❤️ What's happening this weekend in the 757

Heat emergency in effect through Sunday. The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning across Hampton Roads through the holiday weekend, with heat indices forecast to reach 105–115°F. Governor Youngkin has declared a state of emergency. Hydrate early and often, limit outdoor time during peak heat hours (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and check on neighbors and family members who may lack air conditioning. Cooling centers are open throughout the region.

Ocean View swim advisory. Nine Ocean View beaches are under a water quality advisory due to elevated bacteria levels exceeding water quality standards. Swimming is not recommended until further notice.

Good morning, 757!

On July 3, 1776, John Adams wrote to Abigail predicting that the holiday would one day be marked with "pomp and parade, with bonfires and illuminations from one end of the continent to the other." He was off by a day (he thought the Second was going to be the one), and 250 years later the illuminations are going to look a little different at a heat index of 110 degrees. But the man was right about the party.

This weekend, the very ground where the Revolution ended is celebrating at full volume. Colonial Williamsburg is marking America's 250th with fireworks and 18th-century programming. Yorktown is doing the same at the waterfront where Cornwallis surrendered. Norfolk has back-to-back fireworks shows on Friday and Saturday. And somehow Judy Collins is playing Williamsburg on the Fourth. Here's your full plan.

Here's what's inside:

Let's get to it.

— Josh

🎆 Fourth of July at Colonial Williamsburg runs through the holiday weekend with 18th-century patriotic programming, costumed interpreters, and Friday night fireworks over the Historic Area. A short drive down Colonial Parkway, the Liberty Celebration at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown brings living-history demonstrations and a ceremony at the waterfront, followed by the Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular lighting up the York River after dark, over the same water where Cornwallis surrendered in 1781. With America turning 250 this year, these two sites are the most historically grounded place in the country to mark it. Plan a full day at either; parking fills early on the Fourth.

Fireworks over the Chesapeake Bay from Ocean View Beach Park, with live music and food vendors to kick off the long weekend. Free for everyone.

Atlanta R&B artist K Camp brings his Lottery-era sound to Waterside District for the Sounds of Summer series.

Newport News's professional soccer club hosts Hill City FC at City Center for a home match.

Suffolk puts its own spin on the July 4th weekend with the Hot Dog Festival and Market.

Race through the Yorktown Battlefield on the ground where the Revolution actually ended.

Norfolk's flagship Independence Day celebration at Town Point Park with live music, food, and the Elizabeth River fireworks show.

Newport News goes all out on the Fourth with Stars in the Sky at Victory Landing Park. Family activities, live entertainment, and fireworks over the James River.

Virginia Beach launches fireworks from three spots along the oceanfront at 7:30 p.m. Free, facing the Atlantic.

Folk legend Judy Collins brings the Sweet Judy Blue Eyes Tour to Williamsburg. Sixty years of "Both Sides Now" and "Send in the Clowns" on the Fourth.

Chesapeake marks America's 250th birthday with a community-wide celebration and family day.

BBQ and sprint car racing at Langley Speedway, capped off with fireworks.

Local artists, handmade goods, live music, and food vendors along Ocean View Avenue. Free.

Push Comedy Theater's summer show hands the mic to the villain. The wolf, the witch, and the magic beans finally get to tell their side.

Free live jazz at Ocean View Beach Park Sunday evening, 6 to 8 p.m. Bring a chair.

🌺 Norfolk Botanical Garden's corpse flower "Lady Macdeath" is approaching its bloom window this week — up to 48 hours of what botanists describe as the smell of decomposing flesh.

🏥 Batten University completed its acquisition of Sentara College of Health Sciences, bringing nursing and allied health degree programs to the Virginia Beach university.

🎸 Hawkins Guitar in Virginia Beach is a hands-on luthier school where students build an acoustic guitar from raw materials and leave with a finished instrument.

⚓ NATO's FLEETEX26 maritime exercise wrapped up in Hampton Roads, with Joint Forces Command hosting allied nations in one of the largest naval drills held in the region.

🛣️ A $310.2 million federal loan will accelerate the I-64 Express Lanes project, bringing dedicated express lanes between Hampton Roads' tunnel crossings closer to reality.

Thank you for reading The 757 Current! If you enjoyed this, share it with a friend.

— Josh