Viva Elvis festivals. Sand-castle contests. Flotillas of historic tall ships. Caribbean music festivals. Whale-watching. Drive-thru holiday light shows (on the boardwalk, no less!). There always seems to be something going on at the Beach, whether it's winter, spring, summer, or fall. And many of the events are free and just steps away from the beachfront hotels and restaurants. Here are our favorite Virginia Beach events (plus events for nearby cities and attractions in Virginia) by season. Want Fourth of July Fireworks events? Find them here!
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Taking a break from chowing down on goodies at the Neptune Festival. |
April 17-25, 2010
Various homes throughout Virginia
Come celebrate the 77th Anniversary of Historic Garden Week by touring plantations (like Tuckahoe Plantation and other James River Plantations), historic homes in Williamsburg, and historic homes and cottages in Virginia Beach. Tickets are required. For information and tickets, go to www.vagardenweek.org.
Civil War
April 19-21, 2010
Sandler Center, 201 Market Street, Virginia Beach,
(757) 385-2555
This presentation by the Virginia Musical Theater celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in song and dance. Call (757) 385-2555 for tickets.
Southeast Gun and Knife Show
April 17-18, 2010
9am - 5pm Saturday; 10am - 4pm Sunday
VB Convention Center, 1000 19th Street
(757) 385-2000
One of the area's largest Virginia Beach events, this gun and knife shows features a myriad of vendors and displays. Admission for Adults: $8; Kids 7-18: $5; kids 6 and under are free. For more information, go to http://www.guns-knives.com.
Wild Wheels Cruisin' Weekend
April 17-18, 2010
Virginia Beach 19th Street Municipal Lot
See some of the hottest cars ever assembled while working on your tan or frolicking on the beach! Over 200 classic cars, hot rods and motorcycles will line the boardwalk as their owners compete for cash prizes and trophies. According to Beach Street USA, there will also be a "wildly-popular Burnout Competition... a controlled smoke-out contest."
The main location is the Municipal lot at 19th Street & Pacific Avenue where you can see all the cars on display, and browse through vendor booths. In addition, you can meet “Cooter” from the “Dukes of Hazzard” TV show, see the show's “General Lee” car, and listen to live music by Cooter’s Garage Band. Admission for the 19th Street Municipal Lot location is $10 per adults (kids 12 and under free). Hours: Saturday, April 17: 10 am-6 pm and Sunday, April 18: 10 am-5 pm.
Here's the freebie: Saturday, 9 am-10 am there will be a free car show along the Boardwalk from 8th to 24th Streets. There will be another free car show Saturday from 6-9 pm along Atlantic Avenue from 17th to 21st Streets.
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At the Neptune Festival. |
Gospelfest Virginia Beach
April 24-25, 2010
Virginia Beach Oceanfront
This first-ever, family-friendly Virginia Beach events Gospel music festival will feature contemporary gospel music, hip hop, and praise music at the 17th Street Park. For more information, call (757) 491-7866 or go to www.beachstreetusa.com.
Annual Atlantic Coast Kite Festival
April 30-May 2, 2010
Virginia Beach Oceanfront between 16th-18th Streets
This family-friendly festival will feature kite demonstrations, kite ballets, kite-building workshops, an open-fly area, and kite vendors. All activities will be held on the beach and in the park at 17th Street. The workshops have a nominal fee; otherwise, the event is free. For more information, go to www.beachstreetusa.com.
Ramp Jam
Sundays in May
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
Skateboarders unite! This event from the ASA Action Sports World Tour features professional skateboarders, BMX, and inline skating gurus. For more details and park hours, go to our Busch Gardens Williamsburg Events & Festivals page.
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Ride "Griffon" at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. |
12th Annual Monster Trucks on the Beach
May 7-9, 2010
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Watch the sand fly as trucks like Grave Digger, "Raphael" Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, Monster Mutt, and Superman join other world-famous monster trucks as they battle to dominate this exciting competition at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. The event is sponsored by Charles Barker Toyota Scion. It includes Monster truck rides on the beach, a Tough Truck Competition, and a Truck Show & Shine. Tickets are $10 in advance (plus service charges when purchased through Ticketmaster), or $12 at the gate. Children 2 and under are free. Tickets are non-refundable, as events will be held rain or shine. Call (800) 822-3224 for information.
PANorama Caribbean Music Festival/Workshop
May 7-8, 2010
Resort Area
A weekend of fun, music and workshops for Caribbean music devotees. Workshops will be held on Friday. Steel drum competitions begin Friday night and continue through the weekend. Free to the public; fee for participating bands. For more information, call (757) 491-7866 or go to www.beachstreetusa.com.
Beach Music Weekend
May 13-16, 2010
On the Beach at 29th Street
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Alex's first time at the beach! |
Wow! Four days of FREE oldies beach music is yours at this blast from the past. Beach Music Weekend blends the best of the "oldies" with dancing under the stars in a jam-packed blast to the past! For details, call 800) 822-3224.
Neptune's Spring International Wine Tasting
May 14-16, 2010
31st Street Park
Sample 75 different wines from around the world during this international wine tasting extravaganza. Tickets (which include a wine-tasting glass and tastings) are limited. For more information, visit www.neptunefestival.com or call (757) 498-0215.
25th Annual Pungo Strawberry Festival
May 28-30, 2010
Indian River Road and Princess Anne Road
(757) 721-6001
Grab the kids and head over to one of our favorite Virginia Beach events. Something for everyone, from strawberries prepared 50 different ways, to pig races! Other events include a pie-eating contest, a military display, a livestock sale and show, racing car exhibits, ongoing entertainment, a huge carnival, continuous entertainment, a parade, and arts and crafts for sale. For details, go to http://www.pungostrawberryfestival.info/
Remember the Music/Remember the Heroes
May 28-30, 2010
Oceanfront, 17th-25th Streets
(757) 721-6001
Join bands from the US Armed Forces as they pay tribute to our heroes, as well as celebrate the history of our men and women in the service. For more information, call (800) 822-3224.
Summer Virginia Beach Events
Free Fireworks Shows
Select dates in June, plus Wednesdays and Sundays in July and August, as well as Sept. 5
10 pm at 20th Street
One of our favorite Virginia Beach events...and it's free! Go to the oceanfront near 20th Street for fireworks shows every Wednesday and Sunday nights at 10 pm through the first week in September.
NEW! Free Friday Family Great Adventures Series
June 10, July 16, August 16 and 20
6 pm to 10 pm on the Beach at 27th Street
Families can join an interactive scavenger-like adventure that will lead you to spots along the boardwalk and Atlantic Avenue as you solve a mystery. End with a family-friendly movie shown on a huge screen on the beach.
Patriotic Festival
June 4-6, 2010
VB Amphitheater and Oceanfront
A special Memorial Day tribute to all armed forces personnel and their families, through military displays, music and military demonstrations. For details, call (800) 822-3224.
Norfolk Harborfest
June 11-13, 2010
Norfolk Town Point Park
Tall ships, fireworks, and fun...for free! The 34th Annual Norfolk Harborfest event, Virginia's largest summertime festival, kicks off with a fantastic Parade of Sail. Definitely one of the most impressive Virginia Beach events. Click here for details...
17th North American Sand Soccer Championships
June 11-13, 2010, 5 pm - 10 pm
Virginia Beach Boardwalk, 16th-35th Streets
Soccer in the sand? One of the Virginia Beach events that has to be seen to be appreciated. Nearly 9000 players and as many as 100,000 viewers from around the world make this the world's largest sand soccer festival. There's also beach tennis, beach football, beach rugby and more. Call (757) 368-4600 for details.
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Photo © Caryn Thurman 2010-2011 |
Glory at the Gardens
Sundays in June - TBA
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
A dozen Christian groups--past participants have included Third Day, Newsboys, Toby Mac, Sanctus Real, Need to Breathe, KJ-52, Brandon Heath, and Mercy Me--will perform at the Busch Gardens Williamsburg contemporary Christian concert series. For park hours on those dates, as well as a link to other events at the park, go to our Busch Gardens Williamsburg Events & Festivals page.
41st Annual Hampton Jazz Festival
June 25-27, 2010
Hampton Coliseum, 1000 Coliseum Drive, Hampton
(800) 847-4882
Now in its 42nd year, this celebration features acts in R&B, jazz, pop, soul, and gospel. Tickets are $52.50 per seat and can be purchased through www.ticketmaster.com or by phone (757) 671-8100.
Stars and Stripes Explosion
July 4, 2010
Virginia Beach Oceanfront
(800) 822-3224
The Virginia Beach oceanfront is hosting a free Stars & Stripes Explosion, featuring fireworks, concerts, rock performances, and tribute bands at stages on the beach at 20th Street, as well as at the 17th, 24th and 31st Street parks.Music will include headline acts (TBA), as well as concerts bythe Virginia Beach Symphony Orchestra and the Virginia Beach Chorale.
Fireworks will take place at 9:30 pm and can be viewed anywhere along the Virginia Beach boardwalk.
***Click here for more Fourth of July events!
11th Annual Blackbeard Pirate Festival
July 9-11, 2010
Downtown Hampton
(757) 727-0900
Avast, ye mateys! The Annual Blackbeard Pirate Festival is a free event where you can visit a pirate camp, tour tall ships, purchase pirate memorabilia, dig for buried treasure, sample tavern food, and listen to pirate music. Hours are Friday, July 9, from Noon to 5:30 pm, Saturday, July 10, from 10 am - 9:30 pm, and Sunday, July 11, from Noon to 6 pm. There will be a fireworks extravaganza Saturday at 9 pm. For more information, go to www.blackbeardfestival.com.
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The Jolly Roger sails at Norfolk Harborfest. |
Summer Nights Concert Series
Weekends in July/August, TBA
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
It's back! This popular summer concert series returns with performances in the park's Festhaus Park, located in Germany. For park hours on those dates, as well as a link to other events at the park, go to our Busch Gardens Williamsburg Events & Festivals page.
83rd Annual Chincoteague Pony Swim & Auction
July 28, 2010 - Time TBA July 27 to determine tide conditions
Chincoteague Island
(757) 336-6161
Sponsored by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department, this memorable and historic event (since 1925!) is one of the most amazing sights you'll ever see. It always takes place the last Wednesday of July. To keep the population of wild ponies manageable, up to 150 each year are driven across a narrow part of the Assateague Channel at low tide on Wednesday during the famous "pony swim." They are then auctioned off on Thursday. For details, go to http://www.assateagueisland.com/ponyswim/ponyswim.htm.
East Coast Surfing Championships
August 28-29, 2010
Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Watch North America's Oldest Running Surfing Competition as over 100 of the world's top surfers vie for prizes of $40,000.Other Virginia Beach events include live music, volleyball, skimboarding, a 5K run along the oceanfront, skateboarding, and a swimsuit competition and the extreme sport of skateboarding. The event is free to viewers; competition participants must pay a fee. Call (800) 861-7873 for details.
Fall Virginia Beach Events
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A sandcastle at the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival. |
Verizon Wireless Annual American Music Festival
Sept. 3-5
Virginia Beach Oceanfront
(804) 262-8100
This annual Virginia Beach event is a great combination of free and paid musical acts, including local musicians and pop acts from yesteryear. Performances are free, except for the headliner acts on the 5th Street Main Stage. You'll need tickets for these, and they run from $15-$20 in advance, and $20-$25 on the day of the show.
Buy a Passport Pin for $30 and get admission to all three shows. Past free performers have included Starship, Los Lobos, Eddie Money and Warrant. For more details, go to www.beachstreetus.com.
Festa Italiana
September 17-18
17th Street Park
A two-day celebration of all things Italian, including pasta, Italian wine and beer, entertainment, and family-friendly activities (e.g., grape stomping). Call (800) 822-3224 for details.
Naval Air Station Oceana Air Show
September 17-18
Oceana Naval Air Station
See jets--including the US Navy Blue Angels, FA-18c Hornets, Hawkeyes, and more--perform thrilling acrobatic air stunts, plus get a look around this amazing air station. And yes, it's free!
Virginia Beach Neptune Festival
September 24-26
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
This is the grand-daddy of Virginia Beach events at the boardwalk, with bands, crafts, food, entertainment and more...but the highlight is the famous sand castle building competition. In fact, Virginia Beach and Myrtle Beach, SC continue to fiercely duke it out in nabbing this top world record...
Holiday Lights at the Beach
mid-November - January 1
Ever wanted to cruise the Virginia Beach oceanfront boardwalk in your car? Now's your chance! Plus, you'll be dazzled by jumping fish, surfing Santas, and playful mermaids...all in lights! It's a do-not-miss tradition among Virginia Beach events. Click here for details.
Norfolk Botanical Garden "Garden of Lights"
End of November - December 31
Nightly - 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Our family had a great time visiting this winter wonderland of lights last year! Located next to Norfolk International Airport, it's a much quieter and less crowded alternative to the Holiday Parade of Lights on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. And it's $10 per car. (Tip: have dinner at nearby Baker's Crust **YUM!** then top off your evening cruising the holiday lights!)
Winter Virginia Beach Events
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Visiting holiday decorations in Old Towne Portsmouth. |
Whale-Watching
End of December to March
Wintertime means whale-watching time at Virginia Beach. Now's your chance to see rare fin and humpback whales-- some up to 85 feet long and weighing 70 tons. One of the most fantastic Virginia Beach events! Click here for more details.
15th Annual Holiday Parade at the Beach
November 19, 2010 to January 2, 2011
Remember what it felt like going to see Santa arrive in his sleigh? Feel like a kid again at the Annual Holiday Parade at the Beach! Join tens of thousands lining the street to ring in the holiday season. Marching bands...fire engines...cool floats...and huge balloons from New York's Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. Tops among local's favorite Virginia Beach events. For hours, cost and details on Holiday Lights at the Beach, click here.
Southeast Gun and Knife Show
Beginning of January
9am - 5pm Saturday; 10am - 4pm Sunday
VB Convention Center, 1000 19th Street(757) 393-7300
One of the area's largest Virginia Beach events, this gun and knife shows features a myriad of vendors and displays. Admission for Adults: $8. For more information, go to http://www.guns-knives.com.
2011 Hampton Roads International Auto Show
Second week in January
The biggest New Auto Show in Virginia lets you see the latest 2010 cars up close and personal (and with no pressure!). Hours are 10 am-10 pm, Friday and Saturday, and 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday. Admission is $8 for adults, but children 12 and under are free.
Virginia Beach Restaurant Week
Third week in January
Let your appetite run wild at one of our favorite culinary Virginia Beach events that allows you to sample the best Virginia Beach Restaurants for a reduced, fixed price. This is one of our favorite Virginia Beach events!
Some of our favorite restaurants are on the list: Baker's Crust in Norfolk, Rockafeller's, Il Giardino Ristorante, and Tautog's in Virginia Beach...plus 33 other delicious spots. (Click here for insider reviews of both Baker's Crust-- love those dessert crepes-- and Rockafeller's.)
Enjoy 2-course lunches for $10.10 and 3-course dinners for $20.10 and $25.10.
Visit http://www.vbrestaurantweek.com/ or call (757) 422-4420 for participating restaurants, menus and more information.
18th Annual Polar Plunge
First weekend in February
Ocean between 6th and 9th Streets, Virginia Beach(757) 687-8183
One of the top Virginia Beach events in winter, Virginia's Adventure Club East and the Special Olympics Virginia have once again hooked up for this special fundraising event. Over the last few years, the Polar Plunge has raised nearly $5 million for Special Olympics Virginia, with over 3,500 brave individuals taking the plunge. The event begins with the Friday Night Plunge Party from 6-10 pm, featuring local bands, food, and more. Tickets are $10 per person.
On Saturday, the events begin at 10 am, with ice carvings, sand sculptures, a Kids Zone with inflatables, and food and crafts for purchase. The Plunge will take place at 2:30 pm. You can view the Plunge for free, but a $5 donation gets you into the heated tent for the festivities. Minimum donation to participate in the Plunge is $100. Visit www.polarplunge.com to register.
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A "lionmaid" in Norfolk. |
Home & Flower Show
First weekend in February
12 - 9pm Friday, 10 am-8 pm Saturday, 10am - 5pm Sun
VB Convention Center, 1000 19th Street(757) 385-2000
This Mid-Atlantic extravaganza is presented by the Tidewater Builders Association and The Virginia Horticultural Foundation. See landscape and floral display gardens, visit home and garden vendors, local artists, and floral competitions. One of the top Virginia Beach events for garden lovers. Admission is $8 for adults, and free for kids 12 and under.
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