The Wave
Dancing · Cruising · Norfolk, VA
About
Walk into The Wave and you'll find three bars, two dance floors, and a crowd that skews young and mixed. This is Norfolk's only 18+ gay dance club, with a front bar playing house or techno and a smaller back bar spinning top 40 and dance hits on busy Saturday nights.
Thursday is 80s night, though DJs rotate and the theme can be hit or miss. Saturday draws the biggest crowd, while Friday tends to be dead. There's an outdoor smoking patio and a pool room. The vibe is divey and full bar is confirmed. Military get free entry on Fridays. If you prefer an older crowd, MJ's Tavern nearby might suit you better.
Features
- ✓Two dance floors with different music genres
- ✓Outdoor smoking patio and pool room
- ✓Free entry for military on Friday nights
- ✓Late night menu available
- ✓Happy Hour 8-9pm on Saturdays
Good for
Practical
Best nights: Thu, Fri, Sat
What people say
Rated from 67 reviews. 59 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
“Are they hiring?”
This might sound strange, but I'm hoping to find a part-time bartending job on Friday and Saturday. I'd appreciate knowing who to speak with. Thanks.
A visitor · Over a year ago
Great bar staff and an awesome cook in the kitchen. The themed nights are a plus - I really love 80s night.
A guest · Over a year ago
“Twink bar good for dancing”
The Wave is Norfolk's only true dance club, open to ages 18 and up. The crowd is young and mostly friendly. Saturday nights are by far the busiest. The front bar plays some terrible house or techno music (okay if you're into that), while the smaller back bar has a great dance and top 40 mix. There's an outdoor smoking patio and a pool room. It's not amazing, but it's a fun place to spend an evening. Don't bother going on a Friday night because it's strangely dead. Thursdays are also fun for 80s night, but they rotate DJs and one doesn't seem to know what 80s music is. A downside is that the crowd on Thursdays is very young and mixed, including many insecure boyfriends with their girlfriends who get uncomfortable if you smile or say hi. If you don't like younger crowds, go to the Cactus in Virginia Beach instead, because you'll hate the Wave.
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
“Fun for everyone”
There's a little something for everyone. It's safe and fun without any trash.
A local visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Wave 18+? +
Yes, it's 18+ all night on Saturdays, and other nights likely 18+ as well.
What nights are busiest? +
Saturday nights are the busiest. Thursday draws a younger crowd for 80s night. Friday is reportedly dead.
Is there a cover charge? +
Free entry before 10pm on Saturdays for 21+. Active and retired military get free entry on Fridays. Other nights and times may have a cover.
Does The Wave serve food? +
Yes, there is a late night menu, though specific items are not listed.
Is there outdoor seating? +
Yes, there is an outdoor smoking patio.
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