Get ready for the 50th Annual Norfolk Harborfest, America’s largest and longest-running free maritime festival in the Hampton Roads area. Join the celebration as the nautical wonder returns along the Downtown Norfolk waterfront June 19th – June 23rd. For three memorable days on the East Coast, Harborfest celebrates all the elements that make the area a historic maritime and naval community. Enjoy both land and sea activities, including the annual Parade of Sail featuring international tall ships, one of the largest fireworks shows, interactive family games and activities, and a spectacular drone show. You can also enjoy Navy exhibits and demonstrations, craft foods and beverages, and national and local entertainment. Let’s dive into the local events on land and the water to help create unforgettable memories for residents and visitors in the Virginia area.
Waves of Fun: Norfolk Harborfest Events on the Water
Come aboard City Cruises Norfolk to witness the spectacular Parade of Sail as you marvel at tall ships sailing down the Elizabeth River. You will have the
best views of the harbor for this two-hour parade with over 200 boats and vessels to see – including Navy ships, tall ships, Public Safety vessels, character vessels, sailing craft, and antique wooden boats. This fantastic event will enter Downtown Norfolk Harbor on Friday, June 19th at noon. Thousands of onlookers will position themselves at vantage points along the Elizabeth River for a chance to witness this incredible and expansive fleet as it makes its way down the river.
Speaking of the fabulous waterfront, treat yourself to a delicious Norfolk Signature Mimosa Brunch Cruise as you marvel at famed city landmarks, from comfortable and cool climate-controlled interior spaces, or open-air refreshing roof decks. Spend a one-of-a-kind day with lively music, a fully-stocked bar, and onboard games – all with scenic views.
After a long day of enjoying the festivities, get out on a Signature Dinner Cruise and dine and dance on the Elizabeth River with views of the city’s magnificent skyline. Indulge in a chef-prepared buffet as you soak in the Navy’s mighty Atlantic Fleet. Groove to lively music from our DJ as we keep the spirits flowing with a fully-stocked bar. Don’t forget to snap some photos of this memorable evening.
Looking for waterside dining, live music, and more? The Waterside District adjacent to Town Point Park features all that and more!
Check out Norfolk’s official website for event details here.
Sail250 – America’s 250th Anniversary
Norfolk: June 19 – 24
Sail250 is a once-in-a-generation maritime celebration marking America’s 250th anniversary, bringing together the world’s most iconic tall ships, historic sailing vessels, and modern U.S. and international naval ships in a spectacular display of seamanship, history, and pageantry. Sail250 is a living, moving celebration—where centuries of maritime tradition converge in America’s most storied ports through breathtaking Parades of Sail, waterfront festivities, and rare public access to legendary ships.
The fleet itself is the star attraction. Sail250® offers an unmatched lineup of vessels rarely assembled in one place. Guests can expect to see towering, square-rigged tall ships from around the world alongside historic replicas, training ships, and active-duty naval vessels representing both American sea power and global maritime cooperation.
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, tall ships and naval vessels from around the world will gather in Norfolk, New York City, and Boston in 2026. From breathtaking Parades of Sail to rare up-close views of iconic ships, City Cruises invites you to experience this historic spectacle from the water.
Across all three ports, guests can expect to see:
- International Tall Ships
- Large, square-rigged sailing ships from around the world—often serving as national ambassadors or sail-training vessels—featuring towering masts, hand-set sails, and multinational crews. These ships form the visual heart of Sail250 and headline every Parade of Sail.
- U.S. Coast Guard Tall Ship – USCGC Eagle
- The Coast Guard’s legendary training barque and America’s most recognizable tall ship is expected to be a unifying presence across ports, symbolizing U.S. maritime heritage and leadership at sea.
- Known as “America’s Tall Ship,” it serves as both a seagoing classroom and a ceremonial ambassador for the United States at international maritime events.
- U.S. Navy Vessels
- Active-duty U.S. Navy ships—including destroyers and other surface vessels—will appear in each city, showcasing modern naval power alongside historic sail. Norfolk’s role as the world’s largest naval base further amplifies this presence.
- International Naval Ships
- Visiting naval vessels from allied nations, including France, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and more.
- Historic & Sail-Training Ships
- Additional classic vessels and training ships round out the fleet.
- Sail250 events will be in each City Cruises port:
Sail250® Tall Ships
In June 2026, Sail250® Virginia will bring together an extraordinary fleet of international and U.S. tall ships, historic vessels, and modern military ships in Hampton Roads and Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay region. More than 60 ships representing 20 countries are expected to join this once-in-a-generation celebration honoring America’s 250th anniversary. With tremendous interest surrounding the event, we’re excited to highlight the ships already confirmed. Check back frequently as the list of participating vessels continues to grow.
Shoreline Spectacular: Norfolk Harborfest Land Events
Back on dry land and looking for something to do? For three fun-filled days, residents and visitors alike can partake in a plethora of land-based activities from savoring local cuisine to cultural exhibits and live performances equally as thrilling as the festivities on the water. To see this year’s events ashore, click here.
Sample some of Virginia’s finest wine and craft beer with live music from The Back Deck Stage located in TowneBank Fountain Park for a Spirits and Craft Beer Garden.
New to the festival this year, visit the RC Boat Demo and experience the thrill of radio-controlled boating with the Elite Fleet of Virginia. This hands-on activity introduces participants to the basics of RC boating, giving them the chance to navigate miniature vessels on the water and enjoy some friendly competition in a lively, engaging environment.
Naval history buffs will want to visit Nauticus, a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in downtown Norfolk. Nauticus uses the museum, Battleship Wisconsin, Sail Nauticus sailing center, and Schooner Virginia to tell the story of the maritime environment, industry, and the military. This family-friendly exhibit is interactive and fully engages visitors of all ages.
Anchored in Celebration: City Cruises and Norfolk Harborfest 2026
As ships begin to fill Town Point Park, there’s a feeling of excitement in the air surrounding Norfolk’s Harborfest. Explore the city’s live music, great food, art, and educational exhibits for this beloved annual festival. Norfolk comes alive, celebrating its nautical history by displaying tall ships and celebrations of its seafaring culture. City Cruises invites you aboard one of our spectacular cruises and boasts a long-standing history with Harborfest, adding to the festival’s vibrant festivities year after year, while ensuring unforgettable experiences amidst the captivating waters of Norfolk’s historic harbor.
Spirit of Norfolk’s Inaugural Voyage
City Cruises proudly honored military families with its inaugural voyage of the newly named Spirit of Norfolk, a staple of the Hampton Roads waterfront area. The 153-foot three-level dining vessel was renamed after the Spirit of Mount Vernon was destroyed in a fire in 2022. Military families enjoyed a free two-hour cruise along the Elizabeth River. The vessel has been an important part of the Norfolk community since 1978. It has proudly served as a place where everyone in the region can celebrate their most important milestones and create memories with close family and friends.
Original Post Date: May 15, 2024