Take Transit to Harborfest this Weekend

NORFOLK, Va. — Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) is encouraging the public to take transit to and from Harborfest on June 6-8 to avoid expected congestion and limited parking in Downtown Norfolk.

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 49th annual Norfolk Harborfest, the nation’s largest and longest-running free maritime festival, takes place at Town Point Park along the waterfront.

“HRT is proud to move our communities for some of the biggest events of the year with safe and efficient transportation solutions,” said William E. Harrell, President and CEO. “Harborfest is the perfect time to try transit to avoid the hassles of driving and parking to enjoy this cherished celebration of our maritime and naval heritage.”

The 49^th annual festival takes place from noon-11 p.m. on Friday, June 6 with the Parade of Sail at noon and drone show at 9:30 p.m.; noon-11 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.; and from noon-6 p.m. on Sunday, June 8. The free event is open to the public.

Across the river in Portsmouth, it’s the 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

Special one-day, round-trip electronic tickets are $4 per person and can be purchased ahead of time on the Ticketleap app. 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 travel. 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 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

HRT is adding frequencies on the light rail and ferry to meet Harborfest demand.
On Friday, June 6, the Tide will increase frequencies to 15-minute intervals from 10 p.m. to midnight. For Saturday, June 7, 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, June 8, the Tide will operate a normal schedule, every 15 minutes, starting around 10:55 a.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 summer service between Waterside in Norfolk and the High Street and North Landing docks in Portsmouth will be augmented by additional boats. On Friday, two ferries will operate until 10:45 p.m., with a third operating the last departure from Waterside at 11:45 p.m. On Saturday, up to four ferries will shuttle back and forth during peak times and after fireworks until after midnight.

On Sunday, the regular ferry 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 these 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.

HRT staff available to help

HRT’s outreach team will staff a table at Harborfest to promote train safety and answer transit questions. HRT reps also will be at the Newtown Road and MacArthur Square light rail stations to assist passengers.

About HRT

HRT’s mission is to connect Hampton Roads with transportation solutions that are reliable, safe, efficient and sustainable. For more information on transit services, visit gohrt.com.

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