Norfolk Harborfest Returns to Downtown Norfolk Waterfront June 9-11
Norfolk Harborfest Returns to Downtown Norfolk Waterfront June 9-11
Date: Friday, June 2, 2023
Website: bit.ly/Harborfest2023
Norfolk, VA – The 47th Annual Norfolk Harborfest: Music, Food & Maritime Festival returns to Town Point Park along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront Friday-Sunday, June 9-11, 2023.
America’s largest, longest-running, free maritime festival, Harborfest celebrates & encapsulates all of the unique 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 tall ships, one of the largest fireworks shows on the East Coast, a mesmerizing drone show, interactive family games & activities, Navy exhibits and demonstrations, artisan foods & beverages, national & regional live entertainment, and much more.
The festival is FREE & open to the public. For more information, visit bit.ly/Harborfest2023.
FESTIVAL HOURS
Friday, June 9 – Noon-11pm (Parade of Sail at 12:00pm; Drone Show at 9:30pm)
Saturday, June 10 – Noon-11pm (Fireworks at 9:30pm)
Sunday, June 11 – 10am-6pm
MUSIC LINEUP
Main Stage – Friday, June 9
3:15pm – Erin & the Wildfire
6:00pm – Kendall Street Company
8:00pm – The Allman Betts Band
Main Stage – Saturday, June 10
3:15pm – Tribute to The Boathouse with Wonderland with special appearances from David Middleton and Paul Johnson from Waxing Poetics
6:00pm – Cracker
8:15pm – Morris Day & the Time
Main Stage – Sunday, June 11
2:00pm – Cody Christian Band
4:30pm – Parmalee
Boathouse Stage – Friday, June 9
2:45pm – JuJu Drum
4:45pm – Nate Sacks & the Lifehacks
7:00pm – The Gold Sauce
10:00pm – LittKeys
Boathouse Stage – Saturday, June 10
1:00pm – Dustin Furlow
2:45pm – Allen Hudson & the Halfmoons
4:45pm – Big Al Staggs & the JaJas
7:00pm – Chong Band
10:00pm – DJ CanRock
Boathouse Stage – Sunday, June 11
12:45pm – Bobby Blackhat Walters
3:15pm – BJ Griffin Band
TALL SHIPS & THE PARADE OF SAIL
The spectacular Norfolk Harborfest Parade of Sail, presented by WVEC 13 News Now and under the direction of the Virginia Pilots Association, will enter the Downtown Norfolk Harbor on Friday, June 9 at approximately noon. Following tradition, this impressive fleet will include tall ships, Navy ships, Public Safety vessels, 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.
The following is a list of visiting tall ships:
• Pride of Baltimore II, Baltimore, Maryland, LOA: 105’, Draft: 12’6”, Beam: 26’4”, Rig Height: 107’
• Gazela, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, LOA: 150’, Draft: 17’, Beam: 26”, Rig Height: 100’
• USACE Survey Vessel EWELL, Norfolk, Virginia, LOA: 61’4”, Draft: 3’4”
• NOAA Bay Hydro II, Solomons, Maryland, LOA: 57’, Beam: 20’
• USS Gettysburg (CG 64), Norfolk, Virginia, LOA: 567’, Draft: 34’, Beam: 55’
• Godspeed, Jamestown, Virginia, LOA: 74’, Draft: 7’, Beam: 17’, Rig Height: 72’
• Impossible Dream, LOA: 58’, Draft: 3.7’, Beam: 27’
• Kalmar Nyckel, Wilmington, Delaware, LOA: 93’, Draft: 12’5”, Beam: 12’11”, Rig Height: 105’
• American Rover, Norfolk, Virginia, LOA: 135’, Draft: 9’, Beam: 24’
• Schooner Virginia, Norfolk, Virginia, LOA: 121’10”, Draft: 12’3”, Beam: 24’, Rig Height: 112’
• USCGC Pompano: LOA: 88’, Beam: 20’; Home Port: Norfolk, Virginia
• USS Wisconsin, Norfolk, Virginia, LOA: 887’3”, Draft: 37’9”, Beam: 108’2”
Ships will be open for public tours from approximately 3pm to 6pm on Friday, June 9 and from noon to 6pm on Saturday, June 10 and Sunday, June 11. Ship tours are free & open to the public. Visitors are requested to wear flat shoes and be able to manage walking up and down access ramps and ladders. Strollers must be left on the dock. Strollers are not permitted on board the ship. Entry and Exit Ramps are not equipped to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, or other types of mobility equipment requiring a flat and solid surface or hard hand rails (aside from the Impossible Dream).
For boaters, all docking on the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront is on a reservation basis only. Docking in the Hospital Point Anchorage in the Elizabeth River across from Town Point Park will be free of charge and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Personal watercrafts are permitted to follow the Parade of Sail into the Downtown Norfolk Harbor under the direction of U.S. Coast Guard.
WATER EVENTS
Friday, June 9
12:00pm – Parade of Sail
1:30pm – Emergency Response Vessel Boat Demo
2:30pm – Search and Rescue Demo – United States Coast Guard
3:00pm-6:00pm – Public Visitation aboard Tall Ships & Character Vessels
9:30pm – Drone Show
Saturday, June 10
12:00pm-6:00pm – Public Visitation aboard Tall Ships & Character Vessels
12:00pm – Sail Nauticus Middle School Academy Graduation Celebration Sail
1:30pm – Search and Rescue Demo – United States Coast Guard
4:30pm – Tug Muster
9:30pm – Fireworks
Sunday, June 11
12:00pm-6:00pm – Public Visitation aboard Tall Ships & Character Vessels
12:30pm – Sail Nauticus Membership Sail About
2:30pm – Ultimate Build-A-Boat Race
Norfolk Harborfest Choreographed Drone Show
Produced by Image Engineering from Baltimore, Maryland, the Harborfest Drone Show is the highest quality drone show 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. The show is scheduled for Friday night at 9:30 pm and will be performed over the Elizabeth River.
Norfolk Harborfest Fireworks Spectacular
The Norfolk Harborfest Fireworks Spectacular, presented by WAVY TV 10 and produced by Pyro Shows of Tennessee, 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 throughout Town Point Park. The Fireworks show is scheduled for Saturday night at 9:30 pm and will be fired from a floating platform on the Elizabeth River.
Ultimate Build-A-Boat Contest & Race
The very popular and zany Ultimate Build-A-Boat Challenge begins on Saturday, June 10, when teams construct boats from scratch in various engineering and decorative designs in the hope that their design will survive the test of Sunday’s Ultimate Build-A- Boat Race Sunday, June 11 at 2:30pm, the competing teams place their boats, and boating skills to the test with an all-out race to the finish line! This nail-biting event is one not to be missed!
LAND EVENTS
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 40thanniversary 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.
NEW! Boathouse Tribute 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.
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 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 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 while cannon balls fly. Grab your mateys and get ready set sail on your next voyage!
NEW! U.S. Airforce Shadow Strike
Shadow Strike puts people in the middle of a high- stakes,
high-octane Air Force rescue mission. Featuring a 3D film, motion theater seats, sensory effects and 360-degree surround sound, this mobile tour is more than a ride, it ’s an immersive 4D experience from start to finish.
The Back Bay Mermaid Entertainment
Splash into your wildest dreams with this once in a lifetime opportunity to witness a mythical mermaid! Listen to tales from the deep, learn how to protect their homes, and get the best tips for a life at sea. Photo opportunities and hidden treasures will be available throughout the day.
The Butterfly & Ladybug Experience
Spread your wings at this live walk-through butterfly exhibit where you can interact, feed and learn about them and why they are so important. In addition, a new inflatable ladybug experience will be available this year. A great activity for all ages, the exhibit was designed for wheelchair and stroller accessibility.
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.
Arts & Crafts with Chrystal
Feeling artsy? Swing by Arts & Crafts with Chrystal to create handmade pieces of art to take home! This interactive workshop will allow you to create nautical themed artwork fun for the whole family.
Radio Harborfest
Broadcasting live at Norfolk Harborfest, local radio celebrity Paul Shugrue of WHRV hosts “Radio Harborfest”, keeping you updated on the latest festival happenings including weather, traffic, entertainment and anything else Norfolk Harborfest throughout the weekend.
Nauticus
Nauticus is a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in downtown Norfolk offering a unique form of experiential learning for all ages. Through interactive exhibits and STEM to STERN programming, Nauticus uses the museum, Battleship Wisconsin, sailing center, and Schooner Virginia to tell the story of the maritime environment, industry, and the military. For more information, visit Nautics.org.
Waterside District
Waterside District features the best of national, regional and local restaurants, offers live music, and more. Located in the heart of the central business district and adjacent to the City of Norfolk’s world-class waterfront and festival site, Waterside District is a central gathering place for local residents and visitors and serves as the official afterparty destination for Harborfest. For more information, visit WatersideDistrict.com.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
The Tastes of Harborfest
Sample a wide variety of world cuisines at Harborfest! This year’s food vendors (listed alphabetically) include: Ben & Jerry’s (Ice Cream), Chan’s (Chicken on a Stick), Cinnaroast (Roasted Nuts), Crab Boss (Mac & Cheese, Crab, Fish, Chicken), Deep Fried (Funnel Cake, Kettle Corn & Lemonade), Granby Bistro (Kabobs & Gyros), Hammerheads (Bourbon Chicken, Beignets & Shrimp n’ Grits), Hawaiian Sno (Italian Ice), Jadean’s Smokin’ BBQ (Brisket & Smoked Chicken), Jungle Juice (Smoothies), Old Style Foods (Lemonade & Roasted Corn), Pitt Country BBQ (East Carolina BBQ, Chicken & Brisket), Plaza Del Sol (Street Tacos), Pollard’s (Fried Chicken & Gizzards), Real Cajun Cookin’ (Jambalaya & Gumbo), Rita’s (Italian Ice), Sherri’s (Crabcakes), Spuds (Cheesesteaks & Bloomin’ Onion), Strawberry Street (Nashville Hot Chicken), TDB Concessions (Dole Whip), Veggie Soul Planet (Seafood), Yolees’ G-Dawgz (Hot Dogs).
Virginia Craft Beer & Wine Garden
Located in TowneBank Fountain Park next to Waterside District, the Virginia Craft Beer & Wine Garden showcases a wide variety of Made-In-Virginia beer and wine. Relax in the garden & enjoy your beverage while enjoying live music from the Boathouse Stage.
NEW! Zoll Vineyards
Gloucester counties first winery is best known for their exquisite food and wine pairings. They provide farm to table ingredients that is sure to make your mouth water! They will be joining us at this year’s Harborfest where they will sell wine and gourmet pickles.
SHOPPING
The Harborfest Marketplace
Experience a shopping experience unlike any other, as dozens of local and regional artisans, retailers, crafters, designers, and artists make up the Harborfest Marketplace. This year’s marketplace (listed alphabetically) includes: All Biz (Women’s Apparel), Ashwear (Women’s Apparel), Caddy Can (Mobile waste can for Boats, Cars, ATVs, Etc.), Celebrate the Chesapeake NWK Style (Oyster Jewelry), Changing Faces and Spaces (Face Painter), Coastin’ (Apparel), Emerson’s (Cigars), Exclusively Coastal (Coastal Gifts & Home Décor), Hip Klips (Mini Purses & Pocketbooks) Jones Art Gallery (Paintings), Kaman’s Art Shoppes (Caricature Drawings), McCollum (Hats), Mom & Pops Maple (Fresh Maple Products), Murphs This and That (Nautical Jewelry), Nuland Hot Stuff (Premium Hot Sauces), Peanut City Candle Co. (Soy Candles & Wax Melts), Plank (Eyewear), Shore Smoke Seasonings ( BBQ Seasoning), Soco Swings (Swinging Chairs), Sons of Vikings (Viking Hats, Games, & Apparel), Stephanie Foley Designs (Handmade Magnets & Trinkets), Sunshine Handicrafts (Native Apparel), Trails & Shores (Virginia-Inspired Apparel)
Harborfest Gift Shop
Norfolk Harborfest souvenir merchandise is available at all on-site Festival Gift Shops. The Norfolk Harborfest merchandise line, designed by Peacefrogs, offers a variety of pieces designed to suit a variety of tastes. From official t-shirts to warm fleece for cool evenings, the Norfolk Harborfest retail line offers visitors a high level of comfort and quality as well as the chance to bring a piece of Norfolk Harborfest home. The official 2023 Norfolk Harborfest poster will also be available for purchase at the Harborfest Gift Shop.
OFFICIAL POSTER
The official 2023 Norfolk Harborfest poster was painted by third generation Harborfest poster artist, Ryan Jones. This painting utalizes a bright color pallete to craft an uplifting piece of art which creates feeling of excitement for Harborfest. Ryan and the Jones Art Gallery will be at Harborfest selling this painting as well as other pieces.
About The Artist
Ryan Jones is an artist with a specialty in watercolors and sidelining with acrylics. Jones graduated with his bachelor’s in art from Virginia Wesleyan University and became co-owner to his family’s business, the Jones Art Gallery. The Jones Art Gallery, which was originally located in Norfolk, now resides in Town Center, Virginia Beach. As both of Jones’s parents are artists, he was destined to become one as well. His earliest success came at the age of 7 and since has thrived in the art community. As an avid waterman, Jones’s love for the ocean can be seen within his paintings. When Jones isn’t painting or enjoying time out at sea, he spends his days with his wife and daughters.
FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Friday, June 9
12:00pm – Norfolk Harborfest Opens
10:00am-5:00pm – Nauticus open for tours
11:00am-2:00am – Waterside District open
12:00pm – Parade of Sail, Elizabeth River
12:00pm-11:00pm – Face Painting by Nika
12:00pm – 8:00pm – The Immersive Butterfly & Ladybug Experience
12:00pm-8:00pm – Pirate Bandana Make & Take with Chrystal
12:00pm-9:00pm – Meet the Loose Cannon Pirate Company
12:00pm-11:00pm – Meet the Real Magical Back Bay Norfolk Mermaids
12:00pm-11:00pm – Sensory Comfort Zone in partnership with KultureCity
1:00pm – The Loose Cannon Pirate School
1:30pm – Emergency Response Vessel Boat Demo, Elizabeth River
2:30pm – United States Coast Guard Search & Rescue Demo, Elizabeth River
2:30pm – The Mighty Mike Performance, The Anchor Stage
2:45pm – Ju Ju Drum, Boathouse Stage
3:00pm-6:00pm – Public Visitation aboard Tall Ships & Character Vessels, Elizabeth River
3:00pm-8:00pm – Chip & Sip in partnership with Splash City Golf (*temporarily closes for maritime events)
3:00pm – Aqua Performance by the Real Magical Back Bay Norfolk Mermaids
3:00pm – The Loose Cannon Interactive Pirate School
3:15pm – Erin & the Wildfire, Main Stage
3:30pm – The Red Trouser Show, The Anchor Stage
4:00pm – The Boathouse Silent Disco Experience
4:00pm – Aqua Performance by the Real Magical Back Bay Norfolk Mermaids
4:30pm – The Mighty Mike Performance, The Anchor Stage
4:45pm – Nate Sacks & the Lifehacks, Boathouse Stage
5:00pm – The Loose Cannon Interactive Pirate School
5:30pm – The Red Trouser Show, The Anchor Stage
6:00pm – Kendall St Company, Main Stage
6:00pm – Aqua Performance by the Real Magical Back Bay Norfolk Mermaids
6:30pm – The Mighty Mike Performance, The Anchor Stage
7:00pm – The Gold Sauce, Boathouse Stage
7:15pm – The Loose Cannon Interactive Pirate School
7:30pm – The Red Trouser Show, The Anchor Stage
8:00pm – The Allman Betts Band, Main Stage
9:30pm – Drone Show, Elizabeth River
10:00pm – LittKeys, Boathouse Stage
11:00pm – Harborfest Closes
Saturday, June 10
12:00pm – Harborfest Opens
10:00am-5:00pm – Nauticus open for tours
11:00am-2:00am – Waterside District open
12:00pm-6:00pm – Public Visitation aboard Tall Ships & Character Vessels
12:00pm-8:00pm – Chip & Sip in partnership with Splash City Golf
12:00pm-8:00pm – Face Painting by Nika
12:00pm-8:00pm – The Immersive Butterfly & Ladybug Experience
12:00pm-8:00pm – Pirate Bandana Make & Take with Chrystal
12:00pm-9:00pm – Meet the Loose Cannon Pirate Company
12:00pm-11:00pm – Meet the Real Magical Back Bay Norfolk Mermaids
12:00pm-11:00pm – Sensory Comfort Zone in partnership with KultureCity
12:00pm – Sail Nauticus Middle School Academy Graduation Celebration Sail
12:30pm – Dustin Furlow, Boathouse Stage
12:30pm – The Red Trouser Show, The Anchor Stage
1:00pm – The Loose Cannon Interactive Pirate School
1:30pm – USCG Search & Rescue Demo, Elizabeth River
2:30pm – The Mighty Mike Performance, The Anchor Stage
2:45pm – Allen Hudson & the Halfmoons, Boathouse Stage
3:00pm – The Loose Cannon Interactive Pirate School
3:00pm – Aqua Performance by Real Magical Back Bay Norfolk Mermaids
3:15pm – Boathouse 40th Anniversary Tribute Band, Main Stage
3:30pm – The Red Trouser Show, The Anchor Stage
4:00pm – The Boathouse Silent Disco Experience
4:00pm – Aqua Performance by Real Magical Back Bay Norfolk Mermaids
4:30pm – Tug Muster, Elizabeth River
4:45pm – Big Al Staggs & the Ja Jas, Boathouse Stage
5:00pm – The Loose Cannon Interactive Pirate School
5:30pm – The Mighty Mike Performance, The Anchor Stage
6:00pm – Cracker, Main Stage
6:00pm – Aqua Performance by Real Magical Back Bay Norfolk Mermaids
6:30pm – The Red Trouser Show, The Anchor Stage
7:00pm – Chong Band, Boathouse Stage
7:15pm – The Loose Cannon Interactive Pirate School
7:45pm – The Mighty Mike Performance, The Anchor Stage
8:15pm – Morris Day & the Time, Main Stage
9:30pm – Fireworks Show, Elizabeth River
10:00pm – DJ CanRock, Boathouse Stage
11:00pm – Harborfest Closes
Sunday, June 11
12:00pm-Harborfest Opens
12:00pm-6:00pm – Sensory Comfort Zone in partnership with KultureCity
12:00am-6:00pm – Chip & Sip in partnership with Splash City
11:00am-11:00pm – Waterside District open
12:00pm-6:00pm – Meet the Real Magical Back Bay Norfolk Mermaids
12:00pm-5:00pm – Nauticus open for tours
12:00pm-6:00pm – Public Visitation aboard Tall Ships & Character Vessels
12:00pm-6:00pm – Face Painting by Nika
12:00pm-6:00pm – Pirate Bandana Make & Take with Chrystal
12:00pm-6:00pm – The Immersive Butterfly & Ladybug Experience
12:00pm-6:00pm – Meet the Loose Cannon Pirate Company
12:00pm – The Loose Cannon Pirates Interactive School
12:00pm – The Red Trouser Show, The Anchor Stage
12:30pm – Sail Nauticus Membership Sail About, Elizabeth River
12:30pm – Aqua Performance by Real Magical Back Bay Norfolk Mermaids
12:45pm – Bobby Blackhat Walters, Boathouse Stage
1:00pm – The Mighty Mike Performance, The Anchor Stage
1:00pm – The Loose Cannon Pirates Interactive School
2:00pm – Cody Christian Band, Main Stage
2:00pm – The Boathouse Silent Disco Experience
2:00pm – Parade of Build-A-Boats (on land)
2:00pm – The Red Trouser Show, The Anchor Stage
2:30pm – Aqua Performance by Real Magical Norfolk Mermaids
2:30pm – Ultimate Build-A-Boat Race, Elizabeth River
3:00pm – The Loose Cannon Pirates Interactive School
3:15pm – BJ Griffin Band, Boathouse Stage
3:30pm – The Mighty Mike Performance, The Anchor Stage
4:00pm – Aqua Performance by Real Magical Norfolk Back Bay Mermaids
4:30pm – Parmalee, Main Stage
4:30pm – The Red Trouser Show, The Anchor Stage
5:15pm – The Mighty Mike Performance, The Anchor Stage
6:00pm – Harborfest Closes
Visit Festevents.org or call 757-441-2345 for regular updates on the 2023 Norfolk Harborfest.
The 2023 Norfolk Harborfest is sponsored by the City of Norfolk, Virginia Is For Lovers, Southern Auto Group, Walcott, Rivers, Gates, ION Solar, Pepsi, CFE Equipment, Optima Health, Cativa CBD, Customer Magnetism, TFC Recycling, Old Dominion University, Miller Lite, Yuengling, Hornblower Cruises & Events, WVEC 13 News Now, WAVY TV 10, 96X, 92.9 The Wave, 106.9 The Fox, 97.3 The Eagle US106.1 and Rover Cruises.
For more information on Norfolk Festevents’ 2023 Season of Events, visit Festevents.org.
Norfolk Festevents, Ltd., based in Norfolk, Virginia, is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating the most dynamic urban waterfront community in America through innovative programming and imaginative uses of its historic waterfront spaces. Norfolk Festevents has garnered international acclaim for its advocacy for public access to waterfronts, outstanding quality programming and development of public spaces, transforming Norfolk into one of the most progressive, fun, and livable waterfront communities in the country. Residents, workers, and visitors
to Norfolk and The 757 are invited to experience all the fun and excitement of the 2023 season, which
marks Norfolk Festevents’ 41st Season!