SEC VA MSIB 037-25 - 49th Norfolk Harborfest

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 05/13/2025 10:27 AM EDT

united states coast guard

Sector Virginia
Marine Safety Information Bulletin

(757) 374-3408
VirginiaWaterways@uscg.mil

49th Annual Norfolk Harborfest - Marine Event

The 49th Annual Norfolk Harborfest marine event will occur Friday, June 6th through Sunday, June 8th, 2025. The event is expected to draw a large number of spectator vessels in the vicinity of Town Point Reach in Norfolk, VA. To assist in maintaining a safe waterway, the Captain of the Port Sector Virginia will be enforcing a Special Local Regulation limiting the use of portions of the Elizabeth River near Town Point Reach.

Waterway closures enforced via the Special Local Regulation listed in 33 CFR 100.501(i)(3) will be in effect during the following dates and times: 

Friday, June 6th

  • Search & Rescue Demonstration 2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.*
  • Drone Show 9:15 p.m. - 9:45 p.m.*

Saturday, June 7th

  • Search & Rescue Demonstration 1:15 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.*
  • Tug Muster 4:15 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.*
  • Fireworks 9:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.* (If Drone Show rain date is used, Fireworks Show will immediately follow)

Rain Dates:

  • Saturday, June 7th Drone Show 9:15 p.m. - 9:45 p.m.*
  • Sunday, June 8th Fireworks 8:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.*

*Waterway closures may remain in effect up to 30 minutes after the event to account for any potential and unexpected delays. 

The Special Local Regulation will encompass all waters of the Elizabeth River between the following positions: 36°50′51.6”N, 076°18′07.9”W; 36°51′00.3”N, 076°17′51”W; 36°50′50.9”N, 076°18′07.7”W; 36°50′33.6”N, 076°17′54.1”W; 36°50′13.2”N, 076°17’44.8”W; 36°50’08.8”N, 076°17′37.5”W; 36°50′21.5”N, 076°17′14.5”W; 36°50′35”N, 076°17′10”W.

During the times listed above, vessels will be prohibited from entering the regulated area. Operators must stop their vessel immediately upon being directed to do so and must proceed as directed by any law enforcement vessel. A Coast Guard patrol will be on scene monitoring VHF/FM channels 13 and 16 during these events. Mariners are requested to use extreme caution when transiting in the vicinity of the event.

A full schedule of events associated with Harborfest can be found here. 

If you have any questions related to the aforementioned bulletin, please contact the United States Coast Guard Sector Virginia Waterways Management Division by email at VirginiaWaterways@uscg.mil.

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