NORFOLK, Va. — Thousands of people will head to Norfolk's Town Point Park this weekend for Harborfest 2024, the city's annual celebration of the maritime and Naval community that makes Hampton Roads so special.
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!
If you're planning to venture out this weekend, here's a look at some things to know about this year's Harborfest.
When is Harborfest 2024?
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 will make its way down the Elizabeth River toward Town Point Park.
This event will take place Friday starting at 12 p.m., which will mark the official kickoff of Harborfest.
Here's a look back at a time-lapse of last year's Parade of Sail:
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.