13 Popular Festivals In Virginia Beach

1. Virginia Beach Cupcake Festival

Come and enjoy the food as you socialize with wonderful people at Virginia Beach Cupcake Festival. The event will be held at Mount Trashmore Park, where you will find great music and entertainment from well-known artists from all around the world. Furthermore, your children are not left behind since kids’ activities are available as well. Of course, as the name implies, there will be many different cupcakes sold by vendors throughout the event—and you can try sampling as many as you can. On top of these, the festival is held annually in support of Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters. Come have fun as you also positively contribute to the development of the community.

Virginia Beach Cupcake Festival

Address: Mount Trashmore Park, 310 Edwin Dr, Virginia Beach 23462

Website: Virginia Beach Cupcake Festival

Takes place: October

2. Virginia Beach Africana Festival

Marvel at the beautiful artworks at Virginia Beach Africana Festival with loved ones. This festival focuses more on the appreciation of African culture, music, and food. Here, you will get to listen to some of the best African artists and also interact with them on a personal level. You will also get to learn of the various delicious African dishes available for you to taste—from different regions. African art will be featured in various items such as bags and T-shirts that you can buy as souvenirs of your trip. Ensure to make time and visit this excellent art festival for a wonderful time.

Virginia Beach Africana Festival

Address: 24th Street Park, Virginia Beach 23451

Website: Virginia Beach Africana Festival

Takes place: August

3. Patriotic Festival

Usually held in June, this festival is meant to bring people together to have fun and share wonderful memories. While here, you will get to listen as your favorite music band performs live on stage—and you can explore the fresh sound of new artists too. Also, you will get the opportunity to interact with different people at this event. On top of these, the vendors present among the celebrations will sell you a beer, whiskey, wine, or any other drink of your choice—ensuring an even more enjoyable time. For a wonderful spot at the beach, try to set aside extra funds to get VIP tickets. They may indeed be a little pricier, but you’d be able to relish a fascinating holiday experience with added perks.

Patriotic Festival

Address: 5th Street, Virginia Beach 23451

Website: Patriotic Festival

Takes place: Usually held in June

4. Virginia Beach Neptune Festival

Hang out with friends and family at Virginia Beach Neptune Festival for an exciting outdoor activity. The event has many vendors offering various artistic items. Also, you will have lots of games to play, such as volleyball and beach basketball. On top of these, you will surely enjoy as fireworks start lighting up the sky—a spectacular display that you can relish with loved ones. Various performing artists will be there as well to entertain you with the latest songs. Come experience a wonderful time as you socialize with great people.

Virginia Beach Neptune Festival

Address: 3001 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach 23451

Website: Virginia Beach Neptune Festival

Takes place: September

5. Atlantic Coast Kite Festival

Be sure not to miss the one-of-a-kind Atlantic Coast Kite Festival for an awesome fun time with family. Here, you will be given the chance to participate in kiting competitions—you can choose the division most suited to your level of expertise. You will be given a minimum time duration—and your kite should remain elevated a few meters above the ground. Afterward, you will be awarded a trophy. Entering the best kite contest is free, so go ahead and join with your loved ones and have a fun time that you’ll surely cherish for a lifetime.

Atlantic Coast Kite Festival

Address:16th & 18th Sts, Virginia Beach 23451

Website: Atlantic Coast Kite Festival

Takes place: Usually held in May

6. American Music Festival

Listen to the various music genres at American Music Festival. Dance to the tunes of artists from all around the world as they perform on one stage. This beachfront festival brings together both local and international artists, thus giving you a good venue for getting to know new artists and their fresh music. Furthermore, you will get a chance to socialize with wonderful people from all corners of the world—who also came to have a fantastic time at the festival. Come have an unforgettable experience with friends and family while you’re in Virginia Beach.

American Music Festival

Website: American Music Festival

Takes place: August to September

7. Holiday Lights at the Beach

Witness magical beauty displayed by the Christmas lights at Holiday Lights at the Beach. You will surely enjoy the experience since it is a great way for you to spend time with your family. You will also get to interact with other visitors who have come to admire the wonderful display of lights—with the beautiful night sky providing an also twinkling backdrop. If you have a radio in your car, you can tune in to McDonald’s Holiday Lights for some relaxing holiday music. Visit this place during Christmas—and bring along your favorite people—for a memorable holiday experience.

Holiday Lights at the Beach

Address: 17th Street Park, Virginia Beach 23451

Takes place: November to January

8. Pungo Strawberry Festival

Pungo Strawberry Festival is an event held for the purpose of giving back to the community in terms of the development and health of the people. This spectacular festival offers various activities that you can indulge in, such as carnival rides, art exhibits, and pig races—a surefire recipe for having a fascinating and fun time with loved ones. You will also get the opportunity to taste plenty of delicious strawberries and have a wonderful time meeting new people. Visit this place for a fantastic family outing that will always remain in your memories.

Pungo Strawberry Festival

Address: 1776 Princess Anne Rd K, Virginia Beach 23456

Website: Pungo Strawberry Festival

Takes place: May

9. Virginia Beach Water Lantern Festival

Cherish this wonderful family-friendly event that creates a beautiful and memorable experience. The venue has a lovely atmosphere that brings people together in love and unity. This is not only an event but also an emotional experience that will encourage you to build a strong connection with those around you at that moment. Here, you will be provided with a marker to write or decorate your lantern with before finally launching it on the water. Make your holiday an unforgettable one after a day at this magnificent festival.

Virginia Beach Water Lantern Festival

Website: Virginia Beach Water Lantern Festival

Takes place: August

10. Oceana Air Show

Witness as some beautiful aircraft perform different maneuvers on the sky at Oceana Air Show. The performance will start at exactly 10am, so make sure you arrive before this time to amply prepare for an exciting experience. You have the opportunity to meet some of the servicemen in the United States Airforce who will be showcasing their talents while operating different machines. At the event, you will also get to enjoy various food, spectacular displays, and vendors selling different items. And the best part? Admission is free—along with parking for your car!

Oceana Air Show

Address: 1750 Tomcat Blvd, Virginia Beach 23460

Website: Oceana Air Show

Takes place: September

11. Boardwalk Art Show

Boardwalk Art Show is one of the best art festivals that you can attend in Virginia. The area is packed with various restaurants where you can fill your stomach with yummy eats. Take an exciting tour around the art show grounds—and explore the nearby white-sand beaches if you want. Also, the atmosphere here is excellent for you to enjoy live entertainment performed by various artists across the world, tasty food, and beautiful paintings. This fair creates an ideal setting to bond with your loved ones. Furthermore, you will get the opportunity to meet different artists and vendors selling various items along the street. You can then buy an artwork for a souvenir of your trip.

Boardwalk Art Show

Address: 20th - 35th Sts, Boardwalk, Virginia Beach

Website: Boardwalk Art Show

Opening hours: Usually held in June

12. Virginia Beach Craft Beer Festival

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For the lovers of crafts beer, come and have fun as you drink great beer at Virginia Beach Craft Beer Festival with your friends. Here, the party never stops, and various artists will perform live on the stage. Furthermore, you will get in contact with professional beer handlers from around the world. You can get to know over 20 breweries that come together to make sure this event becomes successful. Over 55 craft beers are available for sampling—you might have to choose your favorites as trying them all is impossible! This is the place to be if you want to have an excellent time while sipping a rejuvenating pint or two after participating in exciting outdoor activities. Have the best time of your life at this spectacular beachfront festival.

Virginia Beach Craft Beer Festival

Address: 31st Street Park, Virginia Beach 23451

Website: Virginia Beach Craft Beer Festival

Takes place: October

13. Virginia Beach Chocolate Festival [Event has passed]

Have an amazing time as you enjoy the taste of chocolate at Virginia Beach Chocolate Festival. Here, you will be able to sample the different varieties of chocolate sold by the many vendors present at the event. Also, you will get to know the many types of chocolate—how they differ in textures, tastes, and sizes. You can even learn how to make delicious chocolate bars for both commercial or personal use. Have your fill of mouthwatering chocolate treats while spending an awesome time with family.

Virginia Beach Chocolate Festival

Website: Virginia Beach Chocolate Festival

Takes place: November

Enjoy partying in Virginia Beach

Have the time of your life in Virginia Beach by attending the various festivals held in the city. The wide variety of events suits different interests, so bring your friends and family along for a memorable holiday. Take note of the month when your favorite happening is scheduled, and make plans right away.