Stay Active This Fall in Downtown Norfolk

Cooler weather makes fall the perfect season to get outside, try something new, and build a routine before the holiday rush. Whether you’re looking for fresh air, a fun class, or a way to reset your fitness goals, Downtown Norfolk has plenty of ways to keep you moving.

Outdoor Adventures

Town Point Park: A Downtown gem for waterfront walks, yoga stretches, or sunset views. Its fountains, open lawns, and shaded benches make it ideal for both solo walks or gathering with friends.

Elizabeth River Trail (ERT): The 10+ mile riverfront trail is the gold standard for staying active. Start Downtown and run, bike, or walk along the water. With recently added outdoor fitness stations, you can mix cardio and strength training right into your route.

Waterfront Strolls & Scenic Parks: Wisconsin Square and TowneBank Fountain Park at Waterside are perfect for easy walks with river views, stretching your legs between meals, or just taking in the fall air.

Freemason District: Slow it down with a stroll through historic cobblestone streets. The tree-lined blocks and tucked-away gardens are especially charming in autumn, making your steps feel more like a seasonal walk than a workout.

Group Rides & Rentals: Hop on a Lime scooter, rent a bike, or join one of the social cycling groups that ride through Downtown and the NEON District. It’s a fun way to cover more ground and see the city from a new perspective.

Indoor Adventures

Blocker Norfolk Family YMCA: With group classes, a lap pool, open gym, and strength training equipment, the YMCA is a perfect fallback for days when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Glassblowing at Perry Glass Studio: Staying active doesn’t have to mean breaking a sweat. A hands-on glassblowing class keeps you on your feet and engaged while learning a new skill.

d'Art Center Workshops: Creative movement counts too. Try pottery or art classes that get you working with your hands and away from the couch.

Pop-Up Fitness & Wellness

Downtown comes alive with outdoor fitness events throughout the fall. From group yoga in Town Point Park to bootcamps on the waterfront, there are plenty of opportunities to switch up your routine. Keep an eye out for Work From Downtown pop-ups that bring movement and wellness right into the workday.

Key Dates: Get Moving This Fall

Prefer dates over routines? These fall events make it easy to get outside, move your body, and meet your neighbors:

Rides & Runs

• Slow & Steady Sunday Ride: Every Sunday in October | Slow & Steady Bikes & Goods
• Tour de ORF: Sun, Oct 5 | Smartmouth Brewing Company
• From Here to Eternity 5K: Sat, Oct 11
• Norfolk FUN Ride: Sat, Oct 25 | E-Bike Alley

Walks & Active Tours

• Historic Houses: A Downtown Walking Tour: Sat, Oct 11 | Willoughby-Baylor House
• Wellness Walk NFK: Sun, Oct 12 | Assembly
• True Crime: A Downtown Norfolk Walking Tour: Sat, Oct 25 | The Slover

Parks, Pups & Play

• ZooBoo (Family Day): Sat, Oct 18 | Virginia Zoo
• Adult Night: ZooBoo Edition: Fri, Oct 24 | Virginia Zoo
• Howl-o-ween: Wed, Oct 29 | Virginia Zoo

Community & Outdoorsy Wellness

• Downtown Norfolk Community Garden: Power Hour: Tue, Oct 14 | 5:30–7pm
• Downtown Norfolk Community Garden Potluck: Tue, Oct 28 | 5:30–7pm

Get Ahead of the Holidays

Fall is the season to start healthy habits before holiday schedules and sweet treats take over. Whether it’s adding a few extra steps on your commute or trying a new class, building consistency now will carry you through the busiest time of year.

Make Downtown Your Fitness Playground

From scenic riverfront paths to creative wellness events, Downtown Norfolk makes it easy and fun to stay active this fall. Lace up, layer up, and take advantage of the season while it lasts.