Newport News Special Events

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Newport News Special Events Welcome to the official Newport News Festival & Special Events page! The purpose of this site is to present matters of public interest in Newport News.

Welcome to the official City of Newport News Parks & Recreation's Special Events Section page. Followers of the Newport News Parks & Recreation's Special Events Section are encouraged to submit questions, comments, and concerns related to the matter presented or to the business of this Department, but please note that this is a moderated online discussion site. Here is our Posting Policy for participation to encourage civil discourse. The following are prohibited:

• Threats of physical or bodily harm, or incitement of actions that would harm others;
• Content which constitutes, incites, promotes, or encourages illegal activity;
• Submission of personally identifiable medical information;
• Defamatory statements;
• Content that includes or constitutes obscenity or child pornography;
• Solicitations of commerce and commercial product promotions;
• Spam, links to other sites, chain letters, pyramid schemes or fraudulent or deceptive messages;
• Content that violates copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights; and
• Comments that are clearly off topic of the City social media post being commented upon, or beyond the scope of the subject matter of the social media page. Note: - The Communications Office will have the final say in interpreting these rules. The City reserves the right to reject, delete, disable or remove any content that does not comply with these Posting Guidelines. Disclaimer:
Please note that public comments expressed on this site do not reflect the opinion and position of the City of Newport News government or its officers and employees. If you have any questions concerning the operation of this online moderated discussion site, please contact Communications and Community Relations at [email protected].

Grab the family, jump in your costume (no masks) and join us for spooky fun at a special "Fright Night Nets" program on ...
10/13/2026

Grab the family, jump in your costume (no masks) and join us for spooky fun at a special "Fright Night Nets" program on Friday, October 30 from 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. at Achievable Dream Tennis Center (only). Food, candy, basketball, activities - all FREE!

Join us at Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center for trick-or-treating! Along with our community partners, we’ll set up in ...
10/12/2026

Join us at Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center for trick-or-treating! Along with our community partners, we’ll set up in the Banquet Room with candy, crafts, music, popcorn, and more.

FREE and open to the public!

All children should be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Costumes are encouraged, but no weapons!

📍 Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center
2410 Wickham Ave., Newport News
🗓️ Saturday, October 31
⏰ 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
🎟️ FREE

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City of Newport News, VA - Government
Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center

10/09/2026

Have you visited the Merci Train exhibit yet at the Virginia War Museum? Here's your invitation!

📍 Virginia War Museum
9285 Warwick Blvd.
🗓️ Wednesdays through Sundays
⏰ 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
🎟️ Included in regular admission price. Adults – $8.00; seniors (62 & older) – $7.00; children – (ages 7-18) – $6.00; family (immediate household only) – $20.00; $1.00 discount for military or AAA members with card.

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City of Newport News, VA - Government

Celebrate nearly two decades of community and culture as Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, 2410 Wickham Ave in Newport...
10/08/2026

Celebrate nearly two decades of community and culture as Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, 2410 Wickham Ave in Newport News, marks its 18th anniversary with an incredible night of live music featuring the soulful sounds of Ash Ford and special guest Ned Harris in the Ella Fitzgerald Theater.

The concert is this Saturday, October 10, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Downing-Gross.org.

📍 Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center - Ella Fitzgerald Theater
2410 Wickham Ave., Newport News
🗓️ Saturday, October 10
⏰ 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
🎟️ $25

Visit Newport News
City of Newport News, VA - Government
Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center

The new Merci Train exhibit is now officially open to the public at the Virginia War Museum, 9285 Warwick Blvd. in Newpo...
10/06/2026

The new Merci Train exhibit is now officially open to the public at the Virginia War Museum, 9285 Warwick Blvd. in Newport News after a ribbon cutting ceremony Saturday, October 3. The Merci Train: A Story of Generosity and Gratitude runs indefinitely and is a must see.

The French Gratitude Train, commonly referred to as the Merci Train, consisted of 49 boxcars given to the United States by France in 1949. One was sent to each state and one to share between Washington, DC and then-territory of Hawaii. The idea was to thank the United States for more than $40 million in food and supplies sent to France and Italy on the American Friendship train in the aftermath of World War II. The Commonwealth’s Merci Train boxcar is housed at the Virginia War Museum.

Inside the boxcars were gifts including statues, clothes, furniture, dolls, ornamental items, and more donated by more than six million French and Italian citizens. “Merci America” was painted across the freighter. Curators at the Virginia War Museum were able to locate 15 of the original gifts, which are on display.

📍 Virginia War Museum
9285 Warwick Blvd.
🗓️ Wednesdays through Sundays
⏰ 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
🎟️ Included in regular admission price. Adults – $8.00; seniors (62 & older) – $7.00; children – (ages 7-18) – $6.00; family (immediate household only) – $20.00; $1.00 discount for military or AAA members with card.

Visit Newport News
City of Newport News, VA - Government

10/06/2026

A night of soul. A celebration of community.

Join Ash Ford with special guest Ned Harris as we celebrate 18 years of Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center and the arts that bring us together.

📅 Saturday, October 10 | 7–9:30 p.m.
📍 Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, Newport News

Make plans, bring someone, and enjoy an evening of live music.

Tickets and details at downinggross.org

Celebrate nearly two decades of community and culture as Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, 2410 Wickham Ave in Newport...
10/05/2026

Celebrate nearly two decades of community and culture as Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, 2410 Wickham Ave in Newport News, marks its 18th anniversary with an incredible night of live music featuring the soulful sounds of Ash Ford and special guest Ned Harris in the Ella Fitzgerald Theater.

The concert is set for this Saturday, October 10, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Downing-Gross.org.

📍 Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center - Ella Fitzgerald Theater
2410 Wickham Ave., Newport News
🗓️ Saturday, October 10
⏰ 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
🎟️ $25

Visit Newport News
City of Newport News, VA - Government

Sunday’s Fall-O-Ween is cancelled due to inclement weather. Thank you for coming out Saturday. Stay tuned to our Faceboo...
10/04/2026

Sunday’s Fall-O-Ween is cancelled due to inclement weather. Thank you for coming out Saturday. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Instagram pages for updates on future events, including our holiday schedule. We look forward to seeing you throughout the holiday season and at next year’s Fall-O-Ween!

Visit Newport News
City of Newport News, VA - Government

Do you have plans for October 10th? You do now! Join us in the Ella Fitzgerald Theater to celebrate 18 years of Downing-...
10/03/2026

Do you have plans for October 10th? You do now! Join us in the Ella Fitzgerald Theater to celebrate 18 years of Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center! Located at 2410 Wickham Ave in Newport News.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased through the link in the DGCAC bio or at Downing-Gross.org.

Introducing Ash Ford:
Ash is a singer, songwriter, and vocal arranger whose sound blends soulful storytelling with modern edge. Originally from Alabama and now based in Boston, Ash brings Southern roots and city influence together to create music that feels both intimate and expansive. With a strong focus on vocal layering and emotion-driven songwriting, her work explores themes of faith, healing, and growth.

Get to know our opener, Ned Harris:
Born in Albany, Georgia and residing in Hampton Roads, Ned Harris began singing at the age of 5, joined his church choir at the age of 11, and began performing with his community theater before he was old enough to vote or drink legally. Influenced by the Motown music that his parents kept in rotation during car rides around Albany, Ned fell in love with the era and is still influenced by the Motown sound to this day.

📍 Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center - Ella Fitzgerald Theater
2410 Wickham Ave., Newport News
🗓️ Saturday, October 10
⏰ 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day
🎟️ $25

Visit Newport News
City of Newport News, VA - Government

Sunday’s Fall-O-Ween is cancelled due to inclement weather. Thank you for coming out Saturday. Stay tuned to our Faceboo...
10/03/2026

Sunday’s Fall-O-Ween is cancelled due to inclement weather. Thank you for coming out Saturday. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Instagram pages for updates on future events, including our holiday schedule. We look forward to seeing you throughout the holiday season and at next year’s Fall-O-Ween!

City of Newport News, VA - Government
Visit Newport News

Address

700 Town Center Drive, Ste 320
Newport News, VA
23606

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+17579261400

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