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Parade of Sail
Presented by WVEC 13 News Now
The year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding in 1776 - the United States of America's Semiquincentennial. For this milestone occasion, a fleet of the world's most magnificent international tall ships and military vessels will gather in an epic peacetime gathering, sailing into the Port of Virginia as part of Sail250® America.
On Friday, June 19 at Noon on the Elizabeth River, the Parade of Sail passes in review off Town Point Park. The spectacular Parade of Sail, under the direction of the Virginia Pilots Association, will gloriously enter the Downtown Norfolk Harbor. Following tradition, this impressive fleet will include tall ships, character vessels, sleek power cruisers, sailing craft, antique and classic wooden boats, military vessels, tugs, and more!
Parade of Sail viewing locations: Plum Point: 11 AM - 2PM | Front Street Piers & Festival Park: 11 AM - 2 PM | Town Point Park & Freemason: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
NEW! Juneteenth Freedom
Fireworks Celebration
Presented by WAVY TV 10
Produced by Pyro Shows of Tennessee, the Friday, June 19, fireworks show will be presented this year as the "Freedom Fireworks Celebration," honoring Juneteenth and the historic emancipation of enslaved African Americans. As night falls, vibrant red, green, white, and blue fireworks will illuminate the sky, symbolizing resilience, joy, and unity. Live over the Elizabeth River, Friday, June 19, at 9:30 PM.
Fireworks Viewing Locations include Town Point Park, TowneBank Fountain Park, Front Street Piers & Festival Park, Freemason, and Plum Point Park.
Sail250® Virginia & Harborfest 50th
Fireworks Spectacular
Presented by Carnival Cruise Line and WAVY TV 10
Produced by Pyro Shows of Tennessee, the Saturday, June 20, fireworks show is one of the largest waterfront pyrotechnics shows on the East Coast. Be prepared for the unexpected as the sky is filled with an explosive display of light synchronized to a booming musical score. Live over the Elizabeth River, Saturday, June 20 at 9:30 PM.
NEW! The Red Trouser Show
A high-energy, comedy-acrobatics act featuring jaw-dropping stunts, whip-cracking precision, and plenty of audience interaction. Blending circus skills with sharp humor, the duo delivers crowd-pleasing moments for all ages!
NEW! The Real McCoy Show
Brent McCoy's world-touring stunt comedy show is chock full of spectacle and good humor. It features knife juggling, breakdancing, chinese yo-yo, hilarious audience participation and a one-of-a-kind finale!
NEW! The Discovery Deck at Nauticus Pavilion
Discover where we've been and where we're going at the Discovery Deck - Education Center! located at the Nauticus Pavilion! Perfect for lifelong learners of all ages, it features interactive displays from local oganizations and exhibitors highlighting maritime, military and international history. Exhibitors include: Chrysler Museum of Arts, Code Ninjas, Discovering Amistad, Elizabeth River Project, Elizabeth River Trail Foundation, Library of Virginia, Music Theory Studios, Nauticus, Norfolk Historical Society, RC Boats, Tidewater African Cultural Alliance African Folktales, Tidewater Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, WHRO Public Media, Virginia Institute of Marine Science and the Virginia Zoo! The Discovery Deck will operate Noon - 7 PM daily, June 19-21, 2026.
The Defiant Crew Pirate School
Walk the plank into history by witnessing the swashbuckling tales of golden age pirates. Watch your head ye landlubbers and cover your ears when cannon balls fly. Grab your mateys and get ready to set sail on your next voyage!
The Learning Barge
Examine river science and participate in activities with the Elizabeth River Project! Their educators offer knowledge on renewable energy, wetlands, aquatic animals, and more! See aquatic animals up close with their aquariums and touch tanks!
Fun & Games with DJ Melody
Put on your dancing shoes for some family-friendly music, thoughtfully produced by DJ Melody & Co!
RC Boats
Join the Elite Fleet of Virginia for an exciting hands-on adventure with radio-controlled boats! Participants will learn the basics of RC boating, practice navigating miniature vessels on the water, and enjoy friendly competition in a fun and engaging environment.
LOCALS ONLY
Wine, Spirits & Craft Beer Garden
The Made in Virginia Wine Tasting will feature wine sampling from Virginia Wineries, Distilleries, as well as craft beers from Virginia and more! Wines will be available by the glass, bottle, and case. Craft beers will be available to purchase in sample sizes or by the pint. Join us for a unique experience sampling some of Virginia's finest wine and craft beer with live music from The Back Deck Stage located along the Elizabeth River in TowneBank Fountain Park next to Waterside Live!
Dining at Harborfest
Outdoor dining on the waterfront includes over 50 food and beverage scenes, serving fill-your-tummy delicacies including fresh crab cakes, hand breaded shrimp, fried oysters, scallops, shrimp fried rice, mouth-watering open pit beef barbeque, North Carolina barbeque, Italian sausage, Polish sausage, Philly style cheese steaks, burgers and dogs, souvlaki, pitas, gyros, chicken on a stick, chicken tenders, Grecian chicken, chicken lo mein, Greek salad, buttery roasted corn, fresh cut French fries, onion rings, fresh wraps, corn dogs, blooming onions and smoked savory turkey legs. Top off your lunch or dinner with ice cold lemonade and sweet desserts like hand dipped ice cream, fresh and hot funnel cakes, cool Italian ices, melt-in-your-mouth Kettle Korn, fresh fruit smoothies and soft serve ice cream with all the toppings. Lounge with family and friends at one of our shaded seating areas and relax while enjoying your favorite festival fare. In addition to traditional beverage selections like smoothies and lemonade, adult beverages may be found throughout the festival grounds in various locations.
Shopping at Harborfest
Shop from boutique retail vendors throughout the festival or stop by one of the official Festival Merchandise retailers to pick up a souvenir from your festival weekend!
