Arts and Entertainment

25 on the 25th

July 25 2026

9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The Virginia Zoo 3500 Granby St Norfolk, VA 23504, Price: 25% off admission tickets

July 25 @ 9:30 am – 4:00 pm EDT

The Virginia Zoo is celebrating our 125th anniversary all throughout 2026. Check out our exciting deals and activities listed below that showcase how we’re celebrating!

Deals are exclusive to the 25th of each month and available in person only.

25% off admission tickets
$125 Two-Adult Household Memberships
$1.25 Virginia Zoo Express train rides
12.5% discount in the Virginia Zoo Gift Shop for all guests
- 25% discount in the Virginia Zoo Gift Shop for Virginia Zoo Members
25% discount in the African Village Restaurant, excluding alcoholic beverages
Members receive a FREE bring-a-friend ticket (automatically applied)
10am – 2pm: Trading Card Swap
- Do you have duplicate trading cards from your Zoo visits, or are you looking to find the rarest trading cards? Visit us for our Trading Card Swap for your chance to collect them all!
Mission Engagement Activities
- 10 am: Zoo History Chat at the Goat Yard
- 1:30 pm: Zoo History Chat in the Fountain Plaza

Click here to get your tickets!

Arts and Entertainment

Special Edition Wild Tykes

July 11 2026

9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The Virginia Zoo 3500 Granby St Norfolk, VA 23504, Price: Free with General Admission.

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July 11 @ 11:00 am – 11:30 am EDT

Wild Tykes is a drop-in program recommended for kids aged 3-5 and their favorite adults! Each program features a new theme with age-appropriate nature and science activities that focus on these core areas: sensory, movement, free play, art, and problem-solving. We won’t be afraid to get a little dirty as we explore and play together!

See signs posted in the Zoo’s Fountain Plaza to find out the location of activities on the day of your visit. Free with General Admission.

Note: This special edition of Wild Tykes is being offered to replace the regularly scheduled Zoo Tales. Please see the Virginia Zoo Event Calendar for the next offering of Zoo Tales.

Arts and Entertainment

Pushing Dragons: An Improvised Dungeons and Dragons Adventure

July 18 2026

9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The Push Comedy Theater 763 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510, Price: $16.00

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Pushing Dragons: An Improvised Dungeons and Dragons Adventure

Enter a Realm of Adventure, Laughter, and Epic Chaos!

Pushing Dragons isn’t your typical game night. It’s a full-blown stage spectacle where improv comedy collides with Dungeons & Dragons. Armed with stripped-down 5th Edition rules, the heroes of Push Comedy Theater dive headfirst into a one-of-a-kind quest, guided by chance, wit, and the mighty roll of a giant 20-sided die.

You’ll see battles, spells, and shenanigans come to life right on stage (and sometimes in the audience). Best of all, you help shape the story, rolling dice that decide the fate of our adventurers… and maybe even joining them in the quest.

Whether you’re a seasoned dungeon crawler or have never touched a character sheet, this show is for you.

And don’t just watch… come in your best cosplay and become part of the fantasy world. Wizards, rogues, barbarians, or bards… all are welcome on this epic, unpredictable journey.

Pushing Dragons is one of the hottest shows at the Push. Tickets are $15 in advance. Re-Roll Tokens are $10.

WHAT ARE PUSHING DRAGON RE-ROLL TOKENS? After an unfortunate TPK, we are introducing Re-Roll Tokens. For $10, you can purchase a re-roll token. This allows you to re-roll a die (for either the monster or player) during the show. Did your favorite character fail a saving throw or fail a crucial skill check? With a Pushing Dragons Re-Roll Token, you can change the course of the adventure.

Pushing Dragons Re-Roll Tokens can be purchased online as an add-on to your ticket purchase, or at the front desk when you check in. During the show, ask the Dungeon Master for a re-roll. The Dice Wenches will collect your token and hand you a die. Let fate do the rest!

Arts and Entertainment

Class Dismissed: The Improv 401 Graduations Show

July 20 2026

9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The Push Comedy Theater 763 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510, Price: $11.00

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Dust off those caps and gowns… It’s Harold Graduation Time!!!

After months of training, countless scenes, and more audience suggestions than they can possibly remember, Push Comedy Theater’s Improv 401 students are ready for their final exam: The Harold.

The Harold is one of the most celebrated formats in long-form improv. Starting with a single audience suggestion, performers create an entire improvised world of characters, scenes, relationships, patterns, and surprises. What begins as one simple idea can grow into something hilarious, unexpected, and completely unique.

Over the course of their improv journey, these students have learned the skills and techniques that make a Harold possible. In 401, they mastered the final pieces of the puzzle. Now it’s time to put it all together in front of a live audience.

No scripts. No plan. Just a suggestion, a stage, and a group of improvisers ready to trust the process.

Come support the graduating class and experience a show that will never be performed again exactly the same way.

Arts and Entertainment

Class Dismissed: The Musical Improv 101 Graduation Show

July 23 2026

9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The Push Comedy Theater 763 Granby St, Norfolk, VA 23510, Price: $10.00

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Come cheer on Push Comedy Theater’s Musical Improv 101 Class as they take the stage for their graduation show!

What happens when a group of improvisers spends six weeks learning to turn scenes into songs, stories into musicals, and random audience suggestions into unforgettable comedy?

You’re about to find out.

Join Push Comedy Theater’s Musical Improv 101 class as they take the stage for their graduation performance. These performers have spent the past six weeks learning the art of creating songs, characters, and entire musical moments completely on the spot. No scripts. No rehearsed lyrics. No safety net.

Inspired by your suggestions, they’ll create hilarious scenes, catchy tunes, unexpected characters, and maybe even an entire mini-musical right before your eyes.

It’s exciting. It’s impressive. It’s occasionally chaotic. And it’s a chance to see the next generation of Push performers as they show off their brand-new musical improv skills for the very first time.

Come celebrate their hard work, cheer them on, and experience the magic of comedy and music created in the moment.

Being On The Water

Sail Away Party

July 18 2026

9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Waterside District 333 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510, Price: FREE to attend

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Sail Away Party

Saturday, July 18, 2026 | 4PM

Send off Carnival Sunshine with us in style at our first Sail Away Party at Waterside District!

We’re waving bon voyage as the ship departs for its next adventure and cruising right into summer with live music, pop up vendors, drink specials, samplings + interactive games for a variety of prizes from the Nauticus, VA Zoo, Norfolk Tides, Live! Casino VA, Virginia Beach Amphitheater, Portsmouth Pavilion, and so much more!

Join us early for the special bon voyage as the ship passes right by our waterfront; stay for the epic sunsets and vibes.

Arts and Entertainment

Virginia Zoo Member Swap

July 1 - July 31 2026

9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Nauticus 1 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510, Price: Free

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Wednesday, July 1, 2026 - Friday, July 31, 2026 | 9AM

Join us for a Member Swap with the Virginia Zoo from July 1-31!

Welcome Virginia Zoo Members! We look forward to your visit to our Nauticus Discovery Center and the Battleship Wisconsin! Nauticus general admission tickets must be reserved online in advance, full details and link are included below. Member Swap includes general admission; additional tours, events, or programs must be purchased. If there are no admission tickets available online, we hope you can join us on another day!

VIRGINIA ZOO MEMBERS:

MUST RESERVE NAUTICUS TICKETS ONLINE IN ADVANCE – CLICK HERE!

Nauticus Hours: Open Daily, Monday-Sunday from 9AM – 5PM

Virginia Zoo members enjoy FREE General Admission to Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin (up to 6 people each day). With the link above, enter promo code ZOOSWAP at checkout to reserve your tickets to Nauticus. Upon arrival, please present your ticket barcode(s) and valid Virginia Zoo member card to Admissions. Free General Admission does not include special events, guided battleship tours, educational programs (ex. Toddler Time) or workshops, and other special member-access tickets. Free member swap tickets must be reserved online in advance, otherwise regular admission ticket costs will be charged upon entry. Limited free member swap admission tickets available each day — if tickets aren’t available online, we hope you can visit us another day!
Virginia Zoo members enjoy a FREE adult ticket to Toddler Time on Wednesday, July 29. Use promo code ZOOSWAPTT at checkout (discount activates on July 1). Present Virginia Zoo member card to Admissions at check-in. Please note, we will also have special-themed activities (and for all ages) throughout the day on July 25 — click here to reserve your admission.
Virginia Zoo members receive 10% off in Elizabeth’s Gift Shop and the Anchor & Spoon cafe. Must show valid member card at checkout.
Virginia Zoo members who join Nauticus during the month of July can take advantage of two extra months FREE on their new membership (14 months for price of 12!). Must purchase in person at Admissions Desk and show valid Virginia Zoo membership card, or contact the Nauticus Membership office: membership@nauticus.org or 757-664-1005. View our member levels and benefits here.

NAUTICUS MEMBERS:

PLAN YOUR VISIT TO VIRGINIA ZOO – CLICK HERE

Visit the Virginia Zoo with free admission all month long!

Virginia Zoo Hours: Open Daily, Monday-Sunday from 9:30AM – 4PM (July 12 open at 10AM)

Nauticus Members enjoy FREE admission to the Zoo for the number of people included in your membership level. Discount is not valid for special events and education programs. Present active Nauticus membership card upon arrival with a valid photo ID.
Please Note: Sunday, July 12 the Zoo will open at 10AM for all members and guests.
Nauticus Members enjoy 10% OFF in the gift shop and at the African Village Restaurant.
Nauticus Members who join the Virginia Zoo during the month of July can take advantage of two extra months FREE on their new membership (14 months for price of 12!). Offer valid for in-person sales only.

Click here to view the Virginia Zoo’s website.

Nauticus Membership Expiring Soon?
Renew Today to Continue Your Member Benefits!
Click Here to Renew

Not a Member?
Join now and enjoy special perks at the Virginia Zoo this month!
Click Here to Join Now

Arts and Entertainment

2026 ERT Tour de ORF

December 6 2026

9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Afterglow Brewing 2330 Bowdens Ferry Rd Suite 600, Norfolk, VA 23508, Price: Free- Bring your bike!

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Join us for a leisurely Sunday bike ride through Norfolk!

The group ride will begin at 3 PM. The ride uses the ERT and Norfolk bike lanes and should take approximately one (1) hour. We’ll return for a post-ride cool down! All skill levels are welcome! Some bike rides may have a fun theme to correlate with the seasons and the time of the year!

Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept, Nov
In the ODD-NUMBERED MONTHS: Meetup @Benchtop Brewing
1129 Boissevain Ave, Norfolk, VA 23507

Feb, Apr, June, Aug, Oct, Dec
In the EVEN-NUMBERED MONTHS: Meetup @Afterglow Brewing
2330 Bowdens Ferry Rd Suite 600, Norfolk, VA 23508

Meetup: 2:45 PM
Ride leaves: 3:00 PM
Ride Returns: 4:00 PM

We’ll always have an experienced rider leading the Tour and are happy to have volunteers as sweepers and mid-pack riders to assist the group.
Interested volunteers should email austin.lindhorst@elizabethrivertrail.org

Family Friendly

Fairy & Gnome Summer Homes

August 13 2026

9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Norfolk Botanical Garden 6700 Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518, Price: Price may vary

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Make the perfect miniature summer home for the fairies and gnomes in your garden! Each fairy garden includes an air plant! Recommended for ages 5+ with some chaperone assistance. Due to the use of small decorative items for the fairy gardens, it is recommended that no children under 5 years old participate. All attending adults and children are required to have a registered ticket.

Price for NBG Members: $14/child. Adult members may attend for free with a registered child.

Price for Not-yet Members: $22/child and $20/adult. Tickets for class must be purchased for both children and adults and includes daytime admission to NBG.

Children under 3 years old are not required to have a ticket; however, a ticket must be registered if children under 3 years old are participating in the program.

Family Friendly

Fairy & Gnome Summer Homes

July 9 2026

9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Norfolk Botanical Garden 6700 Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518, Price: Price may vary

Visit Website

Price for NBG Members: $14/child. Adult members may attend for free with a registered child.

Price for Not-yet Members: $22/child and $20/adult. Tickets for class must be purchased for both children and adults and includes daytime admission to NBG.

Children under 3 years old are not required to have a ticket; however, a ticket must be registered if children under 3 years old are participating in the program.

25 on the 25th

July 25 2026

9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

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Special Edition Wild Tykes

July 11 2026

9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

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Pushing Dragons: An Improvised Dungeons and Dragons Adventure

July 18 2026

9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

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Fall Flavors at Norfolk Coffee Shops

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Class Dismissed: The Improv 401 Graduations Show

July 20 2026

9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

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Class Dismissed: The Musical Improv 101 Graduation Show

July 23 2026

9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Come cheer on Push Comedy Theater’s Musical Improv 101 Class as they take the stage for their graduation show!

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Sail Away Party

July 18 2026

9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

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Outdoor Fire Pits in Norfolk

Breweries in Norfolk

5 Reasons to Visit Ocean View in Autumn

Virginia Zoo Member Swap

July 1 - July 31 2026

9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

MUST RESERVE NAUTICUS TICKETS ONLINE IN ADVANCE – CLICK HERE!

PLAN YOUR VISIT TO VIRGINIA ZOO – CLICK HERE

Nauticus Membership Expiring Soon? Renew Today to Continue Your Member Benefits! Click Here to Renew

Not a Member? Join now and enjoy special perks at the Virginia Zoo this month! Click Here to Join Now

You May Also Like

Fall Flavors at Norfolk Coffee Shops

Outdoor Fire Pits in Norfolk

Breweries in Norfolk

5 Reasons to Visit Ocean View in Autumn

2026 ERT Tour de ORF

December 6 2026

9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

You May Also Like

Fall Flavors at Norfolk Coffee Shops

Outdoor Fire Pits in Norfolk

Breweries in Norfolk

5 Reasons to Visit Ocean View in Autumn

Fairy & Gnome Summer Homes

August 13 2026

9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

You May Also Like

Fall Flavors at Norfolk Coffee Shops

Outdoor Fire Pits in Norfolk

Breweries in Norfolk

5 Reasons to Visit Ocean View in Autumn

Fairy & Gnome Summer Homes

July 9 2026

9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Nauticus Membership Expiring Soon?
Renew Today to Continue Your Member Benefits!
Click Here to Renew

Not a Member?
Join now and enjoy special perks at the Virginia Zoo this month!
Click Here to Join Now