Events & Festivals in Norfolk

Local restaurants citywide roll out special prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner. This is your excuse to explore Norfolk's full dining range, from classic American joints to international kitchens. Higher-end spots become accessible. The price point drops. Reservations fill fast. Book ahead.

The Virginia Opera calls Norfolk home. Their major productions develop at the Harrison Opera House. Expect classic Italian works or contemporary American pieces. The interior sets a formal, elegant tone. Performances run in the original language with English subtitles projected.

Marching bands, floats, and community groups roll through downtown streets in a massive parade. Afterward, a block party takes over with live music, Irish dancers, and food vendors. Daytime feels family-friendly. Night shifts adult. The festival area sits behind a fence. Admission required.

This military music spectacle draws drill teams, pipe bands, and performers from around the globe. Scope Arena hosts precision marching, bagpipes, and dramatic lighting. The event honors service and international friendship. It sells out months ahead.

The museum's primary annual fundraiser is this. Contemporary art is featured. Live entertainment plays. Fine dining is served. Auctions run. Norfolk's arts patrons attend. Supporters attend. The dress code is formal. Creative black-tie works too. This is one of the city's premier social events.

Ghent neighborhood hosts this fine arts and crafts show. Regional artists display painting, pottery, jewelry, and glass in a park setting. Acoustic music plays. Local cafes feed the crowd. The mood stays relaxed and upscale. Families browse. Buyers shop.

This event opens the NEON district. Galleries participate. Studios participate. Boutiques participate. The full name is New Energy of Norfolk. An evening of art viewing develops. Live music plays. Refreshments flow. The walk is self-guided. The city's creative community shows its edge. The vibe is trendy. It is informal.

Tall ships, naval vessels, and harbor tours anchor this multi-day waterfront celebration on the Elizabeth River. Live music stages, massive fireworks over the water, and family activities fill the schedule. The mood turns patriotic and nautical. Crowds pack Town Point Park. Most daytime events cost nothing.

Louisiana lands in Norfolk. Zydeco and Cajun bands play. Crawfish boils run all day. Vendors serve gumbo, po'boys, and beignets along the Freemason District canal. The crowd dances. The food burns. Bring a blanket. Claim grass. Admission covers the main grounds.

Patriotic music, food trucks, and family games fill the day. One of the region's largest fireworks displays launches from an Elizabeth River barge after dark. Town Point Park and surrounding streets swell with crowds. The choreographed finale caps a classic American celebration. General admission costs nothing.

Norfolk's NATO headquarters role takes center stage. A parade of nations, cultural displays, and international food and music develop across downtown venues and the NATO jetty. The festival spotlights the city's global military ties and diplomatic community. Most events are free and open.

National and regional jazz, R&B, and soul acts play an outdoor stage across one summer weekend. The harbor frames the backdrop. Attendees bring chairs and blankets. The crowd skews adult and laid-back. Reserved seating requires tickets. Lawn access runs cheaper.

The Chesapeake Bay's maritime heritage takes center stage. Boatbuilders demonstrate their craft. Traditional music plays. Seafood cooking happens. Children's activities focus on the water. This is educational. It is hands-on. A waterfront museum site hosts it. Preservation matters here. Craft matters here.

This free festival ranks among the East Coast's largest for children. Town Point Park fills with hands-on activities, stage shows, giant inflatables, and educational exhibits. The target age is under twelve. Energy runs high. Chaos is part of the fun. Something happens everywhere you look.

Wineries from near and far pitch tasting tents right in Ghent's core. Live music plays. Artisan food vendors sell their goods. Craft demonstrations run throughout the day. This is a social, walkable event. Attendees sample wines from a wide variety of producers. Your ticket gets you a commemorative glass and tasting tickets.

A historic estate hosts this family-friendly fair. Local artisans display their work. Kids paint pumpkins. Folk musicians perform live. Guided tours cover the museum and gardens. Food trucks serve hungry visitors. A beer garden operates on site. The Lafayette River frames everything. This makes for a scenic autumn outing. Admission is charged.

The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church runs this festival. Authentic Greek food dominates the menu. Think gyros. Think spanakopita. Think baklava. Live Greek music plays. Dancers perform. Church tours run. A marketplace sells goods. The atmosphere feels warm. It feels communal. Everyone is welcome. Locals love this tradition. The food and culture draw them back yearly.

This is the autumn edition. The popular Ghent arts festival returns with new artists. A seasonal theme often applies. Fall weather is crisp. Leaves change in the park. This creates a beautiful backdrop. Browse fine crafts. Browse paintings. Food options shift toward hearty autumn fare.

Professional hockey runs fall through spring. Home games happen at Norfolk Scope. The pace is fast. The atmosphere is family-friendly. Loud music plays. Promotions run. Fans interact with the action. This is an affordable night out. It is exciting. Weekend matches deliver.

This evening parade launches the holiday season. Illuminated floats roll by. Marching bands play. Giant balloons float down Granby Street. The theme is nautical. It is festive. Ships appear on floats. Sea creatures glow with lights. Families bundle up for the crisp weather. The crowds are large.

Downtown Norfolk's holiday decorations get their official lighting here. Local dignitaries attend. Choirs sing. A countdown leads to the moment. Trees illuminate. Buildings around the mall's perimeter light up. The ceremony is short. It is sweet. It marks the start of downtown holiday shopping.

This concert event is major. National R&B, hip-hop, or gospel acts headline. It is part of NSU's homecoming week. Energy runs high. Students turn out. Alumni turn out. The local community turns out. A large campus venue hosts it. Tickets are required.

The garden becomes something else entirely. Thousands of holiday lights form thematic displays along a walking trail. Model train exhibits run. Holiday music plays. Warm drinks are available. The experience feels peaceful. It feels charming. All ages enjoy it. Tickets are for timed entry.

This is a Norfolk holiday tradition. Tchaikovsky's classic ballet comes to Chrysler Hall. The production is professional. Costumes are lavish. A live orchestra plays. Local student dancers perform alongside professionals. The outing is formal. It is memorable. Families attend. Ballet enthusiasts attend.

This New Year's Eve celebration is family-oriented. It is alcohol-free. Multiple stages host live music. Comedy acts perform. Children's activities run. Interactive art fills downtown venues. An early countdown happens. Fireworks follow. All ages can enjoy this. A button purchase grants access to all indoor venues.