Best events in
Portsmouth

Looking for events or things to do in Portsmouth, VA? The city's historic seaport character shapes its social scene, blending waterfront views with a laid-back atmosphere. Much of the action centers around Olde Towne, where walkable streets connect chef-owned restaurants, pubs, and cultural venues.

Stroll through historic Olde Towne, where an evening might flow from a gallery opening at the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center to live music at a nearby pub.
Catch a major concert at the outdoor Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion or enjoy a free performance during the summer's Sunset Thursdays series.
Find local goods and a community atmosphere at the weekly Portsmouth Olde Towne Farmers Market or the monthly Olde Towne Antique & Flea Market.

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Ukiyo Saturdays presents BEHOLD - Saturday After the Yard

Saturday • 10:00 PM

Ukiyo

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Hipp Hop & R&B Raised Me "All Black Libra Edition"

Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 PM

Venue 757

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NOBRAKES HALLOWEEN PARTY

Sat, Oct 24 • 8:00 PM

3303 Airline Blvd

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GOURMETONY Game Night 2

Sat, Oct 31 • 8:00 PM

4010b Victory Blvd

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Ukiyo Saturdays presents BEHOLD - Saturday After the Yard

Saturday • 10:00 PM

Ukiyo

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Hipp Hop & R&B Raised Me "All Black Libra Edition"

Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 PM

Venue 757

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NOBRAKES HALLOWEEN PARTY

Sat, Oct 24 • 8:00 PM

3303 Airline Blvd

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GOURMETONY Game Night 2

Sat, Oct 31 • 8:00 PM

4010b Victory Blvd

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Popular in Portsmouth

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Pasaporte Latino: A Journey Through Our Cultures | Hispanic Heritage

Thursday • 6:00 PM

Rivers Casino Portsmouth

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The Biggest Hoco Kickoff Party feat. Jayy Laurent

Friday • 10:00 PM

4640 George Washington Hwy

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Late Registration The NSU Homecoming Day Party

Friday • 5:00 PM

4592 George Washington Hwy

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Never Leave Homecoming on Sunday - The Spartan Trap n Brunch Day Party

Sun, Oct 11 • 12:00 PM

Guava

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Digitizing Legacy Machines: Making Your Manufacturing Data Work for You

Tue, Oct 13 • 8:00 AM

1030 University Blvd

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ROD WAVE NIGHT 18+

Thu, Oct 15 • 10:00 PM

4640 George Washington Hwy

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Domestic Violence Awareness Brunch

Sat, Oct 24 • 11:00 AM

Blessed Hope Christian Center

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VEE'S SCORPIO'S VS EVERYBODY

Sat, Nov 7 • 1:00 PM

Venue 757

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Pasaporte Latino: A Journey Through Our Cultures | Hispanic Heritage

Thursday • 6:00 PM

Rivers Casino Portsmouth

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The Biggest Hoco Kickoff Party feat. Jayy Laurent

Friday • 10:00 PM

4640 George Washington Hwy

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Late Registration The NSU Homecoming Day Party

Friday • 5:00 PM

4592 George Washington Hwy

Check ticket price on event

Never Leave Homecoming on Sunday - The Spartan Trap n Brunch Day Party

Sun, Oct 11 • 12:00 PM

Guava

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Digitizing Legacy Machines: Making Your Manufacturing Data Work for You

Tue, Oct 13 • 8:00 AM

1030 University Blvd

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ROD WAVE NIGHT 18+

Thu, Oct 15 • 10:00 PM

4640 George Washington Hwy

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Domestic Violence Awareness Brunch

Sat, Oct 24 • 11:00 AM

Blessed Hope Christian Center

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VEE'S SCORPIO'S VS EVERYBODY

Sat, Nov 7 • 1:00 PM

Venue 757

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Online Events

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How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

Wed, Oct 14 • 7:00 PM GMT+1

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 AM EDT

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Witch hunts and real lives

Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

Wed, Oct 14 • 7:00 PM GMT+1

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 AM EDT

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Witch hunts and real lives

Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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This Weekend

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Late Registration The NSU Homecoming Day Party

Friday • 5:00 PM

4592 George Washington Hwy

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The Greatest Green & Gold Homecoming Experience

Friday • 6:00 PM

Venue 757

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Ukiyo Saturdays presents BEHOLD - Saturday After the Yard

Saturday • 10:00 PM

Ukiyo

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Red Cross Basic Life Support class in Portsmouth

Saturday • 12:15 PM

AllCPR Training Portsmouth2

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Late Registration The NSU Homecoming Day Party

Friday • 5:00 PM

4592 George Washington Hwy

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The Greatest Green & Gold Homecoming Experience

Friday • 6:00 PM

Venue 757

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Ukiyo Saturdays presents BEHOLD - Saturday After the Yard

Saturday • 10:00 PM

Ukiyo

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Red Cross Basic Life Support class in Portsmouth

Saturday • 12:15 PM

AllCPR Training Portsmouth2

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Points of Interest near Portsmouth

Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve

Chuck E Cheese

Frequently asked questions about Portsmouth

Are there free events to attend in Portsmouth?

Yes, Portsmouth offers several free events, particularly in Olde Towne. Check out First Fridays at the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center for free admission and performances. The Sunset Thursdays summer concert series is another popular free outdoor music event at Festival Park.

Where can I find live music events in Portsmouth?

The Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion is a top spot for major outdoor concerts. For a more local vibe, many pubs in Olde Towne host musicians and DJs. Also, the annual Umoja Festival is a celebration of African culture that features musical performances.

What are some family-friendly things to do in Portsmouth?

The Children's Museum of Virginia in Olde Towne is a great destination for families. It hosts educational exhibits and special events throughout the year. The annual Olde Towne Holiday Music Festival also offers festive, family-friendly entertainment with strolling carolers.

What's the nightlife like in Olde Towne Portsmouth?

Olde Towne offers a lively pub crawl atmosphere with many locally owned establishments. The area around High and Dinwiddie Streets is a central hub for bars. An evening can range from enjoying a patio drink to catching a local band.

How can I experience the art scene in Portsmouth?

The Portsmouth Arts District in Olde Towne is the center of the local art scene. Visit the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center for its rotating exhibits. The annual Seawall Art Show is a major juried event featuring artists along the waterfront.

What kind of outdoor events does Portsmouth host?

Portsmouth's waterfront is a popular setting for outdoor events. The Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion hosts concerts, while Festival Park is home to the Sunset Thursdays series. You can also explore the weekly Portsmouth Olde Towne Farmers Market for local goods outdoors.

Do you have any date night ideas for Portsmouth, VA?

A walk along the seawall offers great views for a romantic evening. Afterwards, explore Olde Towne for its chef-owned restaurants with alfresco dining. You could also attend a social event at the Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Waterfront Hotel's patio.

What is there to do in Portsmouth besides Olde Towne?

While Olde Towne is the main hub, other neighborhoods have their own local charm. Areas like Midtown, Churchland, and Port Norfolk feature neighborhood bars and offbeat places. It's worth exploring these areas for a different and more local experience.