NORFOLK, Va. — For its 48th year, the festival will have a lot to offer, from the Parade of Sail to displays of drones and fireworks on the Elizabeth River.
This year's event will be the 48th Harborfest festival in Hampton Roads. This free event will have a lot to offer, from the Parade of Sail to drone and fireworks shows above the Elizabeth River. And there will be lots of live music and food options, too!
Harborfest kicks off Friday, June 7 and will last through Sunday evening. The schedule of events runs from noon to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and then from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Harborfest Parade of Sail to showcase impressive fleet of ships
A fleet of tall ships, character vessels, sleek power cruisers, sailing craft, antique and classic wooden boats, military vessels, tugs, and more made its way down the Elizabeth River toward Town Point Park at noon for the Parade of Sail. It marks the official kickoff of Harborfest.
If you missed the Parade of Sail or want to watch it again, you can see it below:
We've also posted a speedy time-lapse if you're short on time:
Harborfest 2024 will have drone show, fireworks display
The Harborfest Drone Show is making a return for 2024 on Friday night, along with the event's show-stopping fireworks show over the Elizabeth River on Saturday night.
The drone show, produced by Image Engineering from Baltimore, Maryland, is set to take flight at 9:30 p.m. Friday. Organizers say the sky will become a canvas for "high-quality imagery, data, and cutting-edge UAV technology, all harmonized to a nautical musical playlist".
Then on Saturday night at 9:30, the Norfolk Harborfest Fireworks Spectacular produced by Pyro Shows of Tennessee will put on "one of the largest waterfront pyrotechnics shows on the East Coast", featuring an explosive celebration of light synchronized to a booming music score.
Robert Randolph Band, Tina Turner tribute show, and Virginia Coalition to perform at Norfolk's Harborfest
To add to the fun, Harborfest will have a slate of live musical acts performing on the Main Stage and Boathouse Stage.
Friday will see the Robert Randolph Band, Yam Yam, and Pressing Strings perform on the Main Stage while Littkeys, Allen Hudson & The Halfmoons, Jacob Vanko Band, and Joslyn & The Sweet Compression will perform on the Boathouse Stage.
On Saturday, Simply Tina - The Ultimate Tina Turner Tribute Show will headline the Main Stage, along with Virginia Coalition and Empire Strikes Brass. The Boathouse Stage will feature DJ Canrock, Anthony Rosano & The Conqueroos, Woodwork, 2 Islands Band, and PC Duo.
Sunday's performers are Easton Corbin and Palmyra on the Main Stage, and Nature's Child and Forte on the Boathouse Stage.
The lineup and a full list of set times can be found on the festival's website.
What else is on the Harborfest schedule?
A lot! Everything from a boardwalk arcade, circus comedy and juggling, to a new "XPogo Xtreme Show"! There will also be plenty of food vendors and a wine/spirits/craft beer garden.
Some of Harborfest's other events include a BMX & skate stunt show, Splash City Golf, and the Back Bay Mermaid.
A full list of land events can be found on the festival's website.
Things to Know
Scooters: The City of Norfolk says that Lime has created a no-operation zone from Freemason Street to the North, Duke Street to the West, and St. Paul's Boulevard to the East. So people coming to Harborfest will not be able to ride Lime scooters in the area.
Parking: Free parking is available at the Waterside Parking Garage on the corner of Waterside Drive and Atlantic Avenue, the Town Point Parking Garagage located at the corner of W. Main Street and Boush Street and Main Street Parking Garage located at the corner of W Main Street and Atlantic Avenue.
Transportation: Organizers encourage festival goers to take the Tide Lightrail or Elizabeth River.