Being On The Water

2026 ERT + NKR Group Paddles

August 8 2026

8:30 a.m.
Elizabeth River Trail 715 Orapax St, Norfolk, VA 23507 ·, Price: Free
ERT + Norfolk Kayak Rentals are excited to offer a FREE kayak experience on the Elizabeth River. Join us for a 90-minute group paddle, launching from the Plum Point Park kayak launch. Previous kayak experience is REQUIRED.
Arrive: 8:30-8:45 AM
Launch: 9 AM
Return: 10:30 AM
Distance: 3-5 miles.
– Kindly reserve *ONLY ONE* group paddle date for the ENTIRE 2026 season to allow this free paddling opportunity to reach as many trail users as possible.
-Limited free kayaks are available, followed by discounted kayak rentals. Or bring your own Kayak!!
NO EXCEPTIONS, EACH RESERVATION NAME IS LIMITED TO:
– Up to TWO (2) Single-seat Kayaks -OR- ONE (1) Tandem Kayak
**Please note that a credit card will be required for the reservation but will not be charged unless the reservation is canceled with less than 48 hours’ notice. **
Parking:
1) There is limited free public parking (8 spaces total) located at the Plum Point Park Trailhead
331 Riverview Avenue
2) Ample, free public parking lot located across from the ERT Trailside Headquarters in Chelsea. Yes, you are allowed to park in this lot on the weekends! **Includes a 5-minute walk down the ERT to Plum Point Park.
715 Orapax Street
3) A garage at the Riverview Medical Building, for $1 on weekends.
301 Riverview Avenue
Learn more about Norfolk Kayak Rentals at NorfolkKayaks.fun.
Free kayak reservations are thanks to Elizabeth River Trail donors! Visit https://elizabethrivertrail-bloom.kindful.com/ to become a Trailblazer today!

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Being On The Water

2026 ERT + NKR Group Paddles

September 12 2026

8:30 a.m.
Elizabeth River Trail 715 Orapax St, Norfolk, VA 23507 ·, Price: Free
ERT + Norfolk Kayak Rentals are excited to offer a FREE kayak experience on the Elizabeth River. Join us for a 90-minute group paddle, launching from the Plum Point Park kayak launch. Previous kayak experience is REQUIRED.
Arrive: 8:30-8:45 AM
Launch: 9 AM
Return: 10:30 AM
Distance: 3-5 miles.
– Kindly reserve *ONLY ONE* group paddle date for the ENTIRE 2026 season to allow this free paddling opportunity to reach as many trail users as possible.
-Limited free kayaks are available, followed by discounted kayak rentals. Or bring your own Kayak!!
NO EXCEPTIONS, EACH RESERVATION NAME IS LIMITED TO:
– Up to TWO (2) Single-seat Kayaks -OR- ONE (1) Tandem Kayak
**Please note that a credit card will be required for the reservation but will not be charged unless the reservation is canceled with less than 48 hours’ notice. **
Parking:
1) There is limited free public parking (8 spaces total) located at the Plum Point Park Trailhead
331 Riverview Avenue
2) Ample, free public parking lot located across from the ERT Trailside Headquarters in Chelsea. Yes, you are allowed to park in this lot on the weekends! **Includes a 5-minute walk down the ERT to Plum Point Park.
715 Orapax Street
3) A garage at the Riverview Medical Building, for $1 on weekends.
301 Riverview Avenue
Learn more about Norfolk Kayak Rentals at NorfolkKayaks.fun.
Free kayak reservations are thanks to Elizabeth River Trail donors! Visit https://elizabethrivertrail-bloom.kindful.com/ to become a Trailblazer today!

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Being On The Water

2026 ERT + NKR Group Paddles

September 12 2026

8:30 a.m.
Elizabeth River Trail 715 Orapax St, Norfolk, VA 23507 ·, Price: Free
ERT + Norfolk Kayak Rentals are excited to offer a FREE kayak experience on the Elizabeth River. Join us for a 90-minute group paddle, launching from the Plum Point Park kayak launch. Previous kayak experience is REQUIRED.
Arrive: 8:30-8:45 AM
Launch: 9 AM
Return: 10:30 AM
Distance: 3-5 miles.
– Kindly reserve *ONLY ONE* group paddle date for the ENTIRE 2026 season to allow this free paddling opportunity to reach as many trail users as possible.
-Limited free kayaks are available, followed by discounted kayak rentals. Or bring your own Kayak!!
NO EXCEPTIONS, EACH RESERVATION NAME IS LIMITED TO:
– Up to TWO (2) Single-seat Kayaks -OR- ONE (1) Tandem Kayak
**Please note that a credit card will be required for the reservation but will not be charged unless the reservation is canceled with less than 48 hours’ notice. **
Parking:
1) There is limited free public parking (8 spaces total) located at the Plum Point Park Trailhead
331 Riverview Avenue
2) Ample, free public parking lot located across from the ERT Trailside Headquarters in Chelsea. Yes, you are allowed to park in this lot on the weekends! **Includes a 5-minute walk down the ERT to Plum Point Park.
715 Orapax Street
3) A garage at the Riverview Medical Building, for $1 on weekends.
301 Riverview Avenue
Learn more about Norfolk Kayak Rentals at NorfolkKayaks.fun.
Free kayak reservations are thanks to Elizabeth River Trail donors! Visit https://elizabethrivertrail-bloom.kindful.com/ to become a Trailblazer today!

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Arts and Entertainment

Legacy of War: Guardian of the Sky Film Screening

September 26 2026

8:30 a.m.
The MacArthur Memorial Visitors Center 198 Bank Street Norfolk, VA 23510, Price: Free
Legacy of War: Guardian of the Sky Film Screening
Saturday, September 26, 2026

Ralph Blackman introduces the documentary film that follows his journey of discovery into his family history as he tracks his father’s service as part of a bomber crew in the Pacific during WWII.


Ralph Blackman joins the MacArthur Memorial to introduce the documentary film Legacy of War: Guardian of the Sky, which follows his journey of discovery into his family history as he tracks his father’s service as part of a bomber crew in the Pacific during WWII. An audience Q&A will follow the screening. This event is free and open to the public. More details to come.

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Sails Up Workshop at Nauticus

May 17 2026

8:30 a.m.
Nauticus 1 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510, Price: $15 members / $35 non-members

Enjoy a one-hour intro sail aboard a Harbor 20 with an experienced instructor who will introduce you to the basics of sailing. No experience needed, just a love for the water! Max 4 guests per boat.

Date: Sunday, May 17

Time: Every hour from 10 AM through 4 PM, with 2 boats available each time

Cost: $15 members / $35 non-members
(Your ticket includes participation in the workshop activity, plus full access to Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.)
Children 2 and under: Free

 

Participants: All ages welcome! 
*Please note, workshop tickets are non-refundable

 

Questions: Contact us at info@nauticus.org
Members, make sure you are logged in to receive your discount!

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Rope Making at Nauticus

May 18 2026

8:30 a.m.
Nauticus- Third Floor - Design, Build, Sail! 1 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510, Price: Included in General Admission

Rope making is a chance to learn and create with your hands in an interactive way.

Discover how rope and rope making has been implemented on board ships for hundreds of years and how it impacted economic trade throughout the world’s oceans.

Rope making doesn’t just have to involve producing rope for sailing. Help craft your own colorful rope bracelet using technology our ancestors did as we dive into all these topics while spinning your way through history.

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Abandon Ship at Nauticus

May 15 2026

8:30 a.m.
Nauticus- Third Floor - Atrium 1 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510, Price: Included in general admission

Do you have what it takes to survive on the open ocean when your ship goes down? Join us for our interactive floor program as we discuss tools and methods that will help you survive adrift on the ocean.

This daily program is included in Nauticus’ general admission.

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Smell Like A Sturgeon at Nauticus

May 14 2026

8:30 a.m.
Nauticus- Third Floor - Atrium 1 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510, Price: Included in general admission

Did you know 97% of Atlantic Sturgeon spawn in the exact same river they were born in? Would you also be surprised to find out that they navigate their way back to their home rivers by using their sense of smell! Come join us here at Nauticus for “Smell Like A Sturgeon”, an interactive floor program that tests your sense of smell to see if you have what it takes to sniff your way home like the Atlantic Sturgeon.

Smell Like A Sturgeon activity is included in general admission.

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Sound Phones at Nauticus

May 11 2026

8:30 a.m.
Nauticus- Battleship Wardroom 1 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510, Price: Included in General Admission

Discover the simplicity and effectiveness of sound-powered telephones, still utilized in today’s Navy. Join us for a hands-on experience, testing these reliable communication devices firsthand. 

Program included in general admission!

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May 7 2026

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Rope making is a chance to learn and create with your hands in an interactive way.

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