Curtain Up: Virginia Arts Festival Kicks Off 2026 Season with World-Class Dance and Classical Titans

Mar 2, 2026

Virginia Arts Festival Kicks Off 2026 Season with World-Class Dance and Classical Titans.

Curtain Up: Virginia Arts Festival Kicks Off 2026 Season with World-Class Dance and Classical Titans

NORFOLK, VA — The wait is finally over for arts enthusiasts across the Mid-Atlantic. This week marks the official commencement of the 2026 Virginia Arts Festival, a multi-month celebration that has transformed the Hampton Roads region into a global stage for nearly three decades.

The 29th anniversary season launched with a sold-out crowd for the Connie & Marc Jacobson Opening Night Celebration, featuring the high-octane athleticism of the contemporary ballet company BalletX.

A Strong Start in Norfolk and Newport News

The opening week's schedule highlights the festival’s commitment to diversity in the performing arts, ranging from avant-garde dance to the heights of classical mastery.

BalletX at Chrysler Hall: On Thursday, March 5, the Philadelphia-based powerhouse BalletX set the tone for the season. Known for pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance, the company delivered a performance that blended technical precision with raw, modern emotion.

Joshua Bell & Academy of St Martin in the Fields: The star power continues this weekend as world-renowned violinist Joshua Bell takes the stage. Bell, performing both as soloist and conductor with the legendary Academy of St Martin in the Fields, will appear at the Ferguson Center for the Arts in Newport News on Saturday, March 7, followed by a Sunday matinee at the Sandler Center in Virginia Beach.