RICHMOND, Va. — Virginians are gathering in Richmond to witness the inauguration of Virginia's first female governor on Saturday at noon.
The historic event will see a full weekend of events leading up to and following her inaugural address on Saturday at noon. News 3 will stream the event live on wtkr.com, Facebook, and our streaming apps for Roku, Apple TV, Android TV and Fire Stick.
Politics
What to expect ahead of Spanberger's inauguration
"United for Virginia's Future" is the theme for this weekend's inauguration. The swearing-in ceremony itself will take place on Saturday, but the scheduled events will run from Friday to Sunday.
Saturday, 2:45 p.m. — Spanberger signs 10 executive orders
Newly sworn-in Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed 10 executive orders in her first official act at the Virginia State Capitol.
Three of the orders target reducing cost-of-living expenses for Virginia families, bringing down healthcare costs and making it easier to build more housing. Other orders will impact Virginia's public schools and the way police enforce some immigration laws.
Saturday, 1:55 p.m. — Norfolk State University's Spartan "Legion" Marching Band closes out inaugural parade
Saturday, 1:00 p.m. — Inaugural parade kicks off following Spanberger's remarks
Performances are making their way through Capitol Square. Norfolk State University's Marching Band will close out the inaugural parade.
Saturday, 12:30 p.m. — Gov. Abigail Spanberger delivers remarks after being sworn in
Spanberger's inaugural address highlighted Virginia's history and her plans for the future. The newly-sworn in governor reflected on the importance of her becoming the first woman to lead the commonwealth.
"The history and the gravity of this moment are not lost on me — I maintain an abiding sense of gratitude to those who worked generation after generation to ensure women could be among those casting ballots, but who could only dream of a day like today," Spanberger said.
Politics
Full remarks: Gov. Abigail Spanberger delivers inaugural address
Saturday, 12:15 p.m. — Spanberger takes oath to become the 75th governor of Virginia
Saturday, noon — Spanberger, Hashmi, Jones take the inaugural stage ahead of the swearing-in ceremony
Saturday, 11:30 a.m. — Hampton NAACP President Gaylene Kanoyton speaks on significance of Virginia's first female governor
Spanberger's inauguration is minutes away. News 3 spoke with Kanoyton to discuss the larger meaning behind this historic event.
"You know, women turned out in large numbers to vote, and we need representation for everyone, and to have the first female governor in Virginia means a lot because it brings a different perspective to the office and it opens doors for other little girls to become governors," Kanoyton said.
Saturday, 10:46 a.m. — Attendees gather ahead of Spanberger's inauguration
The ceremony is set to begin at noon. The invocation will be led by Father Jim Curran from the Basilica of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Norfolk. The Star-Spangled Banner will then be performed by the Hampton University Concert Choir.
Saturday, 7:05 a.m. — News 3's Brendan Ponton previews next steps for Virginia Democrats
Saturday, 7:00 a.m. — Road closures begin in anticipation of Spanberger's inauguration
The closures will begin at 7 a.m. and are expected to reopen by 4 p.m. Signs are already posted in the affected areas.
The following streets will be closed:
- Eastbound Broad Street (9th to 14th)
- 8th Street (Broad to Grace)
- 9th Street (Broad to Main)
- Bank Street (9th to 12th)
- 14th Street (Broad to Main)
- Grace Street (8th to 9th)
Friday, 7:30 p.m. — Pusha T takes the stage in Richmond
Virginia Beach hip hop legend and 2026 Grammy nominee Pusha T was the headlining performance on Friday. Spanberger introduced Pusha T to an excited crowd in Richmond.
Friday, 4:30 p.m. — News 3's Jessica Larché provides a live look at the Made in Virginia Market
Friday, 3 p.m. — Made in Virginia Market event kicks off
News
Inauguration weekend kicks off with 'Made in Virginia Market' event
Over 40 local vendors were featured at the 17th Street Market.
All vendors at the market are Virginia-based businesses, offering everything from clothing and books to unique jewelry and food from local trucks and restaurants.
Friday, noon — News 3's Jessica Larché and Brendan Ponton arrive in Richmond
Risers are now in place around the state capitol. Preparations have begun for the Made in Virginia Market event, which is set to begin at 3 p.m.
Icely + Friends, Made in Norfolk, Magnusson's, and Overtime Creations are among the Hampton Roads businesses slated to be present at this event, which will take place at the 17th Street Market.
News 3 will and our sister station CBS 6 in Richmond are collaborating on coverage of the weekend's events on air and online.
