Photo Courtesy of the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival/Photo By Jessica Shea Photography
Experience the excitement of the Neptune Festival Grand Parade
While summer fun is just getting underway, it’s not too early to start planning a fall getaway. Summer schedules fill up quick and before you know it, September is here. However, because this region’s warm temperatures extend into early fall, Virginia Beach is a perfect retreat for stretching the summer season. Below are events and activities to experience in the Resort City after Labor Day weekend.
With more than 300 wineries throughout the Commonwealth, Virginia is recognized as a region offering high-quality wines. Wine lovers won’t want to miss the Neptune Festival’s 29th Annual Fall Wine Festival at 31st Street Park at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
Virginia Beach is a destination with strong military ties and therefore is a great location to experience an air show. Mark your calendars for the 2026 NAS Oceana Air Show, Sept. 19-20, which will feature a 250th anniversary theme in honor of America’s Semiquincentennial.
And if you can only attend one Virginia Beach event in 2026, Neptune Festival Weekend might just be the one not to miss. This large multi-day event, stretching 33 blocks at the Oceanfront, is filled with a wide variety of featured events, from the iconic International Sandsculpting Championship to the Neptune Festival Art & Craft Show to Neptune Festival Grand Parade—plus so many more! This is one of Virginia Beach’s top events of the year, with something for the whole family.
Another main event in Virginia Beach is the Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show, which is celebrating a milestone anniversary in 2026—70 years! Plan to spend time at the Virginia Beach Boardwalk on Oct. 9-11 for this outdoor art show featuring more than 150 exhibitors.
Mark your calendars and check out more events happening later in fall including: Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum Pig & Oyster Fest, Oct. 25, Wicked 10K Weekend, Oct. 30-31, and VA Beach Jeep Fest 2026, Nov. 6-8.
Virginia Beach is also a fabulous destination for holiday festivities. BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach, Nov. 20-Dec. 31, Fear No Ice, Nov. 21, and BayPort Credit Union Holiday Parade at the Beach, Dec. 5, are top holiday celebrations to consider for 2026.
All dates and times are subject to change. Please call ahead or check online before attending.