NORFOLK, VA – (May 30, 2019) – Mark your calendars now for Friday- Sunday, June 7 – 9, 2019 as Downtown Norfolk, VA prepares for a truly spectacular EPIC WEEKEND.
FROM THE STAGE TO THE SKY TO THE WATER
Experience Norfolk (EXP NFK) from sun up to well after sundown throughout one explosive weekend filled with ships, fireworks, concerts, theatre, festivals, boat cruises, tours, dining and shopping spread from the NEON District to the historic waterfront.
“Epic Weekend is a three-day celebration filled with festivals, concerts, entertainment, food, ships and tours. Whether there for a visit or an opportunity to explore downtown, everyone will have an opportunity to experience the diversity of Norfolk’s urban waterfront,” said Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander.
The Epic Weekend features the city’s largest festival the 43rd Annual Norfolk Harborfest®, Disney’s The Lion King, downtown’s favorite street party First Fridays, newly opened spaces on the Battleship Wisconsin’s for its 75th Anniversary, Waterside District Concerts, with even more special events planned at the Slover Library and Selden Market, tours at Chrysler Museum, MacArthur Memorial and even a tour at the historic Elmwood Cemetery!
Plenty to enjoy on land, and even more on the water with a full schedule of harbor cruises aboard the Spirit of Norfolk and Virginia Elite, The American Rover and Victory Rover, the Carrie B, Elizabeth River Ferries, and for the first time at Harborfest, the chance to learn to sail with the Sail Nauticus fleet! Plus hours of deckside tours aboard the Harborfest fleet of tall ships, a US Navy Destroyer, as well as the Battleship Wisconsin. The EPIC WEEKEND experience even extends to the newly launched Elizabeth River Trail for a special Saturday fireworks ride!
Click here for a full schedule of events.
“It’s not unusual at all to find many interesting and entertaining experiences occurring throughout Norfolk on the same weekend”, explains Norfolk Festevents CEO Karen Scherberger. “However, to have this combination of signature events and attractions taking place over the same weekend in downtown is worthy of an epic celebration!” Scherberger adds, “The Epic Weekend is the result of months of collaboration among downtown’s attractions, event planners, arts, businesses and the city to ensure that all attendees and visitors have a fun, safe and memorable Norfolk experience.”
TOUR NORFOLK’S EPIC HISTORY
Between all the EPIC WEEKEND events, make time to take a walk through this historic city and discover over 400 years of epic tales to be told on the Cannonball Trail. Tour the final resting place of General Douglas MacArthur, located in the heart of downtown Norfolk, at the MacArthur Memorial museum. Just a few blocks away, learn about the region’s rich naval history at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Or retrace the path of the Underground Railroad through Norfolk on the self-guided Waterways to Freedom tour. Follow the Elizabeth River Trail by bike or on foot to learn more about Norfolk’s waterfront history. And for the brave of heart, experience the historic Elmwood Cemetery “Age of Agony” tour.
Discover the heartbeat of Norfolk’s art scene in the NEON District. This colorful downtown neighborhood is lined with larger-than-life murals, art installations, local theaters and so much more! A short walk away, you will find over 30,000 unique pieces of artwork at the Chrysler Museum of Art. The museum is home to a one of the best glass art collections in the United States and even has its own glass studio. Enjoy a live glassblowing demo every Tuesday through Friday at noon.
EPIC FLAVORS. EPIC WEEKEND.
All EPIC WEEKEND experiences can be “paired” with many and diverse dining and refreshment options from breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and after hours and easily found on every block of downtown Norfolk. From salty seaside oysters to cult-favorite craft brews, Downtown Norfolk is serving up big flavor all weekend long! No matter what your age or what your taste buds are craving, you better believe you can find it in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia.
Check out the EPIC WEEKEND Nosh Around Norfolk Eats and Drinks Recommendations here, specially planned by Patrick Evans-Hylton for great suggestions and culinary experience tips! The full guide is attached here.
SHOP LIKE A LOCAL.
Whether you love designer labels, an open- air market at Town Point Park’s Harborfest, or prefer shopping for unique vintage fashions, you can find it all within walking distance in downtown Norfolk. Explore a variety of local pop-up shops and one-of-a-kind vendors in Selden Market and along Granby Street and over 120 stores in downtown Norfolk’s shopping hub, MacArthur Center.
GETTING AROUND: WALK, BIKE, BOAT, DRIVE, SHUTTLE, TRAIN! JUST GET HERE!
Getting around downtown Norfolk has never been easier. Click here for a downtown map for quick reference to all the attractions, parking garages, and more.
With more than 14 parking garages, parking in downtown Norfolk is a breeze. No spare change? No problem! Download Park Norfolk to pay via your mobile phone and park along the city streets.
The FREE EXP NFK shuttle will connect the NEON District, The Lion King at Chrysler Hall, MacArthur Center Tide Stop, Freemason Harbor, Waterside, Nauticus and Harborfest all weekend. Valet park at MacArthur Center and be within walking distance of all the sites and activities. Click here for Shuttle Map, Route and Daily Hours.
Simply rent a Pace bike, the city’s premier bike share program, and plenty of bike racks are located at the entrances to Town Point Park and Waterside for your personnel bikes.
Plus hop on the Tide light rail with stops at Harbor Park, MacArthur Center or Freemason Harbor or walk to Norfolk’s hottest attractions and events. Downtown Norfolk is Uber, Lyft and taxi friendly with convenient drop off and pick up points throughout downtown.
Traveling from out of town? The Amtrak station is just a few blocks from all the Epic Weekend fun.
EXPERIENCE DOWNTOWN LIVING
Ever wondered what living in the heart of exciting Downtown Norfolk would be like? Now’s your chance to explore 6 unique downtown apartment properties during the Epic Weekend Open House Tours Saturday, June 8, 2019, 10 am – 1 pm. Open to the Public, No Appointment Needed. Click here for a list of Open House properties.
All events are subject to change.
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