Looking for the perfect Dad date or outing this Father’s Day? We’ve rounded up the best things to do with Dad in Norfolk. Whether you celebrate Dad on Father’s Day or every day, create a lasting memory with him in Norfolk this year.
Take a Cruise
Hop aboard the Victory Rover for a two-hour narrated harbor cruise where guests experience the sights and sounds of one of the world’s busiest seaports, including the world’s largest naval base. See destroyers, guided missile cruisers, submarines, aircraft carriers and more.
Norfolk’s Ocean View Golf Course is a great way to kick it with Dad. Swing for all 18 holes or just the simple nine on their hybrid Bermuda greens and plush, oak-lined fairways. Once you’re done, treat Dad to some of the city’s best barbeque at Bar-Q, located inside Bold Mariner Brewing Company. Bar-Q has an à la carte menu, but we highly suggest filling up a platter with their tender brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, rich mac and cheese, and spicy (but not too spicy) jalapeño and cheddar links. Because Bar-Q lives within Bold Mariner, it’s only appropriate to pair the fresh smoked ribs with a Frogman Lager.
Spend the afternoon casting your line on the Ocean View Fishing Pier, the longest free-standing pier in North America. Once you’ve caught enough fish and worked up an appetite, head on over to My Mama’s Kitchen for their mouth-watering Drip Sandwich: fried chicken dipped in their secret drip sauce, topped with house coleslaw, pickles and remoulade on a soft brioche bun. Round out your day for Dad with a refreshing brew from coastal-themed COVA Brewing Company, just down the street.
Explore the Lafayette River by kayak! Norfolk Kayak Rentals, located along Colley Avenue, offers single and tandem kayaks for rent. Paddle along the river and enjoy the waterways of Norfolk. The inlets are packed with sites of stunning architectural homes, majestic birds and magnificent sunsets only obtainable via waterway. Looking for a bite and a brew afterward? Head to Elation Brewery for beer and a wood-fired pizza. The Bakehouse at Elation is housed within the brewery and turns out freshly baked, wood-fired flatbread pizzas.
Dad works hard all year long, so why not give him a chance to relax, soak up the sun and take a little dip in the Chesapeake Bay? The beaches of Ocean View provide calm waters suitable for families with young kids. Plus, there’s plenty of eats, drinks and things to do nearby. See how to spend a day in Ocean View and East Beach.
Break out your bikes, or rent an electric Pedego bike and explore the Elizabeth River Trail, Norfolk’s 10.5-mile-long walk and bikeable pathway that takes you through multiple neighborhoods with waterfront views. Starting out in our thriving Downtown, the trail winds you through a few historic neighborhoods and campuses and ends in the beautiful neighborhood of Lochhaven. The ERT is dotted with breweries Dad will love, like Benchtop and Smartmouth, plus delicious restaurants along the way like Torch, the Birch and Grandiflora. If you’re new to the city, it’s a great look in a day in the life of a Norfolkian.
There is nothing quite as classic as enjoying a hot dog with Dad at a baseball game. Norfolk is home to the Norfolk Tides, a minor league baseball team in the Triple-A International League. As an affiliate team of the Baltimore Orioles, the Norfolk Tides play at Harbor Park on the Elizabeth River in Downtown Norfolk. Throw on your baseball cap and cheer on the Tides this Father’s Day. This year’s Father’s Day features a Pre-Game Catch on the Field. See their full schedule.
Summer is just beginning, and Norfolk has a great lineup of June events to heat things up! From Tides games, waterfront festivals and live music to fun fitness events, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and about in Norfolk.
The Norfolk Tides are a minor league baseball team in the Triple-A International League. As an affiliate team of the Baltimore Orioles, the Norfolk Tides play at Harbor Park on the Elizabeth River in downtown Norfolk.
June June 1: Business Special Matinee June 2: Grayson Rodriguez Bobblehead Giveaway June 3: Fireworks June 4: Copa de la Diversion June 13: Bark in the Park June 14: Pride Night June 15: Business Special Matinee June 16: Boy Scout Night June 17: Fireworks June 18: Father’s Day Pre-Game Catch on the Field June 28: Turn Back the Clock Night June 29: Business Special Matinee June 30: Negro League Tribute Night
Enjoy living music in Ocean View throughout the summer! Welcome the stars every Sunday night from 7–9 p.m. Guests are invited down to the Gazebo at Ocean View Beach Park for live Big Band music and dancing. Get up and dance or sit back and relax as you enjoy these incredible summer events!
Join Waterside District every first Thursday for the Night Market, a small business shopping event. Every month, they’ll feature local artists and vendors to support small businesses! Thursday nights at Blue Moon also include Girls’ Night Out specials!
The Virginia Arts Festival continues its extraordinary line-up! Head over to the Perry Pavillion, located at the corner of Charlotte and Bank street, across the street from the Jay and Clay Barr Education Center for can’t-miss live performances. Enjoy music by American Aquarium (June 1), Rhythm Project Showcase (June 3), Valerie June—pictured—(June 7), Over the Rhine (June 8) and Bria Skonberg (June 9).
Sunsets on the River returns for its 13th summer with more fun for the whole family! Relax on the shoreline and enjoy live music from across the musical spectrum including top 40, bluegrass, funk, R&B, swing, psychedelic rock, alternative rock, and more; interactive activities for all guests from community artists + organizations, drinks from the bar featuring craft beer and wine available for purchase; dinner from a variety of local food trucks, including some new favorites; plus the immersive art exhibition, Echoes of the Heart beginning June 9.
Ocean View Sports presents the inaugural Mermaid Series Run, Swim and Mermaid Festival! After the 5K and 1-Mile Sand Run/Walk on May 6, the second installment of the series will be on Saturday, June 3, 202, at Ocean View Beach Park in the heart of Ocean View! Register for the 1- and 2-mile open water swim or 1-mile open water relay swim with teams of four, and stay afterward for the inaugural Mermaid Festival celebrating our Norfolk mermaid with a costume contest, photos with mermaids and mermen, lots of fun activities for the merkids, vendors and more!
Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production of the iconic musical phenomenon returns to the stage. With lyrics and music by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Gethsemane” and “Superstar.”
America’s largest, longest-running, free maritime festival, the iconic Norfolk Harborfest enters its 47th year. For three memorable days along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront, Harborfest celebrates all of the elements that make Norfolk and Hampton Roads a historic maritime and naval community. On both land and sea, thrilling activities and live music take center stage, including the annual Parade of Sail featuring international tall ships, one of the largest fireworks shows on the East Coast, a mesmerizing drone show, interactive family games and activities, Navy exhibits and demonstrations, artisan foods and beverages, national and regional live entertainment and much more.
Summer is here and it’s time to get out and enjoy the sunshine! Grab your friends and family and head over to O’Connor Brewing Co. for a day full of live music, food trucks, and craft beer. You can find more information on our event calendar!
Join in the fun of Juneteenth this year! This free event is open to the public and designed to promote and support as we celebrate Juneteenth! See more Juneteenth events.
Show Dad a fun time with Father’s Day fun throughout the city! Spend time with Dad at a beach, brewery or baseball game. Journey on a historic cruise, hit the golf course, catch a fish, or kayak along the Lafayette River. We’ve got the perfect ideas for a day with Dad.
This much-anticipated annual event celebrates the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and allies, providing the opportunity to unify through celebrations of inclusion and equality. Norfolk has the distinct honor of being the location for the only Pride Boat Parade in the country! The parade celebrates our connections with the 300-year-old maritime history of our port cities. Town Point Park, nestled along the riverbanks of the Elizabeth River, provides a unique setting for boaters to be part of this event. See more Pride events.
Memorial Day means so much more than a three-day weekend, and here in Norfolk, there are several important ways to observe the holiday and honor the men and women who have died serving in the U.S. armed forces. Home to the world’s largest naval base as well as the last and largest battleship built by the U.S. Navy, Norfolk is rich with military history. Here are some ways to commemorate Memorial Day in Norfolk, Virginia.
Celebrate the Atlantic Union Bank 2023 Patriotic Festival at Scope Arena! This three-day festival is packed full of events that celebrate and honor our U.S military. Experience military displays, exhibits and activities by Monster Energy BMX tour, GruntStyle, Patriotic Apparel national mobile tour, Food Lion Farm Stand, U.S. Air Force, Marines and Navy mobile tours. Performers will include Walker Hayes, Corey Kent, Sam Hunt, Jordan Davis, Cody Johnson and Randy Houser.
This very special memorial connecting to Town Point Park features 20 inscriptions from letters written home by U.S. service members who lost their lives in war. The letters have been cast in thin sheets of bronze and are scattered across the ground as if blown there by the wind.
Visit Nauticus, Battleship Wisconsin and the Hampton Roads Naval Museum
Learn about Norfolk’s maritime history by exploring Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin. Located Downtown along the Elizabeth River, this maritime discover center features fun and hands-on education for all ages. Also on site, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum celebrates the history of the fleet in Hampton Roads.
Experience a Naval Base Tour
The Victory Rover is your front-row seat to the U.S. Navy’s Norfolk-based fleet. Departing from a berth just a short walk along the Downtown Norfolk Harbor from Nauticus, the Victory Rover offers a 2-hour narrated naval base tour. Passengers will witness the majesty of the Navy’s aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, guided missile cruisers and other vessels that make up the world’s most powerful sea-going armada
Explore the Cannonball Trail
Take part on this self-guided tour through 400 years of Norfolk and American history. Walk the cobblestone streets of West Freemason—the earliest residential streetscape in Norfolk—before strolling Downtown where you’ll see narrative plaques that mark places and events of historic interest. You’ll even find a Civil War-era cannonball still lodged in the wall of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church!
Visit the MacArthur Memorial
Located Downtown, the MacArthur Memorial is dedicated to the life and legacy of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur but also pays tribute to the millions of Americans who served during the Civil War, World War I, World War II and the Korean War.
Home to the world’s largest naval base, Norfolk has understandably become home to many veterans who have proudly served our country. Take the opportunity to support them and thank them for their service as you observe Memorial Day weekend in Norfolk.
Norfolk has a great lineup of May events to kickstart the warmer months! With festival season kicking off, live outdoor music, Mother’s Day events and baseball games, you will find that there is plenty of fun to be had this May in Norfolk!
May is National Bike Month, a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling and encourage more individuals to give biking a try. The City of Norfolk will celebrate with 31 days of rides and plenty of opportunities to get the wheels rolling. Check out these Bike Month events happening throughout May!
The perfect family night or a great night out with friends starts with hotdogs, popcorn and baseball. Sit back and enjoy the spring weather as you root for the home team. Special nights to look forward to in May include $2 Tuesdays, Wine Down Wednesdays, a Copa de la Diversion Cinco de Mayo Celebration, ODU night, fireworks, Bark in the Park and more! See the full Tides schedule.
During the last quarter of the nineteenth century, French dollmakers popularized a new type of bisque doll that would be the first to represent young children: the bébé. Unlike previous dolls (which resembled adults or teenagers), bébés offered children idealized representations of themselves; they transformed the doll industry by engaging the larger world. Appearing at international events like the World’s Fair and advertised everywhere from story books to scientific articles, the bébé’s influence has been expansive and varied, securing a prominent place in doll history.
PERSPECTIVES:Modern and Contemporary Glass from the Waitzer Collection debuts selections from the Waitzer family’s extraordinary gift of 165 glass artworks to the Museum.
Leah (1937–2021) and Richard Waitzer (1932–2019) of Norfolk, VA, shared a life-long interest in the arts that blossomed into a passion for collecting modern American painting and international glass sculpture. Naturally curious and thirsty for knowledge, the couple enjoyed decades of personal growth and intellectual enrichment from their active engagement with the field of contemporary glass sculpture and design. The Waitzers were mentors and friends to the Barrys, and their internationally significant contribution includes works that span the history of modern glass, from Louis Comfort Tiffany to Dale Chihuly and Lino Tagliapietra, among so many more.
There’s nothing better than seasonal produce from your local farmer’s market. With three different markets in Norfolk, you will never miss all the delicious goods and treats! Find out more about each market along with hours here.
Sam Bartlett is an American folk artist, public-art instigator, cartoonist, performer, musician, and composer. As an artist, Sam specializes in painting and cutting sculptures from salvaged wood. He derives inspiration from the naturally low stakes involved in using free materials. Bartlett does virtually no planning or sketching for his artwork, preferring to try to harness the energy of a first take. Common themes in his work include complex physical relationships between people, things on top of other things, things being bitten and eaten, old-time and Irish music communities and mortality.
Get the scoop on all things cycling and bike-related going on Downtown, in the city and in the region. Whether you are still on training wheels or have a garage full of tricked-out bikes, all are welcome for this free and open-to-the-public community event. Pick up brochures, meet other cyclists, ask questions and get the low-down on multi-use trails and paths, riding bikes in the street and protected lanes, regional bike developments, social groups and anything else bike related. Plus, there will be free bike swag and tons of great raffle prizes.
Written by Tony Award-winning playwright Rupert Holmes brings the strength, tenacity, sly wit and compassion of the late Supreme Court Justice to life in this 90-minute love letter to “the notorious RBG” – from losing her mother the day before she graduated as valedictorian of her Brooklyn High School to being one of the few women at Harvard Law to fighting for women’s rights before all-male courts to her tenure as a voice of reason and equality amid a splintering Supreme Court.
There’s nothing quite like the pairing of savory, sometimes spicy tacos and a cool margarita. Looking for a place to indulge in irresistible Mexican cuisine during Cinco de Mayo? Check out these taco and margarita spots in Norfolk.
The longest-running American musical in the history of Broadway—and still drawing cheering crowds in New York—John Kander and Fred Ebb’s Chicago won six Tony Awards, a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album, and six Oscars including Best Picture for the film version. And for all those years, since 1996, Rob Fisher has served as the music director for the show and its worldwide productions. Who better, then, to bring it to the Virginia Arts Festival in a stunning performance with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and a cast of soloists drawn from the best of Broadway and beyond?
Ocean View Sports presents the inaugural Mermaid Series Run, Swim and Mermaid Festival! The series starts Saturday, May 6, 2023 with a 5K and 1-Mile Sand Run/Walk at Ocean View Beach Park!
Grab your friends and head down to Town Point Park for the Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival! Wine Enthusiast Magazine has named Virginia as one of the 10 best wine travel destinations in the world! Each May, Virginia wineries gather together to create an event that wine imbibers will love. From the wine connoisseur to the newbies, everyone can find something to suit their taste at this weekend festival!
Also featuring a May pole, tunes by DJ Ryan Thomas, selfie station + bubble station + chalk art station, lawn games, spring themed art activities, garden tours.
Norfolk has plenty of events happening to shower all the moms out there with a little extra love. From sailing cruises to brunches galore, you can find a whole list of Mother’s Day events.
The VSO welcomes two members of the legendary Silk Road Ensemble: the world’s leading virtuoso on the tabla, Sandeep Das, and composer Kayhan Kalhor! Music Director Eric Jacobsen takes us all on a journey from the farthest reaches of our universe to the most joyous human dance imaginable, an accessible emotional bridge to one of the world’s most ancient cultures.
Grab your friends and start your weekend early with Nauticus After Dark, an evening event series exclusively for adults 21+. Nauticus After Dark: Spring Fling will offer after-hours exploration of Nauticus and exclusive look into the new Norfolk In Time exhibition.
Guests will also enjoy:
Groovy tunes
Tasty cocktails and snacks by Traditions Catering Co.
Join Norfolk Botanical Garden for a casual, after-work evening party. This is a rain or shine event for ages 21 and over. Proceeds benefit Norfolk Rotary Charities, Norfolk Botanical Garden and the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters (CHKD).
Work downtown? Want to ride? Participate in National Bike to Work Day! If you commute, do it on two wheels. If you work from home, take an opportunity to bike for some coffee or around the block. However you celebrate, just #bikethere! Look for pit stops around Norfolk along common bikeway routes and trails for bicycle riders and commuters. From 7 to 9 a.m., ride by a pit stop for water, fruit and more giveaways.
We’re bringing a taste of Louisiana to Norfolk with more than 8,000 pounds of Cajun crawfish at your fingertips! Have you always wanted to visit Cajun country or just simply miss good ole Louisiana cooking? From the po’boys to alligator sausages and all the beignets in between this foodie festival will be sure to satisfy your Cajun craves.
Mark your calendars for great art from over 125 artists from across the U.S. and amazing live musical performances. You don’t want to miss this fun-filled weekend in Norfolk’s historic Ghent neighborhood.
This legendary singer-songwriter has penned the anthems of generations, from his early hits with The Miracles like Shop Around and The Tracks of My Tears to his solo sensations Cruisin, Quiet Storm, Being With You and more. The recipient of countless awards including the Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award, Kennedy Center Honors and the National Medal of the Arts, he has been inducted into both the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame. And on stage, he’s still “remarkable, phenomenal, incredible, amazing…pick any of these adjectives and it still wouldn’t do justice to the performance of Smokey Robinson” (Regina Leader Post).
Whisper Concerts and SevenVenues are delighted to announce the 2023 Patriotic Festival Country Weekend featuring performances by country artists Walker Hayes, Corey Kent, Sam Hunt, Jordan Davis, Cody Johnson, and Randy Houser.
Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production of the iconic musical phenomenon returns to the stage. With lyrics and music by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Gethsemane” and “Superstar.”
Don’t miss out on Norfolk’s hottest events this August. The city is filled with free concerts along the water, colorful festivals, tours and more!
Tides Games
Now through September Harbor Park
Take the family out to the ball game! Harbor Park is home to the Norfolk Tides, the Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Check their website for the latest updates on the players, games and fun at Harbor Park.
Sunsets on the River Finale: LADADA + Fusion Groove Band
August 11 Hermitage Museum and Gardens
Gates open at 5:30 p.m., music starts at 6 p.m. Relax on the shoreline and enjoy live music from LADADA + Fusion Groove Band. Enjoy drinks from their bar featuring craft beer and wine and grab a bite from various local food trucks! Admission to the museum and their current exhibition is included with your tickets.
39th Annual Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival
August 26–27 Town Point Park
@Norfolk Festevents, Ltd.
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 and festival lawn seating. Fine foods and beverages will be available for purchase, plus a festival marketplace with crafts, retail items, and more.
LAVA mini Fest
August 27 Toast
LAVA Mini-Fest August 27, 2022, 2–11 p.m. at Toast An outdoor concert featuring these performers: Crime Line – Piranha Rama – Ladada – Shagwüf – Pet Name – Raise Hell Over The Summer – Lobby Boy – Superfang – Dayripper – Cor De Lux – Wilde Owl – Deer Scout – The Pauses – Anna Leonard
local Farmers’ Markets
All Month Norfolk, VA
Find fresh produce, high-quality meats and dairy, baked goods and more at one of Norfolk’s top farmers’ markets. With markets in various locations throughout the city each week, there’s always an opportunity to get fresh local goods!
Did you know that Norfolk has its very own sandy beach? The areas of Ocean View and East Beach are your gateway to beach days, sandcastles, water activities, seafood and gorgeous sunsets. These beaches are perfectly situated on the Chesapeake Bay where warm waters and gentler waves make it ideal for families. Here are ideas for things to do in Ocean View, Norfolk.
Head down to the bay for a day of sunbathing, sand and gentle waves, perfect for the whole family. Ocean View and East Beach make the waterfront oh so easy to access and enjoy. Ocean View Beach Park, Sarah Constant Beach Park and Community Beach Park all offer free parking with lifeguards on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Labor Day.
The Ocean View Fishing Pier has an on-site tackle shop for all your fishing needs, including fishing attire so you can dress for the dock. Fishing and crabbing at the OV Fishing Pier are popular activities. Be sure to stick around for spectacular sunset viewing!
The Ocean View Station Museum traces the history of Ocean View from the 1880s to the 1980s. The museum displays a rollercoaster car and a boat from the famous former Ocean View Amusement Park. Stop by to check out artifacts and pictures from the early days of Ocean View.
Spend Saturday morning among fresh and local foods and agricultural products in East Beach. From nutritious micro-greens and pasture-raised eggs to cold brew coffees, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here.
Right in the heart of East Ocean View, COVA Brewing does things a little differently by offering both coffee and beer. Start the day here with one of their signature single-origin coffee blends or an iced latte. Then later on, return for a post-beach beer, cider or wine on tap.
Then enjoy cold beer and BBQ
Veteran-owned Bold Mariner Brewing Company gives off just the beach vibes you’re looking for with their two-story beach house-inspired brewery complete with wraparound porches that are perfect for sitting and sipping. Right on site is Bar-Q, a Southern barbecue restaurant utilizing age-old processes to create tasty favorites and some innovative offerings too.
If you’re in Ocean View Memorial Day through Labor Day, spend your Sunday evenings at Ocean View Beach Park. The Big Bands on the Bay Summer Concert Series hosted by Festevents features live big band music and dancing from 7–9 p.m.
Norfolk has a great lineup of July events to heat things up! From 4th of July fireworks, festivals and live music to foodie and sports events, there is plenty of fun to be had along the Norfolk waterfront!
Take the family out to the ball game! Harbor Park is home to the Norfolk Tides, the Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Check their website for the latest updates on the players, games and all the fun happening at Harbor Park.
Leave the grilling to Festevents on the 4th of July and bring your family and friends down to Town Point Park. Guests can buy traditional all-American fare, including hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue, seafood, buttered corn on the cob, juicy watermelon, lemonade and much more available for purchase! Relax on the lawn and enjoy the live entertainment, then watch as the sky lights up with the fireworks over the Elizabeth River starting at 9:30 pm!
Beat the crowds and experience the mesmerizing Downtown Norfolk fireworks from the best vantage point of all—the water! After a quick tour of the Inner Harbor, they’ll position the ship to give you an incredible view of the region’s best fireworks show. There’s no better way to celebrate America’s favorite holiday with your family. Enjoy music on board with a live acoustic guitarist!
Sunsets on the River returns this summer BIGGER and better than ever for its 12th season in 2022!
Relax on the shoreline and enjoy: * Live music from fan favorites and some of the region’s best up-and-coming talent * Drinks from the bar featuring craft beer and wine available for purchase * Dinner from a variety of local food trucks
Check out the NorVa throughout the month of July and experience the many artists that will be touring Norfolk this summer! Between MEWITHOUTYOU, Kidd G and others, there’s live music for everyone to enjoy!
Enjoy events at Norfolk’s breweries
Throughout July 2022
Grab a drink and check out some of Norfolk’s fantastic breweries and their fun events. With events like Plant-Based Junk food trucks at Benchtop Brewing or Goat yoga at COVA Brewing Company, there is always something fun and unique to experience every weekend.
