Fall settles in during this month, giving all of Norfolk’s events a warm, autumnal glow that makes for lots of fun both indoors and out. And this appears to be the city’s busiest fall month ever. Here are a few of the top events to expect in October.
Ghent Restaurant Week
Various Locations
Through Oct. 4, 2026
The Ghent Business Association is bringing Restaurant Week to the Ghent area in September! We invite you to Fall in Love with all that Ghent has to offer from Sushi, Mexican, and Pizza to Gourmet Sandwiches, Comfort Food, and Curated Creations. There is something for everyone in Ghent.
Virginia Queer Film Festival 2026
ODU University Theatre
Oct. 2-4, 2026
The Virginia Queer Film Festival provides access to films by, for, and about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people and their families, and a forum for LGBTQ+ filmmakers to share and discuss their work with audiences. We host our Film Festivals on the campus of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. This Festival is the first of its kind in Virginia and one of only a handful of LGBTQ+ film festivals in the American South.
Zoovies at the Virginia Zoo
Virginia Zoo
Oct. 2, 2026
Don’t let your love for Jurassic Park (1993) go extinct! Stomp or soar over to the Virginia Zoo for Zoovies: Jurassic Park (1993) on October 2 from 5-9pm to revisit Isla Nublar surrounded by the sights and sounds of Zoo animals after dark! Prepare for an evening of adventure strolling the animal trails, devouring your favorite movie snacks, exploring themed activities, shopping dino-inspired merch, and snapping photos with classic movie replica vehicles and your prehistoric pal, Dexter the Dinosaur. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and your fellow fossil fans to claim your spot on the lawn before the movie begins at dusk (around 7 p.m.).
Oktoberfest at Afterglow Brewing
Afterglow Brewing
Oct. 3, 2026
Dust off your dirndls and break out the lederhosen—Afterglow is throwing a massive Oktoberfest celebration, and it’s time to see who has the strongest arm in Norfolk. Celebration highlights: .5 liter stein holding contest, Lederglosen Festbier pours, Mockingbird Pasta bar, local vendor market and live music.
Silent Disco at Waterside
Waterside District – The Market Norfolk
Oct. 3, 2026
Swing by on select Saturdays for Silent Disco! Enjoy multiple DJs curating a playlist and vibe on channels you can choose. General Admission includes set of headphones to use for the night, one drink ticket, and access to drink specials. Upgrade to VIP for all the above + an extra drink ticket, glow in the dark swag bag, and 20% off food. Must be 21+
36th Annual Virginia Children’s Festival
Town Point Park
Oct. 3, 2026
The 757’s most exciting family festival, the Virginia Children’s Festival presented by Sentara Health Plans on Saturday, October 3, 2026 features more than 100 fun, creative, and interactive activities, including hands-on workshops, cultural experiences, military demonstrations, costumed characters, storytelling, musical performances, dance lessons, and much more! The festival is designed with children 10 and younger in mind.
Wednesday Wind Down Lawn Concerts with Virginia Opera
Harrison Opera House
Wednesdays, Oct. 7-21, 2026
Mark your calendar and text your friends – WEDNESDAY WIND DOWN IS BACK! Bring a chair or blanket and your favorite snack and relax on the Harrison Opera House lawn for Wednesday Wind Down! Take a midweek break and get a sneak peek of what our artists can do ahead of our season opener. Everyone is welcome at Wednesday Wind Down! So, text your friends, grab your coworkers, round up the kids, and join us on the lawn at the Harrison Opera House.
The California Honeydrops at NorVa
The NorVa
Oct. 7, 2026
Formed in the subway systems of Oakland, retro-soul outfit The California Honeydrops are an electrifying group that defy convention at every turn. They’ve become a mainstay at festivals including Byron Bay Bluesfest (Australia), Outside Lands, Monterey Jazz, Lightning In A Bottle, and touring with B.B. King, Dr. John, Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy, and Allen Toussaint. Led by the enigmatic and energetic frontman, Lech Wierzynski, and percussionist Benjamin Malament, each member of the band is a virtuoso in their own rite — Yanos “Johnny Bones” Lustig on saxophone, Lorenzo Loera on keyboards/guitar, Beaumont Beaullieu on drums, Miles Blackwell on bass, and regularly accompanied by Oliver Tuttle on trombone, Leon Cotter on saxophone/clarinet, and Miles Lyons on trombone/sousaphone — navigating through a vast repertoire of original songs and timeless classics every night. But what truly sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to the art of improvisation – a skill so finely honed that they have completely abandoned the use of set lists and no two shows are ever the same. Off stage, their music has been streamed more than 200 million times, and placed in a variety of TV and films, including “Dead To Me,” “Alaska Daily,” “Black-ish” and more. Their new album “Redwood Highway” was released August 8, 2025.
The Heart Sellers
Wells Theatre
Oct. 7-18, 2026
Thanksgiving, 1973. In a small apartment somewhere in America, two recent immigrants meet for the first time. Luna from the Philippines and Jane from South Korea have never experienced an American Thanksgiving before, and tonight neither of them wants to spend it alone. What begins as an awkward visit becomes an evening of laughter, shared memories, and unexpected friendship. As they swap stories about home, marriage, and what it means to start over in a new country, this warm and funny play captures the quiet courage of building a life far from where you began.
Lauren Alaina: The Stages Tour
The NorVa
Oct. 8, 2026
Lauren Alaina was the runner-up on Season 10 of American Idol, where her strong vocal performances earned comparisons to the genre’s premier vocalists, Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride. In January, The New York Times called her “the best singer so far this season.” A record-breaking 122.4 million votes were cast for Lauren and Idol winner Scotty McCreery. The final show garnered 29.3 million viewers and 38.6 million people tuned in to see the winner’s name announced.
Mojo Brookzz
Harrison Opera House
Oct. 9, 2026
Dyon “Mojo” Brooks is an actor, writer, producer, and nationally acclaimed stand-up comedian who can currently be seen as the male lead for Tyler Perry’s MISS GOVERNOR on Netflix alongside the legendary Terri J Vaughn and Jo Marie Payton. The series held a Top 10 for multiple weeks following its debut. As a comic, Brooks is celebrated by fans across the country, having sold out every show on his nationwide “Unhand Me Now” Tour in 2024, as well as selling out each stop on his fourth national headlining tour (The “I Know You F*ckin’ Lying” Tour).
Fall Bazaar at the Plot
The PLOT
Oct. 10, 2026
Celebrate the beauty of the season at The Fall Bazaar at The PLOT; an exciting fall marketplace showcasing local artisans and makers alongside fine art artists painting live and participating in a district wide plein air painting competition!
Amadeus Live at Harrison Opera House
Harrison Opera House
Oct. 10, 2026
Experience the multi-Academy Award® winning 1984 motion picture, Amadeus, on a vast HD screen while Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s most celebrated works are performed live in-sync by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus.
The Black Jacket Symphony presents – Def Leppard’s ‘Hysteria’
Harrison Opera House
Oct. 8, 2026
Remember putting on an album and listening from start to finish? Relive that moment with a live concert experience unlike any other as The Black Jacket Symphony recreates Def Leppard’s iconic album Hysteria live in its entirety—note for note, sound for sound—plus a full set of Def Leppard’s greatest hits.
Nevermore: An Evening of Edgar Allan Poe October 10 2026
Hunter House Victorian Museum
Oct. 10, 2026
An immersive theatrical event, 12 of Poe’s stories and poems are adapted and performed throughout the museum bringing Poe’s elegant prose and old world feel to Norfolk with a modern day perspective. This production will be provided by New York’s Half Light Theatre. Tickets and reservations will be made by Half Light Theatre Productions. Space is limited so reserve your spot today!
Norfolk State Football vs. Virginia University of Lynchburg
Dick Price Stadium
Oct. 10, 2026
Norfolk State Football takes on Virginia University of Lynchburg at home on October 10 during homecoming. You won’t want to miss this game!
Monty Python’s ‘SPAMALOT’
Harrison Opera House
Oct. 13-18, 2026
Lovingly ripped off from the classic film, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, SPAMALOT features a book & lyrics by Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez and Eric Idle. SPAMALOT has everything you need for a great knight at the theatre–from flying cows to killer rabbits, British royalty to French taunters, dancing girls, rubbery shrubbery, and of course, the Lady of the Lake. SPAMALOT features songs that will leave you humming including “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” “The Song That Goes Like This,” “Find Your Grail” and more that have become beloved classics in musical theatre.
ODU Football vs. Georgia Southern
Ballard Stadium
Oct. 15, 2026
Come support the Monarch football team at home, as they take on the Georgia Southern Eagles!
Mozart’s Gran Partita at Attucks
Attucks Theatre
Oct. 16, 2026
The VSO wind section takes center stage to perform Mozart’s remarkable “Gran Partita.” Nicknamed the “Big Wind Symphony”, this playful, dramatic, and expansive Serenade features an ensemble of 13 instruments and will be familiar to fans of the film Amadeus as the music that first reveals Mozart’s true genius to Salieri.
NEON Nights
NEON District
Oct. 16, 2026
The inaugural NEON Nights event is scheduled for one night only on Friday, October 16, 2026. At the heart of this new, year-round format is a heavy emphasis on direct community collaboration, specifically by pairing talented local and regional artists with incredible local businesses. The vast majority of art installations, performances, and creative activations will take place directly inside participating storefronts, galleries, and venues. This strategic shift is designed to drive foot traffic and foster creative synergy right within the walls of local establishments. While the focus remains on immersive indoor experiences, NEON Nights will feature a limited number of outdoor activations. These select public spaces will be specifically reserved for small, individual, pop-up style acts, such as street-side poetry writing, acoustic busking, yarnbombing, and similar micro-art experiences.
Town Point Virginia Fall Wine Festival
Town Point Park
Oct. 17-18, 2026
Year after year, the Fall Town Point Virginia Wine Festival is one of Hampton Roads’ most anticipated wine festivals of the fall season. This year, the Fall Wine Festival takes places on Saturday & Sunday, October 17 & 18, 2026 at Town Point Park along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront. Wine Enthusiast Magazine named Virginia one of the 10 best wine travel destinations in the world and the Fall Town Point Virginia Wine Festival encapsulates this recognition in grand fashion with more than 25 of the Commonwealth’s top wineries showcasing over 200 fine wines. Wine Sampling ends at 4:30 p.m. Wine Sales end at 5 p.m.
Nurse Blake at Attucks Theatre
Attucks Theatre
Oct. 17, 2026
Nurse Blake is back with his hilarious new comedy tour with all new content, diving into the wildest things patients and their families say and do. From self-diagnosing Stage 8 Cancer with WebMD to hitting the call light like they are on a game show, nothing is off-limits! Expect a night of nonstop laughter packed with healthcare workers who desperately need a break. Bring your friends, coworkers, and even that one patient who swore they were allergic to water—this is going to be a night to remember!
Stockley Gardens Fall Arts Festival 2026
Stockley Gardens, Ghent
Oct. 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.
Alana Springsteen at NorVa
NorVA
Oct. 20, 2026
Artist-songwriter Alana Springsteen has celebrated many of her biggest milestones with the Opry, including her 21st birthday, which coincided with her Opry debut. She broke out with her debut album TWENTY SOMETHING, featuring the GOLD hit “goodbye looks good on you (feat. Mitchell Tenpenny).” Praised by NPR Music, GRAMMY.com, E! News, and PEOPLE as one of Nashville’s most exciting rising stars, she’s amassed 404M+ global streams and a No. 1 with Tiësto (“Hot Honey”). The 25-year-old has toured with Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, and more. Her sophomore album I HOPE THIS HELPS was recently released.
Brad Williams
Harrison Opera House
Oct. 22, 2026
Pound for pound, Brad Williams is the funniest comedian in the country right now, and has become one of the most in-demand comedians working today. Williams started doing stand-up comedy as a teenager and has been touring successfully ever since, routinely selling out prestigious venues all over the country and world.
Trois-Rivières Lions @ Norfolk Admirals
Scope Arena
Oct. 23-25, 2026
The Admirals’ first home stand of the 2026-27 season sees them pitted against the Trois-Rivières Lions at Scope Arena for a three-game stand.
Masquerade in Ghent 2026
Colley Avenue, Ghent
Oct. 23, 2026
Join the fun on Friday, October 23 from 6-10 p.m. on Colley Avenue for the Ghent Business Association’s Annual Halloween street party and costume contest. Prizes for the best costumes in each category, live Music by Wonderland, kids activities, adult beverages and food.
Fleet Fest 2026
Naval Station Norfolk (Gate 2 Entrance)
Oct. 24, 2026
Fleet Fest is Naval Station Norfolk’s premier open house, inviting the public aboard the world’s largest naval installation for a day of exploration, entertainment, and community connection. Guests can enjoy U.S. Navy warship tours, military static displays, live demonstrations, STEM exhibits, local vendors, food, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to meet Sailors while learning about the Navy’s mission. The event celebrates the strong partnership between the Navy and the Hampton Roads community while honoring our nation’s rich maritime heritage. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or visiting for the first time, Fleet Fest offers something for all ages and is an unforgettable experience.
Attucks Jazz: Dani Assis, vocals
Attucks Theatre
Oct. 24, 2026
Dani Assis is an award-winning vocalist and rising star in jazz and Brazilian music, born into a family of accomplished musicians. The son of singer Adriana Quadros and percussionist and vocalist Nanny Assis, he began performing at a young age and was immersed in New York’s vibrant Brazilian music scene. A graduate of Oberlin Conservatory, where he studied with acclaimed artists including La Tanya Hall and Jamey Haddad, Assis is the winner of the Blues Alley Jazz Society’s Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition. He has performed alongside legendary bassist Ron Carter and acclaimed artists including Lakecia Benjamin, Helio Alves, Chico Pinheiro, and Edu Ribeiro, blending jazz and Brazilian influences with his distinctive voice and improvisational style.
Recycled Reads at the Slover
The Slover
Oct. 29-31, 2026
Recycled Reads is back! The Friends of the Norfolk Public Library is hosting a used book sale with proceeds benefiting the Summer Reading Program of the Norfolk Public Library. Children’s books ($1.50), graphic novels ($2), paperbacks ($2) and hardcovers ($3). We hope to see you on the 1st floor of the Downtown Branch at The Slover (235 E. Plume Street) on October 29 and October 30 from 9AM to 5PM; October 31 from 9AM to 3PM for even BIGGER bargains!
Greensboro Gargoyles @ Norfolk Admirals
Scope Arena
Oct. 30-31, 2026
The Norfolk Admirals begin their second homestand of the season against the Greensboro Gargoyles, just in time for Halloween weekend.
The Descent Halloween Experience at Waterside
Waterside District
Oct. 31, 2026
Enter The Descent into the Dark Cathedral. Experience our immersive Halloween party + most epic costume contest for up to $10k in cash and prizes! The candles are lit and a gate is opening. Enter The Descent into a Dark Cathedral. Experience: Live performers by Visual Artistry Entertainment; Live entertainment including silent disco, karaoke, and multiple DJs; Multiple bars featuring themed drinks; Multiple completely transformed venues; Immersive photo moments; Premium VIP experiences; The most epic costume contest for up to $10,000 in Cash & Prizes.