Annual Events in Norfolk Virginia include maritime festivals, cultural celebrations, arts events, concerts, races, food festivals, and holiday traditions. Town Point Park and Downtown Norfolk host many of the city’s largest recurring gatherings.
The Virginia International Tattoo brings military bands, drill teams, dancers, choirs, and international performers to Scope Arena. The major spring event returns to Norfolk each year.
The Norfolk NATO Festival celebrates Norfolk’s long relationship with NATO and its member nations. Events include international programs, cultural activities, and community gatherings each April.
The Parade of Nations fills Downtown Norfolk with military units, marching bands, community groups, and NATO-themed floats. Additionally, it is the only U.S. parade dedicated to NATO.
The Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival showcases Virginia wineries beside the Elizabeth River. Visitors can sample wines while enjoying food, merchants, and live music.
The Norfolk Greek Festival celebrates Hellenic culture at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Traditional meals, pastries, dancing, entertainment, and a marketplace highlight the spring festival.
Bayou Bon Vivant brings Louisiana-inspired food and music to Town Point Park. Crawfish, gumbo, beignets, musicians, artists, and family attractions fill the weekend.
Stockley Gardens Arts Festival takes place in Norfolk’s historic Ghent neighborhood. More than 125 artists showcase photography, pottery, paintings, jewelry, sculpture, and other work.
Norfolk Harborfest celebrates the city’s maritime heritage along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront. Tall ships, live music, Navy demonstrations, family activities, food, and fireworks highlight the festival.
Juneteenth Norfolk celebrates freedom, history, and African American achievement at Town Point Park. Music, food, vendors, educational programs, and family activities are featured.
Norfolk’s Independence Day celebration brings patriotic music and family activities to Town Point Park. The evening traditionally ends with fireworks over the Elizabeth River.
The Norfolk Latino Music Festival celebrates Hampton Roads’ Latin community with music, dancing, cuisine, and family activities. Town Point Park becomes a large waterfront dance floor.
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra performs a free summer concert at Town Point Park. Additionally, food and beverages are available before the evening performance.
The Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival is one of the region’s longest-running jazz celebrations. National and international smooth-jazz performers headline the two-day August event.
NashFest 757 combines country and bluegrass music with Nashville-inspired food and drinks. Line dancing, barbecue, cooking demonstrations, and live performances add to the festival.
CARIBFEST celebrates Caribbean culture through music, cuisine, dancing, and community activities. The long-running Norfolk festival returns to Town Point Park each September.
Hermitage Handmade Festival showcases handcrafted work from more than 90 artists. Visitors can also enjoy demonstrations, museum access, food vendors, and family activities.
Virginia Children’s Festival fills Town Point Park with more than 100 interactive activities. Workshops, performances, storytelling, crafts, demonstrations, and cultural experiences are designed for young children.
The Fall Town Point Virginia Wine Festival returns to the waterfront each October. More than 25 Virginia wineries traditionally participate with hundreds of wines available for sampling.
Norfolk Harbor Race Weekend includes a half marathon, 10K, 5K, and children’s race. Courses pass downtown neighborhoods, the NEON District, and Old Dominion University.
The Grand Illumination Parade is a major Downtown Norfolk holiday tradition. Illuminated floats, bands, performers, and community groups celebrate the beginning of the holiday season.
Norfolk Botanical Garden becomes a holiday destination during the Dominion Energy Garden of Lights. Visitors follow an illuminated walking route through seasonal displays and decorated gardens.
The Holiday Yule Log Bonfire transforms Town Point Park into a seasonal marketplace. Caroling, artisans, hot drinks, Santa visits, and a towering bonfire highlight the celebration.
Norfolk offers recurring events throughout every season. Maritime heritage, music, food, arts, international culture, races, and holiday traditions create a varied annual calendar.
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