown this weekend

June 13, 2026 at 10:46 a.m.

VA250's Mobile Museum Experience will be on display from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through...

Fins on the Fantail, a Jimmy Buffett-inspired waterfront party, is happening aboard the Battleship Wisconsin Saturday night. (Lee Belote/For The Virginian-Pilot, File)

Waterfront party comes to Norfolk’s Battleship Wisconsin

By The Virginian Piot

June 12, 2026 at 2:15 p.m.

Fins on the Fantail, a Jimmy Buffett-inspired waterfront party, is happening aboard the Battleship Wisconsin...

Pictured from left are Tricia Murphy, Brooke Smithson, Mary Katharine Florence and Shannon Foxx Day before the June 7 Taskinas Creek Half Marathon at York River State Park. Tricia Murphy

Area runners choose between 5K and half marathon

June 12, 2026 at 1:18 p.m.

Three braved hot conditions to run in both events.

The Juneteenth flag commemorates the day that slavery ended in the U.S. (Nati Harnik/AP File)

Commemorate Juneteenth with events throughout Hampton Roads

June 12, 2026 at 11:24 a.m.

From festivals to fireworks and concerts to full-day events, there are ample opportunities to honor...

The Blackbeard Pirate Festival is coming to Downtown Hampton this weekend. (Staff/File)

Fun to Do: Pirate festival, Chicago, ‘Top Gun’ in concert and more

June 11, 2026 at 10:53 a.m.

Coming up: Hardy is coming to the Virginia Beach amphitheater; Chicago will be at The...

A pair of African painted dogs, 7-year-old Sassy (left) and 7-year-old Pollock debuted at the Virginia Zoo on Wednesday. (Virginia Zoo)

African painted dogs debut at Virginia Zoo

By Macy Friend

June 10, 2026 at 6:09 p.m.

The mated pair can be found in the the Asia: Trail of the Tiger area,...

The crew of Marlin Fever, a boat from Wilson County, North Carolina, stands next to its record-breaking 919.9-pound blue marlin that they caught on the second day of the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament on Tuesday. (Courtesy/Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament)

North Carolina boat lands record-breaking 919-pounder at Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament

By Jami Frankenberry

June 10, 2026 at 11:13 a.m.

The record catch, reeled in by angler Connor Daniels, could be worth an estimated $6.2...

Willie Nelson performs at Farm Aid 2024. (Brian Bruner, Bruner Photo/Courtesy of Farm Aid)

Farm Aid comes to Virginia Beach with Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and more

June 9, 2026 at 3:04 p.m.

Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews will all perform in Virginia Beach...

Three foals were recently spotted on the remote Shackleford Banks of North Carolina, according to Cape Lookout National Seashore. This photo was shared on June 3, 2026. (Courtesy/Cape Lookout National Seashore)

3 foals seen on remote NC island where food is growing scarce, park says

By Mark Price

June 8, 2026 at 2:45 p.m.

The trio of newborns brings the herd to about 105 horses, which remains below the target population...

The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation wants to construct a pedestrian bridge over the Norfolk Southern rail lines, connecting West Ghent and Lamberts Point. (Rendering courtesy of Work Program Architects)

Elizabeth River Trail Foundation proposes new pedestrian bridge over Norfolk Southern tracks

June 9, 2026 at 3:47 p.m.

The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation is proposing construction of a pedestrian bridge that would span...

A ball rests on the court during a First Four college basketball game between North Carolina and San Diego State in the NCAA Tournament, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, in Dayton, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Saturday basketball tournament not permitted in Lafayette Park, Norfolk says

June 5, 2026 at 5:43 p.m.

Norfolk officials said they were shutting down a basketball event scheduled for Saturday in Lafayette...

Pictured from left are Shannon Foxx Day, Jim Gullo, Patricia Travis, Martha Gullo, Lisa Levine, Joanna McCandlish, Dana Hayden and Tricia Murphy after the inaugural Run for Repairs 8K and 5K on May 30. Tricia Murphy

Four age group records fall at Run for Repairs 8K

June 5, 2026 at 3:45 p.m.

Four age group records were broken at the inaugural Run for Repairs 8K on May...

A fundraising campaign for Rudee Park will kick off in the fall. The park will feature a beach village with a water plaza, designated fishing areas, a picnic grove and nature play area. It will also have an event pavilion and a grassy sunset lawn area next to the Rudee Inlet bridge. (City of Virginia Beach)

Rudee Park project picks up steam; fundraising campaign to start in fall

June 5, 2026 at 9:12 a.m.

Fundraising will be a key step in Virginia Beach's plan to transform 8 acres of...

Fort Lauderdale Beach Park as seen on Tuesday, looking south from the basketball courts. A new plan approved Tuesday night will see four new pickleball courts built to the south of the basketball courts, which will be refurbished. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Beachfront pickleball courts approved despite critics’ objections

By Susannah Bryan

June 3, 2026 at 4:59 p.m.

Fort Lauderdale Beach Park will undergo a $2.5 million redesign. What’s coming: Four pickleball courts,...

A Monarch butterfly flies from flower to flower inside the Norfolk Botanical Garden’s Butterfly House in Norfolk on Thursday, May 21, 2026. (Kendall Warner/The Virginian-Pilot)

Butterflies win big: Norfolk Botanical Garden’s butterfly house voted best in U.S.

June 1, 2026 at 9:13 a.m.

Norfolk Botanical Garden's butterfly house was recently voted best in the nation by USA Today...

An aerial view of the Yorktown Waterfront along the York River and Coleman Bridge. At left is the Riverwalk Landing parking deck.

Battle of the Boats will make a splash in Yorktown next weekend

May 31, 2026 at 2:47 p.m.

Yorktown’s Battle of the Boats will extend to a two-day event June 6-7 at Riverwalk...

Fans pack the beach at the Patriotic Festival in 2016. (Jeff Moore/Courtesy)

Patriotic Festival will return to Virginia Beach in style with 3 big names in country music

June 2, 2026 at 1:40 p.m.

The Patriotic Festival announced three country music stars who will headline its return to the...

“I definitely feel the hometown crowd behind me, but it’s also a little extra pressure because I don’t want to do bad,” said Collin Graham, who finished second at Jackalope Virginia Beach. (Courtesy photo/Dan Mathieu)

Virginia Beach pro skateboarder ‘excited to come home and compete’ at Jackalope Festival

By Darrell Cuenca

May 29, 2026 at 3:04 p.m.

Collin Graham said he moved to San Diego from Virginia Beach a little more than...

Pictured from left are Aimee Gianoukos, Dana Hayden and Jayme Johnson after the Yorktown Freedom Run 8K on May 25. Gianoukos was second in the women's Masters, Hayden was first overall and Johnson was second overall for the women. Aimee Gianoukos

Four area road races on Memorial Day weekend

May 29, 2026 at 3:39 p.m.

The Yorktown Freedom Run 8K on Memorial Day was the most competitive of all the...

The Hampton Roads Metro band performs at the Larchmont United Methodist Church after the second annual Larchmont Memorial Day parade in Norfolk on May 27, 2024. (Staff/File)

Memorial Day ceremonies, parades to be held across Hampton Roads

May 24, 2026 at 9:37 a.m.

Several events will be held across the region in celebration of Memorial Day on Monday.

Patrick Devine on his way from Buckroe Beach to the Eastern Shore on an eFoil for charity Tuesday, May 19, 2026. (Stephen M. Katz/The Virginian-Pilot)

19 miles in under 2 hours: Hampton friends cross Chesapeake Bay on eFoils for charity

May 23, 2026 at 5:08 p.m.

The two rode 19 miles on eFoils across the Chesapeake Bay this week to benefit...

Kat Neff, 14, of Carolina Beach, North Carolina, waxes her board as she prepares for competition at the Steel Pier Classic and Surf Art Expo on Saturday, May 24, 2014. (Staff/File)

Virginia Beach hosts 17th annual surf, art expo at the Oceanfront

May 22, 2026 at 4:11 p.m.

The event is taking place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and...

Tribe junior Hayes Trapp (far right) will compete in the men's 10,000 meters at the NCAA East first round, hosted by the University of Kentucky, from May 27-29 in Lexington. He recently won the CAA title in the 5,000 meters. Trevor Rich/William & Mary Athletics

Five Tribe athletes qualify for NCAA East Regional

May 22, 2026 at 10:07 a.m.

The top 12 finishers in each event will advance to the NCAA Championships.

The Patriotic Festival on May 22-24 at the Norfolk Scope arena will feature military-themed activities on the plaza for free. (Jeff Moore/Patriotic Festival)

Fun to Do: Patriotic Festival, Umoja Festival, Memorial Day summer kickoff

May 21, 2026 at 3:01 p.m.

Coming up: Patriotic Festival, a Memorial Day Weekend Salute to Summer, Bodacious Bazaar and more.

Walkers at Buckroe Beach in Hampton on May 22, 2020. (Staff/File)

Swimming advisory lifted for part of Buckroe Beach

May 21, 2026 at 11:18 a.m.

A swimming advisory was lifted Thursday morning for Buckroe Beach South.

A copperhead suns itself on the Great Dismal Swamp Canal Trail in Chesapeake. (Jonathan Snyder/File)

It’s copperhead season in Virginia: How to prepare and stay safe

By Gwyndolyn Miles

May 19, 2026 at 11:24 a.m.

The two most common instances where people get bitten by copperheads are while doing yardwork...

Surfer Brendan Oster was bitten by a shark around noon Sunday at Assateague State Park. He’s pictured at Assateague during a previous visit. (Courtesy of Brendan Oster)

Surfer describes shark bite at Assateague

By Josh Davis

May 20, 2026 at 10:35 a.m.

"I want the shark, to be honest. I want it’s head. I want the thing...

Kings Dominion will have firework shows July 4 and 5. (Kings Dominion)

Kings Dominion is adding a drone and fireworks show

By Eric Kolenich

May 18, 2026 at 12:02 p.m.

The changes are being made in response to guest feedback, said Jennifer Schofield, Kings Dominion's...

Three-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams plans to perform at the Bayou Bon Vivant festival Saturday in downtown Norfolk. Here she's onstage at this month's Grammy Hall of Fame gala in Beverly Hills. (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

A ‘Greatest Living American Songwriter’ to play in Norfolk on Saturday

By Dave Gil De Rubio

May 15, 2026 at 1:36 p.m.

Lucinda Williams’ efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. The most recent compositional accolades she’s received include being...

Dana Hayden, Emily Honeycutt and Shannon MacMaster had the fastest women's times at the 11th annual Virginia Regional Ballet 5K on May 9. Pictured from left are Shannon, Dana and Emily. Todd Strumke

Women’s course record falls at VRB 5K

May 15, 2026 at 10:36 a.m.

Dana Hayden set a women’s course record of 18:41 at the 11th annual Virginia Regional...

Dressed up as a personified Frost Dragon from Skyrim, Erica Bortnick poses with Brad Biddle, dressed as Megatron, at Tidewater Comicon at the Virginia Beach Convention Center May 21, 2016. The event is coming to the Virginia Beach Convention Center this weekend. (Staff/File)

Fun to Do: Tidewater Comicon, Chesapeake Jubilee and more

May 14, 2026 at 7:27 a.m.

Coming up: Chesapeake Jubilee is happening Thursday to Sunday; Boots, Brews and BBQ Festival is...

More than 40,000 people flocked to the Oceanfront on June 4, 2016, to see country music artists Canaan Smith and Sam Hunt for the second night of Virginia Beach’s Patriotic Festival. (Jeff Moore/Courtesy of IMGoing Events)

Patriotic Festival, and its economic impact, to return to Virginia Beach next year

May 14, 2026 at 1:24 p.m.

The Patriotic Festival, a military-themed country music festival, will return to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront...

Debris and trash build up on the shore of Kings Grant Lake near Kings Grant Road in Virginia Beach, Va., on May 7, 2026. (Peter Casey / The Virginian-Pilot)

Virginia Beach has more than 900 lakes and ponds. Caring for them can be a challenge.

May 13, 2026 at 12:19 p.m.

Virginia Beach is home to over 900 lakes and ponds, and in some neighborhoods, the...

Rob Perkinson, 37, of Williamsburg, won the Blue Ridge Marathon on April 18, part of a series of running events in Roanoke, which prides itself as being “America’s Toughest Road Races.” Perkinson finished in 2 hours, 49 minutes and 11 seconds. Rob Perkinson

Williamsburg runner shines at Blue Ridge Marathon

May 8, 2026 at 10:25 a.m.

Rob Perkinson, 37, of Williamsburg, won the Blue Ridge Marathon on April 18, part of...

In September, Dave Matthews performed without his namesake band at Farm Aid 40 in Minneapolis. (Alex Kormann/Minnesota Star Tribune)

Dave Matthews Band, a Virginia favorite, returns to Virginia Beach in June

By Staff and wire report

May 5, 2026 at 3:45 p.m.

Led by singer-songwriter and guitarist Dave Matthews, the band has cultivated a loyal following since...

The Wing Nutz team, composed of a combination of CRR and PTC members, placed second in the team competition at the annual Virginia 24 Hour Run at Sandy Bottom Nature Park in Hampton. Standing are Amanda Collier, Kim Ratcliffe, Gabriel Swift, Rachel Swift, Mike Thomas, David Anderson, Glenn Hrinda and Shannon Foxx Day. Kneeling are Susan Hagel, Jaime Cox, Jessica Anderson, Kate Uptmor and Katie Kipers. Dave Anderson

CRR members choose between 24-hour run and 5K

May 1, 2026 at 12:38 p.m.

The Virginia 24 Hour Run began at 7 a.m. April 25 and the Revolutionary BBQ...

The new Bands in the Sand series offers 11 free concerts at the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier from May 7 to Oct. 8. (Courtesy/Max Media)

New concert series at Virginia Beach Oceanfront to host 11 free, live shows

May 1, 2026 at 8:07 a.m.

A new concert series at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront will host 11 free shows starting...

A 7-mile stretch of Colonial Parkway near Jamestown Island will be shut down to vehicles starting at 6 a.m. on Saturday for Pedal the Parkway, which gives people an opportunity to walk, jog or bike along the stretch. (Billy Schuerman/Daily Press file)

This weekend’s Pedal the Parkway encourages cyclists to get outside

By Brandy Centolanza

April 29, 2026 at 8:34 p.m.

Pedal the Parkway, which gives people an opportunity to walk, jog or bike the parkway,...

King William's Ray Carter is part of an effort to improve relationships between hunters and landowners. (Ray Carter)

King William man hopes to improve relationships between hunters and landowners

By David Macaulay

April 29, 2026 at 1:50 p.m.

Ray Carter is trying to improvement the relationship between landowners and hunters in King William...

The 18th annual Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival will feature more than 25 Virginia wineries. The event is happening this weekend at Town Point Park in Norfolk. (File photo)

Fun to Do: Wine festivals, country-pop blend, ‘Star Wars’ orchestra and more

April 28, 2026 at 8:55 p.m.

Coming up: Graham Barham will bring his “Club Country” blend of traditional country and pop’s...

A LOVE sculpture is photographed at the Portsmouth seawall in August 2016. Here, Irving Wolff, who built the sculpture, removes some grass from the public art. (Staff/File)

Portsmouth to hold weeklong celebration of the arts

April 26, 2026 at 3:46 p.m.

Portsmouth Art Week runs May 2-9 along High Street. Free and ticketed events are being...

Tisa stands over Mchanga in the giraffe enclosure at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk Nov. 8, 2023. (Kendall Warner /The Virginian-Pilot, File)

Cycle through the Virginia Zoo for an after-hours bike night

April 26, 2026 at 10:09 a.m.

In honor of National Bike Month in May, the zoo will hold a bike night...

Florida flame azaleas sit in the sunlight at the Norfolk Botanical Garden in Norfolk on April 19, 2024. (Staff/File)

Calling all green thumbs: Plant sale happening at Norfolk Botanical Garden

April 24, 2026 at 7:07 p.m.

The annual spring plant sale is happening Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4....

Sean Bush, Isaiah Rabata and Roger Hopper had the fastest men's times at the 17th annual Run the DOG Street 5K on April 18. Pictured from left are Rabata, Bush and Hopper. Todd Strumke

Top area runners shine at Run the DOG Street 5K

April 24, 2026 at 11:08 a.m.

Williamsburg’s Sean Bush came from behind to beat a star-studded field to win the 17th...

Pictured from left are Scott Ickes and Matt Joosse. At the Alumni Mile on April 4, exclusively for W&M track alumni, Ickes was fourth in 4:45.28 and Joosse finished in 4:59.64. Scott Ickes

Tribe grads share bond at Alumni Mile

April 17, 2026 at 10:02 a.m.

The Alumni Mile on April 4 was exclusively for W&M track alumni.

Fourth of July fireworks over the Governor's Palace in Colonial Williamsburg. Organizers say this year's fireworks will be their biggest ever. (Darnell Vennie/The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation/TNS)

Let freedom ring: Guide to celebrating America’s 250th in Hampton Roads

April 22, 2026 at 3:12 p.m.

While Hampton Roads is hardly the only region with cause for celebration, it has several...

The "Today" hosts and viewers are in for Williamsburg classics, such as the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums (shown here in 2021), horse-drawn carriages, period costumes — and lots of food hangouts, perhaps including pancake houses. (Staff/File)

NBC’s ‘3rd Hour of Today’ to broadcast live from Williamsburg

April 16, 2026 at 11:30 a.m.

Co-hosts Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer will take viewers on a tour of Williamsburg in...

The 17th annual Taste of India is Saturday at ODU’s Chartway Arena. (Courtesy/Taste of India)

Taste of India and the She-Crab Soup Classic are happening on Saturday

By Rekaya Gibson

April 15, 2026 at 12:21 p.m.

Spend the day at the 17th annual Taste of India or tasting (and voting for)...

Explore seven Colonial Williamsburg gardens featuring plants from the 18th century during this year’s Historic Garden Week. (Courtesy/Joyce Feder)

Historic Garden Week: Explore beauty, history of Hampton Roads with exclusive tours

By Yana Ginburg

April 15, 2026 at 9:15 a.m.

The annual tour of homes and gardens starts April 18. Here's a preview.

Two spinner sharks are seen through a wave in 2013 in Florida.

Video: Angler surrounded by ‘shark feeding frenzy’ off Outer Banks

By Mark Price

April 14, 2026 at 4:11 p.m.

“A massive shark feeding frenzy engulfed my Sea-Doo while I was out fishing today!” Brett...

Sarge is a three-legged bobcat at the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News. (Courtesy/Virginia Living Museum)

Meet Sarge, a 3-legged bobcat at the Virginia Living Museum

April 18, 2026 at 9:24 a.m.

The Virginia Living Museum's three-legged bobcat, Sarge, could not be contained without a roof over...

An electric boat competition is coming to Portsmouth City Park April 14–16. (Stephen M. Katz/The Virginian-Pilot, File)

National electric boat competition takes to the water in Portsmouth

April 12, 2026 at 2:11 p.m.

More than 55 electric-powered vessels will race in the Elizabeth River at Portsmouth City Park...

Pictured from left are Aimee Gianoukos, her son Alexander and daughter Sydney. All three were first in their respective age groups: Aimee (women 50-54), Alexander (men 15-19) and Sydney (women 19-and-younger). (Courtesy/Aimee Gianoukos)

Many strong performances at Queens Lake 5K

April 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

There were many impressive times and high age grades at the 32nd annual Queens Lake...

The Hilton Fishing Pier in Newport News, Va., on April 1, 2026. (Peter Casey / The Virginian-Pilot)

Newport News plans to reopen two closed fishing piers in 2027, 2028

By Devlin Epding

April 6, 2026 at 5:34 p.m.

Newport News says it's working to replace damaged fishing piers and will need at least...

A welcome to Suffolk sign. (Stephen M. Katz/The Virginian-Pilot)

Suffolk residents: City wants input for future Dismal Swamp Park

April 5, 2026 at 3:32 p.m.

The open-house style meeting will be held from 4-7 p.m. April 7 at East Suffolk...

James Creelman had the fastest men's time at the Riverwatch on the Piankatank 5K on March 28. He finished in 16:59. Bruce Davis

Yorktown runners shine at Piankatank 5K

April 3, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

James Creelman and Crystal Witte had the fastest times at the 10th annual Riverwatch on...

Alan Mintz smells a crushed conifer twig during a “forest bathing” session at the JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh, N.C., on Sunday, March 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Allen G. Breed)

People ‘bathe’ in nature to get respite from chaotic news cycle

By Associated Press

March 29, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

It's based on the Japanese wellness practice of Shinrin-yoku.

Pictured are CRR standouts after the Jingle Jog 5K in 2023. In the front row, from left, are Steven Short, Dave Anderson, Tricia Murphy, Deelyn Robinson, Aimee Gianoukos, Daphne Papaefthimiou, Lorenzo Short and Scott Ickes. In the back, from left, are Sean Bush, Clark Pederson, Steve Menzies, Tim Suhr, Alexey Popov, Adam Otstot, Rob Whitaker, Joe Calkins and Forest Braden. Joe Calkins

The top CRR age grade runners of 2025

March 27, 2026 at 11:33 a.m.

The top 10 age graded plaques were given out at the Colonial Road Runners awards...

2024 Democratic National Convention: Day 2

Harborfest headliners: Patti LaBelle, Fitz and the Tantrums, JJ Grey & Mofro

March 25, 2026 at 7:22 p.m.

Fitz and the Tantrums, JJ Grey & Mofro and Godmother of Soul Patti LaBelle will...

Chesapeake Vice Mayor John de Triquet at a Chesapeake City Council meeting in 2023. (Staff/File)

Walking trail renamed to honor Chesapeake’s late vice mayor

March 25, 2026 at 2:54 p.m.

Chesapeake City Council unanimously passed a resolution on Tuesday to rename the Western Branch Trail...

Pups and Pints, a restaurant paired with a dog day care and water park, plans to host its last event on Saturday after three years of business. (Pups and Pints)

Pups and Pints in Virginia Beach will close after its last Saturday event. Here’s why.

By Lee Belote

March 26, 2026 at 2:01 p.m.

Pups and Pints' last day will be a Family Easter Bash from noon to 4...

TLC at the 2022 New York State Fair. (Scott Schild/TNS)

TLC, Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue coming to Virginia Beach; tickets on sale Friday

By Staff and wire report

March 24, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

It will be the first time all three groups have toured together, according to a...

Wu-Tang Clan will bring the “Final Chamber” tour to the Virginia Beach Amphitheater on Sept. 16. Special guest Bone Thugs-n-Harmony will also perform. (Courtesy/Live Nation)

Wu-Tang Clan’s ‘Final Chamber’ tour to stop in Virginia Beach in September

By Ben Flanagan

March 25, 2026 at 12:34 p.m.

Special guest Bone Thugs-n-Harmony will also perform.

Pictured from left are Dave Anderson, Tricia Murphy, Joe Calkins and Tim Suhr at the Virginia Fire Chiefs 5K on March 14. Tricia was first for women in the 40-44 age group. Tricia Murphy

Three age group records fall at Fire Chiefs 5K

March 20, 2026 at 11:17 a.m.

A record turnout of 240 entrants participated in the Virginia Fire Chiefs 5K on March...

Red Wing Park’s Yoshino cherry trees in Virginia Beach sit at Stage 5 in bloom progression on Thursday. (Maggie Allwein/The Virginian-Pilot)

Red Wing Park cherry blossoms expected to reach peak bloom next week

March 21, 2026 at 3:43 p.m.

Red Wing Park's 150 Yoshino cherry trees are forecasted for peak bloom on March 24,...

Runners start the The Yuengling Shamrock Marathon and Half Marathon in Virginia Beach on March 17, 2024. (Peter Casey / For The Virginian-Pilot)

Shamrock Marathon will change its route due to military restrictions

By Gavin Stone

March 18, 2026 at 3:18 p.m.

The Shamrock Marathon has passed through Fort Story and the State Military Reservation for decades...

Michael Theard, Aubrey Phillips, Gil Williams and Lynn Hill shared Buffalo Soldier history with visitors at Jamestown in 2025. (Bob Ruegsegger/For The Virginian-Pilot)

Buffalo Soldiers scheduled for encore at Jamestown event

By Bob Ruegsegger

March 17, 2026 at 3:39 p.m.

Last year at Military Through the Ages, the Buffalo Soldiers made their initial appearance at...

Tyler Fink, practicing at Elizabeth Manor Golf & Country Club in Portsmouth, early March. He's qualified for the 2026 Drive, Chip and Putt national finals, to be at Augusta National. (Peter Casey/The Virginian-Pilot)

Hampton Roads high school freshman to compete in prestigious tournament on Golf Channel

March 14, 2026 at 1:03 p.m.

Tyler Fink, 15, a freshman at Catholic High School, will play in the national finals...

Pictured from left are Dave Anderson and Michael Wardian on the 51.2-mile Virginia Capital Trail. Michael smashed the Fastest Known Time in 6:22:12, with assistance from Dave and others. Dave Anderson

W&M parent sets record on Virginia Capital Trail course

March 13, 2026 at 10:35 a.m.

Michael Wardian, with assistance from Dave Anderson and others, ran the trail in 6:22:12.

Pete Smith, credited with building the surf culture of Virginia Beach, died at 86. (L. Todd Spencer/ The Virginian-Pilot)

Pete Smith, icon of East Coast surfing, dies at 86

March 11, 2026 at 6:14 p.m.

Smith had been battling prostate cancer and other health issues in recent years and had...

A couple has their picture taken as they and others walk amongst a cluster of desert gold wildflowers blooming near Ashford Junction at the southern end of Death Valley National Park on Saturday Feb. 28, 2026. Low-elevation flowers are blooming throughout the park and will likely persist until mid-late March, depending on the weather. Higher elevations will have blooms April-June according to the National Park Service. Thus far it is the best bloom in the park since 2016. (Photo by Will Lester, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

Winter rains turn Death Valley National Park into fields of golden blooms

By Will Lester

March 7, 2026 at 10:31 a.m.

This is the "best bloom year" since 2016, according to the National Park Service.

A man rides a bicycle on Virginia Capital Trail in the area that parallels Greensprings Road. (File photo)

Meet the new executive director of the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation

By Ian Stewart

March 9, 2026 at 10:45 a.m.

The car-free, 51-plus mile Virginia Capital Trail has been a staple for cyclists, runners, and...

Pictured from left are Tricia Murphy, Tressa and Kyle Aulenbach and Joanna McCandlish. Tricia Murphy

CRR runners excel at One City half marathon

March 6, 2026 at 10:35 a.m.

Sean Bush was 10th overall and Scott Ickes finished 22nd at last weekend’s One City...

Some of the Colonial Road Runners relax at Jamestown High School after completing last year's FURever Homes 8K. The mid-June race was voted as the 2025 CRR Race of the Year. Deelyn Robinson

The 2025 CRR Races of the Year

February 27, 2026 at 11:10 a.m.

The FURever Homes 8K and 5K in June received 12 votes, one more than the...

Singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge to perform May 5 at The Dome in Virginia Beach. (Courtesy of Melissa Etheridge/Concord Music Group)

Melissa Etheridge, Wynonna Judd to perform on Williamsburg Live’s opening night

By Nate Delesline III

February 25, 2026 at 10:39 a.m.

For the first time, the outdoor music festival will run for four days, from June...

The trail to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls is crowded on Monday, May 27, 2019 in Yosemite National Park. (Anthony L. Solis -- Santa Cruz Sentinel)

Trump administration eliminates reservations at Yosemite National Park this summer

By Paul Rogers

February 20, 2026 at 6:01 p.m.

Environmental groups say crowding, long lines, and traffic jams are likely.

Last year's Colonial Half Marathon was second in the CRR Race of the Year competition with 11 votes. Frances Rogers

New CRR season starts with Colonial Half Marathon

February 20, 2026 at 11:59 a.m.

Emma Rogers was the fastest woman and Daniel Ferrante had the fastest men’s time at...

Runners sprint from the start line of the 8K during the 5th annual One City Marathon held in Newport News, Virginia on Sunday March 3, 2019.

2026 One City Marathon: Here’s what you need to know

By Devlin Epding

February 22, 2026 at 11:43 a.m.

Runners and spectators will be able to celebrate the races with a spirit week and...

Joshua Tree National Park offers spectacular hikes and vistas in a region where California’s Mojave and Colorado Desert ecosystems meet. (Getty Images)

Get into national parks free on Feb. 16 — but there’s a catch

By Marla Jo Fisher

February 14, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.

Parks will be free to enter for U.S. legal residents only.

Pictured from left are Connie Glueck and Melanie Hennis at last year's Weighted Angels 5K. Melanie was first for women in the 10-miler on Feb. 7 at the Yorktown Battlefield. Connie Glueck

Runners battle through frigid conditions