This weekend is the 38th annual Norfolk Harborfest. The downtown Norfolk waterfront will be filled with nearly half a million visitors to see the ships, entertainment, bands and family activities. Two of the highlights for the event include the Parade of Sail on Friday and the largest fireworks show on the East Coast on Saturday evening. According to Festevents, the Harborfest Parade of Sail, under the direction of the Virginia Pilots Association, will enter the Downtown Norfolk Harbor on Friday, June 6th at Noon. The fleet will include tall ships, character vessels, sleek power cruisers, sailing craft, antique and classic wooden boats, military vessels and tugs. Representatives from area yacht and boat clubs will also participate. For more information on the Parade of Sail,go to https://festevents.org/events/current-events/38th-annual-norfolk-harborfest-presented-t/parade-sail/. If you want an up close look at the visiting ships, plan on a ship tour. Ship Tours: Ships will be open for public tours on Saturday June 7 and Sunday June 8 (some ships may be open for limited hours on Friday following the Harborfest Parade of Sail). Public tours begin at Noon on Saturday and conclude at sunset, unless otherwise posted at the ship. Visitors are requested to wear flat shoes and be able to manage walking up and down access ramps and ladders. Strollers must be left on the dock. Source: Festevents
The other event not to be missed is the Norfolk Harborfest fireworks. The show is scheduled for Saturday night at 9:30 pm and fired from a barge on the Elizabeth River. One of the best ways to view this show, the largest fireworks display on the east coast, is by boat.
Boaters packages are available for the entire weekend. Advanced reservations are strongly recommended. https://festevents.org/boater-info/boater-packages/
For a full schedule of events, go to https://festevents.org/events/current-events/38th-annual-norfolk-harborfest-presented-t/norfolk-harborfest-stage-schedule-2/