NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The Newport News City Council has approved a $3.03 million grant to launch a major music and culture festival set for Memorial Day weekend in 2026.

City officials say the event is designed to boost downtown revitalization and spotlight the city’s future as a hub where technology, culture, and business intersect. The festival is expected to feature international musical acts, business and tech leaders, large-scale art installations, community workshops, and hands-on technology exhibits. Youth and community programming will take place both before and after the main Memorial Day weekend event.

Mayor Phillip Jones said the festival is part of the city’s plan to compete for regional tourism dollars, projecting more than $3 million in economic impact.

“By strategically inv

See Full Page