When you think of music cities it’s typically places like Nashville, New Orleans or New York. Even though it’s not on your normal list, Norfolk, VA offers plenty of opportunities for all kinds of music lovers to catch a show every week.
We’re talking arena shows, exciting standing-room only gigs, tasteful concert halls and outdoor waterfront venues. Sitters, standers and shouters alike can find their ideal concert experience in Downtown Norfolk.
Some of Virginia’s best known music festivals come through Norfolk each year including Patriotic Festival over Memorial Day and the summertime Virginia Fine Arts Festival. You can also come back throughout the year for local concert series like the Church Street Jazz Experience.
CityParking Inc. loves Norfolk and knows all the best live music spots. Here are the top five places downtown:
1. The NorVa
The best parts about the NorVa are the energy and the location. This venue is in the middle of Downtown Norfolk and is known for shows that have you swaying, jumping and singing along.
At the NorVa you don’t need a seat, just your two feet and maybe some sharp elbows to clear out your standing room. There’s even a balcony where you can watch the concert from up high.
It’s a smaller venue but the show variety is high. You can get tickets for everything from energetic cover bands, to well-loved one hit wonders, to Virginia favorites, to rappers, rockers, popular indie bands and country artists.
This summer the NorVa is hosting GWAR, Bowling for Soup, Rise Against and more.
CityParking knows that parking downtown can be tricky which is why we have a lot on Granby Street, super close to the NorVa.
Checkout Lot 333 so you can enjoy your next concert and not worry about towing or ticketing.
2. Waterside Drive
The Waterside District is one of the newest jewels in Norfolk’s crown. After a huge redevelopment of the Waterside Festival Marketplace in 2017 there have been more opportunities for live music, good food and fun events than ever before.
It’s called Waterside for a good reason as this gathering space is located right on the Elizabeth River.
One of the big draws to the district is live music and shows. Whether it’s a DJ for a party-filled weekend or a free country show there’s plenty to check out. This year, two huge country acts – Kane Brown and Morgan Wallen – are coming to the Waterside area for Memorial Day weekend concerts as part of the Patriotic Festival.
Get over to the Waterside District easily from CityParking’s Lot 500 on Plume Street.
3. Norfolk Scope Arena
The Norfolk Scope Arena with its big dome and sprawling support beams will definitely catch your eye when you drive by. But for most music lovers it’s not about the venue but who’s coming to play there.
The Scope doesn’t host concerts full-time but when they do it’s guaranteed to be a good time. In addition to live music you can head here for a Norfolk Admirals game, a standup comedy show, WWE match and more.
Norfolk’s Patriotic Festival is also taking a stop at the Scope Arena this year. Country music artist Jon Pardi will play there on May 27. Keep an eye out on their website for more shows coming soon.
If you need some low-stress parking nearby, CityParking’s Lot 333 on Granby Street is just a short walk away.
4. Chrysler Hall
Chrysler Hall is a classy venue with a beautiful reflection pond, tall columns and a theater filled with classic red seats. This concert hall has room for 2,500 visitors which makes it easy to get tickets for your favorite concerts.
Just like the Scope, Chrysler Hall has concerts in addition to other performances. This spring you can catch television host Ina Garten also known as the Barefoot Contessa. Throughout the fall you can get tickets for the musical Wicked.
As for concerts, singer and rapper Monica is performing in June and Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons will be performing in July. The Virginia Symphony Orchestra also regularly plays here.
If you’re spending the day in the area and planning to watch a show at Chrysler Hall, try CityParking’s Lot 333 for hassle-free all-day parking.
5. Harrison Opera House
If rock and roll isn’t your thing, you can watch the Virginia Opera and Virginia Symphony Orchestra at the Harrison Opera House.
The Harrison Opera House wrapped a full weekend of The Sound Of Music performed by the Virginia Opera in May. Now, throughout the summer you can expect jazz performers like Norman Brown and Bob James.
This opera house dates back to World War II but was renovated in the early 90s to be the beautiful building it is today. You can view your shows up close from floor seating or grab tickets for luxurious box seating.
If you’re exploring Norfolk’s NEON District and visiting the Harrison Opera House for a show, CityParking has you covered. Check out Lot 838 on Granby Street.
Rockin’ Every Block in Norfolk
If you’re not up for buying tickets anytime soon, you can always visit one of Norfolk’s bars or restaurants that frequently have live music.
Hell’s Kitchen on Granby Street has live music on weekends or just up the road you can get a speakeasy piano bar experience at Gershwin’s. If you’re looking for a rooftop and local beers, there’s live music at Grain most days of the week.
Get to your shows on time and explore Downtown Norfolk stress-free any day of the week by using CityParking’s lots and garage. Download Honk or ParkMobile to start using contactless parking today.