Norfolk Harborfest

America’s largest, longest-running, free maritime festival, the iconic Norfolk Harborfest enters its 47th year in 2023. For three memorable days along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront June 9-11, Harborfest celebrates all of the elements that make Norfolk & Hampton Roads a historic maritime & Naval community. On both land and sea, thrilling activities and live music take center stage at Harborfest, including the annual Parade of Sail featuring international tall ships, one of the largest fireworks shows on the East Coast, a mesmerizing drone show, interactive family games and activities, Navy exhibits and demonstrations, artisan foods and beverages, national and regional live entertainment, and much more. Mark your calendars for Friday-Sunday, June 9-11, 2023 for one of Hampton Roads’ biggest summertime events!

2023 WATER EVENTS

Parade of Sail

Presented by WVEC 13 News Now

The spectacular Parade of Sail, under the direction of the Virginia Pilots Association, will enter the Downtown Norfolk Harbor on Friday, June 9 at 12 pm.  Following tradition, this impressive fleet will include tall ships, character vessels, sleek power cruisers, sailing craft, antique and classic wooden boats, military vessels, tugs and more!  Thousands of onlookers stationed at vantage points along the Elizabeth River will be able to witness this expansive fleet as it dances down the river towards Town Point Park.

NEW! Harborfest Drone Show

Presented by WAVY TV 10

Produced by Image Engineering from Baltimore, MD, the Harborfest Drone Show was the first to take place in the region.  Be prepared as the sky is filled with the highest quality imagery, data and cutting edge UAV technology synchronized to a nautical musical playlist.  This year's drone show will feature double the amount included in last year's show.  The show is scheduled for Friday, June 9 at 9:30pm and will be performed over the Elizabeth River.

Harborfest Fireworks Display

Presented by WAVY TV 10

Produced by Pyro Shows of Tennessee, the Harborfest Fireworks Display is one of the largest waterfront pyrotechnics shows on the East Coast.  Be prepared for the unexpected as the sky is filled with an explosive display of light synchronized to a booming musical score.  The show is scheduled for Saturday night at 9:30 pm and will be fired from a floating platform in the Elizabeth River.

Coastal Riverine Force

Forged from our rich coastal and riverine heritage, the Coastal Riverine Force regained prominence following the USS COLE and 9/11 attacks and is the only Navy Force that defends high value assets against a determined enemy. Catch the exhibit onn the Elizabeth River throughout the weekend!

Tug Muster

The biggest tug muster in the mid Atlantic region! The muscle men and women of the harbor bring their tugboats out for an all-out demonstration of power in the popular Tug Muster in the Elizabeth River. This "bragging-rights" competition will get your heart racing as over a dozen tugs dance in the river and show off their skills.

Search and Rescue Demo

Guests may watch in excitement as U.S.C.G. crews demonstrate the Coast Guard's breathtaking rescue capabilities on the Elizabeth River along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront!

Build-a-Boat Challenge

The very popular and zany Ultimate Build-a-Boat Challenge begins on Saturday when several teams construct boats from scratch, in various engineering and decorative designs in the hopes that their design will survive the test of Sunday's Ultimate Build-a-Boat Race!  On Sunday the competing teams put their handmade boats and boating skills to the test with an all-out race to the finish line!  This nail-biting event is not to be missed!

2023 LAND EVENTS

NEW! Festival Silent Disco

New this year at Harborfest is an outdoor Festival Silent Disco!  Grab a set of headphones and relive the golden days or jam to today's top hits at this new festival feature.  Participants will dance to tunes provided by our silent disco DJ with cool lights and special effects.

Body Marbling

This new festival trend utilizes Hydrodynamics to transform skin and apparel into glowing works of art!  

NEW! The Mighty Mike Show

Enjoy a strongman show like you've never seen before!  Witness Mighty Mike juggle bowling balls and sledgehammers, tear packs of cards, and bend pounds of metal.  If his witty jokes don't make you laugh, his 1920's-style bathing suit sure will.

NEW! The Loose Cannon Pirate Company

Walk the plank into history by witnessing the swashbuckling tales of golden age pirates.  Watch your head ye landlubbers and cover your ears when cannon balls fly.  Grab your mateys and get ready to set sail on your next voyage!

NEW! The Red Trouser Show

Being friends since the first grade, this dynamic duo now travels the world together street performing.  Their amazing acrobatics and use of fire is sure to draw a big crowd!

NEW! The Back Bay Mermaid

Watch as the curtains open to reveal an ancient spirit of the deep, a creature thought to exist only in the shimmering mirage of the open ocean – mermaids! Spotted by sailors for thousands of years in the breaking waves of their ships, one of these illusive beauties will be brought to you from the far corners of the earth. Hear about their stories of bravery and courage, learn about protecting their oceans, and witness for yourself a real mermaid! Photo opportunities will be available throughout the day.

NEW! Boathouse Tribute Exhibit

Join us as we pay tribute to one of Norfolk’s iconic and beloved music venues in what would have been the 40th anniversary of its opening.  Performers the likes of Jay-Z, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, NOFX and The Violent Femmes all performed at the original Boathouse is Norfolk.  Reminisce on the golden age of live music in Norfolk through memorabilia, original merchandise and a photo and video gallery displaying content captured at the historic venue.

Splash City Golf

Make a splash at this unique pop-up driving range in Town Point Park!  Participants will take aim at a floating green in the Elizabeth River with golf balls that are made from recycled oyster shells.

The Butterfly & Ladybug Experience

The Butterfly Encounter is a live walk through exhibit that houses multiple butterflies where you can interact, feed and learn about them and why they are so important.  A great activity for all ages, the exhibit was designed for wheelchair and stroller accesibility.

Harborfest Virginia Wine, Spirits, and Craft Beer Garden

The Made in Virginia Wine Tasting will feature wine sampling from Virginia Wineries, Distilleries, as well as craft beers from Virginia and more!  Wines will be available by the glass, bottle, and case.  Craft beers will be available to purchase in sample sizes or by the pint.  Join us for a unique experience sampling some of Virginia's finest wine and craft beer with live music from The Back Deck Stage located along the Elizabeth River in TowneBank Fountain Park next to Waterside Live!

Dining at Harborfest... Fresh & Fun

The Harborfest®, food and beverage theme is fresh and fun! Outdoor dining on the waterfront includes over 50 food and beverage scenes, serving fill-your-tummy delicacies including fresh crab cakes, hand breaded shrimp, fried oysters, scallops, shrimp fried rice, mouth-watering open pit beef barbeque, North Carolina barbeque, Italian sausage, Polish sausage, Philly style cheese steaks, burgers and dogs, souvlaki, pitas, gyros, chicken on a stick, chicken tenders, Grecian chicken, chicken lo mein, Greek salad, buttery roasted corn, fresh cut French fries, onion rings, fresh wraps, corn dogs, blooming onions and smoked savory turkey legs. Top off your lunch or dinner with ice cold lemonade and sweet desserts like hand dipped ice cream, fresh and hot funnel cakes, cool Italian ices, melt-in-your-mouth Kettle Korn, fresh fruit smoothies and soft serve ice cream with all the toppings. Lounge with family and friends at one of our shaded seating areas and relax while enjoying your favorite festival fare. In addition to traditional beverage selections like smoothies and lemonade, adult beverages may be found throughout the festival grounds in various locations.

HARBORFEST LINEUP

FRIDAY, JUNE 9, 2023

MAIN STAGE

3:15pm - Erin & The Wildfire

6:00pm - Kendall Street Company

8:00pm - The Allman Betts Band

BOATHOUSE STAGE

2:45pm - Juju Drum

4:45pm - Nate Sacks & The Lifehacks

7:00pm - The Gold Sauce

10:00pm - Littkeys 

Festival Hours:

June 9 - 11, 2023

Friday: Noon - 11pm (Parade of Sail - Noon)

Saturday: Noon - 11pm  (Fireworks 9:30pm)

Sunday: 10am - 6pm 

FREE & Open to the Public!