New Community Partnerships & ERT Trailside Headquarters Grand Opening

NORFOLK, Va. – The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation is kicking off 2026 with an expanded lineup of programs, new partnerships, and opportunities for the community to experience the 10.5 mile urban waterfront trail in new ways.

Each year, the Elizabeth River Trail (ERT) hosts more than 100 free and low-cost programs that connect residents and visitors to Norfolk’s riverfront through recreation, education, and community engagement. From guided historical tours and botanical walks to group bike rides and volunteer beautification days, the trail continues to serve as a vital connector across 28 neighborhoods.

New this year, the ERT is partnering with Rollbounce Rollout, an all-wheels skating community, to bring their popular Vibe N’ Roll event to the trail. Beginning in March, the free monthly event will take place on the third Tuesday of each month from 6:00-7:30 pm, welcoming skaters, rollerbladers, cyclists, and other wheel-based recreation enthusiasts. The Foundation is exploring opportunities to incorporate Spinclusion adaptive rides alongside these events, expanding accessibility and inclusion on the trail.

“The Elizabeth River Trail is more than a path – it’s a shared space where community happens,” said Kindra Greene, Executive Director of the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation. “We’re excited to continue building partnerships that invite more people to experience the trail in ways that are joyful, accessible, and meaningful.”

The 2026 ERT lineup includes returning favorites such as Tour de ORF group bike rides, African American History Tours, botanical tours led by Norfolk Master Gardeners, and community paddles along the Elizabeth River.

The Foundation also invites the community to save the date for Celebrate Trails Day on April 25, 2026, which will include volunteer opportunities, community activities, and the Grand Opening of the ERT’s first ever Trailside Headquarters in the Chelsea District of Norfolk.

ERT 2026 Tour Schedule
February 28 African American History Tour of the Underground River led by Norfolk Tour Company
March 1 Tour de ORF Group Bike Ride at Benchtop Brewing
March 17 Vibe N’ Roll All Wheels Rollout with Rollbounce Rollout at ERT HQ
March 27 Trail Beautification Day led by the Norfolk Master Gardeners
March 28 African American History Tour of the History and Architecture Living Along the Trail led by Norfolk Tour Company
April 5 Tour de ORF Group Bike Ride at Afterglow Brewing
April 11 African American History Tour of Fort Norfolk led by Norfolk Tour Company
April 21 Vibe N’ Roll All Wheels Rollout with Rollbounce Rollout at Fr8house Coffee
April 24 Trail Beautification Day led by the Norfolk Master Gardeners
April 25 Celebrate Trails Day at ERT HQ
April 25 Botanical Walking Tour for Celebrate Trails Day at ERT HQ
April 25 ERT Trailside Headquarters Grand Opening
May 2 Truth Be Told Spring Launch Stories Under the Stars at Larchmont Library
May 3 Tour de ORF Group Bike Ride at Benchtop Brewing
May 5 Give Local 757 Day
May 8 Bike Night at the Virginia Zoo
May 9 Group Paddle at Plum Point Park led by Norfolk Kayak Rentals
May 15 Bike to Work Day
May 16 African American History Tour of Fort Norfolk led by Norfolk Tour Company
May 19 Vibe N’ Roll All Wheels Rollout with Rollbounce Rollout at ERT HQ
May 22 Trail Beautification Day led by the Norfolk Master Gardeners
May 23 Edible Botanical Bike Tour for Bike Month at ERT HQ
June 6 African American History Tour of Fort Norfolk led by Norfolk Tour Company
June 7 Tour de ORF Group Bike Ride at Afterglow Brewing
June 13 Group Paddle at Plum Point Park led by Norfolk Kayak Rentals
June 16 Vibe N’ Roll All Wheels Rollout with Rollbounce Rollout at Fr8house Coffee
June 19-21 Sail 250 – 6.5 miles of the ERT activated + programming at Nauticus
June 26 Trail Beautification Day led by the Norfolk Master Gardeners
July 5 Tour de ORF Group Bike Ride at Benchtop Brewing
July 11 Group Paddle at Plum Point Park led by Norfolk Kayak Rentals
July 21 Vibe N’ Roll All Wheels Rollout with Rollbounce Rollout at ERT HQ
July 24 Trail Beautification Day led by the Norfolk Master Gardeners
July 25 Botanical Walking Tour at ODU
August 2 Tour de ORF Group Bike Ride at Afterglow Brewing
August 8 Group Paddle at Plum Point Park led by Norfolk Kayak Rentals
August 18 Vibe N’ Roll All Wheels Rollout with Rollbounce Rollout at Fr8house Coffee
August 21 Trail Beautification Day led by the Norfolk Master Gardeners
August 22 Botanical Walking Tour at Hermitage/Lochhaven
September 6 Tour de ORF Group Bike Ride at Benchtop Brewing
September 12 Group Paddle at Plum Point Park led by Norfolk Kayak Rentals
September 15 Vibe N’ Roll All Wheels Rollout with Rollbounce Rollout at ERT HQ
September 19 International Coastal Cleanup
September 25 Trail Beautification Day led by the Norfolk Master Gardeners
September 26 Botanical Bike Tour in Ghent
October 4 Tour de ORF Group Bike Ride at Afterglow Brewing
October 20 Vibe N’ Roll All Wheels Rollout with Rollbounce Rollout at Fr8house Coffee
October 23 Trail Beautification Day led by the Norfolk Master Gardeners
October 24 Botanical Walking Tour at Chesterfield Heights Wetlands
November 1 Tour de ORF Group Bike Ride at Benchtop Brewing
November 15 Elizabeth River Trail Foundation 10th Anniversary
December 6 Tour de ORF Group Bike Ride at Afterglow Brewing

If you would like to host an event on the trail, partner with the Elizabeth River Trail Foundation, or sponsor an ERT program, please email hello@elizabethrivertrail.org.

The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides the planning, program, and advocacy for the Elizabeth River Trail connecting Naval Station Norfolk to the Virginia Beach Trail. The Elizabeth River Trail runs 10.5 miles through businesses, and historic attractions and is within a 5-minute walk of 28 neighborhoods. The multi-use trail is designed for walking, running, and biking. It comprises 11 sections from Norfolk State University, through Downtown Norfolk and Old Dominion University to NIT Terminals along the Elizabeth River. The Foundation has completed multiple new unique and award-winning amenities, including kayak launches, play sculpture, and a double turbo challenge course in Plum Point Park, and most recently, the installation of the first ERT hydration station. Major sponsors include CHKD, Downtown Norfolk Council, PRA Group, and the City of Norfolk.