Festivals & Fall Events in Downtown Norfolk

Fall is festival season in Downtown Norfolk. From art and wine to Halloween thrills and Oktoberfest vibes, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate. Mark your calendar for these Downtown highlights.

NEON Festival

October 16–17 | NEON District
The NEON District comes alive with large-scale art installations, mural tours, pop-up performances, and local food and drink. One of Norfolk’s most colorful traditions.

Virginia Children’s Festival

October 4 | Town Point Park
The region’s largest children’s festival features 100+ creative and interactive activities designed for kids 10 and younger.

Town Point Virginia Wine Festival

October 18–19 | Town Point Park
Sip and savor from Virginia wineries at one of the region’s biggest waterfront wine gatherings.

Oktoberfest Celebrations

• Elation Brewing | September 26–October 12
  Authentic German menu, oompah bands, beer releases, and games across three weekends.
• Smartmouth Brewing | October 20
  Seasonal brews, live music, and Oktoberfest fun.

Halloween Downtown

• Granby Theater | All October
  A full month of Halloween programming including ghost tours, murder mystery dinners, escape room challenges, concerts, and their annual Haunted Circus Bash.
• Waterside District | October 18 & 31
  Boos & Brews Bar Crawl returns October 18, and Twisted Fairytales Halloween on October 31 brings DJs, karaoke, a silent disco, and a costume contest with up to $10,000 in prizes.
• Virginia Zoo | October 18, 24 & 29
  ZooBoo, a family friendly celebration series that also includes an adults-only after-hours night, and Howl-o-ween dog day all bring seasonal fun to the zoo.
• Locals Marketplace | October 10, 18, 24 & 26
  Spooky markets all month long, from anime and Halloween shopping to The Addams Kooky Market and Ghouls Just Wanna Shop.

More Fall Fun

• Wednesday Wind Down | Harrison Opera House | Weekly midweek concerts on the lawn.
• d’Art Center | Workshops throughout October including watercolor, coffee painting, and Halloween printmaking.
• Seasonal Food & Drink | From oyster specials to fall cocktail classes, Downtown restaurants and bars bring fresh flavors to the season.

Make It a Season to Celebrate

From wine on the waterfront and family festivals in the park to spooky nights at Granby Theater and Waterside, fall in Downtown Norfolk is packed with events that bring the community together.