13 Apr 2012
Celebrations will continue into 2012 with Norfolk, Virginia’s festival season – the annual showcase of the region’s sights, sounds and tastes through more than 100 public events. TownPointPark, which has served as the scenic backdrop to many of the events in the past, will continue to host beloved festivals throughout the New Year.
Festival favorites, including The Virginia Arts Festival, Town Point Park Wine Festival and Harborfest® return again this year, offering residents and visitors months of maritime events, concerts, family festivals and city celebrations – the majority of which are free and open to the public. Furthermore, the festival season in Norfolk offers exciting options for nearly every major celebration day, including St. Patrick’s Day’s ShamROCK N’ Roll, the Cinco de Mayo Celebratio, the 4th of July Great American Picnic and much more.
Norfolk's festive events and exciting offerings are both easily accessible and affordable for residents and visitors alike. A comprehensive list of events and information about Norfolk's cultural venues, world-class restaurants and historical landmarks and museums can be found at VisitNorfolkToday.com. Below is a s2:ampling of exciting events the beautiful seaport city of Norfolk has to offer in 2012:
April 27 – April 29, 2012
The Virginia International Tattoo is an exhibition of marching bands, massed pipes and drum teams, gymnasts, Scottish dancers, choirs, and more. It is the largest tattoo in the United States. Dating back to 17th centuryEurope, a Tattoo is a ceremonial performance of military music by massed bands. The Tattoo is produced annual by the Virginia Arts Festival in cooperation with NATO andNorfolk's International Azalea Festival. Location: Scope Arena.
MAY
May 4, 2012
Come out to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and enjoy tasty food, festive beverages and great music, from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. Feast on authentic foods served up at Omar's Fountain Café and then wash it all down with themed specialty adult drinks, including margaritas and frosty beverages that will be available for purchase. Guests will enjoy the spirit of Cinco de Mayo all day long. Location:TowneBankFountainPark.
6 th Annual Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival
May 12, 2012
One ofVirginia’s largest wine tasting festivals will be back by popular demand for the sixth time. From 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., taste newly released vintages as well as past favorites from award-winningVirginiawineries. Location:TownPointPark.
11th Annual Virginia Beer Festival
May 19, 2012
Taste handcrafted microbrews and sophisticated beer from all over the world, with nearly three dozen domestic and international breweries participating in this popular event. This event is co-produced with the Virginia Arts Festival and Norfolk Festevents, and takes place from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. Location:TownPointPark.
28th Annual Stockley Gardens Spring Arts Festival
May 19 – 20, 2012
The Stockley Gardens Spring Arts Festival includes live music provided by talented musicians, food from local restaurants, kid’s activities and an art reception. This exciting two-day outdoor party provides a great chance to have fun and mingle with both patrons and artists. Location: Stockley Gardens Park, Ghent.
Beginning May 27, 2012 (Every Sunday until Labor Day)
Enjoy sunset celebrations and dancing to Big Band sounds every Sunday evening, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Location:OceanViewBeachPark.
JUNE
June 1 – 12, 2012
To commemorate the bicentennial of the war of 1812, thePortofVirginiawill once again host an impressive fleet of tall navy and military war shops representing the world. OpSail 2012 Virginia™ is sure to illuminate the community with spectacle and festivity, and will place this Commonwealth front and center on the world stage. Location:NorfolkWaterfront.
June 8 – 10, 2012
Hampton Roads’ largest summertime event features an astounding 700 international tall ships, sailboats, battleships and cruise ships; national, regional and local entertainment; children’s activities; fireworks and more. Location:TownPointPark.
23rd Annual AT&T Bayou Boogaloo & Cajun Food Festival
June 22 – 24, 2012
This annual food festival delivers the heart and soul ofLouisianatoNorfolkin true Cajun style. Two stages will feature non-stop musical entertainment by national recording artists. There will also be a variety of localNew Orleansmusicians and artists who are sure to get the crowd feeling the beat. Location:TownPointPark.
TGOV- Thank Goodness It’s Ocean View Beach Party and Music Series
Beginning June 29 – August 31, 2012 (Every Friday)
The lazy days of summer will be no match for TGOV. The ‘Thank Goodness It’s Ocean View’ Beach Party and Music Series (TGOV) will be a sure fire way to rev up the after-work crowd and start off the weekend right. The Friday evening beach parties beginning at 6:30 p.m. feature live music, family-friendly entertainment, children’s activities and a host of culinary options. Location:TownPointPark.
JULY
30th Annual Great American 4th of July Picnic and Fireworks
July 4, 2012
This patriotic and fun celebration is held each year on July 4th at theNorfolk waterfront. Families and friends celebrate with picnics and socializing. The U.S. Continental Army Band provides patriotic music. The picnic takes place from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., and also features a sensational fireworks show. Location:TownPointPark.
30th Annual Norfolk Jazz Festival
July 20 – 21, 2012
An evening of cool jazz awaits visitors to the 30th Annual Norfolk Jazz Festival this summer. The region’s longest running outdoor Jazz Festival features live performances by national, local and regional jazz recording artists over the two-day festival. Location: Town Point Park.
AUGUST
12th Annual AT&T Latino Music Festival
August 25, 2012
The largest outdoor dance floor in Hampton Roads heats up with the hottest salsa, meringue, and guaguanco dancing on the East Coast. From 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., have fun grooving to music by local, regional and national Latin recording artists. Location: TownPointPark.
SEPTEMBER
Norfolk’s Indie Music and Arts Festival
September 8, 2012
Transforming the newly refurbished TownPointParkinto an intimate coffee house, the annual event has quickly become one of the most popular festivals in the region. From 12 p.m. – 10 p.m., this festival hosts some of the region's best-known acoustic musicians. Gourmet beverages, wine and food will be available throughout the day. Location: TownPointPark.
7th Annual Mid-Autumn Chinese Moon Festival
September 16, 2012
Commemorating one of the most celebrated of Chinese holidays, the end of the summer harvest, this festival features traditional Chinese dance and music for audiences of all ages as well as workshops, performances and lecture/demonstration programs from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Location:TowneBankFountainPark.
OCTOBER
24th Annual AT&T Virginia Children’s Festival
October 6, 2012
This beloved family festival is filled with over 100 creative and interactive activities including storytelling, hands-on workshops, cultural experiences, arts and crafts, costumed characters and more. From 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., parents and children can frolic through the imagination stations, shows and displays that will be on site to get the creative juices flowing. This event is designed with children 10 and younger in mind. Location: TownPointPark.
25th Annual Town Point Virginia Wine Festival
October 20 – 21, 2012
Experience the taste of some of Virginia's finest wines. More than 30 of the state's premier wineries participate in this popular waterfront festival. Boater's packages and group chalets are available. Festival goers can also sample gourmet, Virginia food items, specialty crafts and live musical entertainment. Location: Town Point Park.
