Newport News Housing and Neighborhood Services recently hosted the 2026 Newport News Housing Summit at Gaines Theater at Christopher Newport University, 1 University Place. According to the organization, the two-day event included workshops, tours, conversations and resources. Virginia Housing and James River Country Club sponsored it.
The summit brought together realtors, developers, housing leaders, community organizations and residents to discuss housing and neighborhood development, the organization said. It said the event aimed to strengthen neighborhoods, expand housing opportunities and connect residents and professionals with tools that support long-term housing success. Attendees could hear from local experts and learn about homeownership programs. Programming also included industry networking, housing market discussions and neighborhood-focused sessions.
The organization said the summit offered separate sessions for housing professionals and for homeowners, residents and potential buyers. According to the city’s website, the Department of Housing and Neighborhood Services works on housing, neighborhood services and sustainability alongside other city departments. It includes the Office of Housing and Community Development, the Office of Sustainability and the Office of Neighborhood Services.
Business
Virginia Peninsula Chamber Announces Three Ribbon Cuttings This Week
The Virginia Peninsula Chamber is inviting the community to three ribbon cutting ceremonies this week. Stay Apt Suites will celebrate on Tuesday, September 29 at 11:30 AM in Hampton. IncuHub will follow on Wednesday, September 30 at 12:00 PM, and BayPort Credit Union on Thursday, October 1 at 8:00 AM, both in Newport News. Registration is free for members and non-members. Contact Allie Carson at allie@vpcc.org or (757) 325-8157.
Public Safety
Peninsula Residents Invited to Hazard Mitigation Open House October 15
The Hampton Roads Planning District Commission is hosting open houses on the hazard mitigation plan, and the Peninsula session will run 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Williamsburg Fire Department’s second floor EOC, 440 Boundary Street. No RSVP is required. Attendees can review draft mitigation actions, talk with planners, and complete a survey. Limited parking is available at the station, with overflow in the parking deck across the block.
Newport News Fire Department to Host Free Fire Prevention Showcase October 10
Newport News is inviting residents to a free Fire Prevention Showcase on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 10am to 1pm at Huntington Park Beach, 361 Hornet Circle. Attendees can meet firefighters and specialty teams, see fire engine displays, watch presentations, join educational activities, and enjoy photo ops. Organizers ask guests to RSVP on Eventbrite so enough supplies are on hand.
Community & Services
Riverside Health to Offer Free Drive-Thru Flu Shots Across Peninsula
Riverside Health will host free drive-thru flu vaccination clinics from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with many stops on the Peninsula. Locations will include Sherwood Shopping Center in Newport News on September 30, Hampton on October 3, Newport News on October 7, Gloucester on October 14, Williamsburg on October 21, and Newport News again on November 4. No appointment will be needed while supplies last.
Newport News hosted “Conoce tu ciudad” virtual town hall
As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, the City of Newport News hosted “Conoce tu ciudad” (”Meet Your City”), a virtual town hall on September 28, 2026, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. The event featured a panel of city leaders including Chief of Police Steve Drew, NNPS Lead School Social Worker Maria Henriquez, Parks and Recreation Director Torrance Archie, and Prevention Services Program Manager Nikki Bacilio-High from the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board. The town hall aimed to strengthen community connections, provide residents access to city programs and services, and create a welcoming space for civic engagement. Residents from all neighborhoods were encouraged to participate in both English and Spanish.
Domestic Violence Awareness Summit scheduled for October 26
United 4 Justice & Healing will present a free Domestic Violence Awareness Summit on Monday, Oct. 26, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, 2410 Wickham Ave. in Newport News. The daylong event will feature internationally recognized experts Gael Strack, J.D., and Casey Gwinn, J.D., co-founders of Alliance for HOPE International, discussing strangulation prevention, domestic violence prosecution, and evidence-based survivor support. The summit will explore emerging trends including strangulation and hidden homicides, will include a panel discussion on families affected by domestic violence, and will bring together survivors, advocates, and professionals. The event will be free with lunch provided; advance registration is encouraged. Register through Eventbrite or contact chaversco@nnva.gov.
Recreation & Events
Downing-Gross announces auditions and anniversary concert events
Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center (DGCAC) is holding auditions for “Ain’t Misbehavin’ The Fats Waller Musical” on Saturday, September 26th from 12:00-4:00pm at the Ella Fitzgerald Theater. The organization will also celebrate 18 years with an anniversary concert on October 10, 2026, from 7:00-9:30pm, featuring vocalist and songwriter Ash Ford. General admission is $25. Ford, originally from Alabama and now based in Boston, is known for soulful storytelling blended with modern production, exploring themes of faith, healing, and growth through vocal layering and emotion-driven songwriting. Ned Harris to perform as special guest opener. Ned Harris, born in Albany, Georgia and now residing in Hampton Roads, is a vocalist beginning his performance career at age 5. He joined his church choir at 11 and performed with community theater before reaching legal age. Influenced by Motown music from his parents’ collection, Harris maintains that musical style in his performances today. He will serve as special guest opener for an upcoming event. Tickets are available for purchase. Downing-Gross.org.
2nd Annual Port Warwick Art & Sculpture Festival announced
The 2nd Annual Port Warwick Art & Sculpture Festival will return to Styron Square in Newport News on October 10-11. Featuring more than 80 juried artists from across the country, the free, public event will showcase fine art, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, photography, and mixed-media works. The festival will include live music throughout the weekend, local food vendors, and a Young Collector’s Tent for children. Visit Newport News has partnered with Holiday Inn Newport News-Hampton and the Port Warwick Foundation to offer a special package including discounted rooms (code ASA), a Friday Meet & Greet with artists at Burger Theory, round-trip trolley transportation, and early festival access. Volunteers are needed for artist assistance, guest check-in, the Young Collector’s Tent, and general operations; interested individuals can email laura@portwarwick.com.
Hispanic Film Series Continues September 29 and October 6
The Latin American Studies Minor and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department are presenting a Hispanic Film series discussion for Hispanic Heritage Month, with screenings at 7:15 PM in the Trible Library Theater. Upcoming films are The Teacher Who Promised the Sea (España, 2023) on September 29, presented by Dr. Sara Arribas, and Tótem (México, 2023) on October 6, presented by Dr. Kevin Anzzolin. Questions can go to sara.arribascolmenar@cnu.edu.