Newport News music festival set for Memorial Day weekend 2026

Newport News City Council on Tuesday approved a roughly $3 million grant to support the launch of a major music festival coming Memorial Day Weekend 2026, aimed at boosting tourism, igniting interest in downtown and supporting area businesses.

The city says the event, designed to be a “significant regional attraction,” will feature internationally recognized musical artists and Hampton Roads community leaders. The festival will feature performances, conversations, large-scale art installations, interactive community workshops, hands-on tech experiences and cultural and business showcases.

Although the main festival will be held over Memorial Day weekend, youth and community activities will start earlier and continue afterward.

“This festival marks the next step in Newport News‘ growth as we compete for regional tourism dollars,” said Mayor Phillip Jones in a statement. “By strategically investing in economic development, we are creating an event that highlights future projects in our city, with a goal of generating more than $3 million in economic impact.”

Jones first suggested launching a major festival in January, during a City Council retreat.

He said the city’s $3 million investment was possible because of a year-end surplus and that the city will be seeking corporate sponsors to help grow and expand the festival.

Newport News has partnered with the Port Warwick Foundation, a nonprofit with experience producing public events in Newport News, to facilitate efforts launching the festival.

“Our goal is to help create a platform where residents, artists and innovators can come together in meaningful ways,” said Laura Fisher, executive director of the Port Warwick Foundation, in a statement. “This festival is designed to open doors—for creativity, for connection and for community pride.”

The city says the 2026 event will be produced in partnership with Global Music Touring, a national promoter known for delivering large-scale cultural and music festivals, including the Norfolk Cousinz Festival.

The agreement between the city and the foundation includes accountability requirements, reporting timelines, insurance and risk-management controls, audit provisions and a requirement to return unspent funds. The city says this will ensure that taxpayer dollars “are used transparently and effectively.”

The city said more information about the festival will be released at a later time, as planning progresses.