NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk Festevents says it is bringing concerts back to Town Point Park and the Norfolk waterfront.
The Thank Goodness We’re Open (TGWO) series will begin September 17 and continue through the fall on a weekly basis.
Festevents said the series will feature "small, safe concerts and events" that are capped at 250 guests and feature social distancing measures, including wearing masks except when eating or drinking.
All guests are required to pre-register for the events at Festevents.org and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, $10 per person. Guests will also be placed in social circles.
“They can dance in their own circles. People can bring their own picnics food, non-alcoholic beverages. We will have a bar. We will have a food truck. But the people that are in their circles have to be from the same group, the same family. But they can’t go mix with other circles, not right now," said Norfolk Festevents CEO Karen Scherberger.
Summer events were postponed due to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic but late last month, a trial-run for a socially-distanced event was carried out at Town Point Park.
Scherberger added that the opening of the concerts will most likely help Norfolk small businesses too. Employees at The Big Wisky Porch located in Nauticus agree.
“Especially since we’re right there and the festivals are right across from us it really helps bring in more people," said employee Madison Matthews.
"We have worked very closely with the City of Norfolk and the Department of Health to develop an extensive plan to provide this 'safe space' for our residents and visitors to enjoy while feeling comfortable and safe," Scherberger said in a news release.
The TGWO series schedule will begin with the following:
- Thursday, September 17 featuring BJ Griffin (R&B/Pop)
- Friday, September 18 featuring Tumbao Salsero (Latin Salsa)
- Thursday, September 24, featuring Rocky 7 (Top 40/Pop)
- Friday, September 25, featuring Strange Rootz (Reggae)
The event runs each night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and food and drinks will be available to purchase. Tickets are $10 per show and can be ordered online.
Norfolk Festevents offered the following guidelines for people interested in attending:
- Wear a mask or face covering! Only guests with a face covering will be permitted into the event. Masks or face coverings are required at all times except while eating or drinking.
- Stay in your circle! Guests are required to remain in their designated social circle except when purchasing food and beverages or when using the restroom. In order to keep all guests at a safe distance, each social circle is limited to up to four people. Gathering at the bar, food truck, or stage will not be permitted. Food and beverages are to be enjoyed your social circles.
- Don’t wait to register! The concerts are capped at 250 guests and attendance is on a first-come, first-served basis. All guests must pre-register for the events and reserve their designated social circle online.
- Have a fever or COVID-19 symptoms? Guests with a fever or symptoms of COVID-19, or known exposure to a COVID-19 case in the prior 14 days, will not be permitted into the event.
- Feel free to bring a chair and refreshments! Guests are permitted to bring in a chair or blanket to relax in your social circle. Guests are also permitted to bring in a personal cooler with food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- No pets allowed, in accordance with state guidelines.