Norfolk will host two major events to start the 2025 holiday season: J&A Racing’s Norfolk Harbor Race Series and the Downtown Norfolk Council’s Grand Illumination Parade, scheduled for the weekend of November 22–23.
City officials are advising residents, visitors, and businesses to prepare for traffic delays on Saturday, November 22, from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and again from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., as well as Sunday, November 23, between 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. The Norfolk Police Department will manage traffic and provide access when possible during these times. Several downtown streets will be closed, affecting access to parking garages in the area.
Event organizers are urging people to pay close attention to NO STOPPING/NO PARKING signs posted throughout downtown. These restrictions apply to entire blocks rather than just specific locations where signs are placed. Vehicles parked in event zones may be towed for public safety reasons. If street parking is unavailable, attendees can use city parking garages or lots; Hampton Roads Transit’s The Tide light rail is also an option.
Participants in the race series, parade spectators, and others attending the events are encouraged to arrive early. Some parking garages will offer early bird discounts with both cash and credit accepted at entry points.
Parking rates vary by date and location:
– On Friday, November 21, race participants should use MacArthur South Garage for packet pick-up; the first two hours are free there as well as in all other garages.
– On Saturday, November 22, all downtown garages will charge $3 for entry between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m., increasing to $5 after 5 p.m.
– On Sunday, November 23 (except MacArthur Center), downtown garages charge $5 from 5 a.m. until 3 p.m.; normal hourly rates resume after that with the first two hours free.
– MacArthur Center Garages maintain normal hourly rates with the first two hours free throughout the weekend.
Additional details about street closures and parking maps can be found at www.norfolk.gov/raceandparade. To receive updates about street closures or other alerts related to either event via text message, individuals can text NFKHARBOR to 888-777 for race information or NFKPARADE for parade alerts.
