Waterside District

Knowing venue policies can help guests prepare for a smoother experience, especially since Waterside District has a variety of entertainment and dining locations. Important policies to be familiar with include:

• Smoking & Vaping: Indoor smoking and vaping, including e-cigarettes, are not permitted. Be sure to check specific location policies for outdoor smoking.
• Payment Options: Many of the venues within Waterside District are now cashless and accept both credit and debit cards.
• Prohibited Items: No outside food or drink, oversized handbags or purses, or weapons/items that pose a risk of bodily harm. Refer to the policy page for a complete list of prohibited items.
• Age Restrictions: Waterside District is 21+ after 9 PM or during designated special events. PBR Norfolk is always 21+, no exceptions. Refer to the event listings for event-specific information.

For the most up-to-date guidance and information on regulations, check the official Waterside District policy page.

Norfolk is a vibrant, culturally-rich city located on the banks of the Elizabeth River. It offers a mix of history and contemporary culture in a variety of eclectic neighborhoods. The entertainment scene in the Norfolk area is just as varied, with amazing venues to explore:

• The NorVa: Located in the heart of Norfolk, this intimate venue has a capacity of 1,500 guests, and regularly fills up for indie rock, hip-hop, and metal concerts. Seating is limited and done on a first-come, first-served basis–concertgoers are encouraged to dance and party on the ground floor of the venue.²
• PBR Norfolk: PBR Norfolk offers a large dancefloor, lounge seating, multiple bars, and private balconies. This country-themed nighttime destination even has a mechanical bull with unlimited free rides.²
• Sandler Center for the Performing Arts: The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts hosts concerts, recitals, film screenings, and more in its state-of-the-art concert hall for up to 1,300 guests. The hall and adjoining rooms can be rented out for private events such as weddings, corporate parties, and lectures.³

Waterside District has multiple transportation options, making it easily accessible. Located in the heart of Norfolk, Virginia, it is accessible by car, on foot, or by public transportation, including buses and ferries.

Public Transportation: The Hampton Roads Transit bus system has several routes that stop at the Waterside District. The Elizabeth River Ferry, also operated by Hampton Roads Transit, operates year-round with a stop at the Waterside District.⁵

Driving: Waterside District is located at 333 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510. Due to its prime location in the heart of Norfolk, street parking is often limited to short-term use. However, there are several parking garage options, including:

• Waterside District Parking Garage: 50 Martins Lane
• Main Street Garage: 111 Atlantic St.

Waterside District has a variety of venues with different food and beverage options. Blue Moon Taphouse offers traditional bar food and beer on tap, Rocky Mountain Grill offers seafood, handhelds, and pizza, and PDS Street Tacos offers traditional street tacos as a quick-service option.

Alcohol is available for purchase at many locations, with options ranging from beer on tap to craft cocktails. Be sure to check specific menus, operating hours, and age restrictions for your desired location, as some have cutoff times for patrons under 21.⁶

Waterside District has a long history of restaurants and entertainment dating back to the 1980s, when the area was known as Waterside Festival Marketplace. Residents of Norfolk and the surrounding areas have traditionally taken the ferry to dine at the many restaurants.

After the economic downturn in the late 2000s, the area was purchased by Cordish Companies for $40 million. The company revitalized and reopened the Waterside District in 2017, featuring renowned restaurants like Blue Moon Taphouse. The revitalization sought to breathe life and beauty into the waterfront and encourage locals and tourists alike to gather at the restaurants and numerous entertainment venues.⁷