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
Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger, Lt. Gov.-elect Ghazala Hashmi, and Attorney General-elect Jay Jones will be sworn in Saturday at noon, returning executive power in Virginia to the Democrats.
Watch related coverage: Youngkin delivers final State of the Commonwealth address
"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, 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.
