Norfolk festival weekend brings road closures, free transit June 19-22

Norfolk‘s downtown festival stretch runs June 19-23, when Juneteenth Norfolk Celebration, Sail250 Virginia and the 50th Annual Norfolk Harborfest overlap along the waterfront. The city says the main transportation pinch point will be downtown on June 19-21, when traffic delays and road closures are expected and garage access may be slower than usual.

What the city says will change

The City of Norfolk says Norfolk Police will help manage the restrictions and allow access when it is safe. It also says street closures will affect getting into and out of downtown parking garages. City garages and lots will cost $10 from Friday, June 19, through Sunday, June 21.

What HRT is changing

Hampton Roads Transit will offer free fares on all modes of transit on Friday, June 19, for Juneteenth. On Saturday and Sunday, June 20-21, The Tide light rail and the Elizabeth River Ferry will be free in partnership with the City of Norfolk. HRT says the Tide and ferry will run with increased frequency, and the ferry will remain free on Monday, June 22.

Sail250 shuttle and parking details

Sail250 Virginia says its free festival shuttle will connect Boush & Main at Nauticus, the Pagoda on Harbor Street and Front Street during festival hours. The event guide also says city garages are available at special-event rates, Sentara lots near Front Street will have paid parking, and free EVMS Front Street lots open at 6 p.m. Friday and stay free through Sunday. Sail250 also plans a separate shuttle to Norfolk Naval Station for ship tours on June 20 and June 21.

For commuters, downtown workers and anyone trying to reach the waterfront, the practical advice is the same: build in extra time, check transit before leaving home and assume parking and access will be tighter than normal. Norfolk also says residents can text NFKCELEBRATE to 888-777 for street-closure and parking alerts.

Sources

• City of Norfolk festival weekend guide
• Hampton Roads Transit Juneteenth and Sail250 alert
• Sail250 Virginia getting-to-guide