VBHA News

2026 Upcoming Events in Virginia Beach

Bulls & Barrels Beach Rodeo returns to the VB Oceanfront, April 25-26.

Photo Courtesy of Beach Events/IMGoing

Virginia Beach entertains locals and visitors year-round with events featuring live music, performing arts, visual art, food and drink, history and heritage, and much more. With an array of high-quality events for all ages, interests and budgets, Virginia Beach and family friendly go hand-and-hand.

The Virginia Beach Oceanfront has been a longtime entertainment hub for the Resort City, which grows more incredible with each year. The Oceanfront is the location of some of Virginia Beach’s biggest annual festivals, such as the world’s second-longest running surf competition, the East Coast Surfing Championships (Aug. 23-30); the City’s top and longest-running annual event, the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend (Sept. 25-27); and marking its 70th anniversary this year, the beloved Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show.

Spring is a fabulous time to spend time at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and experience an event. Several top events happening this spring to consider: On April 18, the East Coast She-Crab Soup Classic returns with a friendly competition between local restaurants for the title of the best She-Crab soup. On April 24-26, Stars, Stripes and Spurs: Virginia Beach Military Appreciation Weekend kicks off VA250 commemorative celebrations in the City with festivities spanning from 3rd Street to 31st Street Park. During the same weekend, April 25-26, Bulls and Barrels Beach Rodeo, will undoubtably thrill audiences by showcasing top bull riders and barrel racers. Tickets are on sale now at BeachEventsVB.com.

The Atlantic Coast Kite Festival, May 2-3 on the beach at 17th Street, is a family favorite each year with a variety of fun contests and workshops. For festive musical performances, don’t miss the Virginia International PANFest, featuring Caribbean music, and the Beachy Music Weekend, featuring nostalgic beach tunes, both happening May 8-9. Also in May, and a great way to get summer fun rolling, the Memorial Day Weekend Salute to Summer, May 22-24, will feature free concerts on multiple stages including 17th Street Park, 24th Street Park and 31st Street Park. Looking ahead to June, save the date for these main events at the Oceanfront: Chalk the Walk (June 13), La Fiesta Virginia Beach (June 26-27) and Hampton Roads Pride at the Beach (June 28).

In addition to large festivals, the Oceanfront is where you’ll find the state-of-the-art indoor/outdoor venue, The Dome, which is part of Virginia Beach’s new $350 million entertainment center, Atlantic Park. Through the year, The Dome hosts a diverse lineup of shows and performers. Click here for a list of shows coming up.

Located more inland, Virginia Beach’s largest music venue, Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater, is a popular outdoor concert spot, and the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts is a beloved Virginia Beach tradition for experiencing a special performance. See below for more extraordinary events happening this year.

2026 EVENTS

April 9: John Legend, A Night of Songs & Stories

Sandler Center for the Performing Arts