Get ready for the 48th Annual Norfolk Harborfest, America’s largest and longest-running free maritime festival in the Hampton Roads area. Join the celebration as the nautical wonder returns along the Downtown Norfolk waterfront June 7th – June 9th. For three memorable days on the East Coast, Harborfest celebrates all the elements that make the area a historic maritime and naval community. Enjoy both land and sea activities, including the annual Parade of Sail featuring international tall ships, one of the largest fireworks shows, interactive family games and activities, and a spectacular drone show. You can also enjoy Navy exhibits and demonstrations, craft foods and beverages, and national and local entertainment. Let’s dive into the local events on land and the water to help create unforgettable memories for residents and visitors in the Virginia area.
Waves of Fun: Norfolk Harborfest Events on the Water
Come aboard City Cruises Norfolk to witness the spectacular Parade of Sail as you marvel at tall ships sailing down the Elizabeth River. You will have the
best views of the harbor for this two-hour parade with over 200 boats and vessels to see – including Navy ships, tall ships, Public Safety vessels, character vessels, sailing craft, and antique wooden boats. This fantastic event will enter Downtown Norfolk Harbor on Friday, June 9th at noon. Thousands of onlookers will position themselves at vantage points along the Elizabeth River for a chance to witness this incredible and expansive fleet as it makes its way down the river.
Speaking of the fabulous waterfront, treat yourself to a delicious Norfolk Signature Mimosa Brunch Cruise as you marvel at famed city landmarks, from comfortable and cool climate-controlled interior spaces, or open-air refreshing roof decks. Spend a one-of-a-kind day with lively music, a fully-stocked bar, and onboard games – all with scenic views.
After a long day of enjoying the festivities, get out on a Signature Dinner Cruise and dine and dance on the Elizabeth River with views of the city’s magnificent skyline. Indulge in a chef-prepared buffet as you soak in the Navy’s mighty Atlantic Fleet. Groove to lively music from our DJ as we keep the spirits flowing with a fully-stocked bar. Don’t forget to snap some photos of this memorable evening.
Looking for waterside dining, live music, and more? The Waterside District adjacent to Town Point Park features all that and more!
Check out Norfolk’s official website for event details here.
Look to the Sky: Norfolk Harborfest Events from Above
Stick around for the Harborfest Drone Show, the first to take place in the region. You’ll be mesmerized as the sky is filled with the highest quality imagery and cutting-edge UAV technology synchronized to a nautical playlist with this year’s show promising to be the best yet. The show is scheduled for Friday, June 9th at 9:30pm over the Elizabeth River.
The Harborfest Fireworks display, one of the largest pyrotechnics shows on the East Coast is slated for Saturday, June 10th at 9:30pm, and will be fired from a floating platform on the Elizabeth River. Prepare to bask in the awe-inspiring display as the night sky explodes with color synchronized to booming music.
Shoreline Spectacular: Norfolk Harborfest Land Events
Back on dry land and looking for something to do? For three fun-filled days, residents and visitors alike can partake in a plethora of land-based activities from savoring local cuisine to cultural exhibits, and live performances equally as thrilling as the festivities on the water. To see this year’s events ashore, click here.
Sample some of Virginia’s finest wine and craft beer with live music from The Back Deck Stage located in TowneBank Fountain Park for a Spirits and Craft Beer Garden.
New to the festival this year, visit the Boathouse Tribute Exhibit, one of Norfolk’s iconic and beloved music venues. Reminisce on the golden age of live music in Norfolk through memorabilia, original merchandise, and a photo and video gallery displaying content captured at the historic venue.
Grab a set of headphones and get in on all the fun with an outdoor Festival Silent Disco and relive the golden days, or jam to today’s top hits as you dance to tunes provided by a silent DJ surrounded by lights and special effects.
If music is your jam, Harborfest has quite the lineup this year with shows Friday through Sunday. Get your groove on with a Tina Turner tribute show, Empire Strikes Bass, Yam Yam, and many other talented performers. Immerse yourself in the music with showtimes throughout the entire weekend.
Naval history buffs will want to visit Nauticus, a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in downtown Norfolk. Nauticus uses the museum, Battleship Wisconsin, Sail Nauticus sailing center, and Schooner Virginia to tell the story of the maritime environment, industry, and the military. This family-friendly exhibit is interactive and fully engages visitors of all ages.
Anchored in Celebration: City Cruises and Norfolk Harborfest 2024
As ships begin to fill Town Point Park, there’s a feeling of excitement in the air surrounding Norfolk’s Harborfest. Explore the city’s live music, great food, art, and educational exhibits for this beloved annual festival. Norfolk comes alive celebrating its nautical history by displaying tall ships and celebrations of its seafaring culture. City Cruises invites you aboard one of our spectacular cruises and boasts a long-standing history with Harborfest, adding to the festival’s vibrant festivities year after year, while ensuring unforgettable experiences amidst the captivating waters of Norfolk’s historic harbor.
Spirit of Norfolk’s Inaugural Voyage
City Cruises proudly honored military families with its inaugural voyage of the newly named Spirit of Norfolk, a staple of the Hampton Roads waterfront area. The 153-foot three-level dining vessel was renamed after the Spirit of Mount Vernon was destroyed in a fire in 2022. Military families enjoyed a free two-hour cruise along the Elizabeth River. The vessel has been an important part of the Norfolk community since 1978. It has proudly served as a place where everyone in the region can celebrate their most important milestones and create memories with close family and friends.
Original Post Date: May 15, 2024