(The Parade of Nations is part of Norfolk NATO Festival on Saturday, April 30 at 10 AM in Downtown Norfolk)
Compiled by Staff
After two years enduring pandemic restrictions, things are back to normal and everyone’s ready to get back to enjoying life. Perhaps the best way to do so is by attending one of the many festivals happening in the 757 region.
Here’s our list on must-attend festivities, literally something for everyone.
25th Annual Virginia Arts Festival
April 26, Tallis Scholar, Christ & St Luke’s Church
April 28-May 1, Virginia International Tattoo, Norfolk Scope
May 5-7, InHEIRitance Project, Attucks Theatre
May 5, Kitchen Dwellers, Perry Pavilion
May 6, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Chrysler Hall
May 7, Music of Queen, Sandler Center
May 8, Amanda Mole, Chris & St Luke’s Church
May 10, Joel Ross, Hixon Theater
May 11, Malpaso Dance Company, Sandler Center
May 12, Cowboy Junkies, Perry Pavilion
May 13-15, The Sound of Music, Harrison Opera House
May 14, Rhythm Project Showcase, Perry Pavilion
May 18, Buster Williams & Something More, Perry Pavilion
May 19, Samantha Fish, Perry Pavilion
May 20, Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, Sandler Center
May 21, Kristin Chenoweth/Renee Fleming, Chrysler Hall
May 22, Aoife O’Donovan, Perry Pavilion
May 25, Olga Kern & Friends, Hixon Theater
May 26, The War & Treaty, Perry Pavilion
June 2, Allison Russell, Perry Pavilion
June 3 & 5, “Briar Patch” and “Companionship,” Attucks Theatre
June 4, Symphonic Celebration of Water, Chrysler Hall
June 17, Mandy Moore, Lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg
June 18, Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit, Lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg
June 19, Martina McBride, Lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg
www.vafest,org
69th Annual Norfolk NATO Festival
April 28 through May 1
Scope Plaza & Town Point Park
The region’s longest running festival once again celebrates our NATO allies with a flag raising ceremony on April 28 on Scope Plaza (5 PM) and the Parade of Nations on April 30 (10 am). NATO Village in Town Point Park (April 30, 11:30 am) will feature food, beverages, and live entertainment.
Helles Yes – Helles Beer Festival
April 30
Elation Brewing
12 local breweries, live music, and food specials all day.
Atlantic Coast Kite Festival
April 30 – May 1
Between 16-18th Streets on Oceanfront
Open to the public, show off your favorite kite and compete in the Best Kite Contest. Plus kite-making workshops and more.
Virginia International PAN Fest
May 6-7
24th Street Park @ The Oceanfront
A fun celebration of steel drum music and Caribbean culture.
Blues, Brews, & BBQ
May 7, 2-6pm
400 Water Street, Yorktown
Sample more than 30 craft beers, dig into some amazing BBQ, and listen to some of the best Blues musicians in Hampton Roads. Proceeds Benefit Sister Cities Yorktown and the York Foundation for Public Education, Inc.
Coastal VA Spirits Festival
May 7, 12-3pm
Event starts on Saturday, 7 May 2022 and happening at MacArthur Center, Norfolk, VA.
Dharma Fest
May 7-8
Good Vibes Concert Hall
A benefit for Adhesive Arachnoiditis feature the live music of The Dharma Initiative, Grateful Jed, Matt Lochhardt’s Freedom Funk, Roy Ira Moats, Karl Werne and more.
(Don’t miss Neptune’s Spring Wine Festival on May 14.)
Neptune’s 17th Annual Spring Wine Festival
May 14, Noon – 5 pm
31st Street Park @ The Oceanfront
A beautiful setting for a wine festival with food and live music.
Suds & Buds
May 19, 5:30-8:30pm
Norfolk Botanical Gardens
6700 Azalea Garden Road, Norfolk
Tickets include garden admission and features food from area restaurants, craft beer, wine, and live music by Dave Welsh. Proceeds benefit Norfolk Botanical Garden and the Rotary Club of Norfolk.
Bayou BonVivant
May 20-22
Town Point Park, Norfolk
Indulge in the flavors of New Orleans with this three-day celebration of the tastes, tunes, and traditions of the Crescent City. From juicy handfuls of crawfish to world-renowned N’awlins musicians, the festival offers a fun experience for the entire family. Plus, there’s an Arts Market featuring 30+ New Orleans crafters, crocodile and reptile exhibits, mouth-watering Cajun dishes, and an upgraded VIP tasting experience. Performers include Terrance Simien, Marcia Ball, The Iguanas, Rebirth Brass Band, and Dumpstaphunk.
Beach Music Cruise-in
May 20-22
30th Street on The Oceanfront
A festival of Beach Music featuring bands such as The Embers, Chairmen of the Board, The Tams, Swingin’ Medallions, and Bill Deal’s Original Rhondels.
Stockley Gardens Spring Arts Festival
May 21-22, Noon – 5 pm
Stockley Gardens/Ghent
A beloved neighborhood outdoor art show featuring over 100 regional artists, plus live music, food and drink.
Umoja Festival
May 27-29
Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion
A celebration of Black culture featuring live music from legends Chaka Khan, The Stylistics, Heatwave and more. It’s a ‘70s soul jam.
Salute To Summer
May 27-29
17th Street and 24th Street Stages @ The Oceanfront
Three fun days of live bands paying tribute to hitmakers of yesteryear.
Patriotic Festival
May 27-29
Norfolk Scope Arena & Town Point Park
A celebration of the US armed forces and country music featuring Morgan Wallen, Kane Brown, Jon Pardi, and more.
Spring Craft Beer Festival
May 28, 12-6pm
Cogans North
4311 Colley Avenue, Norfolk
Pretty Ugly Distribution and Cogans North present Pretty Ugly Gorilla Spring Craft Beer Festival featuring local breweries and live music.
Newport News Greek Festival
June 2-5
Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church
www.newportnewsgreekfestival.org
A celebration of Greek culture through food, dance, and traditional music. Opa!
Portsmouth Pride Festival
June 4, 11 am – 5 pm
Festival Field/Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion
Music, entertainment, retail vendors, food, beer and more.
Blackbeard Pirate Festival
June 5, Noon to 6 PM
Mill Point Park, Hampton
Pirate re-enactors take over the downtown Hampton waterfront with period vendors, crafts, history stories, musical entertainment, and more. A must-do for families.
Bodacious Bazaar Wine & Spring Festival
June 5, 10 am to 6 pm
Hampton Roads Convention Center
Shop for local art, crafts, Virginia wine and more.
Annual Norfolk Harborfest
June 10-12
Town Point Park, Norfolk
America’s largest, longest-running, free maritime festival, Norfolk Harborfest celebrates all of the elements that make Norfolk & Hampton Roads a historic maritime & Naval community. Featuring the annual Parade of Sails featuring international tall ships, one of the largest fireworks shows on the East Coast, a drone show, interactive family games and activities, Navy exhibits and demonstrations, artisan foods and beverages, live entertainment, and more.
43rd Annual Seawall Music Festival
June 10-11
High Street Landing, Portsmouth
Two days of food, drink, and live music including Bill Deal’s Original Rhondels, Champagne Band, Hot Cakes, Michael Clark Band, and more.
Juneteenth in the Park
June 18, 12-5 pm
Town Point Park, Norfolk
Juneteenth marks the freedom of enslaved people In the United States at the end of the Civil War.
Ghent Pride
June 20, 6-10 pm
The Palace Shops & Station, Norfolk
Live music, cocktails, food and more. Benefits LGBT Life Center, Hampton Roads Pride, and the Ghent Business Association.
La Fiesta Virginia Beach
June 24-25
24th Street Park @ The Oceanfront
A mix of authentic food, colorful costumes, and Latin music by Fulanito, Aymee Nuviola, Jerry Rivera, El Rey Tulile, and more.
Hampton Roads Pride Fest
June 25, Noon to 8 pm
Town Point Park, Norfolk
Entertainment, music, vendors, food, drink, and activities.
Totally Tribute Music Fest
July 1-3
17th & 24th Street Stages @ The Oceanfront
Celebration of music by tribute bands.
IPA Invitational Beer Festival
July 2
Elation Brewing
12 local breweries, live music, and food specials all day.
Fourth of July Great American Picnic & Fireworks Celebration
July 4, 5-10pm
Town Point Park, Norfolk
Relax on the lawn and enjoy an evening of All-American fare, including hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue, seafood, cotton candy, and much more, along with live musical entertainment from military brass bands! The night is capped off by the sensational fireworks show high above the Elizabeth River, beginning at 9:30 pm.
Butterfly Festival
July 16, 10 am – 4 pm
Norfolk Botanical Garden
www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org
The Garden’s newly reworked butterfly house will be open for visitors to walk through and be dazzled by the beauty and grace of these winged creatures.
Norfolk Latino Music & Food Festival
July 23 4-10pm
Town Point Park, Norfolk
Featuring explosive live music performances, an eclectic offering of Latin cuisine including tacos and empanadas, fun family-friendly activities, authentic dance lessons and performances, and much more.
Taste of VA on the Bay
July 29, 6-9:30pm
Ocean View Beach Park, Norfolk
www.festevents.org
Craft beer, wine, spirits, food sampling, and live music.
Virginia Honey Bee Festival
August 20, 10 am – 4 pm
Norfolk Botanical Garden
www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org
Honey bees are essential. Learn about which plants help the bees and the production of honey.
Backroads Blues Festival
August 21
Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion
Live music featuring Buddy Guy, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and more.
39th Annual Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival
August 26-27
Town Point Park, Norfolk
A two-day festival featuring world-class smooth jazz artists. This year’s lineup includes Tower of Power, Pieces of a Dream, Chris Standring, Althea Rene, and Brian Culbertson.
Virginia Beach Funk Fest Beach Party
August 26-27
24th Street Park @ The Oceanfront
A throwback party featuring funk music from the 1970s and ‘80s. Bands to be announced by early summer.
7th Annual Neptune’s Coastal Craft Beer Festival
August 27, 1-6pm
31st Street & Oceanfront, Virginia Beach
Enjoy over 65 beers from across the Commonwealth and beyond, live music, food trucks, and more! Each ticket includes a commemorative beer glass and tastings throughout the day. Tickets starting at $40.
Sunflower Music Festival
August 28, Noon to 6:30 pm
Norfolk Botanical Garden
www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org
Music by Last Fair Deal, Tailgate Down, and HM Johnson Band, plus craft vendors, food and beer. Dogs welcome, especially if they can howl along to the music.
Neptune’s 25th Annual Fall Wine Festival
September 10-11, Noon – 5 pm
31st Street Park @ The Oceanfront
The weather is delightful for this 2-day celebration of international wine, food, and tasteful music.
NashFest 757
Sept.17, 12-8pm
Town Point Park, Norfolk
Hot chicken, hard drinks, and Music City sounds! Celebrating the iconic culture and cuisine of Nashville and featuring national and local recording artists, mouth-watering hot chicken, barbecue, line dancing, craft beer & whiskey tastings, and much more.
