Photo Courtesy of Virginia MOCA
The Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show, Oct. 9-11, is celebrating 70 years!
Virginia Beach is a city that celebrates the arts and offers a vibrant art scene for all to enjoy. From art shows, exhibits and tours to live performances showcasing a wide range of genres, Virginia Beach has a strong arts & culture presence in its different districts, from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to Town Center of Virginia Beach to local college campuses. Below are a handful of ways to experience the arts in the resort city.
The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art recently relocated from the ViBe Creative District to its new home located on the campus of Batten University. “Made in VA Biennial 2026” and “Vivian Chiu: From Here” are two exhibits currently running through March 21, 2027. (Admission for Virginia residents is free!) Marking 70 years in 2026, the Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show is one of the East Coast’s longest-running art shows on the East Coast, and certainly a Virginia Beach favorite. This year’s event, Oct. 9-11, will feature more than 160 artists, an art park and a liquid art beer garden.
Art lovers will definitely want to spend time in Virginia Beach’s ViBe Creative District, which hosts a variety of fun art-focused events and activities throughout the year. Old Beach Art & Eco Market, Singer Songwriter Saturdays and #FirstFriday Walking Tours are recurring staples where you can find locals meeting up in the community. View 10 murals in 10 days at the 9th Annual ViBe Mural Fest, through Oct. 11. While in the neighborhood, also be sure to check out the Virginia Beach Art Center, which offers exhibitions and classes, plus a pottery studio.
Stravitz Sculpture & Fine Art Gallery, just a short drive from the Oceanfront, is Virginia Beach’s largest fine art gallery. Discover a wide display of artwork including paintings, sculptures, glass and more at this impressive gallery.
Known as a top East Coast entertainment city, Virginia Beach and live performances go hand-in-hand. Throughout the year, the resort city hosts an array of concerts in its different sections. Audiences have their pick of remarkable venues to experience performances, including larger venues like the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater and the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts or mid-size venues such as The Dome and Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center (located on the campus of Batten University), or smaller stages at Zeiders American Dream Theater and the Virginia Beach Oceanfront’s 17th Street Park, 24th Street Park and 31st Street Park.
The city’s deep appreciation for the arts is seen far beyond its venues, museums, galleries and events. Enjoy glimpsing artsy touches in all corners of the city, from coastal sculptures at the Oceanfront to colorful steps at Mount Trashmore Park. Beautiful art comes in all forms in Virginia Beach.