Well, would you look at that? June, already! This month in Norfolk is defined by live music, waterfront festivals, historic observances and film and art programming. Here’s just a small sampling of Mermaid City’s late spring/early summer offerings.
Norfolk Tides
Harbor Park
June 1; 10-15; 24-29, 2025
Your Norfolk Tides, Triple-A affiliates of the Baltimore Orioles offer up a pair of long homestands this month, taking on the Nashville Sounds (Milwaukee Brewers) and the Gwinnett Stripers (Atlanta Braves).
Farmers’ Markets
Various Dates and Locations
Norfolk is home to a pair of recurring farmers’ markets, with Ghent hosting them the first and third Fridays of each month from 4 to 7 p.m., and East Beach holding them each Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.
Steve Earle
June 1, 2025
Attucks Theatre
Steve Earle is one of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters of his generation. A protege of legendary songwriters Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark, he quickly became a master storyteller in his own right, with his songs being recorded by Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, The Pretenders, and countless others. 1986 saw the release of his record, Guitar Town, which shot to number one on the country charts and is now regarded as a classic of the Americana genre. Most recently, Earle’s 1988 hit Copperhead Road was made an official state song of Tennessee in 2023.
Rene Fleming: Voice of Nature – The Anthropocene
June 1, 2025
Harrison Opera House
One of the most beloved and celebrated singers of our time, 2023 Kennedy Center Honoree and National Medal of Arts recipient Renée Fleming captivates audiences around the world with her sumptuous voice, consummate artistry, and compelling stage presence. In this breathtaking performance inspired by the Grammy Award-winning album, Fleming explores humankind’s evolving relationship with nature, performing works by Handel, Björk, Fauré, Puccini, and Jerome Kern, with a beautiful projected film created for the program with National Geographic. “Nothing short of mesmerizing… the music and the stunning film enveloped listeners… engendered awe and wonder” (The Boston Musical Intelligencer).
Lana Trotovšek, Nina Kotova, János Balázs with Olga Kern
June 6, 2025
Robin Hixon Theater
Presented by Virginia Arts Festival. A dream team of expressive, virtuosic artists! “Electric, vibrant” (Musical Opinion) violinist Lana Trotovšek, “sensitive, elegant” (Gramophone) cellist Nina Kotova, and award-winning pianist János Balázs join Olga Kern in an exploration of Beethoven classics.
Mayday Parade with Microwave, Grayscale & Like Roses
June 3
The NorVa
Pop-punk veterans Mayday Parade return to The NorVa for a night that will appeal to fans of the early 2000s emo revival and younger audiences alike. Known for their energetic live shows and emotionally direct lyrics, they’re joined by supporting acts Microwave, Grayscale, and Like Roses. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and this one is likely to sell out.
Dawn of Impressionism: Paris, 1874
June 4
Naro Expanded Cinema
The Naro continues its partnership with Exhibition on Screen, presenting a thoughtful look at how artists like Monet, Degas, Renoir, and Pissarro shifted the course of Western painting. This film dives into the context and consequences of the first Impressionist exhibition in 1874. Ideal for those looking to learn something on a weeknight without feeling talked down to.
Norfolk Harborfest
June 6–8
Town Point Park
The city’s signature waterfront event, Harborfest has been running for nearly half a century and remains one of the most ambitious free maritime festivals in the country. Visitors can board tall ships and Navy vessels, browse vendor tents along the Elizabeth River, and take in live music all weekend. It opens with Friday’s Parade of Sail and ends with a major fireworks show on Saturday night. festevents.org
Keyshawn vs. De Los Santos
June 7, 2025
Scope Arena
Keyshawn “The Businessman” Davis has his scope set on a successful title defense. Davis will defend his WBO lightweight crown in a homecoming spectacle against Dominican knockout artist Edwin De Los Santos on Saturday, June 7, at Scope Arena.
Samara Joy
June 7, 2025
Chrysler Hall
At just 25, she already has three Grammy Awards, including the 2023 Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album and the 2024 Best Jazz Performance. Samara Joy’s 2024 Virginia Arts Festival performance sold out—order your tickets now to guarantee your seats for this return engagement.
Nate Bargatze
June 8, 2025
Scope Arena
Hailed as “The Nicest Man in Stand-Up,” by The Atlantic Magazine and “One of the Funniest People,” by CBS Morning, Grammy nominated comedian, podcaster, director and producer Nate Bargatze is selling out shows and breaking venue attendance records with more than 1.2 million tickets sold on his The Be Funny Tour. He is currently the #1 earning comedian in the world according to Pollstar’s recent report, and #12 in overall live tour tickets sales, putting him in the company of Coldplay, Madonna and U2.
An Afternoon with Yo-Yo Ma
June 8, 2025
Chrysler Hall
He’s a 19-time Grammy winner who has performed for nine American presidents and been presented both the National Medal of Arts and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. But beyond his musical mastery, Yo-Yo Ma has become an ambassador for humanity, championing music and the arts as a path to peace and understanding. This special performance pairs repertoire from the center of his musical firmament with reflections on how it has shaped his thinking about art, human nature, and our search for meaning. Together, the cellist’s music and words ask us to consider what music is for, and how it can guide us on a path to hope.
Virginia Arts Festival Chamber Players with Olga Kern
June 11, 2025
Perry Pavilion
Gifted young stars and longtime Virginia Symphony Orchestra members join Olga Kern for unforgettable performances of classical favorites including Schubert’s “Trout” Quintet and others.
Bad Suns with Little Image & The Ramona Flowers
June 12
The NorVa
Bad Suns brings their polished, radio-ready indie rock to The NorVa with support from Texas-based Little Image and UK synth-rockers The Ramona Flowers. Expect a night of layered guitar work, crisp vocals, and tracks that toe the line between upbeat and melancholic. Doors at 6:30 p.m. General admission, standing room only.
Sunsets on the River Concert Series
June 12, 2025
Hermitage Museum and Gardens
This summer, join us at the Hermitage Museum & Gardens for our 15th Anniversary of Sunsets on the River! Relax on the shoreline and enjoy live concerts from across the musical spectrum, including Alternative Rock, Blues, Country, Yacht Rock, and more. June 12 features ROCKY 7.
Juneteenth in the Park
June 14
Town Point Park
Presented by the City of Norfolk and Festevents, this annual gathering marks the end of slavery in the U.S. with music, cultural presentations, and speakers. Expect a strong community turnout, food vendors, and a serious tone mixed with family-friendly programming. The event wraps with fireworks over the Elizabeth River at 9:30 p.m.
Malcolm Jamal Warner Band
June 14, 2025
Attucks Theatre
Perhaps he’s best known as Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” but Warner is also a musician, especially known as a spoken-word artist. With his jazz band Miles Long, he recorded the albums The Miles Long Mixtape (2004), Love & Other Social Issues (2007), and Selfless (2015). Warner’s Hiding in Plain View (2022) earned a Grammy Award nomination for best spoken-word poetry album. He also collaborated with other musicians, and in 2015 he shared the Grammy for best traditional R&B performance with the band the Robert Glasper Experiment and singer Lalah Hathaway for their rendition of the 1973 Stevie Wonder song “Jesus Children of America.” The single featured Warner’s spoken-word performance and Hathaway’s vocals.
Free Father’s Day Train Rides
June 15, 2025
Virginia Zoo
To celebrate all the amazing fathers in our community, this Father’s Day we are offering free train rides on the Virginia Zoo Express to all dads, grandfathers or father-figures! Valid on Father’s Day, June 15, 2025 only.
Sam Barber
June 21
The NorVa
Rising country-folk singer Sam Barber brings a stripped-down performance style that leans heavily on storytelling and sincerity. His songs—often just voice and guitar—have built a solid online following, and his live sets showcase an understated presence rarely seen on the touring circuit these days. If you like Zach Bryan or Tyler Childers, this one’s worth checking out.
Hampton Roads PrideFest
June 21
Town Point Park
This longstanding festival draws thousands each year and combines LGBTQIA+ advocacy with music, food, local organizations, and vendor booths. It’s celebratory but also grounded in the region’s community work. Past headliners have included drag queens, brass bands, and local DJs. Admission is free.
Sal Vulcano Everything’s Fine Tour
June 26, 2025
Chrysler Hall
Staten Island native Sal Vulcano is best known for creating and starring in truTV’s long-running hit “Impractical Jokers,” and for “The Misery Index” on TBS. In addition to performing as part of The Tenderloins Comedy Troupe to sold-out arenas, Sal founded the No Presh Network in 2020, hosting “Hey Babe!” and “Taste Buds” podcasts. Sal’s debut solo comedy special ‘Terrified’ was released in May 2024 on YouTube.
Urban Design: A Downtown Norfolk Walking Tour
June 28, 4–5 PM
Selden Market
Led by Norfolk Tour Company, this free one-hour walking tour explores the built environment of downtown Norfolk. Topics include modernist development, historic preservation, and the political forces that shaped the city’s current layout. No reservations required, but early arrival is recommended.
Kidd G
June 29
The NorVa
Blending elements of country, trap, and mainstream pop, Kidd G occupies a space that appeals to younger audiences raised on Spotify playlists rather than traditional radio. His biggest tracks—“Dirt Road,” “Summer in a Small Town”—have clocked tens of millions of streams, and his live shows tend to skew energetic and unfiltered.
