Newport News is making a move. On May 22–23, the city will host NOODLE: The Thinkers Convention, a two-day event at Victory Landing Park along the Yard District waterfront that blends live music, speaker sessions, and cultural programming into one experience. It's the first event of its kind in the Hampton Roads area — and this week, organizers updated the ticketing structure: general admission is now free to attend.
What the Convention Actually Is
NOODLE started as an idea from Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones — a way to bring a nationally scaled, high-impact event to his city. Co-produced by Antonio Dowe of Global Music Touring, the convention is built around the premise that culture, commerce, and innovation belong in the same room. The name is intentional: to noodle means to think, and the programming reflects that — equal parts performance and substance.
The event is designed to be multigenerational and cross-industry, drawing attendees from across Virginia and beyond.
Hampton Roads has never hosted an event quite like this.
— Antonio Dowe, Co-Founder, Global Music TouringThe Lineup
The talent roster covers a lot of ground. On the music and performance side, expect Chance the Rapper, CeeLo Green, Aloe Blacc, Jermaine Dupri, James Fauntleroy, The D.O.C., Maejor, and spoken word artist Jasmine Mans. The speaker slate brings Daymond John (FUBU founder, Shark Tank), Megan Henshall (founder of Google XI), Aisha Bowe (aerospace engineer and astronaut), Daanish Masood (AI researcher and former UN technologist), and Felecia Hatcher, among others. Terrence J. and Taryn Southern round out a lineup that moves between entertainment, entrepreneurship, science, and design without losing the thread.
How the Weekend Is Structured
Friday, May 22 opens at noon with community activations, vendor experiences, and opening programming. Saturday, May 23 is the full day — speaker sessions and panels run through the afternoon, transitioning into live performances in the evening. All programming takes place at Victory Landing Park, with additional activations throughout the Yard District. The event is all ages.
On Tickets
General admission is free and covers full access to all talks, performances, general viewing areas, and vendors — the complete programming experience at no cost. Registration is required at noodlecon.com. VIP All-Access is available for $240 with an elevated experience on top.
- All talks & performances
- General viewing areas
- Full programming access
- Standard amenities & vendors
- Dedicated VIP entry lane
- VIP Lounge at Main Stage
- Elevated viewing platform & seating
- Private restroom trailer
- Discounted VIP bar
- On-site charging stations
- VIP laminate credential
- Keepsake gift bag
The Bigger Picture
The convention represents a $3 million investment in Newport News, with city leadership framing it as both an economic and cultural statement. Community conversation has centered on how the event's impact will reach local small businesses in the Yard District — organizers say programming around financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and access to funding opportunities is part of the weekend's agenda.
For anyone within driving distance of Hampton Roads, the window to register is open.