By Tim Ryan

Hey Innovate Hampton Roads! Get ready to lace up your sneakers and dive into the beating heart of Norfolk’s innovation scene. The Downtown Norfolk Council (DNC) and Norfolk Tour Company are dropping a game-changer for 2025—free walking tours that spotlight the entrepreneurial spirit, cultural fire, and artistic hustle of Downtown Norfolk and the NEON District. Kicking off April 5 and running through December, this isn’t just a stroll—it’s a front-row seat to Hampton Roads’ evolving story.
These tours are more than a history lesson; they’re a launchpad for connection and discovery. Picture this: 60-minute jaunts through the NEON District’s 100+ public art pieces, guided by muralist Corinna Sayward, or deep dives into Downtown’s maritime roots along the Elizabeth River Trail. From Black artists’ legacies to the women shaping the creative landscape, the lineup’s got something for every innovator out there. And the economic ripple? Huge. These tours pull crowds to local eateries, galleries, and shops, fueling the small businesses that keep Norfolk’s urban core buzzing.
The 2025 season’s packed with fresh themes—think Granby Street’s commercial glow-up, spooky True Crime walks, and even a holiday Elf Door hunt. It’s a mashup of heritage and hustle, showing off how Norfolk blends old-school charm with next-level creativity. “We’re stoked to team up with Norfolk Tour Company again,” says Paul Rice, DNC’s marketing guru. “This is about linking people to the stories and art that scream Norfolk—while giving our local entrepreneurs a boost.”
For the startup minds and culture shapers in our Innovate Hampton Roads fam, this is your chance to see what makes our region tick. Hit up downtownnorfolk.org/explore/tours-of-downtown for the full schedule and scoop. Whether you’re a founder, artist, or just vibe with big ideas, these tours are your ticket to inspiration—and maybe your next collab. Norfolk’s not just a place; it’s a movement. Join it.

Download the official press release here.

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