Spring In Norfolk
Birmingham Royal Ballet - Romeo and Juliet
Friday, April 20 7:30PM
Saturday, April 21 7:30 PM
Sunday, April 22 2:30PM
Chrysler Hall
Forbidden passion, dangerous secrets and star-crossed fate collide in this exhilarating ballet classic. From the lovers’ first tender touch to the brash swordplay of the feuding nobles, Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s indelible choreography illuminates Shakespeare’s poignant tale as you have never seen it before. This spectacular production is a feast for the eyes and the ears: lavish costumes and elegant sets summon a Renaissance court and the full Virginia Symphony Orchestra performs the unforgettable Prokofiev score live. “Deeply moving…dancing which explored love in all its soaring wonder. A matchless theatre experience” (Birmingham Mail).
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Virginia International Tattoo
Thursday, April 26 7:30PM
Friday, April 27 7:30PM
Saturday, April 28 7:30PM
Sunday, April 29 2:30PM
Scope Arena
Tickets $20, $35, $45, $55, $100
Each year’s Tattoo is different, with new performers from across the globe, new themes of honor and patriotism, and new sights and sounds to amaze you.
In 2018 we will have an extraordinary cast of hundreds from 8 nations — including audience favorites such as the precise Band and Drill Team of His Majesty the King’s Guard from Norway, the breathtaking dancers and drummers of the Republic of Korea Traditional Army Band, an0AMd new this year, Italy’s 11th Bersaglieri Regiment Fanfare Band who perform while marching double time and the classically trained musicians of the Royal Band of the Belgian Air Force.
As the centerpiece of the 2018 Virginia International Tattoo, we will offer a moving tribute to Medal of Honor recipients. The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
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Tattoo Weekend Events
Hullabaloo
Happy hour Tattoo style! Three hours of pipers, dancers, drill teams and drum lines. Plus food vendors and beer tent with tasty craft beers and DrumLine Battle™ is back! Expect performances by international military bands, dancers, drill teams and some of our favorite local dancers and musicians. The Hullabaloo is a perfect opportunity to shake hands with an active duty member of armed forces and take a selfie with a highland dancer. Get tattooed three hours prior to the Tattoo!
DrumLine Battle
DrumLine Battle™ is back! A Hullabaloo favorite, DrumLine Battle™ showcases marching percussion ensembles of any instrumentation and any skill level year-round, spotlighting their unique talents and creativity in a high energy face-to-face competition.
Pipe Band Championship
The Virginia International Tattoo will host the Third Annual Virginia International Tattoo American Pipe Band Championship on Scope Plaza in Norfolk, Virginia. The competition, which coincides with the Tattoo performance weekend, will feature hundreds of bagpipers and drummers as they compete for the honors in this annual competition!
Bands will compete from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Saturday, April 28 on Scope Plaza. Award presentation and massed band performance begins at 6:00 PM. Vendors will be on-site with a variety of food and drink.
Norfolk NATO Festival Flag Raising
Thursday, April 26 5:00PM
Scope Plaza
Come enjoy a cultural sampling of music and a colorful display of NATO Member Nation flags and uniforms in this military presentation representing all 29 NATO Member Nations. Each Nation’s representative will present the national flag, while a portion of their national anthem is performed by the United States Fleet Forces Band.
Parade Route Map
Immediately followed by the Virginia International Tattoo Hullabaloo, presented by the Virginia Arts Festival.
https://www.vafest.org/norfolk-nato-festival/events/norfolk-nato-festival-flag-raising/
65th Annual Parade of Nations
Saturday, April 28 10:00AM
Downtown Norfolk
Grab your lawn chairs and come to downtown Norfolk. Floats from each of the 29 NATO Member Nations. Visiting international bands from the Virginia International Tattoo. Local and visiting high school marching bands.
Parade Route Map
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NATOFest
Saturday, April 28 11:30AM
Town Point Park
Visit the NATO Village. Pick up a NATO Explorer Passport and visit each country booth to get a passport stamp and lots of other goodies including treats, maps, and brochures. Afterwards, you’ll want to plan your own vacation. Learn all about NATO and its activities at Allied Command Transformation – try out the simulations and visit the NATO Photobooth.
Kid's Zone. NATOFest is great for kids and families! Kids can enjoy their own area with games, crafts, and international themed activities.
Have a drink in NATO Village. Sample an international beer and wine. Take a seat at the tables by the Market Stage to enjoy performances- International style!
Music and Performances on the Market Stage. Cultural dancers and performers will entertain guests all afternoon on the NATO Market Stage. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the lawn while watching the entertainment, something new every half hour.
International Food. At NATOFest, you won’t find your average festival food. Sample Greek, Italian, German, and French cuisines.
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Jordi Savall & Hespèrion XXI with Carlos Núñez
Tuesday, May 1 7:30PM
Attucks Theatre
One of the most versatile musical personalities of his generation, Jordi Savall has rescued musical gems from obscurity and given them back for all to enjoy. In this beguiling program, Savall is joined by his ensemble Hespèrion XXI and acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Carlos Núñez in a rare performance of Celtic music through the centuries. Discover the Celtic roots of Spain, Scotland and beyond, and the period instruments that lend this celebrated music its unique sound and charm!
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May The 4th Be With You
Friday, May 4 5-9PM
Waterside District
Waterside District will hold an “interstellar” party for fans of George Lucas’ iconic franchise. The day is observed as Star Wars Day within the fandom.
The event is a partnership between Waterside District, Blue Moon TapHouse, The Market and PBR District.
A $25 ticket package will get you a stadium-style themed cup, two drink tickets, a light saber and drink specials until 9 p.m.
Guests age 21 and up are welcome to attend, no matter if you belong to the light or the dark side or if you support the Rebel Alliance or the Galactic Empire.
Click here to purchase tickets.
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Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival
Saturday, May 5 11:00AM - 6:00PM
Sunday, May 6 11:00AM - 6:00PM
Town Point Park
Spend a spring weekend on the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront in Town Point Park, sampling a variety of over 200 wines from dozens of premier Virginia wineries! Feast on gourmet foods, shop from specialty merchants and enjoy live music at the most anticipated wine festival of the Spring season. All wines presented during the festival are available for purchase by the bottle or case throughout the day.
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East Coast Music Conference
May 10 - May 14
Slover Library
The East Coast Music Conference (ECMC) celebrates the intersection of the music industry and music fans, bringing them together for four days of fun interaction, learning, and great live shows in surprising spaces. With dozens of events, activities, and shows open to the public; industry networking and educational opportunities for conference attendees, and private parties and exclusive recreational outings, the ECMC offers music, fun, and knowledge for anyone who works in or just enjoys music. The ECMC tears down the barriers between industry and consumer and celebrates the connections made through music. For 2018, 10,000 attendees are expected and over 100 live music performances.
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Greek Festival
May 17 - May 20
The Greek Festival, Tidewater’s oldest and largest ethnic festival, will include the traditional Greek cuisine, exciting Greek entertainment, arts and crafts, beautiful jewelry, tours of the Cathedral, and the very popular Drive-Thru.
Food and music highlight the festival. Outdoor stands will sell everything from Souvlaki to Loukoumades — all homemade in the flavorful tradition of Greek cuisine. The food is available at the festival under the tents while listening to live music or indoors at the Hellenic Center. Take-out is also available.
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Stockley Gardens Arts Festival
Saturday, May 19 10:00AM - 5:00PM
Sunday, May 20 Noon - 5:00PM
Stockley Gardens Park, in Norfolk's Ghent neighborhood
People flock to Stockley Gardens in Norfolk’s historic Ghent neighborhood to browse through jewelry, pottery, paintings, and other works of art by over 130 artists. The park is full of strollers, dogs and tantalizing smells. Music drifts from the stage. Friends stop to chat. Throughout the weekend, there is a feeling of hope.
Each year, a nationally recognized artist or curator judges the artists, who compete for cash prizes. There is also an Emerging Artist Competition, also with cash prizes, for college and high school students, as well as recent graduates. Award winners are announced during the Artists’ Reception, which is held Saturday evening on the Main Stage.
Occasionally, parking does become an issue in the area surrounding Stockley Gardens Park. Please click HERE to download our helpful parking map.
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Virginia Beer Festival
Saturday, May 19 2:00PM - 6:00PM
Town Point Park
The Mid-Atlantic’s largest and longest running beer festival celebrates its 17th year with a diverse selection of more than 150 beers and ciders from Virginia and around the world, local food, and live music. Meet master brewers and join in the fun and games as you experience Virginia's explosive beer scene at the beautiful downtown Norfolk waterfront in an event named “one of the Best Beer Festivals” by USA Today. The Virginia Beer Festival is produced in partnership with Virginia Arts Festival and Norfolk Festevents.
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Norfolk Corporate 5K
Wednesday, May 23 6:30PM
Harbor Park
Join J&A Racing for Hampton Roads’ largest outdoor office party in Norfolk, Virginia! Held in beautiful Harbor Park on Wednesday, May 23, this exclusive event for Hampton Road’s corporate community welcomes employees of any company to form a team and participate in the J&A Racing Corporate 5K presented by Bon Secours In Motion for friendly competition and camaraderie. Participants receive a race shirt, finisher medal, and 2 beers (21+). Companies are encouraged to rent a team tent as a gathering spot on race day!
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Party On The Pier
Thursday, May 24 6:00-8:00 PM
Nauticus Pier
Live music from Kaboombox, local beers on tap, Cast Iron food truck, My Vegan Sweet Tooth. Free and Open to the public.
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Annual Norfolk Harborfest
Friday, June 8: Noon - 11 pm (Parade of Sail - Noon)
Saturday, June 9: Noon - 11 pm (Fireworks - 9:30 pm)
Sunday, June 10: 10 am - 6 pm
Town Point Park
Launch your summer with the area's biggest dock party.
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Annual Bayou Boogaloo
Friday, June 22: Noon - 2pm (free & open to the public) 2pm - 10pm (ticketed)
Saturday, June 23: Noon - 10pm
Sunday, June24: Noon - 6pm
Town Point Park
The Bayou Boogaloo Music & Cajun Food Festival is Norfolk’s annual love-fest with New Orleans’ vibrant spirit and captures the melting pot of Bayou culture. This popular 3-day festival delivers the heart and soul of Louisiana to visitors of Town Point Park in true Cajun and Creole style.
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4th of July Fireworks
Wednesday, July 4 5-10 PM
Town Point Park
The 36th Annual Fourth Of July Great American Picnic. Celebrate Independence Day with the greatest fireworks show in the area.
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36th Annual Norfolk Waterfron Jazz Festival
Friday, August 24 5-11 PM
Saturday, August 25 5-11PM
Town Point Park
Hampton Roads' longest running outdoor Jazz Festival returns for two nights along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront. On a warm summer evening, chill to the legendary sounds of top national Smooth Jazz and R & B recording artists. This popular festival features a variety of seating and ticket options including the New Journal and Guide VIP Club, reserved seating, designated tent areas, festival lawn seating, fine foods and beverages, plus a festival marketplace with crafts, retail items, and more.
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