Harborfest Water Events

Harborfest Drone Show Presented by WAVY TV 10

Produced by Image Engineering from Baltimore, MD, the Harborfest Drone Show was the first to take place in the region. Be prepared as the sky is filled with the highest quality imagery, data and cutting edge UAV technology synchronized to a nautical musical playlist. This year’s drone show will feature double the amount included in last year’s show. The show is scheduled for Friday, June 7 at 9:30pm and will be performed over the Elizabeth River.

Harborfest Fireworks Display Presented by WAVY TV 10

Produced by Pyro Shows of Tennessee, the Harborfest Fireworks Display 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. The show is scheduled for Saturday night at 9:30 pm and will be fired from a floating platform in the Elizabeth River.

Parade of Sail

The spectacular Parade of Sail, under the direction of the Virginia Pilots Association, will enter the Downtown Norfolk Harbor on Friday, June 7 at 12 pm. 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! Thousands of onlookers stationed at vantage points along the Elizabeth River will be able to witness this expansive fleet as it dances down the river towards Town Point Park.

Coastal Riverine Force

Forged from our rich coastal and riverine heritage, the Coastal Riverine Force regained prominence following the USS COLE and 9/11 attacks and is the only Navy Force that defends high value assets against a determined enemy. Catch the exhibit onn the Elizabeth River throughout the weekend!

Search and Rescue Demo

Guests may watch in excitement as U.S.C.G. crews demonstrate the Coast Guard’s breathtaking rescue capabilities on the Elizabeth River along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront!

Build-a-Boat Challenge

The very popular and zany Ultimate Build-a-Boat Challenge begins on Saturday when several teams construct boats from scratch, in various engineering and decorative designs in the hopes that their design will survive the test of Sunday’s Ultimate Build-a-Boat Race! On Sunday the competing teams put their handmade boats and boating skills to the test with an all-out race to the finish line! This nail-biting event is not to be missed!

Tug Master

The biggest tug muster in the mid Atlantic region! The muscle men and women of the harbor bring their tugboats out for an all-out demonstration of power in the popular Tug Muster in the Elizabeth River. This “bragging-rights” competition will get your heart racing as over a dozen tugs dance in the river and show off their skills!