Good morning, Virginia Beach.

Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation kicked off its Parks After Dark program last Thursday night at Williams Farm Park to offer safe, fun activities that help curb summer youth violence.

The free program will run most Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays until Aug. 23 — featuring arts and crafts, sports, and more while the first 400 arrivals received a food ticket voucher.

Officials reported that Pungo Ferry Road was closed from Blackwater Road to Princess Anne Road on Thursday morning after a vehicle crash prompted a police response — no additional details were provided.

Virginia Beach City Council is reviewing options to reduce crime at the Oceanfront after Chief Paul Neudigate shared statistics showing a 33% increase in violent crimes from last year, and they will soon hold a meeting to gather public input on changes such as limiting parking or adjusting curfew rules (the Atlantic Avenue Association voiced concerns over extending the curfew).

A six-year-old boy fighting Wilms tumor was surprised with a new playset built in his backyard by volunteers from Roc Solid Foundation and Atlantic Bay Mortgage on Thursday — his family organized a breakfast outing so he would not know about the plans.

The gift offers him a small escape while he continues his treatment at CHKD.

At the Virginia Arts Festival symposium, opera singer Renée Fleming and experts from Sentara Healthcare and Eastern Virginia Medical School said creative arts therapies helped treat conditions like depression, PTSD, and Parkinson's symptoms.

They explained that music and art improved mood and motor planning while offering a low-cost alternative to medication.

Indie Artist Weekend

10 AM – 2 PM, 4 PM — Family Fun Xperience Theatre — $20-$100 — A weekend of empowerment and entertainment for independent gospel artists and entrepreneurs.

94th A.R.E. Members Congress: Happiness…Abide in Infinite Love

12 PM – 12 AM — A.R.E. Visitor Center — Registration required — A week-long celebration focused on inspiration, connection, and love.

Music Bingo Night

7 p.m. — The Shack — Free entry — Test your music knowledge in a fun bingo format while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of The Shack.

Oceanfront Concert Series: The Wonder Years

7-10 p.m. — 17th Street Park — Free entry — Enjoy performances from nationally recognized artists at Virginia Beach's scenic oceanfront.

Jokeaday Comedy Showcase

7-11 p.m. — Dave & Buster's Virginia Beach — Cash prizes for crowd favorites — Enjoy a night of laughter with aspiring and local comedians.

Live Music at Surf Club Ocean Grille

7-10 p.m. — Surf Club Ocean Grille — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of tunes with the Michael Clark Band while sipping on drinks during happy hour.

Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show

6-9 p.m. — Apex Entertainment Virginia Beach — $69.99 + taxes & fees — Experience a hilarious murder mystery while enjoying a fantastic dinner!

Charlie Hunter: Corey Fonville Organ Trio

7-11 p.m. — The Roads Bistro — Check event page for cost — Experience the innovative sounds of jazz legend Charlie Hunter and his trio.

Summer Camp for Teens at FACT

8:40 AM – 3:20 PM — FACT Autism Resource Center — Registration required — Experience a fun-filled day camp designed for teens with autism featuring swimming, field trips, and peer friendship.

Toddler Tuesday Fun

10:30-11:30 a.m. — Sage Kitchen — $10 per child — Explore story time and activities designed for toddlers under 5 while enjoying lunch.

Creative Expressions Performing Arts Camp with UPAC at The Z

Step into the spotlight July 8th-19th and unleash your creativity at Creative Expressions Performing Arts Camp, the ultimate summer experience for arts-enthusiasts in 3rd to 8th grade! The Underground Performing Arts Collective (UPAC) and The Z offer this innovative camp as a unique opportunity for young performers to explore their talents in music, dance, and drama, and collaborate to develop an original performance.