Heart-pounding spectacle…dazzling ballet…great concerts by famed pop, jazz, bluegrass, world, and classical artists…it’s all waiting for you at the 14th Annual Virginia Arts Festival. For more than a decade, this acclaimed Festival has brought the world’s great artists to performance venues throughout the Hampton Roads area, making this beautiful region—already beloved for its white sand beaches, pristine waterways, wildlife, and historical attractions that date back to the earliest days of our country—a cultural destination for travelers from around the world.
“Have you tried to count the stars in the skies lately? That might be easier than numbering the talented people headlining the Virginia Arts Festival….” — Southern Living

Our 14th annual season is filled with world-class performances by world-class artists. Six wonder-filled weeks and weekends featuring internationally acclaimed artists from Broadway, dancers from celebrated ballet, modern and contemporary companies and award-winning musicians. The 2010 Festival will entertain and engage audiences of all ages with events like the thrilling Virginia International Tattoo. Plan your visit now and explore the ten cities in Southeastern Virginia, all just miles apart, while experiencing these unforgettable arts with friends. Join us for the celebration of spring as we bring the world to you.


Robert W. Cross
Executive Director

Relax...Our Partner Hotels Are Ready to Welcome You

NORFOLK

Candlewood Suites Norfolk Airport

Centrally located between I-64 and I 264; minutes from Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth & Norfolk. The all suite hotel features fully equipped kitchens, TV with DVD players, free Internet, as well as a business center, free laundry facilities & fitness center.
5600 Lowery Road, Norfolk, VA 23502
(757) 605-4001 | 1-888-CANDLEWOOD
candlewoodsuites.com/norfolkairport


Crowne Plaza Hotel Norfolk

Located in the heart of Norfolk's arts and entertainment district, the Crowne Plaza Norfolk offers 204 newly renovated deluxe guest rooms. Hotel features complimentary wireless Internet access, 24- hour business center and 24-hour fitness center. Free parking.

700 Monticello Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23510
757-627-5555 | 1-800-333-3333
thenorfolkplaza.com


Norfolk Waterside Marriott

Stroll to concert halls, museums, Nauticus, and incredible shopping, then relax in one of 405 spacious and beautifully appointed guest rooms.
235 East Main St., Norfolk, VA 23510
757-627-4200 | 1-800-228-9290
Marriott.com/orfws

 


 

Sheraton Norfolk Waterside

The only hotel on Norfolk's waterfront, with breathtaking views of the Elizabeth River, just "anchors aweigh" from great attractions and activities like MacArthur Center, The Spirit of Norfolk harbor cruise, and Nauticus.
777 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510
757-622-6664 | 1-888-627-8042
sheraton.com/norfolk

 

Springhill Suites® by Marriott®

Your large suite is the perfect home away from home during the Festival. Close to Chrysler Hall, the Chrysler Museum of Art, and the Botanical Gardens. Plus overnight guests receive complimentary high-speed Internet access and breakfast. Featuring the Monarch Sports Grill for all other food and beverage needs!
Old Dominion University Village
4500 Hampton Boulevard
Norfolk, VA 23508
757-423-4100 | 1-888-ODU-7488
springhillodu.com

 


WILLIAMSBURG

Williamsburg Lodge

The Colonial Williamsburg Resort Collection offers a broad range of accommodations and rates as well as special Festival Williamsburg vacation packages. The Williamsburg Lodge is directly adjacent to the Historic Area, The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg, and the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club.
310 South England Street
Williamsburg,Virginia 23185
757-253-2277 | 1-800-280-8027
ColonialWilliamsburgResort.com

 

 

NEWPORT NEWS

Holiday Inn & Suites Newport News

Conveniently located near City Center at Oyster Point and the Ferguson Center for the Arts. Comfortable guest rooms and spacious suites are elegantly appointed with upgraded amenities and traditional décor.
943 J. Clyde Morris boulevard
Newport News, VA 23601
757-596-6417 | 1-800-611-7782
holidayinn.com/newportnewsva

 

VIRGINIA BEACH

Crowne Plaza Hotel

Located in the heart of the Town Center Business District, this fine hotel offers deluxe accommodations, a great night's sleep, and all the amenities. Close to the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Aquarium, and many restaurants.
4453 Bonney Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
757-473-1700 | 1-800-847-5202
cpvabeach.com

 

Holiday Inn Oceanside

Ocean views from every room! You'll be just steps from the Boardwalk and such Festival events on the beach as the PANorama Caribbean Festival. Close to the Virginia Aquarium.
2101 Atlantic Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
757-491-1500 | 1-800-465-4329  
vboceanside.com  

 

The Oceanfront Inn

Gaze down at the beach and boardwalk from your private balcony! This privately owned oceanfront hotel is a great location on the beach, with easy access to the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts and other Festival events.
2901 Atlantic Avenue
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
757-422-0445 | 1-888-826-2326
oceanfrontinn.com

 

Virginia Beach Resort Hotel &
Conference Center

Located where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, this superb hotel offers 295 suites, each with a balcony overlooking the beach, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, and kitchen sink.
2800 Shore Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
757-481-9000 | 1-800-468-2722
virginiabeachresort.com

 

 

PORTSMOUTH

Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel &
Waterfront Conference Center

With windows framing majestic ships floating the Elizabeth River, this luxury hotel reflects the nautical spirit of the Tidewater region. As one of the top Virginia hotels, we offer amenities from luxurious bedding to high-speed Internet, fine dining, a fitness center, and indoor pool.
425 Water Street
Portsmouth, VA 23704
757-673-3000 | 1-888-839-1775
renaissanceportsmouth.com

 

CHESAPEAKE

Aloft

Enjoy a setting that combines urban-influenced design, accessible technology, and a social scene that's always abuzz. The hotel’s open flow of features and help-yourself services inspire you to step outside the onesize-fits-all travel routine.
1454 Crossways Boulevard
Chesapeake, Virginia 23320
(757) 410-9562 | 1-877-GO-ALOFT
starwoodhotels.com/aloft

 

 

Hyatt Place® Chesapeake/Greenbrier

A 16 minute drive to the Norfolk Scope
Arena & offering special Tattoo rates. This Chesapeake hotel features spacious guestrooms complimentary wi-fi throughout the hotel, complimentary continental breakfast, & free parking. This Hyatt Place is the only hotel located within Towne Place at Greenbrier which has Natural Elements Spa, Paradocks East Coast Grille, Geisha Japanese Steak House, Chico’s, Jos. A. Bank & more all in walking distance. Hyatt Place®, a new kind of Hyatt designed around you.
709 Eden Way North
Chesapeake, Virginia 23320
757-312-0020 | HYATT HP (1-888-492-8847)
hyattplacechesapeake.com

 

 

VIRGINIA ARTS FESTIVAL WILL FILL YOUR NIGHTS WITH GREAT PERFORMANCES. YOU CAN FILL YOUR DAYS WITH DISCOVERY—MUSEUMS BRIMMING WITH ART, STREETS AND SHIPS FILLED WITH HISTORY, BEAUTIFUL BEACHES AND WATERWAYS.
 

Olde Towne Portsmouth


Explore 300 years of history with a self-guided walking tour or carriage ride.

757-393-5111
www.visitportsva.com

Courthouse Galleries


Enjoy exhibits, lectures, classes and performances in galleries housed in the historic 1846 Courthouse.

757-393-8543,
www.courthousegalleries.com

 

 

Children's Museum of Virginia

Two kid-friendly floors packed with exhibits and activities designed to engage young minds.
757-393-258

www.childrensmuseumva.com


 

The Chrysler Museum of Art

A jewel in Norfolk's cultural crown, this internationally acclaimed museum showcases American and European paintings and sculpture, 20th-century art, decorative arts, photography, and glass. See Women of the Chrysler: A 400-Year Celebration of the Arts, through July 18 in the Norfolk Southern Large Changing Gallery. Enjoy free admission to the permanent collection and explore 5,000 years of civilization through art..757-664-6200, www.chrysler.org

Virginia Aquarium and
Marine Science Center

Explore the touch pools and "curiosity carts" at this hands-on aquarium, home to over 700,000 gallons of discovery. Learn about the animals that populate the water journey from the James River to the Chesapeake Bay to the Atlantic Ocean, wander a nature trail through a marsh and woodland preserve, and watch a movie on the towering six-story IMAX screen. 757-425-3474 (FISH), www.virginiaaquarium.com


 
 

Norfolk Botanical Garden

Roam 155 beautiful acres, where charming bridges cross waterways lined with flowers. Surrender your senses to gardens devoted to roses, hydrangeas, camellias, and native Virginia plants; tour the statuary vista, or discover the "Adventure Garden."
757-441-5830, norfolkbotanicalgarden.org

Contemporary Arts Center of Virginia

One of southeastern Virginia's leading art institutions, the Contemporary Arts Center features changing exhibitions of painting, sculpture, photography, glass, video, and other visual media by internationally acclaimed artists. As part of Women in the Arts, experience Jenn Figg: Forest Thrall and Paintings by Elizabeth Huey in April and May.
757-425-0000, www.cacv.org


Shows, Shopping and Dining at Town Center

With an eclectic mix of shopping, dining, entertainment, and living options covering 17 city blocks, Town Center is fast becoming one of Hampton Roads’ hottest destinations. Grab a bite at a local eatery or a national restaurant. Shop at popular brand retailers and upscale boutiques. Then enjoy world-class performances at Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, all within walking distance! Vabeachtowncenter.com

 

The Mariners' Museum

Designated by Congress as America's National Maritime Museum, this one-of-a-kind museum is home to the premier Civil War attraction in the country: an exhibition that tells the story of the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia. Marvel at the renowned Crabtree Collection of Miniature Ships—then step outside to the 550-acre woodland park. 757-596-2222, www.marinersmuseum.org

 

 

Peninsula Fine Arts Center

Located within the park shared by the Mariners' Museum, this lively gallery offers and everchanging array of exhibitions, events, and studio classes. 757-596-8175 www.pfac-va.org

Virginia Living Museum

Explore Virginia's natural heritage at this "living museum," a combination native wildlife park, science museum, aquarium, botanical preserve, and planetarium. 757-595-1900 www.thevlm.org

Friday at New Town

Enjoy shopping, dining, and free live music in New Town's beautiful Sullivan Square! Friday, May 28, 5:30 PM

Williamsburg Winery

Tours and tastings, food and wine pairing dinners, strolls through the beautiful grounds: Virginia's largest, award-winning winery is an unforgettable experience! Williamsburgwinery.com

 

Contemporary Arts Center
of Virginia

One of the region’s leading art institutions, Virginia Beach’s Contemporary Arts Center features changing exhibitions of painting, sculpture, photography, glass, video, and other visual media by internationally acclaimed artists as well as artists of national and regional renown. www.cacv.org

 

MacArthur Center

Located in the heart of downtown Norfolk, and just a few blocks from the waterfront, MacArthur Center offers 140 extraordinary stores, along with an 18-screen theater surrounding a beautiful 70-foot atrium.

Harbor Cruises

Anchors aweigh! Sail across the sparkling Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads harbor on the American Rover Tall Ship Cruise, the Carrie B, the Victory Rover Naval Base Cruise, or Spirit of Norfolk.

Norfolk's NATO Festival

April 28–May 1, 2010
Recognized by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast! Norfolk NATO Festival (formerly Norfolk's International Azalea Festival) was established in 1953 to recognize and celebrate the international influence the NATO Command in Norfolk, VA, and its 28 member nations, bring to our city. 757-282-2801, www.norfolknatofestival.org

Nauticus & USS Wisconsin

This spectacular maritime-themed science center offers hands-on exhibits, interactive theaters, aquaria, digital highdef films and an extensive array of educational programs. Berthed alongside the center is the fabled USS Wisconsin, one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy.
757-664-1000, www.nauticus.org

 

Mermaids on Parade: Take the Downtown Norfolk Tour!

The Mermaid is the symbol of Norfolk, and this beautiful city is filled with whimsical mermaid sculptures by area artists, created to honor the city and the arts. See how many Mermaids you can find—download the "Mermaids Walking Map"-A Mermaids on Parade Tour of Downtown Norfolk—or a blank Mermaid Map on which you can draw all the Mermaids you find on your own!
www.mermaidsonparade.com

Three Miles of Fun: The Virginia Beach Boardwalk

A jewel in Norfolk's cultural crown, this internationally acclaimed museum showcases American and European paintings and sculpture, 20th-century art, decorative arts, photography, and glass. See Women of the Chrysler: A 400-Year Celebration of the Arts, through July 18 in the Norfolk Southern Large Changing Gallery. Enjoy free admission to the permanent collection and explore 5,000 years of civilization through art..757-664-6200, www.chrysler.org

City Center at Oyster Point

Stroll, shop, and dine in this spectacular new center in heart of Newport News.

Fridays @ the Fountain

Enjoy a free concert by City Center's sparkling fountain—a great way to relax at the end of the day’s sightseeing and shopping! 757-327-0947 www.citycenteratoysterpoint.com


 

Step back in time in the beautifully restored 18thcentury capital of Virginia—an unforgettable living history lesson! Enjoy the 18th-century style retail village of Merchants Square, offering unique shopping and dining experiences.
1-800-447-8679
www.colonialwilliamsburg.com
www.merchantssquare.org


The Golden Horseshoe Golf Club

Enjoy 45 unique, walkable holes, panoramic views, one of the game's first "island greens," and courses designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Rees Jones—all surrounded by Audobon sanctuaries of dense groves of Virginia hardwoods.


Design your own Williamsburg Weekend

Whether your preference is for the elegant, authentic, charming, or family-friendly, Colonial Williamsburg offers gracious accommodations, extraordinary dining, and enticing shopping, all within strolling distance of the Historic Area. Enjoy a carriage ride through history, a day of golf on a prize-winning course, a fine dinner in an historic Tavern, a relaxing session in the Spa, or create your own menu of unforgettable experiences to suit your tastes. Call the Williamsburg Lodge at 1-800-447-8679 or visit www.ColonialWilliamsburg.com to learn about their SPECIAL seasonal lodging offer!

 

Spa of Colonial Williamsburg


Offering rejuvenating experiences for resort and day guests, this beautiful spa radiates Southern charm harmonizing with its historical surroundings.





 
WANT FREE INFO?


The region's tourism agencies are standing by to help you plan your trip. Call for your complimentary Visitors Guide and the latest information on area attractions, places to eat and more, all within a convenient 50-mile radius.

More destination & travel information is available through these area visitors bureaus:


Virginia State Guide, 1-800-VISIT-VA
www.virginia.org

   

 

     

 

 


Getting here is easy!


Whether you fly, drive, or ride the train or bus, our central mid- Atlantic location is easy to reach— within a day’s drive from two-thirds of the nation’s population, and serviced by international airports.

 

 

The official airline of the Virginia Arts Festival is American Airlines. Use code 9740AU for your American Airlines Festival Patron discount. Norfolk International Airport is served by all major airlines offering low fares and over 200 daily flights. To book travel itineraries and access airport information, visit www.takeorf.com.



Click the map above for detailed views
and driving directions