Summer might be winding down, but that doesn’t stop the good times from happening in Norfolk. From foodie festivals and live performances to sporting events and more, Norfolk has plenty of fun events this September. Check out our roundup of the 15 events you can’t miss this month!
Roar & Pour
September 2, 2023
Virginia Zoo
The Virginia Zoo and the Coastal Virginia Brewery Alliance are partnering to host an annual gathering of hyper-local brewers for an all-new event—Roar & Pour! Join in for unlimited beer samplings from the finest that Coastal Virginia has to offer, alongside extended exhibit hours, a Food Truck Rodeo, live music, games, a kid’s play area and much more.
Elizabeth River Run 10K
September 3, 2023
Elizabeth River Trail
The Elizabeth River Run is a 10K on a flat and fast point-to-point course starting at Old Dominion University, running around campus then heading north on the Elizabeth River Trail through gorgeous, historic, tree-lined neighborhoods along the waterfront, over the Hampton Boulevard Bridge with sweeping views of the Elizabeth and Lafayette Rivers and finishing in a verdant private park at the Port of Virginia.
Big Bands on the Bay Summer Concert Series
September 3, 2023
Ocean View Beach Park
Big Bands on the Bay ends the weekend with a sunset celebration on the Chesapeake Bay. 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. Sept. 3 (the final Big Bands on the Bay of the season) features Glen Boswick & the Sounds of Swing.
Weekly Wednesday Wind Down
September 6, 13, 20, 2023
Harrison Opera House
Bring a chair or blanket and your favorite snack to relax on the lawn of Harrison Opera House for Wednesday Wind Down. Take a midweek break and get a sneak peek of what their artists can do ahead of their season opener.
Black Jacket Symphony
September 7, 2023
Harrison Opera House
Over the past ten years, the Black Jacket Symphony has performed over 40 classic rock albums, bringing an incredible night of entertainment to over a million music lovers across the U.S. The group of hand-picked musicians changes based upon the album being performed—and no sonic detail is overlooked, with the musicians doing whatever it takes to reproduce the album. It’s a full night of rock and roll magic—plus a visual experience unlike any other. Fans across the country flock to their shows—and once you see one, you won’t miss another!
Caribfest
September 9, 2023
Town Point Park
This vibrant festival fuses the food, colors, creativity, incredible art and live, authentic Caribbean music all along the waterside at Town Point Park. Watch the Parade of Bands full of stunning costumes with unique themes and music. You’ll also enjoy a full-blown concert of international artists on the main stage plus so much more.
The Norfolk Forum: Roy Williams
September 12, 2023
Chrysler Hall
The Norfolk Forum presents Roy Williams, former basketball coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels and Kansas Jayhawks. Roy Williams retired on April 1, 2021, with the third-most wins by a Division I head coach and the sixth-highest winning percentage in college basketball history.
Nashfest 757
September 16, 2023
Town Point Park
Nashville comes to Norfolk in this one-day festival celebrating the iconic culture and cuisine of Nashville along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront. Fusing together all of the elements that make Nashville one of America’s most popular cities, NashFest 757 will offer an experience similar to an evening stroll down Broadway, featuring national and local recording artists, mouthwatering hot chicken, barbecue and biscuits, line dancing, craft beer and whiskey tastings, bull riding and much more.
Hermitage Handmade Festival
September 16, 2023
Hermitage Museum & Gardens
The annual Hermitage Handmade Festival returns for its 8th year! Shop for arts and crafts handmade by 95+ artists. Plus, enjoy free admission to the Claudia Bueno: Echoes of the Heart exhibition, food and dessert vendors, Fairy Hair by Chelsea, children’s activities with Buttarcups, museum scavenger hunts and more!
Oktoberfest at Maker’s Craft Brewery
September 22–24, 2023
Maker’s Craft Brewery
Maker’s is bringing Oktoberfest back in a big with three days of fun. Attendees can look forward to four bars, a one-acre beer garden, taproom, event room, food and Emerson’s Lounge ready to serve. Children will allowed from noon–5 p.m. Adults only from 6–10 p.m.
Sailfest Regatta and Pier Party
September 23, 2023
Nauticus
Join in for an afternoon in the Sail Nauticus pavilion and cruise pier for a celebration of the Nauticus sailing program. SailFest is a two-part event featuring the Cofer Cup regatta followed by a pier party and awards ceremony. It’s your only chance to experience unique views of the Elizabeth River on the cruise pier with tasty brews by Elation Brewing, wine, local food trucks and more.
Jimmy Eat World
September 29, 2023
The NorVa
Jimmy Eat World recorded a 10-track set mostly in their home studio, working with co-producer Justin Meldal-Johnsen, their partner on 2016s Integrity Blues. The result is punchy, dynamically explosive and hearkens back to the heavy yet crafted melodic edge that woke the world up to Jimmy Eat World a quarter century ago.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
September 29, 2023
Chrysler Hall
Go back to where it all began with this concert event! Featuring a soundtrack that blends symphonic orchestral music with hip-hop, Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Live in Concert pairs a screening of the Academy Award®-winning animated film with live musicians and turntables featuring a DJ scratcher live on stage.
Siegfried
September 29–October 1, 2023
Harrison Opera House
The previous installment of the Ring cycle ended with a most operatic cliffhanger: the Valkyrie Brünnhilde imprisoned in a ring of fire. Now the story picks up as the fearless hero Siegfried re-forges his father’s shattered sword, embarking on a quest for the greatest prize of all—Brünnhilde’s love.
Patti LaBelle
September 30, 2023
Chrysler Hall
“Beautiful” simply does not describe the incomparable force known to the world as Patti LaBelle. As time continues to evolve, the soulful songbird’s name has become synonymous with grace, style, elegance and class. Belting out classic rhythm and blues renditions, pop standards and spiritual sonnets, LaBelle has created the unique platform of versatility that she is known and revered for.