By Juliane Kim
Harborfest began in 1976 when a tall ship named the Christian Radich from Norway came to Norfolk and 2,000 people came out to see it. The city of Norfolk saw that it was a big draw and decided to have tall ships visit again for the next year. This year, there will be 10 ships visiting Norfolk from countries all around the world.
As the 40th anniversary of Harborfest, there will be much more entertainment than in the past, such as two barges of fireworks instead of the usual one, and for the first time ever, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra will play the first night of the festival.
For an exclusive experience, there will also be Harborfest VIP tickets for $75 on Friday, $65 on Saturday, $40 on Sunday and $140 per person for a weekend pass. The VIP tickets will give visitors access to upgraded viewing areas and perks such as reduced-price drinks.
The festival will take place from Thursday, June 9, from 8-10 p.m.; June 10 and 11 from noon-11 p.m.; and June 12 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at the downtown Norfolk waterfront.
While you’re there, make sure to:
View the Parade of Sail, which is a parade of all the boats and ships at the festival. The parade will enter the Norfolk Harbor at noon on June 10.
Watch the Harborfest fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. on June 11. There will also be search-and-rescue demonstrations by the United States Coast Guard and, a new event for the festival, a demonstration of fly boarding, an extreme sport involving water propulsion through the air.
Relax at a cabana and hammock hangout or taste samples at a wine and craft beer garden. // TownBank Fountain Park.
Kids can learn at the Moody Crewe Pirate School, play at the boardwalk arcade or watch a mermaid water show.
Tour the tall ships, which will be free and open to the public.
Eat at the outdoor dining space on the waterfront, which will have over 50 food vendors serving a variety of options ranging from fair food and barbecue to international fare.
Do your shopping at the retail vendors at the festival or at the MacArthur Center, a three-story shopping center close to the Elizabeth River.
Parking will be at a premium in downtown Norfolk, as the parking garages are run by the city of Norfolk. Visitors who wish to avoid parking hassles in the city can take the Tide Lightrail, Amtrak or the Elizabeth River Ferry.
Sleep at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott which is in downtown Norfolk within walking distance of the harbor. // 235 E. Main St.
