14 January 2026

Festivals in Norfolk

Norfolk plays host to plenty of extraordinary festivals and special events, providing entertaining and culturally enriched experiences for individuals and families alike. Many of these signature events draw thousands of visitors annually from across the world. Check out some of our favorite early spring and summer festivals in Norfolk, VA!

Spring 2026 Festivals

Virginia International Tattoo
Scope Arena – April 16–19, 2026

It’s no secret Norfolk has a serious appreciation for our military. After all, Norfolk is home to the largest naval base in the world. In 1997, the Virginia Arts Festival presented the city with what has now become a staple to Norfolk’s performing arts scene; The Virginia International Tattoo. This annual spectacular event showcases inspirational military music, majestic massed pipes and drums, show-stopping drill team maneuvers and hundreds of international performers! This display of military talent is incomparable to any other event, so don’t miss it.

Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival
Town Point Park – May 2-3, 2026

Winter is over, the bees are buzzing, and the locals are sipping their way through the Town Point Virginia Wine Festival. There’s no better way to spring into summer than by sampling Virginia vintages with the Elizabeth River as your backdrop. For a local’s secret, pack yourself a picnic and attend the festival on Sunday to avoid the long lines. So sip, swirl and enjoy the extraordinary taste of Virginia grapes!

Norfolk Greek Spring Festival
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
May 14-17, 2026

The Greek Festival in Norfolk is the region’s oldest and largest ethnic festival under one of the area’s largest tents. Festival goers look forward to lining up for irresistible, authentic Greek food, lively entertainment, an exceptional vendors’ market and mingling with friends old and new.

Bayou Bon Vivant: Cajun Music & Food Festival
Town Point Park – May 15-17, 2026

Festevents brings a taste of Louisiana to Norfolk with more than 8,000 pounds of Cajun crawfish at your fingertips! Have you always wanted to visit Cajun country or just simply miss good ole Louisiana cooking? Then come eat your way through the Bayou Bon Vivant: Cajun Music & Food Festival. From po’ boys to alligator sausages and all the beignets in between, this foodie festival will be sure to satisfy your Cajun craves.

Stockley Gardens Spring Arts Festival
Stockley Gardens – May 16-17, 2026

The Stockley Gardens Arts Festival welcomes artists from the U.S. and abroad to display their work in various mediums such as photography, pottery, sculpture, painting, mixed media, and jewelry. With free admission, the festival draws large crowds who appreciate the art, live music, food options, and community spirit. It takes place annually in the spring and fall.

Patriotic Festival
SCOPE ARENA – May 22-24, 2026

Patriotic Festival comes to the vibrant Norfolk waterfront on Memorial Day weekend. The mission of the Patriotic Festival is to honor and celebrate the branches of our armed forces and promote patriotism. Enjoy performances by Zach Top, Brooks and Dunn and the Red Clay Strays. All performances will take place at Scope Arena in Downtown Norfolk.

Summer FESTIVALS

Harborfest/Sail250r® Virginia
Town Point Park – June 18-22, 2026

Tis the season for fireworks, boating and all things outside! Harborfest is a must-attend event in Norfolk. The festival features the famous Parade of Sail, outdoor vendors, live music, delicious eats and drinks, plus a fabulous fireworks display on the beautiful Norfolk waterfront. The 2026 event also coincides with America’s 250th celebrations. Learn more here.

Juneteenth in the Park
Town Point Park – June 19, 2026

This event hosted by Festevents is free and open to the public!

Pridefest
Downtown block party – June 2026, EXACT DATE TBA

PrideFest has become a staple to Norfolk’s festival scene for over 30 years, making our city more dynamic, diverse and distinct than ever! This vibrant festival had a humble beginning at Lakewood Park and has now grown into one of the hottest events of the summer!

4th of July Great American Picnic & Fireworks
Town Point Park – July 4, 2026

What better place to celebrate Independence Day than in the heart of Norfolk? Town Point Park offers classic fare like hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue, seafood, buttered corn on the cob, juicy watermelon and lemonade! Fill up your plates, sit back and relax as you watch the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band kick off the holiday celebrations. Stick around until 9:30 for a spectacular fireworks display just over the Elizabeth River!

Latino Music Festival
Town Point Park- July 18, 2026

Every summer Town Point Park transforms into one giant dance floor. We encourage you to grab your favorite dance partner and join us for an evening of the hottest salsa, meringue and guaguanco dancing the East Coast has ever seen. Live explosive Latin music by local, regional and national recording artists will fill the park and have your feet dancing all night long. This cultural event will not only showcase stellar Latin beats but will also deliver the best Latin cuisine Norfolk has to offer.

Virginia Symphony Orchestra Concert in the Park
Town Point Park – July 19, 2026

Virginia’s pre-eminent professional symphony orchestra will appear in concert for a free evening Downtown Norfolk waterfront performance. This annual summer concert features national recording artists and includes gourmet artisan foods and beverages available for purchase.

Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival
Town Point Park – August 21-22, 2026

Pull up your lawn chair to the longest-running Jazz Festival in Norfolk and Hampton Roads! Chill on Norfolk’s waterfront while indulging in the tunes of sweet smooth Jazz and R&B. Jazz is arguably the truest art form of America, so let these talented musicians transform you into the era of the 1900s. Don’t forget to snack, drink and shop at the festival’s marketplace too!

CaribFest
Town Point Park – TBD September 2026

Come and experience the fusion of food, colors, creativity, incredible art and live, authentic Caribbean music along the waterside at Town Point Park! Watch the Parade of Bands full of stunning, vibrant colorful costumes with unique themes and music to get everyone moving. This Caribbean festival in Norfolk, VA only gets better with a full-blown concert of international artists on the main stage plus so much more.

NashFest 757
Town Point Park – September 12, 2026

Hot chicken, hard drinks, and Music City sounds! NashFest 757, a one-day festival celebrating the iconic culture and cuisine of Nashville is back and will take place in September 14, 2025 at Town Point Park along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront! Fusing together all of the elements that make Nashville one of America’s most popular cities, NashFest 757 will offer an experience similar to an evening stroll down Broadway, featuring national and local recording artists, mouth-watering hot chicken, barbecue, and biscuits, line dancing, craft beer and whiskey tastings, bull riding, and much more for what promises to be one of The 757’s hottest summer events!

FALL 2026 FESTIVALS

Virginia Children’s Festival
Town Point Park – October 3, 2026

Coastal Virginia’s most beloved family festival is filled with more than 100 creative and interactive activities, storytelling, hands-on workshops and educational displays, cultural experiences, arts and crafts, costumed characters and more! Parents and children alike can frolic through the many imagination stations, shows and displays that are on site. Then visit the multiple exhibitions and activities that are sure to get the creative juices flowing.

Fall Town Point Virginia Wine Festival
Town Point Park – October 17-18, 2026

Back again, the Town Point Virginia Wine Festival is a fall favorite. There’s no better time for sampling Virginia vintages with the Elizabeth River as your backdrop. Enjoy gourmet foods for purchase and a great lineup of vendors as you sip, swirl and enjoy the extraordinary taste of Virginia grapes.

Stockley Gardens Fall Arts Festival
October 17-18, 2026

Come to Ghent for the regionally famous Stockley Gardens Art Festival. This festival is free to the public and occurs twice yearly, featuring all medians of art imaginable! Enjoy pizza slices from Cogan’s Pizza, followed by family-favorite Joysicles. Families are encouraged to bring their strollers and furry best friends to tag along.

NEON Festival
NEON DISTRICT – TBD 2026

The 7th Annual NEON Festival will take place on Thursday, October 20 and Friday, October 21, 2022 from 6–10 p.m. in Norfolk’s first official arts district, the NEON District. The NEON Festival is a free, two evening event that encourages visitors to explore and discover the NEON District. The festival celebrates the energy in NEON and draws from the passion and creativity in Downtown and the region. Anchored by the Chrysler Museum of Art and Harrison Opera House and extending to The Plot on Granby Street, the NEON District includes many creative small businesses and arts partners that contribute to the festivities.

Winter 2026 Festivals

Holiday Yule Log Bonfire & Christmas market
Town Point Park – Dec. 5, 2026

Filled with plenty of holiday cheer and good tidings, the Holiday Yule Log Bonfire and Christmas Marketplace is the perfect way to welcome in the holiday season. For one afternoon, Town Point Park is transformed into a festive outdoor wonderland highlighted by a towering Yule Log Bonfire and also featuring a local artisans market, Christmas caroling, hot chocolate and whiskey tastings and a visit from the Big Man himself.

WinterFest on the Wisconsin
Mid-November Through Jan. 1, 2027

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and Nauticus’ annual WinterFest on the Wisconsin is celebrating with an all-new holiday movie theme. A towering 35-foot-tall leg lamp, a larger-than-life Ralphie (complete with his pink bunny suit), two Grinch “takeover” nights, and an elaborate new train display featuring everyone’s favorite elf are just some of the additions that make this season’s WinterFest bigger and brighter than ever!

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13 January 2026

Your Guide to Norfolk Mermaids

The idea for Norfolk’s collection of mermaids began in 1999 with Norfolk attorney Peter Decker (1935–2012) presenting a concept of “Mermaids on Parade” to 300 business and civic leaders. Decker’s wife Bess had been inspired by Chicago’s “Cows on Parade” and could envision translating the idea to Norfolk but with mermaids giving a nod to our surrounding bodies of water.

Bronze sculptor Kevin Gallup, a graduate of ODU (Decker’s beloved alma mater) mass produced 130 fiberglass mermaid castings for artists to decorate. Businesses and community leaders “adopted” mermaids at $2,000 each to display throughout the city.

Today, both the original mermaids—as well as new ones—are scattered throughout the city at local attractions and businesses for residents and visitors to enjoy. There is no final count on the number of mermaids in Norfolk, but we challenge you to spot as many as you can, take a picture, and don’t forget to tag us: @visitnorfolkva with the hashtag #visitnorfolkva.

Downtown

Starting at Harbor Park, home of the Norfolk Tides, you will find a baseball-themed mermaid.

From there, walk along the Elizabeth River Trail to get to Nauticus and Waterside where you can spot three different mermaids and even King Neptune.

Then, head toward MacArthur Square, and across the street from The Glass Light Hotel you will spot a lady of the sea. You can find a giant mermaid tail in Saltine, giving you the illusion that the mermaid rules the restaurant.

Head to Waterside District for a cocktail after spotting the mermaid that resides outside.

We may be partial, but our favorite downtown mermaids can be found in our very own Mermaid Market. The Mermaid Market is the perfect place for a souvenir, T-shirts, hats, stuffed animals, plus mermaid souvenirs and ornaments.

Freemason

Wander the cobblestone streets of Freemason and you’ll be sure to run into a few statues worth posing with, especially along Bute Street and Dunmore Street.

Ghent

Further into Historic Ghent on 21^st street, you will find the Mermaid Factory. Here you can paint and design your own wooden mermaid! Who doesn’t love a keepsake?

Riverview

As mermaids become a tad scarcer in this neighborhood, the most popular one would have to be the Virginia Zoo mermaid.

Military Highway

Janaf Shopping Center is home to an American themed mermaid paying tribute to the United States Navy and the largest naval base in the world, Naval Station Norfolk. The Norfolk Premium Outlets have integrated mermaid images throughout the campus. Hint: find the massive stone fireplace and you’ll spot a mosaic mermaid. Shop ’till you drop at Ikea and spot the bright yellow and vibrant blue colored mermaid at the entrance.

Ocean View & East Beach

Head to the true home of mermaids: the Chesapeake Bay. Find the mermaid statue along the beach in Ocean View all while keeping an eye out on the horizon. You never know when you’ll spot a tail.

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13 January 2026

A Weekend in Downtown Norfolk

Downtown Norfolk is the perfect destination for a fun-filled weekend. It’s got with never-ending historic sites, attractions, a waterfront, tours and endless places to munch and mingle. Make sure you stop by the VisitNorfolk Visitor Center for free maps, guides and recommendations to help you make the most of your stay here. While you’re here, browse our Mermaid Market to find some Norfolk- and Virginia-centric gifts to remember the best moments.

Friday

3 p.m. Welcome to Norfolk

Downtown Norfolk is filled with many attractions and shops, but one of the best parts is the city’s bikeability. Venture to Pedego bike shop, located within MacArthur Square, for electric bike rentals to explore our 12 tight-knit blocks—water views of the Elizabeth River, the Cannonball Trail, Harbor Park, the Battleship Wisconsin and Freemason District are all among the things you may see while rolling through our streets.

5:30 p.m. Rooftop Italian Cocktail

Once you’re tuckered out from pedaling, make your way to Leone’s on Granby Street for a pre-dinner cocktail. It’s Norfolk’s only Italian rooftop restaurant and offers sweeping views of Norfolk’s famous historic Granby Street. Cocktails are classics with an Italian twist: Mojito Italiano, Limoncello Martini and Margarita Italiano, for example. Wines and beers are available as well.

7 p.m. Dinner

Next, head to Codex, a modern American eatery featuring a fabulous selection of farm-to-table dining that mixes upscale food and a resolutely casual vibe. They serve rare and hard-to-find beers and wines, as well as curated cocktails. Start out with oysters served with yuzu mignonette, or go for a twist on a Southern favorite like pimento cheese or a chicken liver tart with a pistachio crust. For entrees, you’ll find anything from freshly caught seafood to top-notch burgers.

Saturday

9 A.M. BREAKFAST and Coffee

Today will be busy, but fueling up at Stockpot will give you all the energy you need to make it through a full day of exploration. Stockpot’s menu is all about healthy comfort foods created with fresh ingredients that are full of nutrients. You won’t feel guilty eating options like their Southender, a rosemary biscuit with house-made sausage, pimento cheese, an over-easy egg and a side of strawberries. Their vegan chocolate oats bowl features cocoa-coconut overnight oats, sliced banana, honey and toasted hemp seed.

10:30 a.m. Shopping

Now, onto shopping. One of Stockpot’s exits feeds you directly into Selden Market, an eclectic, historic shopping hall that features local artisans, chefs and new pop-up shops weekly. Because it is ever-changing, you’ll see new vendors each time you visit. Shoppers may find an assortment of offerings like handmade leather goods, unique jewelry, candles, international cuisine and more.

1:30 p.m. She-Crab Soup For Lunch

Now, head over to the Freemason District to grab one of the best soups in the city. Freemason Abbey is a renovated 150+ year-old church with a variety of foods featuring lobster, pasta, seafood, prime rib and an award-winning She-Crab Soup.

2:30 P.M. A COFFEE PICK-ME-UP

Cure Coffeehouse is a petite kitchen in historic Freemason District that turns out amazing coffee concoctions, pastries and more. They exclusively serve Counter Culture Coffee from Durham, N.C. and take pride in the shop’s comfortable, laid back and welcoming environment.

3 p.m. Tour a Historic Home

Now that you’re fully caffeinated, explore the Hunter House Victorian Museum built in 1894 for local merchant and banker James Wilson Hunter and his family. It was designed and built in the Richardsonian Romanesque style and serves as a rich example of Victorian decorative arts and architecture. Be sure to call ahead to schedule a tour.

4 p.m. Explore the Elizabeth River Trail

Walk or bike along the Elizabeth River Trail (ERT). This 10.5-mile urban trail takes you from Norfolk State University through Downtown, past the Battleship Wisconsin through the Freemason District all the way to the Lochhaven neighborhood where you will find the Hermitage Museum.

6 p.m. Tuxedo Dining

Time to slow down for the day and enjoy dinner and drinks. After freshening up, head to Gershwin’s, a swanky piano lounge along Granby Street. While there is no fancy dress code required, their wait staff dons tuxedos to coincides with their speakeasy scene. Gershwins serves up elevated dishes and specialty cocktails like their Grand Illumination, Makers Mark smoked directly in front of you with cherry wood. While your taste buds are relishing one of their New York Strip steak entrees, your earbuds will be humming to the tunes of Frank Sinatra or Cole Porter music.

7:30 Rooftop Brews

Once the meal is complete, take a stroll down brightly-lit, historic Granby Street and make your way to Norfolk’s high-end rooftop beer garden, Grain. Grain has sweeping views of the Elizabeth River, a birds-eye view of Granby Street and a unique head-on perspective of the Downtown icon, the Battleship Wisconsin. Grain hosts live music as well, with live performers ranging from country to rock. While Grain has more than 50 beers on tap, know that they save spots for local breweries for you to try.

Sunday

9 a.m. Morning Moment of Zen

Stroll the picturesque gardens that surround the Pagoda, a vibrant iconic Tawainese building located along the Elizabeth River Trail, where bamboo sways with the wind and water rushes through fountains, making for the perfect zen morning in the heart of Norfolk.

10 a.m. Donut Forget to Brunch

Once your morning walk is over, head to Four Eleven York for brunch, and bring your appetite! They put together some incredible classic brunch dishes like their French Toast made with housemade brioche topped with maple syrup. Their more unique meals like fried oyster Benedict features Wicked Salt oysters, crispy bok choy, English muffin and hollandaise. Oftentimes, Four Eleven treats guests to something truly special: their house-made doughnuts created in a variety of yummy flavors.

12:30 p.m. Explore a Historic Fort for Free

A final site to see, Fort Norfolk is the last remaining of 19 harborfront forts authorized in 1794 by President George Washington. In the Civil War, Confederate forces seized the fort and used its magazine to supply the CSS Virginia (Merrimack) during its battle with the USS Monitor. In 1862, the fort was recaptured by the Union Army and used as a prison. Guided tours are available from noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Note: A Real ID is required to enter as of 2026.

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12 January 2026

Best Spots for Norfolk Happy Hour

Norfolk’s bars and restaurants have a wide variety of happy hour deals. Whether you’re meeting up with friends, conference attendees, colleagues after work or just looking for a good place to snag a discount, our list below* of Norfolk’s top food and drink happy hour specials will help you find the perfect spot. Explore Norfolk’s wide range of cuisines with these diverse culinary and drink options.

* Information on this blog is gleaned from restaurant/brewery websites and social media pages. We recommend confirming days, hours and discounts ahead of time.

Would you like your establishment featured here? Email us your happy hour deals.

Main image: @amberlomele

Chelsea

Orapax

Orapax is known for their Greek styled pizzas, pitas, and burgers made from scratch. Taste the flavors of Greece at this local slice of Europe that’s been in the family for two generations.

Happy Hour Monday–Friday 3–6 p.m., Saturday Noon–3 p.m., Sunday 2–5 p.m.

Food and Drinks
Well Drinks $4
$1 off Domestic Beers, Import Beers, Draft Beer, Tap Wine
Rosemary Fries $5
Hummus and Pita $10
Half-dozen wings $8
Wonton Chicken Pizza $11
Greek Eggrolls $10