Virginia Arts Festival

Expect the day to build toward curtain rather than start with an all-day street scene. In the late afternoon and early evening, people arrive 60 to 30 minutes before showtime for will call, a quick drink, or dinner near the venue. Once doors open, the pace turns inward: ushers, programs, seats filling, then a focused performance block that can range from orchestral music to dance or theater. During intermission, the energy shifts into the lobby and out onto the sidewalk for a few minutes before everyone heads back in. After dark, the festival becomes a downtown after-show crowd, with people leaving Chrysler Hall or the Harrison Opera House and drifting toward bars, restaurants, parking garages, and rides home.

Food here is part of the pre-show ritual: a seafood dinner or quick cocktail downtown before heading into Chrysler Hall or another evening performance, then a drink afterward while the crowd thins out. Norfolk’s coastal staples fit the night well, especially if you want something substantial before a long seated program.

Must Try:
• oysters
• crab cakes
• shrimp and grits
• barbecue
• craft beer

Your spending depends heavily on the ticket you choose. A straightforward evening can mean one performance ticket plus parking near Chrysler Hall or the Scope Arena complex area, with dinner downtown adding another noticeable step up. Higher-profile programs such as the Virginia International Tattoo or visiting artist concerts can push the night further, especially if you want premium seats and cocktails before or after. You can keep costs tighter by choosing a less expensive seat and skipping the full sit-down meal in favor of one drink or a lighter pre-show bite.

Pick your performance first and build the evening around that venue, because this festival is shaped by ticketed start times more than wandering. If your show is at Chrysler Hall or the Harrison Opera House, aim to be nearby at least 45 minutes early so you are not dealing with will-call lines at the last minute. Keep your shoes and jacket suited for a short downtown walk in spring weather; a warm evening can turn windy or damp by the time you come out. If you want dinner, reserve it before the show rather than hoping to squeeze in after arriving.

The main hassles are practical ones tied to showtime. Lobby and will-call areas get tight shortly before curtain, and parking garages around major performances can take time to clear once everyone leaves at once. At night, first-time visitors can get turned around moving between downtown blocks, especially if they parked a few streets away, so save your garage location before the show. Spring rain or wind can make the short walks between restaurants, parking, and venues less pleasant, so bring a layer and keep your ticket details handy to avoid standing outside longer than needed.