Arts and Entertainment

Peppa Pig- My First Concert

April 12 2026

2:00 p.m.

Chrysler Hall 215 Saint Pauls Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23510 Price: $38-$88

Get ready to “Splish Splash” in muddle puddles because Peppa Pig and her family (including new baby sister Evie) are on their way to Chrysler Hall in Norfolk on Sunday, April 12.

Under license from Hasbro, a leading games, IP and toy company, this fun and interactive classical music experience introduces children 18 months of age and older to the magic of a live orchestra concert.

In Peppa Pig: My First Concert, families will see Peppa Pig, along with Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig, George and baby sister Evie, learn all about the different sounds that instruments make together. Family audiences will enjoy some of their favorite music from the show played by a live orchestra and discover some other exciting orchestral pieces perfect for children. Plus, some little ones will be invited to join Peppa and her family to make music of their own!

Peppa Pig: My First Concert includes orchestral renditions of popular songs from the animated TV series, such as “The PEPPA PIG Theme” and “The Bing Bong Song,” along with classical pieces like “In the Hall of the Mountain King,” a selection from The Nutcracker, and other selections by composers such as Beethoven and Mozart.

“PEPPA PIG has always inspired kids to explore the world with curiosity and joy, and My First Concert brings that same spirit to the stage,” said Matt Proulx, Senior Vice President of Global Experiences, Partnerships and Music at Hasbro. “As the show tours the U.S., it will introduce countless children to the thrill of a live orchestra — a joyful first that families can share together.”

While 2026 marks the first time Peppa Pig: My First Concert will make its way across North America, it has played to sold out houses across Europe winning rave reviews, from audiences of all ages, along the way.

Arts and Entertainment

Firebird- Dance Theatre of Harlem at Chrysler Hall

March 20 - March 22 2026

2:00 p.m.

Chrysler Hall 215 Saint Pauls Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23510 Price: Price may vary

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In 2026, Virginia Arts Festival proudly welcomes the return of Dance Theatre of Harlem—this time bringing one of the company’s most beloved signature works: Firebird. This legendary production reimagines the classic Russian folk tale of love’s triumph over evil in a lush, Caribbean setting. With John Taras’ masterful choreography, Igor Stravinsky’s iconic score (1945 version) performed live with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and Geoffrey Holder’s dazzling costumes and sets, Firebird is a feast for the senses. First created in 1982, this Dance Theatre of Harlem classic has toured the world and enchanted audiences everywhere. As The New York Times declared: “…it does one thing other versions do not – send its audience into a whooping spell of delirium.”

Join us as Firebird takes flight once again—an unforgettable evening of dance, music, and spectacle that captures the heart and imagination.

This program also features Donizetti Variations, a lively, effervescent series of dances set to Donizetti’s Don Sebastian opera; Symphony No. 1, a thrilling take on one of the country’s foremost composers Adolphus Hailstork’s music; Take Me With You, a contemporary pas de deux set to the music of Radiohead.

FULL PROGRAM

Donizetti Variations*

Choreography: George Balanchine
Music: Gaetano Donizetti

Symphony No. 1*
movements 1 and 3

Choreography: Robert Garland
Music: Adolphus Hailstork

Take Me With You

Choreography: Robert Bondara
Music: Radiohead

Firebird*

Choreography: John Taras
Music: Igor Stravinsky

*with Virginia Symphony Orchestra

Arts and Entertainment

Wild Kratts Live 2.0

January 22 2026

2:00 p.m.

Chrysler Hall 215 Saint Pauls Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23510 Price: $46-$80

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The Wild Kratts LIVE! stage show that has kids across North America buzzing is back with an ALL NEW show: “Wild Kratts LIVE 2.0 – Activate Creature Power!” Get ready to dive into another classic Wild Kratts adventure with the Kratt brothers as they combine live action and animation, with Martin and Chris LIVE on stage and the rest of the Wild Kratts team on screen, at the Tortuga HQ. Which creature powers will they activate and what new and amazing ‘WOW!’ facts will you learn?

Experience, live-on-stage, the electrifying excitement and the inspiring quest of the Kratt Brothers that make the hit television series Wild Kratts a family favorite time and time again!

Arts and Entertainment

Gershwin’s An American in Paris & Copland’s Rodeo

January 16 2026

2:00 p.m.

Chrysler Hall 215 Saint Pauls Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23510 Price: $37-$102

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Eric Jacobsen, conductor
Alexis Colner, harp
Vocalists from Norfolk State University
Harlan Zackery, director

George Gershwin: An American in Paris
Jennifer Higdon: Harp Concerto
Curtis Stewart: New Work (world premiere)+
Copland: Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo

Support for this commission provided by the National Endowment for the Arts

Line dance down the aisles to Aaron Copland’s Rodeo featuring the iconic “Hoe-Down.” Principal Harpist Alexis Colner brings her instrument’s harmonically bountiful sound to the forefront with Jennifer Higdon’s GRAMMY® Award-Winning Harp Concerto. Along with Curtis Stewart’s brand-new work inspired by Black religious music and experiences, this program celebrates the great American composers of the past, present, and future.

Celebrating his fifth season, Eric Jacobsen serves as the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s twelfth Music Director, the Macon & Joan Brock Chair. He is also artistic director and co-founder of The Knights, the uniquely adventurous NYC-based chamber orchestra, and Music Director of the Orlando Philharmonic. In addition to conducting, Eric is a dedicated chamber musician (cello) and is a member of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble.

Praised for “combining omnivory and brilliance” (The New York Times), six-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated violinist and composer Curtis Stewart translates stories of American self-determination to the concert stage. He is the Artistic Director of the American Composers Orchestra, a professor at The Juilliard School, and a member of award-winning ensembles PUBLIQuartet and The Mighty Third Rail. He has been awarded a 2025 Sphinx Medal of Excellence and has been commissioned to compose new solo, chamber, and orchestral works by the Seattle Symphony, Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Carnegie Hall’s Play/USA, The Knights, La Jolla Music Society, the Royal Conservatory of Music, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and more.

In demand as an orchestral player across the country, Alexis Colner has been invited to appear as guest principal harpist with world-class orchestras including the Minnesota Orchestra, Seattle Symphony, Kansas City Symphony, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, and Omaha Symphony. Additional performance credits include concerts with the New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Seattle Opera, and Sarasota Orchestra. She was appointed the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Harpist in 2023.

Aaron Copland is often referred to as the “Dean of American Composers.” He developed a compositional style that, through works like Appalachian Spring, Billy the Kid, Rodeo, Fanfare for the Common Man, and his Third Symphony, came to be considered the sound of American music.

Arts and Entertainment

Swan Lake by International Ballet Stars

January 11 2026

2:00 p.m.

Chrysler Hall 215 Saint Pauls Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23510 Price: $34-$115

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Timeless. Majestic. Unforgettable.

Step into the world of Swan Lake – a story of love, magic, and triumph, brought to life through the powerful choreography of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score.

This production features all-new, hand-painted sets and over 200 custom-designed scenery elements, transforming the stage into a dreamlike landscape. With world-renowned ballet artists from Italy, Spain, Georgia, Ireland, Turkey, Brazil, Great Britain, Ukraine, Japan, Tajikistan, Moldova, and Kazakhstan, this performance embodies the spirit of international artistry and excellence.

Every scene – from the poetic “Dance of the Little Swans” to Odile’s dazzling 32 fouetté turns – is a celebration of classical ballet in its most pure and expressive form.

The Daily Texan:

“The magic of Swan Lake transcends generations.”
“Odile perfectly executed the iconic 32 fouetté turns – one of the most anticipated and difficult scenes.”
“Swan Lake continues to inspire dancers and patrons of the arts to appreciate a performance that never loses its sparkle.”

With more than 10 years of experience presenting internationally acclaimed productions, Classical Arts Entertainment is proud to share this artistic journey with communities across North America.

Arts and Entertainment

Great Backyard Bird Count - Day 2

February 15 2026

2:00 p.m.

Norfolk Botanical Garden 6700 Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518 (757) 441-5830 Price: Price may vary

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Join us at NBG to complete the Great Backyard Bird Count Citizen Science project! Whether you are a seasoned bird lover or just getting started, this is a fun and educational event for the whole family. By participating, you and your family can help scientists better understand bird populations before their annual winter migration. Each participant will be provided a science kit and information on where to submit their data. Make sure to stop by the WOW Children’s Garden to complete other bird-themed activities, crafts, and tours! Recommended for children ages 3+ with significant chaperone assistance. Moderate walking required.

Price for NBG Members: $10/Child for. Adult chaperones attend for free with a registered child.

Price for Not-yet Members: $15/Person. Tickets include Garden admission.

NBG members and Not-yet-members are required to register at least one child ticket in order to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count discounts. Only participating children receive the science kit. Children 2 and under do not require a ticket; however, if they wish to receive the program materials, a ticket must be purchased. Adults who intend to participate in the program are required to register a child’s ticket.

Arts and Entertainment

Fairy & Gnome Spring Homes

April 25 2026

2:00 p.m.

Norfolk Botanical Garden 6700 Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518 (757) 441-5830 Price: Price may vary

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Make a fun and festive spring home for the fairies and gnomes in your garden! Recommended for ages 4+ with some chaperone assistance. Program includes small figurine pieces that are not suitable for children under age 4. All attending adults and children are required to have a registered ticket.

Price for NBG Members: $12/child. Adult members may chaperone for free with a registered child.

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

Adult tickets do not include a garden set. Adults who wish to participate must register their ticket(s) as a child ticket in order to participate. Walk-up tickets may not be available the day of the program

Arts and Entertainment

Girl Scout Outdoor Art Day

May 2 2026

2:00 p.m.

Norfolk Botanical Garden 6700 Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518 (757) 441-5830 Price: $18/Girl Scout and $20/Adult Chaperone.

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Calling all GSCCC Girl Scouts! Let spring in the Garden inspire you as you complete your Outdoor Art badge requirements! Girl Scout Outdoor Art Day includes all needed program supplies, the corresponding program badges for each Girl Scout level, and daytime Garden admission. All programs require Troop Leaders and/or adult chaperones to attend the programs and assist the Girl Scouts with the activities.

Daisy Outdoor Art Maker
Brownie Outdoor Art Creator
Junior Outdoor Art Explorer
Cadette Outdoor Art Apprentice
Senior Outdoor Art Expert
Ambassador Outdoor Art Master

$18/Girl Scout and $20/Adult Chaperone.

Garden Member Discounts: NBG Members are required to register all Scout and adult chaperones attending the event. There is no discount for Scout tickets. NBG Member Adults receive complimentary entry with a registered Girl Scout and are asked to register their free chaperone tickets for head count purposes.

Not-Yet-Members are required to purchase tickets for all attending Scouts and adult chaperones. Scout Leaders who are not members of the Garden are required to purchase adult tickets.

No sibling tag-alongs for this event. If siblings attend, they are required to have a purchased Girl Scout ticket. Sibling participants will receive the program supplies but will not receive the program badge.

Arts and Entertainment

Spring STEAM Homeschool Day

April 10 2026

2:00 p.m.

Norfolk Botanical Garden 6700 Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518 (757) 441-5830 Price: Price may vary

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Join us in the Garden for our Spring STEAM-inspired Homeschool Day! During your visit, homeschool families will complete spring-themed guided and self-guided activities, crafts, tours, and more! Recommended for children ages 5-13 with some chaperone assistance for certain activities. All attending adults and children are required to have a registered ticket.

Guests have the option to register for either the AM Session (10AM-12PM) or the PM Session (12-2PM). These are the check-in times for the program. Registered guests can arrive anytime during their selected session. Homeschool Day activities will take place 10:30AM-3:30PM. The last guided activity starts at 3PM.

Price for NBG Members: $10/child. Adult members may chaperone for free with a registered child.

Price for Not-yet Members: $15/child and $15/adult. Tickets for program must be purchased for both children and adults and includes daytime admission to NBG.

All attending children are required to have a registered (paid) ticket. Children 2 and under who will not be participating in the activities do not require a ticket.

Arts and Entertainment

Girl Scout Shapes in Nature Day

March 28 2026

2:00 p.m.

Norfolk Botanical Garden 6700 Azalea Garden Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518 (757) 441-5830 Price: $18/Girl Scout and $20/Adult Chaperone.

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Calling all Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Girl Scouts! Join us at Norfolk Botanical Garden to complete your Shapes in Nature badge requirements!

$18/Girl Scout and $20/Adult Chaperone.

Not-Yet-Members are required to purchase tickets for all attending Scouts and adult chaperones. Scout Leaders who are not members of the Garden are required to purchase adult tickets.

Peppa Pig- My First Concert

April 12 2026

2:00 p.m.

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March 20 - March 22 2026

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January 22 2026

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