I did not particularly love my first visit to The Norva. The upstairs was blocked off for members-only but that wasn't communicated in advance. There's no re-entry, and my boyfriend was hoping if we arrived early, he could find a seat up there. Instead, we had to wait for the concert to start an hour later while absolutely freezing our tushes off. It was absurdly cold. Even through the main act, the entire night was frigid. He's a bigger guy and he even said he was chilly. I purchased a long-sleeved shirt from the headliner, and that helped a bit but not enough. And yes, we were in the heart of the crowd. I've really never experienced that at a venue before, and hopefully it was just a fluke? I'd return but only if it's a band I really-really-really want to see. read more

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The Norva is just going banger after banger. Had to come see Hippie Sabotage! Transformational show. Great security team. Very courteous staff and very clean. Still didn't eat here but the vibe was fantastic! read more

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This was my first time at this venue. I had to download an app for my tickets which worked fine. The concert I went to was definitely not sold out so take that into account. There were two areas to get drinks. One a full bar with three bartenders. They had draft beers and liquor. The front bar had one attendant and a different selection. Bathrooms were fine. I imagine if the venue was full lines for both could get long. The building an interior were great. I love the brick. There was a balcony section as well. The sound system seemed fine. The venue felt very intimate and I love that. I would definitely go back if I was in the area. I don't think they had food but go to Jack Browns for a burger or Benny's for pizza. read more

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Such a legendary venue almost a staple in music that once you touch this facility, your career is on the upward trend. We had a great time here not to mention they had an indoor basketball court that we were able to use while here sound check was amazing. The staff made sure that we sounded top notch. Can't wait to be back not to mention the food was amazing. They made sure we were taken care of as well. read more

The Norva - Nesta ! - Music Venues Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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I'm always super jazzed to come to a show here. The venue is spacious but still has that intimate feeling. They're quick to get you through security and in the door when you arrive. I love that there are quite a few different areas to stand and hang out, including the balcony. The drinks are also a little cheaper than the standard fare at most concert venues, so that's a huge plus. There's street parking nearby as well as a large parking deck, so getting in and out is fairly easy. Overall coming here is always a nice experience and I definitely think this is one of the better venues in VA. read more

The Norva - Music Venues Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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I've been to the Norva once before to see a sold out how with Jay Pharoah. The Big Boi show did not disappoint either. I'm a huge Outkast fan so yes. I will say that I'm not a fan of how the general admission area is laid out for events. People were spilling drinks all over the floor that made it a fall hazard and rather sticky as well. I will say the bar right as you walk in to the right was way more appealing than the one inside the actual facility. The bartender was the coolest cat ever. I'll definitely return for another event. I can appreciate the level of security and precautions they have in place as well, especially for a venue in Norfolk. Bathrooms were clean too. That's a huge plus in my book when having events and a large crowd too. read more

The Norva - Here for the Big Boi show 7:30p Sunday May 28th 2023 - Music Venues Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Nice Venue for a show, all the staff INSIDE were very nice.... Now about the staff OUTSIDE, they talk to you like dirt, from the older blonde lady to the mean lady at the will call window, very very unprofessional people and speaks volume about management read more

Easily the best concert venue in the 757. If it's at all someone you could be i interested in you should go. I always forget how much I love this place. I would say if you are close to the stage on the floor, go to the bathroom and get a drink or 2 (not enough to need the bathroom again) before the start because it's tough finding your way back! read more

The Norva - This is from the back of the floor.... there is not a bad spot in the place. - Music Venues Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

First show here, came to see Teddy Swims. Not huge but good size. Went upstairs small amount of seating area near bar and you can order pizza by the slice plus drinks. Women's bathrooms plenty of stalls so no line. Ended to parking in a garage not far. Will definitely go back read more

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One of my favorite videos to see live music Beautiful building with a nice outdoor smoking section with a bar bathrooms are kept clean Sound quite is great Only complaints Would be that they should have screens to show the artist considering when the crowd is packed you cannot see the stage they also should have water stations near the bathrooms so that if you need to pull off or just take a break you can and will not overheat read more

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Not a huge place... intimate concert experience. Place get packed quickly. People will whip out whatever they choose to smoke and light up right in the venue. Place needs more bars as well. read more

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This is by far one of the best venues in VA. I've been coming here since 2008. I've seen numerous bands and drank numerous drinks. This place is great because it's smaller so you really get a great experience with the bands that come play. That's how concerts should be enjoyed. Look up their schedule and if you see a band you like, buy the tickets. You won't be disappointed read more

The Norva - Norva - Music Venues Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

the workers here are terrible they treated my wife like shit and kicked us out of a concert. they shined a very bright flashlight in her face and pushed her outside the doors. we didn't even put up and fight. this was supposed to be one of the last things we did before i deployed and all i can say is do not support this venue. i'd give this shithole a negative rating if if i could. read more

Good spot for shows- a good size- not too big and not too small. The performers have been hit or miss lately in my opinion (although more misses than hits), but I do love going here for shows. Their bar is pretty limited, but they do have many local beers on draft- way to represent the locals! It's definitely my favorite indoor music venue, I just wish they had more performers come out. read more

Went for the Chappell Roan concert. Bought my tickets when they were $50 and found out they were selling tickets the week of for $300. I think they oversold tickets when they realized how big of a name Chappell Roan is becoming. There were bodies everywhere and people were pushing and shoving to get closer to the stage, even when there was nowhere to go. Security wasn't helpful when I was anxiously trying to get away from being pushed around by the crowd but "checked" on me when I hid in the corner by the exit waiting for my friend with the car keys to leave. I'd give 0 stars if I could and will never see another show here. read more

Came here to see Big Boi (awesome show!!). The venue is warehouse style, a good bar, and clean bathrooms. No seating. I liked it because it isn't a huge venue, there was plenty of room to dance and move around. Friendly and fun crowd and staff. My only complaint that it was cold, even though it was crowded, a huge fan spun all night overhead. But that's better than it being hot, so I'll take it. I hope they bring more of my favorite artist to this venue. Parking was easy, we came early and parked free on the street, yay! There are also parking lots nearby. read more

The Norva - Music Venues Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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This is not a women friendly establishment, Me and my friends (all girls) had arrived for a concert, we had noticed the staff was only approaching all women groups and harping on them, the staff was incredibly rude to us from the girl checking tickets to every staff member inside, I would honestly never come back here again. read more

I had such a blast at this concert venue. A few friends and I went to go see Party 101 hosted by DJ Matt Bennett. It was basically just a concert with a TON of nostalgic Nickelodeon and Disney songs. The DJ Matt actually played as a character on the Nickelodeon show Victorious. The venue itself is one big room with a upper balcony around the perimeter. The tickets to see the show were $38 for General Admission and then we also got the quick pass for $15 to skip the line and head in first. This is what really helped us to score the front row! It's all standing so there's no seats, not even on the balcony area. I'm unsure if the balcony is extra $ or if they just use it for overflow. We did get drinks and they are very very expensive. My rum & coke was $18 alone. The staff was incredible though. At the front row they were constantly pacing back and forth with water bottles and making sure everyone was okay and not overheating. My friend actually got very dizzy at one point and the staff and even the people around us were super quick to help. She ended up being okay with all of us fanning her down and giving her water. It was an incredible once in a lifetime experience. We danced the night away and got to relive a piece of our childhood! read more

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LADIES BEWARE, this venue allows for the assault of women with no repercussions for the perpetrators. I, the victim, was escorted out of the venue for self defense while the drunken perpetrator was allowed to stay for the remainder of the show. As an avid concert goer, I am incredibly disappointed. The venue has a great lineup on slate for 2024. However, first impressions matter. My first impression was less than spectacular and as a result, I will NEVER return. No woman in her right mind would expect to be violently pulled to the floor, blindsided even, by their own hair when attempting to move in an overly crowded floor space. Much less when the individual pulling was a man. In many cases, an action of this magnitude would be considered assault. And the victim's reaction to that assault would be one of shock and psychological trauma. I'm unsure if this was due to an oversell, poor crowd management, or just sheer out of hand crowd drunkenness. Nonetheless, I felt I should share my experience and offer a warning to others who might attend the NorVa in the future. The stage setup is perfect for a small music venue, with an upstairs, downstairs, and patio area. The sound is wonderful. But, not unlike so many other venues in the state of Virginia. For me, the NorVa missed the mark when it came to the line of societal right and wrong. I would much prefer venues such as The National or The Broadberry in Richmond, Paramount Theater and The Jefferson in Charlottesville, even the Beacon Theatre in Hopewell. If you've made it this far, check those venues out! I can assure you the sound is just as good if not better in some cases. I was excited to try something different, and this place let me down. That's no way to end 2023. read more

The Norva is the Tidewater's answer to a larger scale venue, while still maintaining the intimacy and intensity of a smaller club gig. Every show I've been to has been well-attended, and despite the somewhat obstructive pillars in the middle of the standing area downstairs, there really isn't a bad spot to rock in the entire venue. My only gripe about this place is the prices. The ticket prices are a tad bit higher than they are here in Richmond, but if you are a local, they only charge a $2 processing fee for tickets. Most shows will also hold your tickets at will call for free, but at our most recent concert (Jawbreaker), the will call fee was $6! A bit ridiculous in my opinion, but that's business, I guess. They also charge $3 for water, but they only serve plastic bottles. Their food prices are also pretty steep, but with so many great restaurants nearby and the Macarthur Mall right next door, you're really doing your wallet (and stomach) a disservice by eating here. Definitely recommended if you are local to the area or your favorite artist comes through. Solid B. read more

The Norva - Jawbreaker - Music Venues Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

This is a really nice intimate venue that really puts you up close to the artist, because you can get a very good view of the show no matter where you are. There is no seating on the first floor/pit and very limited seating on the second floor. There are bars on both the first and second floor as well as screens displaying the concert scattered throughout the second floor bar area. The sound system here is very good it resonates throughout the whole venue. Security is very friendly; however, they're no nonsense here, so you really feel safe while you're getting your everlasting life on the dancefloor. I've seen two shows here this past year Fifth Harmony and Monica and both were excellent. All in all, The NorVA is a great venue to have a good time. read more

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God forbid you are of age and have a drink before the venue. All the sudden you're too drunk to function and get labeled a liability by this venue. Even if you're walking and not even drunk. They just label you that and getting a breath of fresh air. Forget it. What a stupid venue and then they accuse you a drinking more when you haven't and say you're more drunk. Screw this place. Will I recommend no. read more

#12/2020 Lots of memorable concerts that I've attended here!! My first one being Daughtry! Cue heart eyes. I was front row for that one! My most recent one was Jimmie Allen and I opted to watch from up top. I liked it a lot up there! More room to move if you get there early enough so that you're not standing behind other people if you wish to look down. I took my son to see Tori Kelly one time and being short, I pretty much watched the concert through teenagers' cell phones up in the air in front of me. My son wanted to be in the crowd, which is fine because I usually love being front and center at shows also but, I see that as I get older and older I am running out of patience by stupid, rude kids...or rude people, in general. I'm not a fan by any means of people who take joy in leaving their "front row" spots to walk through the tight crowds to get drinks over and over and over. Then having them push into you and squeezing in between you to get back to their spot. That sh*t happens when you have standing room only, right? You know that meme of Arthur's fist?? That's me. I've almost gotten in fights at The Norva- believe it or not- because some people just are a-holes sometimes! PROS: - small, intimate venue - sound system sounds great!!!!! - bars on both levels, with booths and tables upstairs - they serve food upstairs - bathrooms on both levels - designated VIP section to enter and stand upstairs - coat check offered for a small fee. $3 per item, I think - TVs at the bars of the stage - located near the Tide stop - lots of restaurants nearby CONS: - small, intimate venue (some people prefer large venue) - standing room only so... Get there early if you want to see your act or at least, have a good view of them. Wear comfortable shoes and expect to stand for a very long time. - drinks are EXPEN$$$IVE!! $19 for a cup of beer and a tiny ass cup of a mixed drink, for example. - no designated parking but you can find nearby parking garages such as the mall's across the street. Or, take the Tide! read more

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The security made us feel super weird, we were being followed out of the bathroom and were being told that we were giving "alcohol to minors" so we left and kept getting attacked by staff. My friends and I went to the bathroom together and went in the same stall and we had a security guard waiting outside of the stall, it made us feel super uncomfortable. We won't be back for a longgg time. read more

I had the amazing opportunity to have all access pass at a recent show at the Norva. My first visit to the venue, I did do a little on line look see to at least understand what the venue looked like inside. Intrigued, I set out to the show I was thoroughly thrilled with the details, set up, the stage and so on. What I was thoroughly blown away with is the amazing space they have for the artists. The upstairs green rooms are amazing one has pool table, pinball machine, ping-pong tables in addition to lots of comfy seating area and very tasteful art. The other area is likewise tastefully appointed furniture wise, as well as art decorating the area. It boasts a huge hot tub, separate saunas and very spacious sitting areas. The sound that the room brings is magical. I already cannot wait to return to this venue. read more

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We love the Norva. One of the best Venues out there. The bartenders are awesome. The sound is great. I really like the VIP section. Great bar upstairs and nice bathrooms. read more

Much better venue than the Ted, mainly because of the acoustics! Also, it's a more intimate venue to enjoy the band at close range . This makes it more personal! read more

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I have to say it took quite a while for the NorVa to grow on me. I actually waited for the place to be open about 10 years before I first set foot in the place about 3 years ago. I'm a die hard Boat House fan and it was just tough for me to let go. However, the NorVa is a first class concert hall. It's intimate and there isn't a bad location in the house. The AC works great, which can be a deal breaker. (Anyone been to the Electric Factory in Philly?) The staff has always been great here too. The NorVa is general admission only, just like the good old days of shows at Hampton Col. or Scope before the VB Amphitheater came around. There's a second level and VIP area. Bar's on both floors. You can't argue with that. Parking is also easy. You can park on the block or right across the street in the MacArthur Center parking garage. read more

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One of my favorite places for concerts!!! Small,intimate venue, you feel like you are onstage with the band!! I actually got the flatbread pizza while I was here this time and it was actually pretty good! We were pretty far back in line (wrapped around the corner down the block) but we ended up getting a really close spot to stand! There is a balcony up top as well where you can stand and see the stage perfectly along with another bar and the kitchen. If you can check out a concert here, do it! I don't think you will be disappointed. read more

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Ok, right up front you have to realize that I'm very prejudiced toward The Norva because they embrace the local music scene and feature local bands whenever they can. But isn't that the essence of a local music venue? The sound system here is state of the art and crystal clear with zero ear stress at the end of the evening. As good as it gets for real! I've been lucky enough to photograph several shows at this venue and go backstage a few times. If you are a touring band, this is the sort of backstage that you love to see! The variety of acts booked here is fantastic, there is something for every taste with many national touring acts passing through as well. The more intimate setting gives you an instant connection with the band. But the vibe from all of the years of concerts remains, you can sense it in the walls! This place has heard lots of really good music over the years and shows no sign of letting up. I'd put the Norva up against any other like sized venue and know that she would emerge the victor! There is minimal seating on the side of the venue, so get used to standing. VIP gets you upstairs with a few extra perks, if I'm ever going to be in town long enough, it would be a no brainer to get VIP for a year, the shows are that good! If you want to get into the shows early, make reservations to eat at the JewMo Backstage and get a jump on the general admission crowd. read more

Cool venue. VIP section is overpriced during shows with D-level talent. But overall, a great place to bring the crew.

I love The Norva, always have, always will. I've been going to The Norva ever since I started going to concerts - I've seen John Mayer, Gavin DeGraw, Snow Patrol, Jason Mraz, Imogen Heap, Carbon Leaf, VACO, etc. I go to a lot of concerts in the area and The Norva is by far my favorite venue. There isn't a bad seat in the house (although usually it is standing room only). It's first come first serve, so get there early enough and you can be up close to the artist who is performing. There is a balcony area that's pretty nice as well, although it's not very big. The Norva is just a cool looking place - it has a rustic charm. There is a bar downstairs and upstairs (bar area is bigger upstairs). The one thing I will say about the place is the drinks are extremely expensive. I paid $7 dollars for a bottle of Corona, then I cried. If you're lucky enough to get VIP, then you get to sit in a special area of the balcony and go to the VIP only area lounge which is a really great space. If you haven't caught a show here yet, GO! There are tons of great acts coming this summer. read more

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Email sent on 11/19/15 Hello. I'm at the venue now for the KRS-One show with my disabled brother. I'm disheartened to learn that you no longer offer companion seating. I'm forced to stand behind my brother as opposed to sitting beside him to enjoy the show. I hope that you will consider, in the future, that concerts are a social affair and offer companion seats to those accompanying the disabled to shows. This is the first venue we have been to without companion seats. Yet they were offered here on the past. read more

The Norva - Dj Bee - Music Venues Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Worst customer service and management. Didn't receive an email letting me know the correct time for meet and greet. Called and was told doors open at 7 but meet and greet was over at 6:45pm. Checked in my umbrella just for them to put everyone's umbrella in a trash can outside the building to be stolen. Me and my 4yo had to walk in the rain to our car. The most horrible experience I've ever had at any event! Will not be returning and hopefully other artist choose a better venue that cares about their patrons. read more

I am most definitely a fan of the Norva. I'm not a huge concert guy any more but I have wandered in a couple of times in the past few years for Better Than Ezra shows. Each time, I have had a great time. First off, the place itself is very intimate for a show. There doesn't seem to be a bad seat in the house. Given my general disdain for other people, I typically go to the upstairs area and try to catch the show. There are plenty of places up there to grab a spot along the rail and watch. I've had good experiences both times. As for the drinks, they have a decent selection of beers for a concert venue. You aren't just stuck with drinking Bud or any other big brewery. They did have a few craft beers on tap for you to enjoy. The prices were reasonable, I thought. There is a bar downstairs and upstairs. I've yet to wait more than a few minutes for a drink while there so the staff keeps things moving fairly well. Overall, I honestly wish I had more opportunities to catch shows down at the Norva. It's definitely a great spot if one of your favorites are in town. read more

The Norva - Better Than Ezra - Music Venues Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

The five star rating is specifically for the sound system. The stereo sound BANGS! I saw Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats and Leon Bridges the other night, and I stood in the back of the venue with one of my friends. I could hear everything clearly without it being overpowering (except the Wurlitzer and organ - they were piercing at first) and still have a convo with him without yelling. The high ceilings definitely helped with the acoustics in the building. As for the venue itself...I'd prob give it 3.5 stars. It's standing room only, so if you're vertically challenged I'd suggest you get there when the doors open. The floor will be PACKED once the show starts, and the balcony area will fill up quickly as well. The floor will also be slippery and gross because...ya know...it's a concert venue. Perhaps some shows have VIP seating, but the two or three I've been to were general admission, so they were first come, first serve. You've been warned! Now...having heeded that warning, if you go to the show for the MUSIC, then you'll be satisfied! Again....the sound is great. read more

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What an excellent venue. The room is a great size and there isn't a bad view in the house. The sound is excellent, the bar tenders are sweet, and security is kind and easy going. From the back end, the sound guys, stage managers and hospitality are all extremely accommodating. The Norva is an great place to catch a show. read more

So impressed with this venue! I have been to a few shows around the south in the past week and this venue was second only to 9:30 club in DC. Last night I saw Anberlin play as part of their Farewell Tour. I got to the venue three hours before doors opened and there was only one person sitting in line. Rumor is he got there at like 2. The concerts I have been to recently would already have a line of about 20-30 three hours before the show. The venue is right across from the mall so I took advantage and shopped for an hour. I came back in an hour and now there were ten of us, so I didn't feel so odd. While we were waiting the lead singer and a few band members came out the front doors after their sound check. It was pretty cool. Doors opened on time and I was able to get in the second row, the first row people were mostly all part of the early access group from the next door restaurant. I didn't think to make a reservation until it was too late. The merch booth was set up right by the front door and the bar was in a spot off to the side. I thought that was a bit odd since you can't really see the show from there. Since I didn't want to lose my spot on the floor I didn't check out the bar. Next time... The show started an hour late. I have had shows start 10-15 min late, no big deal. Earlier in the day we got a phone call from ticketmaster that there would be no opening act, but the show would still start at 8. Around 8 the lead singer put on twitter that the show was starting at 9?! I guess ticketmaster forgot to call the band. I wish The NorVA had made more of an attempt to communicate with the anxious crowd. Since I don't think the delay had anything to do with the actual venue, I didn't take off any stars. The sound here was fantastic! One of the few indoor venues where I could actually understand what the singer was saying during the songs I didn't have memorized! I was impressed. It was an intimate experience, but there was still plenty of room on the stage for the band to do their thing. I hate seeing band members practically step on each other during their show. I will definitely be back for more shows at the NorVA. read more

The Nova is a sweet music venue located in the heart of downtown Norfolk! I can truly see why this venue has been top rated by major music organizations in the past as it's a perfect venue to listen and enjoy music at! I've been to the Norva a number of times and have only had positive experiences with everything from the security entrance to the bar service! The second story corner is my absolute favorite location to watch and listen to a music artist or group as the view is spectacular and sound quality is on point! The sound from every spot in the venue is perfection and there literally isn't a bad place to stand in the space! Whether you are a front row listener or prefer the second story balcony like me or even if you prefer to sit at one of the upstairs tables away from the crowds, I have no doubt that you will love every minute of your Norva experience! read more

For some reason I've always tried my best to avoid The Norva simply because I heard it was standing room only and I'm a short dude so I ain't got time to be on my tippy toes all day. I'm so upset that I let deter me from seeing shows here in the past. I finally made it the Norva this past weekend for the "Heavy is the Crown Tour" which had Big KRIT, Cyhi the Prynce and Ty Dolla Sign as the headliner. So let's start at the beginning, I arrived the venue around 6:20pm and the doors were scheduled to open at 7pm. There were two lines along the side of the building depending on which side of the block you came on. I assumed they were letting people in from both sides but it wasn't until about after 30 minutes of waiting on line that I realized one line was for VIP and the other line was for regular P....of course I was on the wrong line, I wasn't VIP at all. There were Norva staff members outside but none were directing people to where they needed to be. Once I switched to the other side I was cool and when the clock struck 7pm they proceeded to let us in after we walked thru the metal detector. When I came in I was shocked in a good way. I expected to have a terrible spot but it's almost impossible to have a terrible spot in there. It's so intimate and I thought I was going to be far from the stage once I had to switch my spot on the line but nope, I was hella close to the front and never moved. The stage was pretty small but that was cool, the music was bumping and lights were everywhere. The upper level had a balcony that went all the way around, I kinda wish I was up there. Surprisingly I didn't have to stand on my tippy toes at all, but I might where boots the next time I come to the Norva because I definitely will be coming back since I'm more familiar with it. I'm mad I didn't come here when J cole came last year!! read more

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