Virginia Beach hosts a lineup of annual events that keep visitors returning for more year after year. Events like the American Music Festival, Hotel and Restaurant Weeks, The Yuengling Shamrock Marathon, Neptune Festival, Holiday Lights at the Beach, and a summertime concert series from Live on Atlantic keep the fun flowing through our city throughout the year.
Shamrock Marathon
- This St. Paddy’s Day tradition has a race distance for every goal: Marathon, Half Marathon, 8K, and challenges. No matter the distance, you’ll experience the best of Coastal Virginia on this flat, fast, and scenic course before you cross the finish line overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The party continues after the race at a post-race celebration on the beach with Yuengling Beer and live music.
Holiday Lights at the Beach
- Jumping fish, musical crabs, and jolly elves dance in lights against the backdrop of the moonlit Atlantic Ocean. Highlighted by a Surfing Santa, color-changing archways, light fixtures that pay tribute to the region’s Armed Forces community, and a 40-foot dancing-light Christmas tree, the 2023 BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach, presented by Food Lion, offers wondrous fun for the entire family.
Neptune Festival
- Daily concerts at festival stages are scattered along 30 blocks of the boardwalk and feature 20+ performances from local, regional, and national recording artists. On the boardwalk, you can find over 200 artisans displaying handmade work, at an Art & Craft Show that has been ranked #5 out of 200 Fine Art and Design Shows across the country. Keep walking to find 18 magnificent sand sculptures created by world-renowned international sculptors at Neptune’s International Sandsculpting Championship.
Fall Wine Festival
- Features over 70 wines from Virginia wineries. It also offers live music, food trucks, and vendors.
MOCA Boardwalk Art Show
- Over 175 Artists from across the country bring the highest caliber of fine art including painting, ceramics, photography, sculpture, and glass.
Something In the Water
- A music festival organized by Pharrell Williams. The festival features a star-studded, varied lineup of artists in a variety of genres.