Norfolk, Virginia, home to the Norfolk State Spartans, is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and a plethora of entertainment options. From historic venues and professional sports teams to diverse festivals and world-class performing arts, Norfolk offers a wide array of activities for residents and visitors alike. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the major entertainment options in the region.

Concert and Entertainment Venues

Scope Arena
Opened in 1971, Scope Arena is a multi-purpose venue with a seating capacity of approximately 10,000. It hosts a variety of events, including concerts, sports, and family shows. Over the years, Scope Arena has welcomed performances by legendary artists such as Elvis Presley and Elton John, making it a central hub for entertainment in Norfolk.

Chrysler Hall
Built in 1972, Chrysler Hall is Norfolk's premier performing arts venue, with a seating capacity of 2,500. It hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and other cultural events. The hall's modern design and excellent acoustics make it a top choice for high-quality performances, attracting audiences from across the region.

NorVa Theatre
The NorVa Theatre, originally opened in 1917 as a vaudeville house, has been a staple of Norfolk's entertainment scene for over a century. With a capacity of 1,500, it is known for its intimate setting and superb sound quality. The Norva has hosted a wide range of artists, from up-and-coming bands to well-known musicians, and remains a favorite spot for live music lovers.

Harrison Opera House
The Harrison Opera House, built in 1943, is home to the Virginia Opera. With a seating capacity of 1,632, this historic venue offers an elegant setting for opera performances and other cultural events. Its rich history and beautiful architecture make it a significant landmark in Norfolk's arts community.

Attucks Theatre
Built in 1919, the Attucks Theatre is a historic venue named after Crispus Attucks, an African American patriot killed during the Boston Massacre. With a seating capacity of 625, it hosts a variety of events, including concerts, theater productions, and community gatherings. The theatre's historical significance and intimate atmosphere make it a cherished cultural venue in Norfolk.

Waterside District
The Waterside District, revitalized in 2017, is a vibrant entertainment complex located along the Elizabeth River. It features a variety of restaurants, bars, and live music venues, offering a lively atmosphere for dining and entertainment. The district hosts numerous events and concerts, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
Located just a short drive from Norfolk, the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach (now known as the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater) opened in 1996 and has a seating capacity of 20,000. This outdoor venue hosts major concerts and festivals, featuring top artists from various genres. Its large capacity and open-air setting make it a premier destination for live music in the region.

Sports Teams

Norfolk Tides Tickets
The Norfolk Tides, a Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, were established in 1961. They play their home games at Harbor Park, which has a seating capacity of 11,856. The Tides have won several league championships and provide exciting minor-league baseball action, making them a staple of the local sports scene.

Norfolk Admirals Tickets
Founded in 1989, the Norfolk Admirals are a professional ice hockey team that competes in the ECHL. They play their home games at Scope Arena. The Admirals have a rich history, including winning the Calder Cup in 2012 when they were part of the AHL. Their games offer thrilling hockey action for fans in the region.

Old Dominion Monarchs Tickets
The Old Dominion Monarchs, representing Old Dominion University, have a strong presence in NCAA Division I sports. Established in 1930, the Monarchs have won numerous conference championships across various sports. They play their home games at the S.B. Ballard Stadium (football) and the Chartway Arena (basketball), providing top-tier college athletics entertainment.

Washington Spirit Tickets
Washington Spirt is one of the eight founding teams of the NWSL in 2012. They play their home games at Audi Field which they share with the MSL team DC United. Since the start of a rebrand in 2023, the team has a new chrome badge with uniforms being black and white.

Washington Commanders Tickets
While not located in Norfolk, the Washington Commanders are the nearest NFL team, based in Washington, D.C. The team was established in 1932 and has won three Super Bowl titles. They play their home games at FedExField, which has a seating capacity of 82,000, offering top-level football action for fans willing to make the trip.

Washington Mystics Tickets
The Mystics, one of the first WBNA,  were established in 1998. They are in the Eastern Conference. The Mystics play their home games at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, DC. They won their first WNBA championship in  2019.

Washington Wizards Tickets
The Washington Wizards, an NBA team established in 1961, play their home games at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. The team has a storied history and provides exciting basketball action. The Wizards are known for their passionate fan base and competitive spirit.

Washington Nationals Tickets
The Washington Nationals, established in 1969, are the nearest MLB team to Norfolk. They play their home games at Nationals Park, which opened in 2008 and has a seating capacity of 41,339. The Nationals won their first World Series title in 2019, and their games offer a high level of baseball entertainment.

Washington Capitals Tickets
The Washington Capitals, an NHL team founded in 1974, play their home games at the Capital One Arena. The Capitals won their first Stanley Cup in 2018 and are known for their passionate fan base and thrilling hockey games.

Festivals and Major Events

Norfolk Harborfest
Norfolk Harborfest, established in 1976, is an annual maritime festival held in June along the downtown Norfolk waterfront. The festival features tall ships, naval vessels, live music, food vendors, and a spectacular fireworks display. It is one of the largest and longest-running maritime festivals in the country, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Virginia Arts Festival
Founded in 1997, the Virginia Arts Festival is a multi-genre arts festival held each spring in Norfolk and the surrounding areas. The festival features performances in music, dance, theater, and visual arts, attracting world-class artists and performers. It is a major cultural event that enhances Norfolk's vibrant arts scene.

Neptune Festival
Held annually in Virginia Beach, the Neptune Festival was established in 1974 and celebrates the city's coastal heritage. The festival features a variety of events, including sand sculpting competitions, live music, parades, and a wine festival. It attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and is a highlight of the fall season in the region.

Bayou Boogaloo & Cajun Food Festival
The Bayou Boogaloo & Cajun Food Festival, held annually in June, brings the vibrant culture and cuisine of Louisiana to Norfolk. The festival features live music, authentic Cajun and Creole food, and arts and crafts vendors. It offers a unique cultural experience and a taste of the Bayou in the heart of Norfolk.

Theatre and Performing Arts

Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1920, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra is a cornerstone of Norfolk's cultural scene. Performing at Chrysler Hall and other venues, the orchestra presents a diverse repertoire of classical and contemporary music. The Virginia Symphony plays a crucial role in promoting music education and appreciation in the community.

Virginia Ballet Theatre
Established in 1961, the Virginia Ballet Theatre is the region's premier professional ballet company. The company performs at the Harrison Opera House and other venues, offering high-quality productions of classical and contemporary ballets. The Virginia Ballet Theatre is dedicated to fostering a love for dance and the arts in the community.

Virginia Opera
The Virginia Opera, founded in 1974, is one of the nation's leading regional opera companies. They perform at the Harrison Opera House and present a variety of productions each season, from classic operas to modern works. The company's commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement has made it a cornerstone of the performing arts in Virginia.
Norfolk, VA, with its rich array of entertainment options, offers something for everyone. Whether you're a fan of sports, music, festivals, or performing arts, the city provides countless opportunities to explore and enjoy. From historic venues and professional sports teams to vibrant festivals and world-class performing arts, Norfolk is a dynamic cultural hub.
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