With so many openings and events delayed or canceled because of COVID-19 it’s nice to hear of something running ahead of schedule. The Virginia Beach Sports Center, a $68 million, state-of-the-art, indoor sports facility on 19th Street came together in just two years and opened a month ahead of schedule last Thursday. It boasts 12 basketball courts that transform into 24 volleyball courts and a 200-meter hydraulic track that meets NCAA standards. It already has 54 events booked for year one, and despite the pandemic’s damper on live sports, it looks like this might already become a success story. 

There’s a new bike shop in Norfolk–and it comes with coffee! Local Bike Shop NFK quietly opened its doors just over a week ago at 2406 Colley Ave in the Railroad District with the goal of giving back to the local community and growing the local bike culture in Norfolk and beyond. DM them to schedule a time to swing by for repairs, learn how to work on your own bike or to look at some bikes for sale. They’ve got a constantly growing fleet of previously pedaled cycles ready to hit the streets at an affordable price. Follow them for group rides, event announcements, open shop nights and more.
Their space also houses Prescription Coffee, a full-service coffee shop with a goal of “Finding the cure for the common coffee.” Their hours vary, so follow them on Insta for the most up-to-date ones.

Meet the Contemporary Arts Network creatives and other brand owners at the Break Bread Pop-up. This Saturday from noon-5 p.m. at the Contemporary Arts Network (CAN) hear the details of the stories behind the brands of the featured creators in the Daily Bread Boutique and participate in the live audience for the Break Bread podcast. They will also host a Food Drive to benefit the Virginia Peninsula Food Bank, so bring two cans and receive a raffle ticket to win a prize.

Spend a socially-distant evening with The Chrysler Museum of Art’s newest art exhibit exploring togetherness. Four themes–Together in Celebration, Together in Purpose, Together in Justice, and Together in Love–will display the many ways artists explore the joys and complexities of “coming together” and showcase how activities, celebrations, demonstrations, love and family link communities. The exhibition opened Sunday and features more than 100 works of art drawn from the Chrysler’s collection and digital photography submitted by members of the community. It offers the opportunity to see many works from the Chrysler’s collection rarely on view, including photography, paintings, sculpture and installation works. Reserve (free!) tickets online for Tuesday through Sunday to maintain a safe limited capacity in the museum. 

Raise a glass at the Sandler Center Foundation’s Octoberfest this Saturday to benefit the local performing arts community. Purchase in-person or virtual tickets in advance for $50 each with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the cause. New Realm Brewing Company will host the event from 1-3 p.m. with live music provided by the wonderful Williamsburg-based big amp jazz band Good Shot Judy. 

It’s that time of year again–ZooBoo! The biggest zoo event of the year, ZooBoo offers a variety of safe, family friendly, fall-fun activities, including animal pumpkin encounters, “Keeper Chats,” costume contests, crafts, ZooLive! Stage presentations, candy stations (an absolute necessity!) and more. Food and beverage available at various locations for an additional cost. Get your tickets ASAP – they sell out lighting fast. This year ZooBoo is Saturday, October 24th and Sunday October 25th from 10am – 5pm.

Zipline through the trees at night to music at The Adventure Park. Friday and Saturday only enjoy a Fall Festival Glow in the Park from 5-9 p.m. You definitely want to attend this glow-in-the-dark. high-ropes-course adventure. Personally, I’m scared of heights, but even I had a blast climbing in the treetops the last time I went. Don’t forget to reserve your ticket online before they’re gone.