Arts and Entertainment

An Evening with Artist Walker Babington

July 25 2025

6:00 p.m.

Hermitage Museum and Gardens 7637 N Shore Rd, Norfolk, VA 23505 Price: Member: $20.00; Non-Member: $25.00

An Evening with Artist Walker Babington
Friday, July 25, 2025
6:00pm-9:00pm at The Goode Family Visual Arts School and across the Hermitage Museum grounds.

An intimate and exclusive opportunity to meet the artist and learn about his life and work. Hear the stories behind the creation and construction of the Burden of the Beast exhibition.

Complimentary lite bites by Chef by Design.

Gates Open: 6:00pm
Exhibition Exploration: 6:00pm-6:45pm
Artist Talk: 7:00pm
Audience Q&A: 7:30pm
Artist Meet & Greet: 8:00pm

Member: $20.00
Non-Member: $25.00

Arts and Entertainment

ERT Field Day

August 2 2025

6:00 p.m.

Poplar Hall Park 101 N Military Highway, Norfolk, VA 23502

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Get Ready for ERT Field Day Fun!
Friday, August 2 | 9 AM – 12 PM
Poplar Hall Park, Norfolk, VA

We’re bringing the fun of the trail to Poplar Hall Park with a classic Field Day you won’t want to miss! In partnership with Norfolk Parks & Recreation, the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation is throwing a FREE community celebration packed with laughter, games, and summer vibes.

What’s in store?
Bounce House
Face Painting
Hula Hoops & Games
Tug-of-War
Sack Races
Music & DJs
Local Food Trucks
And even more surprises!

Bring the whole family, bring your neighbors, and bring your A-game. Whether you’re here to compete, connect, or just chill out under the summer sun, there’s something for everyone at ERT Field Day.

Why here? Why now?
The Elizabeth River Trail spans 10.5 miles through 28 neighborhoods, and growing! We’re excited to host this special off-trail event to bring the joy of the trail to more of Norfolk. We envision a city where everyone has access to safe, fun, green spaces, and this event is part of making that dream real.

Follow this event page for updates on activities, food trucks, community partners, and all the field day fun.

Love what we do?
Support the free events, programs, and improvements that make the ERT a community gem. Your donation makes a difference:

https://elizabethrivertrail-bloom.kindful.com/

Let’s play, connect, and celebrate together!

Arts and Entertainment

Garden Artists July Series

July 7 - July 28 2025

6:00 p.m.

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

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Join us for our July Garden Artists series for younger artists! Each week we will introduce a different style of art through projects using natural materials and craft supplies.

SERIES SCHEDULE:
Monday, July 7: Watercolor Landscapes
Monday, July 14: Jewelry Making
Monday, July 21: DIY Recycled Paper
Friday, July 28: Action Painting

Price for NBG Members: $12/Child. (Adult members may attend for free with a registered child).

Price for Not-yet Members: $20/Child and $18/Adult. (Tickets for class must be purchased for both children and adults and includes daytime admission to NBG).

All child class participants ages 3+ must have a registered ticket. Children ages 2 and under who are attending to participate in the class must have a registered ticket.

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE: Register for all FOUR (4) July programs for $40! The series ticket links are listed below. Members who sign up for the full series receive $2 off per class. Members should only purchase the series ticket – tickets for the individual programs are not additionally needed.

Arts and Entertainment

Jr Master Gardeners July Series

July 5 - July 26 2025

6:00 p.m.

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

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Join us for our Jr Master Gardeners series! The Junior Master Gardener (JMG) program is an innovative 4-H gardening program for children, families, and adults. JMG engages children and their attending chaperones in “hands-on” group and individual learning experiences that promote a love of gardening, develop an appreciation for the environment, and cultivate the mind. Recommended for children ages 3-6 with caregiver assistance.

SERIES SCHEDULE:
Saturday, July 5: Pollinator Pals
Saturday, July 12: Garden Friends and Foes
Saturday, July 19: How to Help Your Garden
Saturday, July 26: Herb, Spice, or Veggie?

Price for NBG Members: $12/Child. (Adult members may attend for free with a registered child).

Price for Not-yet Members: $20/Child and $18/Adult. (Tickets for class must be purchased for both children and adults and includes daytime admission to NBG).

All child class participants ages 3+ must have a registered ticket. Children ages 2 and under who are attending to participate in the class must have a registered (paid) ticket.

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE: Register for all FOUR (4) July classes for $40! Members receive $2 off per series class. The series ticket links are listed below. Members only need to purchase the series ticket – tickets for the individual programs are not needed.

Arts and Entertainment

Handel's Messiah with Eric Jacobsen

December 19 2025

6:00 p.m.

Harrison Opera House 160 West Virginia Beach Boulevard Norfolk, Virginia 23510 Price: On Sale Jul 14, 2025 - 10:00 am

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Eric Jacobsen, conductor
Rachel Blaustein, soprano
Lisa Marie Rogali, mezzo-soprano
David Walton, tenor
Joshua Conyers, baritone
Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus

George Frideric Handel: Messiah

It’s Southeastern Virginia’s grandest Messiah! Conducted this year by Music Director Eric Jacobsen, Handel’s most famous work comes to life with the full Christmas section along with selections from the second and third parts, including the iconic Hallelujah chorus! This sacred masterpiece will hearten and warm the spirit this holiday season.

Celebrating his fifth season, Eric Jacobsen serves as the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s twelfth Music Director. 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.

The 25/26 season marks the 36th anniversary of the Virginia Symphony Chorus, and its twenty-ninth under the direction of Chorusmaster Robert Shoup. In addition to regular appearances with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, the chorus has performed to sold-out houses as far afield as Prague, Vienna, Berlin, Leipzig, Munich, Salzburg and closer to home at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Arts and Entertainment

Audiostrobelight 20 year Anniversary Show at The Annex feat. Dead Friends, Drainlove, Loveghos

September 13 2025

6:00 p.m.

The Annex 2500 Church Street, Unit A Norfolk, VA 23517 Price: $12 – limited early bird tickets; $15 advance; $20 day of show

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LAVA Presents:
Saturday, September 13, 2025 at The Annex

Audiostrobelight – 20 Year Anniversary Show

Dead Friends

Drainlove

Loverghost

Tiara Tastemaker after party

Doors 6pm // Music 7pm

Tickets:

$12 – limited early bird tickets

$15 advance

$20 day of show

ALL AGES

Arts and Entertainment

Full Moon Fever – Virginia’s Tom Petty Tribute

September 12 2025

6:00 p.m.

The Annex 2500 Church Street, Unit A Norfolk, VA 23517 Price: Tickets $15 advance // $20 day of

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LAVA Presents:

Friday, September 12, 2025 at The Annex

Full Moon Fever

Virginia’s Tom Petty Tribute

with special guest

Doors 7pm // Music 8pm

Tickets $15 advance // $20 day of show

All Ages

Arts and Entertainment

Bennett Wales & the Relief reunion + EP Release w/ 95Leo + Ruven at The Annex

August 1 2025

6:00 p.m.

The Annex 2500 Church Street, Unit A Norfolk, VA 23517 Price: Tickets $15 advance // $20 day of

Visit Website

LAVA Presents:
August 1, 2025 at The Annex

Bennett Wales & the Relief reunion + EP release show!

95Leo & Snshwr

Ruven

Doors 7pm // Music 8pm

Tickets $15 advance // $20 day of

All Ages

Cuisine and Cocktails

Downtown Restaurant Week July 2025

July 21 - July 27 2025

6:00 p.m.

Various participating locations Norfolk VA Price: $20-$45

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For the region’s most creative culinary experience, no matter what you order, there’s no better time than Downtown Norfolk Restaurant Week. From July 21-27, indulge in specially crafted menus and exclusive deals from the area’s most talented chefs and beloved restaurants.

Make plans with friends to save big and savor even bigger. Whether you’re trying something new or returning to a favorite spot, Restaurant Week is your chance to celebrate Downtown Norfolk’s vibrant dining scene.

Reservations are recommended so don’t miss out on this delicious week!

Brunches and lunches cost $20; and there are $35 and $45 dinner options available. Check Downtown Norfolk for details and specific menus.

Participating restaurants include:

219 Bistro
Brothers
City Cruises Norfolk
Freemason Abbey Restaurant
Capo Capo
Gershwin’s
Grace O’Malley’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
Grain
Leone’s
Norfolk Seafood Co. & Oyster Bar
Ordinaire
Saltine
Saffron Indian Bistro
The Stockpot Norfolk
Town Point Club
Todd Jurich’s Bistro
Varia
Zinnia at the Chrysler Museum of Art

Event

Lilith Fest: A Tribute to Lilith Fair and Women in Music

July 12 2025

6:00 p.m.

The NorVa 317 Monticello Ave, Norfolk, VA 23510 Price: Prices May Vary

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Presented by Project HERA — a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to empowering women in music — “Lilith Fest” is a rocking tribute to singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan’s iconic, women-led festival “Lilith Fair” and other iconic women in music.

The all-ages show will feature more than 20 female performers — including Norfolk locals Clover Stokes and Mari Cornell — covering chart-topping hits from the original Lilith Fair acts — like Alanis Morissette, Erykah Badu, Sheryl Crow, Tracy Chapman, Brandi Carlile, and Mary J. Blige — as well as other legendary female performers.

This uplifting, high-energy show is a celebration of women in music that you won’t want to miss!

An Evening with Artist Walker Babington

July 25 2025

6:00 p.m.

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July 7 - July 28 2025

6:00 p.m.

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December 19 2025

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September 12 2025

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6:00 p.m.

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July 21 - July 27 2025

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Lilith Fest: A Tribute to Lilith Fair and Women in Music

July 12 2025

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