Monday, May 11, 2026 | 11AM
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!
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.
Did you know that wind turbines can be recycled? Come out and learn the science and history behind wind power, explore the recycling process, and see and feel a real-life wind turbine blade!
Program included in general admission!
Learn about the history of knot tying and try your hand at key knots essential to sailing!
This education program is included with General Admission to Nauticus.
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.
Norfolk Taco Festival – 8th Annual
Taco Heaven returns to the Waterside District on July 11th & 12th, 2026! Get ready for the biggest taco festival in Virginia history!
About this Event
The Norfolk Taco Festival is taking over the entire Waterside District on July 11th & 12th, 2026! This iconic waterfront entertainment complex will be transformed into a full-scale taco paradise—featuring massive outdoor activations along the Elizabeth River, multiple indoor venues, bars, and high-energy spaces built for the ultimate festival takeover.
This will be the BIGGEST Taco Festival in Virginia! Get ready for an action-packed weekend filled with an incredible variety of tacos, margaritas, games, and taco-themed fun, plus live bands across multiple stages, authentic Mariachi music, and more. Come hungry and experience the Norfolk Taco Festival!
🌮 GET READY FOR…
– 30+ taco & food vendors (over 100 styles of tacos & related foods)
– Multiple margarita bars
– Giant nacho station
– Lucha Libre wrestling
– Kids piñata smashing
– Live bands, DJs & performances (multiple areas)
– Tequila flight expo
– Authentic Mariachi & folkloric performers
– Full access to Waterside District (indoor & outdoor takeover)
– Hot chili pepper & taco eating contests
– Live music on the waterfront outdoor stage
– Giant general vendor market
– Mechanical bull riding
* Carnival games, activities & fun for all ages
* FREE Kids Fun Zone (face painters, bounce houses, balloon twisters)
* And much more!
🎟️ TICKET DETAILS
GENERAL ADMISSION (2PM-8PM)
– 2PM Entry
– Live cover bands, Mariachi, Lucha Libre wrestling show & more
– Kids 10 & under FREE
– Free Kids Fun Zone & so much more
VIP ADMISSION (12PM-8PM)
– 2-hour express early entry (12PM–2PM)
– 5 taco vouchers
– Unlimited free nacho bar (12PM–2PM)
– 4 drink vouchers
– Exclusive VIP area
– Private bar & restrooms
– 25% off official merchandise
– Commemorative VIP gift bag, custom shot glass, giveaways & unlimited bragging rights
👨👩👧👦 KIDS & UNDER 21 ADMISSION
– Kids 10 & under are FREE (no ticket required)
– Guests under 21 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
🍹 DRINKS, DRINKS, DRINKS!
Rivers of margaritas and ice-cold beers will be flowing from full-service bars, beer tubs, and drink stations throughout the festival along with these EXCLUSIVE for Taco Festival…
– Tequila flight expo
– Frozen & soft-serve margaritas
– Dirty soda mocktail bar (non-alcoholic options)
– Traditional margarita bars
🎫 TICKET VOUCHER SYSTEM & BEVERAGES
All food vendors operate on a voucher system. Purchase taco vouchers ($4 each, sold in sheets of 5 for $20) and redeem them for tacos, elotes, nachos, and more.
Alcohol and beverages are available for purchase via cash or credit. ATMs will be on-site, but cash is recommended for faster transactions.
🎡 KIDS FUN ZONE
Enjoy free activities for the whole family, including face painters, bounce houses, piñata smashing contests, carnival games, and more
🌶️ EATING CONTESTS
Compete in taco and hot chili pepper eating contests for prizes and bragging rights. Sign-ups coming soon!
🚗 PARKING
Public transportation, rideshare services, and alternative transportation are strongly recommended. Parking in the area will be limited due to downtown and waterfront activity.
⚠️ REFUND & EXCHANGE POLICY
All ticket sales are final. This is a rain or shine event. In the event of postponement, all tickets will be honored for the rescheduled date. Ticket prices are subject to change at any tim
Also check out other Festivals in Norfolk, Kids events & activities in Norfolk, Sports events in Norfolk.
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Peace Officer Memorial
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Join us in the Peace Officers Memorial event honoring our fallen officers and recognizing their service and sacrifice.
Join us in the Peace Officers Memorial event honoring our fallen officers and recognizing their service and sacrifice.
Hello, Kindergarten–3rd Grade families! Are you ready for an amazing adventure? The Elizabeth River Project is hosting The Amazing Neighborhood Mollusk Adventure, a FREE children’s puppet show created by Project ANiMA, an interdisciplinary team of ODU students and faculty. Doors open at 10:45am.
Get ready to meet a whole crew of brackish‑water buddies: Mr. Blue the Crab, Reign the Mermaid, the Reef Rascals, Esperanza the Pelican, and The Marsha Sisters — and they need YOUR help to restore our shorelines. This will be the very first public performance of The Amazing Neighborhood Mollusk Adventure, and we can’t wait for you to cheer and learn along with us about how everyone—no matter our age—can help take care of the Elizabeth River. Come join the fun and help our puppet friends save the day!
Sip, Sign & Swap
Join us for Sip, Sign & Swap—sip drinks, sign your best stuff, and swap cool finds with friends!
About this Event
Join Us for Sip, Sign & Swap!Get ready for a fun in-person gathering where you can sip your favorite drinks, meet local authors, snag some bookish items, and swap books. It’s all about good vibes, great conversations, and swapping stories.
Arrive by 6:30 pm to be entered for the exclusive raffle.
Register on eventbrite for an extra raffle ticket!
Also check out other Arts events in Norfolk, Literary Art events in Norfolk.
