Norfolk celebrates the rich ethnic diversity of its population with sights, sounds, attractions and special events that pay tribute to the city’s long multicultural heritage.

Waterways to Freedom, honors Norfolk’s proud participation on the Underground Railroad Network, while the lovingly restored Attucks Theatre – which in its heyday was the focal point of entertainment, business, and racial pride in Norfolk’s African American community, is once again a star on Norfolk’s cultural stage. Each spring, the International Azalea Festival recognizes the international influence of Norfolk’s NATO Command and its 28 member nations, and includes the world-renowned annual Tattoo which brings musicians from around the world to showcase their talents and traditions. Fun-filled festivals on the downtown waterfront offer up the music, art and culinary delights of our diverse Asian-American, Pacific Island, and Latin American communities, while the traditions of the region’s first citizens – Virginia’s Native American tribes are celebrated through numerous exhibits and festivals throughout Hampton Roads. You’ll even find a bit of Cajun each summer at the well-loved Bayou Boogaloo and Cajun Food Festival. Whether you’re visiting our city for business or pleasure, multicultural leisure and business travelers alike will find the city a fun filled, and welcoming destination.

FEATURED WEBSITE: WATERWAY TO FREEDOM. NORFOLK’S UNDERGROUND RAILROAD.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Native American Heritage Day at the Children’s Museum of Virginia
Explore the culture and traditions of Native Americans through songs, dancing, games and crafts.
221 High Street, Portsmouth VA • www.childrensmuseumva.com

Annual American Indian Festival
Celebration features American Indian storytelling, traditional dancing and demonstrations. Native jewelry, crafts, and food vendors. Don't miss the spiritual “Grand Entry” at Noon Saturday and 1 pm Sunday. Event is FREE to the public.
Chesapeake City Park • 900 Greenbrier Parkway, Chesapeake, VA • www.cityofchesapeake.net/PRevents

Norfolk NATO Festival
A weeklong celebration honoring the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, including a Parade of Nations and NATO Fest in Downtown Norfolk.
(757) 282-2802 • www.natofestival.org

Virginia International Tattoo
Seven hundred artists from across the globe in an exhibition of marching bands, massed pipes and drums, drill teams, gymnasts, choirs and more. The largest show of its kind in the United States.
Norfolk Scope • (877) 741-ARTS • www.vafest.com

AFR’AM Fest
One of the largest African-American family-oriented ethnic cultural celebrations on the East Coast, with visual arts, dance, music, literary arts, theater and children’s activities.
Town Point Park • (757) 216-7518 • www.sevaa.org

Bayou Boogaloo and Cajun Food Festival
Enjoy Cajun delicacies, cooking demos, chiuldren’s activities and a great line-up of live music.
Town Point Park • (757) 441-2345 • www.festeventsva.org

Norfolk’s Latino Festival
The region’s largest outdoor dance floor heats up with the hottest salsa, merengue, and guaguanco with live music by local, regional, and national Latin recording artists!
(757) 441-2345 • www.festeventsva.org

Annual Mid-Autumn Moon Festival
Commemorating one of the most celebrated of Chinese holidays, where families and friends come together to celebrate the bountiful harvest with a plentiful feast.
Town Point Park • (757) 441-2345 • www.festeventsva.org