Portsmouth is home to centuries of history, architecture, culture, wars, and famine; but most don’t know that it’s also a hub of beautiful outdoor parks, sunsets, scenic water views, and long traditional and signature events. Below you’ll find the 10 best Free Summer Events that keep bringing folks back to this historic destination year after year.
1. Umoja Festival
Date: May 26 – 28 Location: 16 Crawford Cir (Festival Park) Description:
Named for a Kiswahili word meaning “Unity,” The Portsmouth Umoja Festival is one of the oldest festivals celebrating African American culture in the United States. Created and operated by the City of Portsmouth, Virginia, the Festival offers an exciting blend of ancient and contemporary art forms over three days next to the downtown Portsmouth waterfront. Nationally acclaimed musical acts, children’s activities and a world of traditional foods, arts, crafts, and entertainment abound, including the Heritage Tours, exhibitions, community information area, and a dazzling arts & crafts marketplace filled with sculptures, paintings, prints, baskets, quilts, and other assorted hand-crafted wares.
The festival opens on Friday at 5pm until 11pm with a traditional African drum call and a blessing ceremony by the Council of Elders. In keeping with African tradition, permission from a community’s elders is sought for their wisdom, knowledge, and experience before such a festival can begin – a tradition the festival has always observed with elders of the Portsmouth community, The Festival then continues through Saturday from 1pm until 7pm. with food, marketplace shopping and live music. This year, there’s a special one-hour African American Heritage tour taking place at 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm. Sunday, from 2pm until 6pm enjoy a jubilee of traditional gospel music
For more information, visit their official websiteHERE.
2. Memorial Day Parade
Date: May 27th from 10 am -1 pm Location: Reviewing stand is at High and Court Streets Description:
A Portsmouth tradition since 1884, the annual Memorial Day Parade salutes the service and sacrifices of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and celebrates Portsmouth’s proud military heritage. It’s one of the longest running Memorial Day Parades in America.
Enjoy floats, marching bands, and lots of excitement. The parade travels on High Street from Peninsula Avenue (at I.C. Norcom High School) to Water Street.
3. Portsmouth Pride
Date: Saturday, June 1st from 11 am – 5 pm Location: 16 Crawford Pkwy (festival Park) Description:
Portsmouth Pride is back for its 3rd year. Join us in Festival Park, outside the Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion, and show your colors. Music, dancing, food, beverages, and a large variety of venders will be available. Walk through or stay all day, just come out and show your PRIDE.
For more details and other pride happenings that day, click here
4. 45th Annual Seawall Music Festival
Date: June 7th & 8th Location: High Street Landing Description:
Two days of great food, local and national entertainment as well as a Saturday night firework show at 9:30 pm. Children’s activities on Saturday, 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm. (Bounce house and Games).
5. Cock Island Race
Date: June 15th Location: 20 Elm St for racers or for viewing north end of the Portsmouth Seawall Description:
Vessels line up to race in the Elizabeth River by the Intercoastal waterway, starting at mile zero, sail out to Craney Island and then return mile zero. After, there is an awards ceremony and huge party at the boat club for the participants.
Origins
The Race to Cock Island was created over 30 years ago (1987), to bring big boat sail racing back to Portsmouth and to showcase the hospitality and history of Olde Towne Portsmouth. In the first year it brought a thousand fans to the public party. The Cock Island Race grew from its first years to become one of the largest sailing events in the U.S. The Coast Guard, which helped and coordinated from year one, finally asked that the race limit the entries to 300 boats! Founding chairman, Mo Whitlow met with all the CCV champions and notable competitors asking, “What would it take for you to come to Portsmouth for a weekend event and a race starting in the Portsmouth harbor?” The answer was “free rum, free music and free dockage.” The race was on to make it happen!
Where’d the name come from?
Hanbury jokingly said “Let’s call it the race to Cock Island” referring to an old Portsmouth nickname, and the committee went with it. Several months later, Hanbury, shocked and surprised, said “I was just kidding! We can’t use that name.” Too late, the popularity and enthusiasm had captured the sailing and partying community. As for the reference to “Cock Island”, the resourceful Hanbury discovered a historical 1850 map showing a ferry route from Norfolk to Portsmouth as “Ferry to Cock Island-Portsmouth”. Other historic references mentioned Portsmouth as prominent in the sport of “Cock Fighting” in its early days.
For more information on the Cock Island Race, Click here:
6. Juneteenth: Freedom Day
Date: June 15th, from 1 pm – 9 pm Location: 16 Crawford Cir Description:
Join us as we celebrate Juneteenth Freedom Day, a free, family-friendly event brought to you by the City of Portsmouth and the Urban League of Hampton Roads. Featuring soul food trucks, artisan vendors, and local and national bands, including headliners 702 and Montell Jordan. Located at Festival Park in Portsmouth. See you there!
Date: July 4, from 5pm – 9:30pm Location: 1 High St Description:
A Beach Music party on the 4th of July to show off your shag stepping. The mighty Saints of Soul Band plays beach music from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with a follow up performance by the Tidewater Concert Band playing patriotic music from 8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Fireworks show at 9:30pm (weather permitting).
Date: Aug 24-25 from 10am-5pm Location: 206 High St in Olde Towne Historic District Description:
If you want to find that one‑of‑a‑kind gift for someone special or a signature piece for yourself, come out to High Street, between Crawford and Court Streets in Portsmouth, Virginia’s historic district. The artists participating in the juried show come from the East Coast from New England to Florida. Their exhibits will include paintings in oil, acrylic and watercolor, mixed media, photographs, jewelry, pottery, woodwork and clay sculpture……..With more than 30 years of experience showcasing juried fine arts and fine crafts on the Portsmouth waterfront, the Seawall Art Show draws large crowds of art buyers to this prestigious event. With assistance from the Portsmouth Museum and Fine Arts Commission, this show is run by volunteers and all proceeds support the arts in Portsmouth. The Seawall Art Show features works for sale by 85-plus artists, a student art show, live entertainment, and food.
Types of vendors
You will find a little of everything, from wood carving to oil painting, handwoven clothing to art glass, fine jewelry to pottery and more.
Based on previous years, an estimated turnout between 5000 – 20,000 Visitors & 100 – 500 Exhibitors.
Visit their official website Here. Got 5-minutes? Then check out this video by WVEC13 & Earlene Lampman, the president of the Board of Directors of Seawall Art Show, Inc.
9. Paddle Battle
Date: Sept 7th 7:30am- 5 pm Location: 1 High St Description:
Benefitting the Friends of the Naval Shipyard Museum, the event features two racing categories: Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) and Kayaking. The race begins at High Street Landing and participants row to the hammerhead crane at the Naval Shipyard and back. Spectators line the Portsmouth Seawall to watch the action on the water. There will also be a special Military Challenge featuring racers from the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, the Portsmouth Coast Guard base, and other bases from around the region.
Date: Sept 28th 10 am- 11:30 pm Location: High St Description:
For more than half a century, this event has been sponsored by Arabia Temple #12 and is followed by the Fish Bowl Classic football game, held at I.C. Norcom at 2 pm. The parade begins at I.C. Norcom and travels down High Street to Court Street, turning south and ending at County Street. Reviewing stand is at Court Street
There’s plenty more exciting events that happen throughout Portsmouth all year long. For upcoming events visit here or stay up to date with all the latest information by signing up for out mailing list below.
10 Summer Events Not to Miss in Portsmouth, VA
May 24, 2024
Top 10 Summer Events
Portsmouth is home to centuries of history, architecture, culture, wars, and famine; but most don’t know that it’s also a hub of beautiful outdoor parks, sunsets, scenic water views, and long traditional and signature events. Below you’ll find the 10 best Free Summer Events that keep bringing folks back to this historic destination year after year.
1. Umoja Festival
Date: May 26 – 28
Location: 16 Crawford Cir (Festival Park)
Description:
Named for a Kiswahili word meaning “Unity,” The Portsmouth Umoja Festival is one of the oldest festivals celebrating African American culture in the United States. Created and operated by the City of Portsmouth, Virginia, the Festival offers an exciting blend of ancient and contemporary art forms over three days next to the downtown Portsmouth waterfront. Nationally acclaimed musical acts, children’s activities and a world of traditional foods, arts, crafts, and entertainment abound, including the Heritage Tours, exhibitions, community information area, and a dazzling arts & crafts marketplace filled with sculptures, paintings, prints, baskets, quilts, and other assorted hand-crafted wares.
The festival opens on Friday at 5pm until 11pm with a traditional African drum call and a blessing ceremony by the Council of Elders. In keeping with African tradition, permission from a community’s elders is sought for their wisdom, knowledge, and experience before such a festival can begin – a tradition the festival has always observed with elders of the Portsmouth community, The Festival then continues through Saturday from 1pm until 7pm. with food, marketplace shopping and live music. This year, there’s a special one-hour African American Heritage tour taking place at 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm. Sunday, from 2pm until 6pm enjoy a jubilee of traditional gospel music
For more information, visit their official website HERE.
2. Memorial Day Parade
Date: May 27th from 10 am -1 pm
Location: Reviewing stand is at High and Court Streets
Description:
A Portsmouth tradition since 1884, the annual Memorial Day Parade salutes the service and sacrifices of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and celebrates Portsmouth’s proud military heritage. It’s one of the longest running Memorial Day Parades in America.
Enjoy floats, marching bands, and lots of excitement. The parade travels on High Street from Peninsula Avenue (at I.C. Norcom High School) to Water Street.
3. Portsmouth Pride
Date: Saturday, June 1st from 11 am – 5 pm
Location: 16 Crawford Pkwy (festival Park)
Description:
Portsmouth Pride is back for its 3rd year. Join us in Festival Park, outside the Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion, and show your colors. Music, dancing, food, beverages, and a large variety of venders will be available. Walk through or stay all day, just come out and show your PRIDE.
For more details and other pride happenings that day, click here
4. 45th Annual Seawall Music Festival
Date: June 7th & 8th
Location: High Street Landing
Description:
Two days of great food, local and national entertainment as well as a Saturday night firework show at 9:30 pm. Children’s activities on Saturday, 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm. (Bounce house and Games).
5. Cock Island Race
Date: June 15th
Location: 20 Elm St for racers or for viewing north end of the Portsmouth Seawall
Description:
Vessels line up to race in the Elizabeth River by the Intercoastal waterway, starting at mile zero, sail out to Craney Island and then return mile zero. After, there is an awards ceremony and huge party at the boat club for the participants.
Origins
The Race to Cock Island was created over 30 years ago (1987), to bring big boat sail racing back to Portsmouth and to showcase the hospitality and history of Olde Towne Portsmouth. In the first year it brought a thousand fans to the public party. The Cock Island Race grew from its first years to become one of the largest sailing events in the U.S. The Coast Guard, which helped and coordinated from year one, finally asked that the race limit the entries to 300 boats! Founding chairman, Mo Whitlow met with all the CCV champions and notable competitors asking, “What would it take for you to come to Portsmouth for a weekend event and a race starting in the Portsmouth harbor?” The answer was “free rum, free music and free dockage.” The race was on to make it happen!
Where’d the name come from?
Hanbury jokingly said “Let’s call it the race to Cock Island” referring to an old Portsmouth nickname, and the committee went with it. Several months later, Hanbury, shocked and surprised, said “I was just kidding! We can’t use that name.” Too late, the popularity and enthusiasm had captured the sailing and partying community. As for the reference to “Cock Island”, the resourceful Hanbury discovered a historical 1850 map showing a ferry route from Norfolk to Portsmouth as “Ferry to Cock Island-Portsmouth”. Other historic references mentioned Portsmouth as prominent in the sport of “Cock Fighting” in its early days.
For more information on the Cock Island Race, Click here:
6. Juneteenth: Freedom Day
Date: June 15th, from 1 pm – 9 pm
Location: 16 Crawford Cir
Description:
Join us as we celebrate Juneteenth Freedom Day, a free, family-friendly event brought to you by the City of Portsmouth and the Urban League of Hampton Roads. Featuring soul food trucks, artisan vendors, and local and national bands, including headliners 702 and Montell Jordan. Located at Festival Park in Portsmouth. See you there!
For more information, visit their site Here
7. Shaggin’ 4th of July Celebration
Date: July 4, from 5pm – 9:30pm
Location: 1 High St
Description:
A Beach Music party on the 4th of July to show off your shag stepping. The mighty Saints of Soul Band plays beach music from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with a follow up performance by the Tidewater Concert Band playing patriotic music from 8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Fireworks show at 9:30pm (weather permitting).
For more information, visit their site Here
8. 52nd Seawall Art Show
Date: Aug 24-25 from 10am-5pm
Location: 206 High St in Olde Towne Historic District
Description:
If you want to find that one‑of‑a‑kind gift for someone special or a signature piece for yourself, come out to High Street, between Crawford and Court Streets in Portsmouth, Virginia’s historic district. The artists participating in the juried show come from the East Coast from New England to Florida. Their exhibits will include paintings in oil, acrylic and watercolor, mixed media, photographs, jewelry, pottery, woodwork and clay sculpture……..With more than 30 years of experience showcasing juried fine arts and fine crafts on the Portsmouth waterfront, the Seawall Art Show draws large crowds of art buyers to this prestigious event. With assistance from the Portsmouth Museum and Fine Arts Commission, this show is run by volunteers and all proceeds support the arts in Portsmouth. The Seawall Art Show features works for sale by 85-plus artists, a student art show, live entertainment, and food.
Types of vendors
You will find a little of everything, from wood carving to oil painting, handwoven clothing to art glass, fine jewelry to pottery and more.
Based on previous years, an estimated turnout between 5000 – 20,000 Visitors & 100 – 500 Exhibitors.
Visit their official website Here. Got 5-minutes? Then check out this video by WVEC13 & Earlene Lampman, the president of the Board of Directors of Seawall Art Show, Inc.
9. Paddle Battle
Date: Sept 7th 7:30am- 5 pm
Location: 1 High St
Description:
Benefitting the Friends of the Naval Shipyard Museum, the event features two racing categories: Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) and Kayaking. The race begins at High Street Landing and participants row to the hammerhead crane at the Naval Shipyard and back. Spectators line the Portsmouth Seawall to watch the action on the water. There will also be a special Military Challenge featuring racers from the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, the Portsmouth Coast Guard base, and other bases from around the region.
For more information, visit their website HERE
10. Fish Bowl Parade
Location: High St
Description:
For more than half a century, this event has been sponsored by Arabia Temple #12 and is followed by the Fish Bowl Classic football game, held at I.C. Norcom at 2 pm. The parade begins at I.C. Norcom and travels down High Street to Court Street, turning south and ending at County Street. Reviewing stand is at Court Street
There’s plenty more exciting events that happen throughout Portsmouth all year long. For upcoming events visit here or stay up to date with all the latest information by signing up for out mailing list below.