What do we call it when three of Norfolk’s signature spring events collide? A mega weekend, that’s what. Whether you want live music, handmade art, Greek pastries, Cajun seafood or simply an excuse to wander Norfolk’s neighborhoods and waterfront, May 14-17, 2026 is the time to do it.
Start your Saturday morning at the Stockley Gardens Arts Festival (May 16-17) in Ghent. The tree-lined neighborhood around Stockley Gardens Park turns into one of the region’s best outdoor art shows, with artists from around the country displaying paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry and sculpture. Live music and local food vendors keep the fun going all weekend. Spend the morning browsing booths, grabbing coffee nearby and soaking in one of Norfolk’s most beautiful neighborhoods.
By early afternoon, head downtown to Town Point Park for Bayou Bon Vivant (May 15-17), Norfolk’s annual celebration of New Orleans culture. Expect brass bands, zydeco music, Cajun cooking and waterfront energy all weekend long. Dig into jambalaya, crawfish, gumbo or beignets while live music rolls across the Elizabeth River waterfront. The festival also includes New Orleans-inspired arts vendors and family-friendly entertainment.
As evening approaches, make your way to the Norfolk Greek Festival (May 14-17) at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The Greek Festival is a Norfolk institution for good reason. You can tour the cathedral, listen to live Greek music, watch folk dancing and eat your way through gyros, souvlaki, spanakopita and trays of pastries that somehow convince everyone they still have room for dessert. The nighttime atmosphere is especially good, with lights strung across the courtyard and crowds lingering late into the evening (10 p.m. on weekend nights).
Sunday is the perfect time to revisit whichever festival you enjoyed most. If the art grabbed you, head back to Stockley for another round of art shopping. If the crawdads are singing to you, get back to Town Point for more Bayou Bon Vivant. Or ease into the day with Greek coffee and pastries before exploring Norfolk further.
Other things to do during Mega Weekend, include walking the waterfront along the Downtown Norfolk waterfront and Waterside District, exploring the NEON District’s murals and galleries or taking a cruise aboard the American Rover.
