NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The inaugural Noodle the Thinkers Convention brought music, entrepreneurship and entertainment to Newport News over Memorial Day weekend, drawing thousands of attendees and sparking mixed reactions about its overall impact on the city.
The large-scale event, held in the Yard District, featured appearances and performances from artists including Chance the Rapper, CeeLo Green and Aloe Blacc. Organizers promoted the convention for months as a cultural and economic opportunity designed to spotlight entertainment, innovation and entrepreneurship in Newport News.
The city partnered with the Port Warwick Foundation and Global Music Touring Productions to bring the event to life, investing approximately $3 million into the effort…