Each June, the city of Norfolk hosts one of the East Coast’s favorite festivals, the annual Norfolk Harborfest. This event is the largest, longest-running, free maritime festival in the nation. This year’s Harborfest is happening adjacent to Norfolk’s Sail250® Virginia and Juneteenth celebrations in Town Point Park and across the city.
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 at Harborfest, 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.
Friday: Noon – 11pm (Parade of Sail – Noon; Juneteenth fireworks at 9:30 p.m.)
Saturday: Noon – 11pm (Fireworks 9:30pm)
Sunday: 12pm – 6pm
Make the most out of Harborfest Weekend!
Come aboard City Cruises Norfolk or the Victory Rover Naval Base Cruise for the spectacular Parade of Sail event. Watch tall ships sail down the Elizabeth River in a spectacular two-hour parade. You’ll have the best view of the harbor, with tall ships and over 200 boats and vessels to see.
Explore Norfolk’s marine discovery center, Nauticus, with interactive maritime history and exhibits for all. You’ll find the Hampton Roads Naval Museum inside Nauticus, which introduces over 200 years of naval history in Coastal Virginia. Located next to Nauticus is the Battleship Wisconsin, the largest and last battleship ever built by the U.S. Navy. Walk her teak decks, explore interior rooms, and discover the vast history of this great ship.
Check out Norfolk’s Waterside District, adjacent to Town Point Park. Waterside District features the national, local and regional restaurants and offers live music, waterside dining and more.