NORFOLK, Va. — To avoid expected congestion and limited parking for Harborfest, Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) is encouraging the public to take transit to and from Downtown Norfolk on June 7-9.
HRT is ready for the big event with additional Tide light rail and Elizabeth River Ferry service to keep people moving this weekend – along with a time-saving way to buy daily transit passes ahead of time. The 48th annual Norfolk Harborfest, the nation’s largest and longest-running free maritime festival, takes place at Town Point Park along the waterfront.
“We’re proud of our role to transport people safely and efficiently for the region’s biggest events, including this cherished celebration of our maritime and naval heritage,” said William E. Harrell, HRT’s President and CEO. “Harborfest is the perfect time to try transit to avoid the hassles of driving and parking.”
The festival takes place from noon to 11 p.m. on Friday, June 7; noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 9.
Other festivities include the 45th Annual Seawall Music Festival at High Street Landing on Friday from 6-11 p.m. and Saturday from 2-9:30 p.m.
Daily electronic tickets available to ride transit
Special one-day, round-trip electronic tickets are $4 per person and can be purchased ahead of time on the Ticketleap app or online at https://gohrt.com/harborfest/. These daily tickets are good for two, one-way trips on both the light rail and ferry. Tickets are valid only for the date of purchase. As always, kids 17 and younger ride free with a paying adult. E-tickets are not valid for any other HRT service.
QR codes will be posted at all light rail stations and ferry docks for convenient access to the app. The e-ticket is a proof of fare purchase and must be presented when requested.
Fares can also be purchased at ticket vending machines at all light rail stations, but due to expected crowds, festivalgoers are encouraged to buy tickets in advance.
Additional rail and ferry service planned
HRT is adding frequencies on the light rail and ferry to meet Harborfest demand.
On Friday, June 7, the Tide will increase frequencies to 15-minute intervals from 10 p.m. to midnight. For Saturday, June 8, service will increase to 10-minute intervals starting at 4:30 p.m., with additional trains added as demand warrants and after the fireworks show. On Sunday, the Tide will operate a normal schedule, every 15 minutes, from 10:55 a.m. to 9 p.m.
HRT buses also will be staged in support of light rail operations should demand exceed light rail’s capacity. These buses will shuttle passengers from MacArthur Square Station to Newtown Road Station if needed.
Meanwhile, regular ferry service between Waterside and Portsmouth will be augmented by additional ferry boats. On Friday, two additional ferries will be added, one operating from 11:45 a.m. to 10:45 p.m., the other from 3:30 to 10:45 p.m.
On Saturday, up to four ferries will shuttle back and forth during peak times and after fireworks. On Sunday, the regular schedule of 10 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. will be supplemented by a second boat operating from 11:40 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and a third boat from noon until 6 p.m.
Ending times may vary depending on demand.
Park for free at designated lots
For convenient access to the light rail, HRT riders can park for free at any of four Tide park-and-ride lots:
- Newtown Road Station, Newtown Road and Kempsville Road.
- Military Highway Station, Curlew Drive and Corporate Boulevard.
- Ballentine/Broad Creek Station, Ballentine Boulevard at I-264.
- EVMC/Fort Norfolk Station, Brambleton and Colley Avenues. This location is available only for Saturday and Sunday – parking is not allowed on Friday.
HRT community outreach
Representatives from HRT and TRAFFIX, the commuter options program operated by HRT, will be available to answer questions about transit and commuting during Harborfest.
HRT’s public outreach staff will be at the Newtown Road light rail station on Friday, June 7 at 10 a.m. to answer questions about taking the Tide to Harborfest. On Saturday, June 8, HRT staff will be among the vendor tents at Town Point Park to distribute giveaways and information about transit and TRAFFIX.