Arts & Creative Classes in Downtown Norfolk

Fall is not only about football and festivals. It is also the perfect season to try something new. Downtown Norfolk is home to creative spaces where you can roll up your sleeves, learn a skill, and connect with local artists. From hand-blown pumpkins to improv and dance, here are some of the best ways to spark your creativity this season.

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Indoor Adventures

No matter the season, creativity in Downtown Norfolk is always in full swing. From glassblowing and painting to improv and maker workshops, the city’s indoor spaces offer endless ways to learn, connect, and get inspired.

Perry Glass Studio
Located in the NEON District, the Perry Glass Studio at the Chrysler Museum is a world-class facility offering workshops and classes for all skill levels. Visitors can watch molten glass take shape during live performances or step into the studio to create their own one-of-a-kind piece with guidance from skilled instructors. From introductory classes to advanced techniques, the Studio provides hands-on experiences that blend artistry, science, and imagination. Whether you are learning the basics or refining your craft, it is a place where creativity comes to life, glowing, fluid, and full of inspiration.

D’Art Center
The D’Art Center is a creative hub where professional and emerging artists open their studios to the public. Classes and workshops span painting, ceramics, mixed media, and more, with new opportunities inspired by ongoing exhibitions. It is an inviting environment to learn something new, connect with working artists, and experience the creative pulse that defines Downtown Norfolk.

Hands-On Workshops
Creativity thrives in Downtown Norfolk’s maker spaces. At Selden Market, local artisans host hands-on workshops in candle pouring, print design, jewelry making, and more, giving you a chance to learn directly from the makers themselves. Across the district, Freemason Abbey and other restaurants add flavor to the mix with cooking classes and pairing dinners that blend food and creativity in a fun, social setting.

Public Art & Mural Tours
Explore Norfolk’s creative side up close through guided mural tours and art walks in the NEON District. These experiences offer a behind-the-scenes look at the city’s vibrant public art scene, with plenty of opportunities to capture seasonal photos and uncover the stories behind each piece.

Improv & Performance
Step into the spotlight at Push Comedy Theater, where classes in improv, stand-up, and sketch comedy welcome both beginners and seasoned performers. Each session builds confidence, encourages collaboration, and reminds you that creativity is just as much about laughter and connection as it is about skill.

Beyond the Studio

Photography Walks
With crisp fall light and Downtown’s mix of murals, waterfront, and historic architecture, it is a photographer’s dream. Guided photography walks help sharpen your skills while giving you a fresh perspective on the city.

Dance & Movement
Downtown dance studios and fitness centers keep creativity moving too. Try ballroom or salsa, join a contemporary class, or add yoga and pilates into your weekly routine. It is a great way to stay active while connecting with new people.

Creative Connections
Taking a class is not only about learning a technique. It is also about becoming part of the vibrant creative community that makes Downtown Norfolk so unique. Whether you are blowing glass, learning improv, or taking photos along the river, each class connects you with people who share your interests.

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Key Dates: Creative This Fall

Prefer dates over browsing? Mark your calendar with these standout creative experiences happening downtown this season:

• Pumpkinpalooza + Studio Sale: Great Glass Pumpkin Patch
  Workshops throughout October + Sale Friday–Sunday, October 10–12 | Perry Glass Studio
  Create your own hand-blown glass pumpkin at Pumpkinpalooza, then shop hundreds of one-of-a-kind pieces at the annual Studio Sale. Whether you want to make or take, the Glass Studio is the place for fall pumpkins.
• Arts at Attucks: ODU Literary Festival presents What We Ask of Flesh
  Friday, October 10 | Attucks Theatre
  An evening of performance and poetry that blends literature with the power of live arts.
• Coffee Painting Workshop
  Saturday, October 11 | d'Art Center
  Learn to paint with coffee in this hands-on workshop that turns your morning brew into art.
• Norfolk Flea Market Fall Edition
  Sunday, October 12 | Waterside District
  A seasonal market featuring vintage finds, handmade goods, and creative vendors.
• NEON Festival
  October 16-17 | NEON District
  The 10th annual celebration of public art, live music, dance, and neighborhood creativity, transforming the official arts district into a two-night block party.
• The Addams Kooky Market
  Saturday, October 18 | Locals Marketplace
  Shop eerie and unusual finds from local makers in this seasonal art market.
• Halloween Printmaking
  Saturday, October 25 | D’Art Center
  Get spooky and creative while learning printmaking techniques with a seasonal twist.

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Make This Fall a Creative One

From hand-blown pumpkins to painted canvases, Downtown Norfolk is full of ways to spark your imagination and try something new. Sign up for a class, support local artists, and let this season be the one where your creativity shines.