7 Must-Attend Festivals in Hampton Roads, VA
Ready for a fun-filled weekend with family and friends? Make the most out of living in Hampton Roads, VA, by putting these great events on your calendar:
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1. Virginia International Tattoo
Experience the Virginia International Tattoo in Norfolk. Recognized as America’s largest military tattoo, the event features 800-plus global performers, including precision drill teams, massed pipes and drums, and Celtic dancers.
2. The Patriotic Festival
Traditionally held over Memorial Day weekend in Norfolk, the Patriotic Festival combines a love of music with patriotism and military appreciation.
3. Norfolk Harborfest
Taking place along the Norfolk Downtown Waterfront and Town Point Park, Harborfest in June is the East Coast’s longest-running and largest free maritime festival. The three-day event features all things nautical, and then some – think tall ships, Navy exhibits, drone shows, live music, interactive family games and one of the East Coast’s largest fireworks displays.
4. Hampton Jazz and Music Festival
Jazz, blues and R&B are the heart and soul of the Hampton Jazz and Music Festival, which takes place annually in Hampton the last full weekend in June at the Hampton Coliseum. It draws national and international artists alike to share their gifts with fellow music lovers.
5. Neptune Festival
Hosted in September, the Neptune Festival is everything a beach festival should be, with sand sculpture contests, kite flying, concerts, food and art vendors, sports tournaments, and more. With plenty of family-friendly events across multiple days in Virginia Beach, this event is a local favorite.
6. NEON Festival
Norfolk’s vibrant NEON (New Energy of Norfolk) District embodies creativity all year-round, but the NEON Festival, typically held in October, takes it to a new level. A free arts and culture street festival, it’s a celebration of all things art – from music and dance to galleries, street installations and immersive experiences.
7. Town Point Virginia Wine Festival
One of the region’s largest winesampling soirees, the Town Point Virginia Wine Festival in Norfolk showcases over 200 wines from local Virginia wineries. Combined with gourmet foods, live entertainment and waterfront views, this festival – which takes place in both the spring and the fall – is a must-attend.
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