The Norfolk Forum

The Norfolk Forum Founded in 1933, the Norfolk Forum is the oldest publicly-subscribed speakers' forum in the country. A season's ticket for all four speakers cost $1.00.

It began simply enough: During the Great Depression, a small group of citizens, wanting to learn more about the great affairs of the time, started a public lecture series. At a spring garden party in 1933, after an enthusiastic presentation by the founders, about 100 charter members signed on. A public campaign followed, with an enrollment booth in the lobby of Smith and Welton, the venerable down

town department store. They sold out the first year. The idea was to bring to Norfolk four speakers a year "to present to potential members a series of lectures from eminent individuals covering cultural, literary, and governmental issues before the nation." On October 29, 1933, the first speaker was Henry T. Rainey, Democrat of Illinois and Speaker of the House, who came to explain the fine points of the New Deal to subscribers at Blair Junior High's auditorium. In an unbroken chain, the Norfolk Forum has been providing Hampton Roads with world class public speakers ever since.

06/25/2026

In case you missed it! Our speakers for next season 👇We are so excited for this lineup! 🎙️

Season tickets are on sale now at www.thenorfolkforum.org - secure your seats today!
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🎙️Need a last minute Father's Day gift idea? We've got you covered! 🎁Season tickets are on sale now for our 2026-27 seas...
06/20/2026

🎙️Need a last minute Father's Day gift idea? We've got you covered! 🎁

Season tickets are on sale now for our 2026-27 season - visit us today at www.thenorfolkforum.org SevenVenues

📬 Season Ticket Holders: Keep an eye on your mailbox! Our direct mail renewal packages were sent out last week and shoul...
06/15/2026

📬 Season Ticket Holders: Keep an eye on your mailbox!

Our direct mail renewal packages were sent out last week and should be arriving soon. Inside, you'll find important information regarding reserved parking, live streaming, and everything you need to renew your tickets for the upcoming season.

Four unique voices, one extraordinary season! Visit www.thenorfolkforum.org for additional information or to purchase your season tickets online.

We remain, "the best ticket in town!" 🎙️
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Join Us For Our 2025-26 Season Single tickets on sale now Don’t miss out on this exceptional lineup – as we proudly claim, it’s the best ticket in town! Series Sponsor

TBT: Out of the archives! Did you happen to see Captain Sully when he spoke at The Forum in January 2017? His presentat...
06/11/2026

TBT: Out of the archives! Did you happen to see Captain Sully when he spoke at The Forum in January 2017? His presentation captivated our audience! 🎙️ SevenVenues

A big THANK YOU to our friends at WAVY TV 10! Our 94th consecutive season features leadership from the world of sports, ...
05/27/2026

A big THANK YOU to our friends at WAVY TV 10! Our 94th consecutive season features leadership from the world of sports, master storytellers, cutting-edge brain science, and entrepreneurial insight. 🔥🔥🔥SevenVenues

Secure YOUR seat today at www.thenorfolkforum.org 🎙️

https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/norfolk/norfolk-forums-94th-season-tony-bennett-david-baldacci-and-more/

The video above is WAVY coverage from last year’s Norfolk Forum season. NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – The Norfolk Forum has announced the lineup of speakers for its 94th consecutive season. The…

Norfolk Forum Fans! The final touches are being put on the elements of our renewal packet - we are so excited (already!)...
05/22/2026

Norfolk Forum Fans! The final touches are being put on the elements of our renewal packet - we are so excited (already!) to welcome you back next season 💫 Check your mailboxes in early June for all of the important information on our 2026-27 season!

Can't wait to secure your seat? You can purchase tickets online TODAY at www.thenorfolkforum.org 🎙️SevenVenues

We are LIVE 🚀 Season tickets for our 2026-27 season are officially ON SALE! Four distinguished speakers, one incredible ...
05/01/2026

We are LIVE 🚀 Season tickets for our 2026-27 season are officially ON SALE!

Four distinguished speakers, one incredible season. We hope you will join us for inspiring, engaging, and informative events that spark meaningful conversation and stay with you long after the night ends.

Leadership, literature, neuroscience, entrepreneurship - we've got something for everyone in our 94th consecutive season! 🎙️

Renewal brochures will go out in the mail in early June, but you can subscribe online today at www.thenorfolkforum.org - secure your seat EARLY for this captivating slate of speakers!

Be sure to review all the details for next season - speaker bios, new venue, updated livestream information, and more on our website 🎟️ SevenVenues

Interested in becoming a sponsor of The Norfolk Forum? Email us at [email protected] for detailed information.

THAT'S A WRAP! On Tuesday evening we closed out our 2025-26 season with an engaging and inspiring conversation with John...
04/24/2026

THAT'S A WRAP! On Tuesday evening we closed out our 2025-26 season with an engaging and inspiring conversation with John McEnroe 🎙️

It was clear from the very start that Mr. McEnroe would candidly share his experience, expertise, and love for the game of tennis for all of us to enjoy! The conversation, moderated by Ted Alexander, Voice of the Monarchs at Old Dominion University, covered many topics: Mr. McEnroe's incredible career, his respect for the players who came before him, his love of the Davis Cup, the infamous phrase, "You Cannot Be Serious!" and much, much more!

Our audience members TRULY enjoyed this memorable evening and we are grateful for such a fantastic finish to our incredible 93rd season!

THANK YOU to our patrons and sponsors - without whom we would not be able to bring such distinguished voices to Norfolk for the betterment of the Hampton Roads community! ✨
SevenVenues

Photos courtesy of Harold Gerwien

DRUMROLL PLEASE.....🎉Last night we closed the season in style with an engaging evening with tennis legend John McEnroe -...
04/22/2026

DRUMROLL PLEASE.....🎉

Last night we closed the season in style with an engaging evening with tennis legend John McEnroe -- and raised the bar for what's next! We loved the great crowd, and even better conversation with our outstanding moderator, Ted Alexander.

The momentum continues as we set our sights on next season featuring four distinguished voices: Tony Bennett, David Baldacci, Dr. Wendy Suzuki, and Daymond John. 🔥

Our home next season will be the Harrison Opera House - season tickets will go on sale May 1st via our website. More details to come over the next few weeks!

THANK YOU to all of our patrons, sponsors, and partners for an incredible 2025-26 season! ✨ SevenVenues

04/19/2026

SPEAKER REVEAL COMING SOON🔥🔥🔥

We are thrilled to welcome John McEnroe to The Norfolk Forum this Tuesday, April 21st!

At the conclusion of this event we will announce our exceptional four speaker lineup for 2026-27 -- our 94th consecutive season!

You won't want to miss this reveal and you certainly will want to secure your tickets early! More on those details later this week ✨

Single tickets are available for purchase at the box office on Tuesday night for John McEnroe's appearance SevenVenues

We remain, "the best ticket in town!" and look forward to being with you on Tuesday night! 🎙️

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Norfolk, VA
23505

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