It’s midweek in midsummer, stay cool with the latest NFK happenings:

From Presidential Races to Personal Triumphs: The Norfolk Forum's 2024-25 Season Explores the Human Experience

The Norfolk Forum, the nation's OG public speaker's forum (yes, it is the oldest), is back to shake things up with its 2024-25 season. First up, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jon Meacham will spill the tea on "The Ultimate Choice: Lessons from the History of Epic Presidential Races." It should be a timely exploration of American leadership and politics.

Next, bestselling author Erik Larson will take us on a wild ride through history. Buckle up as he unravels captivating stories from the past with his signature wit and charm. Larson, the bestselling author renowned for his meticulous research and narrative flair will surely transport audiences through some of history's most compelling moments.

But wait, there's more! Two-time Olympic gold medalist and hometown hero Angela Hucles Mangano will hit the stage to share her incredible journey from local soccer fields to the world's biggest arenas. Her grit, determination, and passion for the game will undoubtedly resonate with audiences of all ages.

And last but not least, Bob and Lee Woodruff will take us on an emotional rollercoaster as they share their powerful story of resilience and recovery after Bob's injury in Iraq. Brace yourself for a heartwarming and inspiring tale of love, loss, and the unwavering strength of the human spirit.

With its diverse lineup of thought leaders, authors, and personalities, the 2024-25 season of The Norfolk Forum promises to be an unforgettable experience.

A set of full season tickets for four people is just $170

Mark Your Calendars:
Jon Meacham: September 25, 2024
Erik Larson: November 12, 2024
Angela Hucles Mangano: February 18, 2025
Bob and Lee Woodruff: April 29, 2025

Hermitage Handmade Festival Returns: A Celebration of Local Artisans

The Hermitage Museum & Gardens has announced the return of its beloved Hermitage Handmade Festival on Saturday, September 21st, from 11 am to 4 pm. This isn't your average craft fair – it's a vibrant celebration of the region's most talented artisans and creators.

Get ready to shop 'til you drop for one-of-a-kind treasures, from ceramics and paper arts to fibers, metals, glass, and more. You'll find the perfect unique gift or a special treat for yourself. And when you need a break from browsing, indulge in delicious eats and treats from a diverse selection of regional food trucks and vendors.

But the Hermitage Handmade Festival is more than just shopping and snacking. It's an immersive experience where you can witness the creative process firsthand. Watch live demonstrations by skilled artisans and even try your hand at art-making activities at the newly renovated Goode Family Visual Arts School.

Calling all artists! The Hermitage is still accepting applications from high-quality arts and crafts vendors who want to showcase their work at the festival. If you're a talented creator, don't miss this opportunity to connect with a passionate audience and potentially win cash prizes.

So mark your calendars and join us for a day filled with art, food, and fun at the Hermitage Handmade Festival. It's the perfect way to celebrate the creativity and craftsmanship of our community.

For more information and to apply as a vendor, visit the Hermitage website.

📆 Next Three Days of Events📆 

WEDNESDAY:
Klassic Doughnut Wednesday at Cova Brewing Company. 7:00 AM. Rip it.
Introduction To Digital Photography Class at The Goode Family Visual Arts School. 10:00 AM. Rip it.
Senior's Steelpan Class at MacArthur Center. 11:00 AM. Rip it. 
Gallery Talk “Healing The Earth: The Perfect Garden” At Norfolk Botanical Garden. 2:00 Pm. Rip it.
Summer Market at Afterglow Brewing. 3:00 pm. Rip it.
Ghent Business Association Happy Hour. 4:30 pm. Rip it.
Wednesday Wordsmiths! at The Muse Writers Center. 5:00 PM. Rip it.
Trivia Night at Smartmouth. 6:00 PM. Rip it.
Mosaic Academy Norfolk at MacArthur Center. 6:00 PM. Rip it. 
Fireside Jams at Elation Brewing. 6:00 PM. Rip it.
Stretch & Ride at Slow & Steady Bikes and Goods. 6:00 PM. Rip it.
Lidded Pot Composition Workshop at  The Goode Family Visual Arts School. 6:00 PM. Rip it.
Wednesday Boardgame Night at  Atlantis Games & Comics. 6:00 PM. Rip it.
Norfolk Run Club Wednesday Meetup at Afterglow. 6:20 PM. Rip it.
D&D Game Night at Atlantis Games & Comics. 6:30 PM. Rip it.
Music Bingo at Sanctuary Lamberts Point. 6:30 PM. Rip it.
Wednesday Night Yu-Gi-Oh! at Atlantis Games & Comics. 6:30 PM. Rip it.
Frank from SBJ performs live at Grain. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
Slow Flow Yoga & Wine Tasting with Sky's The Limit at Eleanor's Norfolk. 7:15 PM. Rip it.
Wednesday Sunset Yoga near the Pagoda. 7:30 PM. Rip it.
Trivia Night at MJ's Tavern. 7:00 PM. Rip it.
Trivia Night at Torch Bistro. 7:00 PM. Rip it.
Wednesday Night Trivia at Stockpot Norfolk. 7:00 PM. Rip it.

THURSDAY:
Help Build A New Wetland w/ Elizabeth River Project. 8:00 am. Rip it.
Fairy & Gnome Summer Homes at Norfolk Botanical Garden. 10:00 AM. Rip it.
Tots on the Trails at Bay Oaks Park. 10:00 AM. Rip it.
Surviving Through Mental Health at Attucks Theatre. 5:00 PM. Rip it.
Sunset Sip & Paint at Ryan Resilience Lab. 5:00 PM. Rip it.
6th Annual Monarch Cobia Classic at ODU Sailing Center. 5:00 pm. Rip it.
Open Mic Night at Cova Brewing Company. 6:00 PM. Rip it.
Drink & Draw at the Birch. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Ocean View Run Club Group Run / Walk at Willoughby Fish House. 6:00 PM. Rip it.
MUG - nificent Paint Pouring at  Benchtop Brewing Company . 6:00 PM. Rip it.
Active Adults Steelpan Class at MacArthur Center. 6:30 PM. Rip it.
Crazy DJ Music Bingo at Smartmouth Beer. 6:30 PM. Rip it.
Trivia Night at Elation Brewing. 6:30 PM. Rip it.
Digimon TCG Weekly Tournament at Atlantis Games & Comics. 6:30 PM. Rip it.
Attack of the Rookies at Push Comedy Theater. 7:00 PM. Rip it.
Pottery Studio: Intro to the Wheel with Evan at 757 Makerspace. 7:00 PM. Rip it.
Trivia Night at Hank's Filling Station. 7:00 PM. Rip it.
Trivia Night at Baxter's. 7:00 PM. Rip it.
Trivia Night at Bold Mariner Brewing. 7:00 PM. Rip it.
Sebastian Maniscalco It Ain't Right Tour 2024 at Scope Arena. 7:30 PM. Rip it.
Don Bunch Plays at  Grace O'Malley's Irish Pub & Restaurant. 7:30 PM. Rip it.
Garden Stars at Norfolk Botanical Garden. 8:30 PM. Rip it.
Thrilling Thursday Evening Ride at East Coast Bicycles. 6:00 PM. Rip it. 
The Portsmouth Jazz Experience performs live at Chicho’s Backstage. 8:00 pm. Rip it. 
Line Dancing Lessons at PBR. 8:30 pm. Rip it.
Performers Playground Stage Workshop at The Venue on 35th. 9:00 PM. Rip it.
ETC3 performs live at Grain. 9:00 pm. Rip it. 
Triple Threat Thursdays Drag Show at 37th & Zen. 9:30 PM. Rip it.

FRIDAY:
Norfolk Run Club Friday Meetup at Yorgo's Bageldashery . 6:00 am. Rip it 
Sunrise Yoga + Coffee on The River at Pagoda & Oriental Garden. 6:30 am. Rip it 
Norfolk Book Crawl. 8:00 am. Rip it 
Art A La Carte at Barron F Black Library. 11:30 am. Rip it 
1 Year Anniversary Party Weekend at Afterglow Brewing. 2:00 pm. Rip it 
Family Adventure Storytime at The Slover. 3:00 pm. Rip it 
Creative Writing 101 for Teens at Mary D Pretlow Anchor Branch Library. 3:00 pm. Rip it 
Pop Up: Freedom Boat Club at Cova Brewing Company. 4:30 pm. Rip it
Friday Night Live: Dan Pellegrino at Cova Brewing Company . 6:00 pm. Rip it 
Ben Long performs live at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 6:00 pm. Rip it 
Friday Night Magic: Commander at Atlantis Games & Comics. 6:00 pm. Rip it 
Mediterranean Climate Wines Tasting at Vino Culture. 7:00 pm. Rip it.
The Muse Neighborhood Jam at The Muse Writers Center. 7:00 pm. Rip it
Family Twilight Trek at Norfolk Botanical Garden. 7:30 pm. Rip it  
Friday Night Magic: Draft at Atlantis Games & Comics. 7:30 pm. Rip it 
How the West Was Improvised: The Made Up Western at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it
Don Bunch Plays at Grace O'Malley's Irish Pub & Restaurant. 8:30 pm. Rip it 
Aaron Fulcher performs live at Grain. 9:00 pm. Rip it.
Flashback: The Fifth Element at the Naro Cinema. 9:15 pm. Rip it.
Tales from the Campfire at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip

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