See how many festivals you can fit on your itinerary! These celebrations are going to give you memories of a lifetime as they reflect the art, culture, heritage and the music of each city in the most exciting way. Show up and have fun with your friends, make memories and celebrate the love of food, wine, music, art, history, culture, traditions, and more at these gatherings.
(757) 422-3231
Virginia Beach, VAWebsite
Catch a wave in the best possible way when you attend the East Coast Surfing Championships, held in Virginia Beach every August. This is the country's oldest surfing competition and the second-oldest surfing contest of its kind in the world. More than 100 of the world's top surfers are on hand to compete for their share of the impressive cash prizes. In addition to surfing, there are also other competitions that include skimboarding, volleyball, an oceanfront 5K run, a swimsuit competition and an extreme skateboarding contest. In addition to live music and other attractions, there's plenty of food and beverages for sale courtesy of the various sponsors. While there is a cost to enter any of the competitions, the event is free and open to the public.
(757) 385-7873
Virginia Beach, VAWebsite
The annual Funk Fest celebrates this very distinctive musical genre. This musical style originated in the mid to late 60s when African-American musicians began to meld elements of soul music, jazz, and rhythm and blues into a unique mix that was joyous, danceable and positive. It flourished throughout the 70s and 80s thanks to such trailblazing acts as James Brown, Sly and the Family Stone and the Ohio Players. Funk Fest keeps the good-time vibe going by offering free concerts by various performers and dance contests as well as food and various merchandise for sale over the course of this two-day festival held every August.
(757) 385-7873
Virginia Beach, VAWebsite
As Virginia Beach is located on the Eastern Seaboard, the Mid-Atlantic Hermit Crab Challenge is an annual event that appropriately celebrates that fact. This family-friendly festival is held every summer and offers such fun and unique events as the Crustacean 500 race as well as the very popular Miss Crustacean Beauty Pageant. The contest invites participants to dress up their crustacean in the most creative outfit and entrants are then judged on beauty and crowd appeal. Some past winners include “Spider Crab” and “Beauty and the Crab.” In addition to all the festivities, there's plenty of great drinks and food to enjoy – not the least of which is crab!
(757) 491-7866
Virginia Beach, VAWebsite
The hippies remember Woodstock, but the kids will love Sandstock - A Tribute to Rock & Roll. This is Virginia Beach's answer to the iconic music festival held in upstate New York, but this version of the celebration offers a few new and different twists. For starters, all of the entertainment is provided by some of the country's best tribute bands. That means that while the original groups aren't present, music fans can still enjoy live performances of music by Led Zeppelin, Queen, Journey and more thanks to the talents of several accomplished imitators. There's also games and activities for kids of all ages as well as lots of delicious food to enjoy. The festival features three stages of continuous live music. Sandstock is held on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront every June.
(757) 385-7873
Virginia Beach, VAWebsite
Celebrate our nation's independence with one of the biggest parties in town when you make plans to be a part of the Stars & Stripes Explosion. This festival is held every 4th of July and features several live performances on various oceanfront stages that attract thousands of visitors who are out to enjoy a red, white and blue party of the highest order. In addition to the many musical acts, there is also a special performance by Symphonicity (the symphony orchestra of Virginia Beach) along with the Virginia Beach Chorale which together perform a rousing program of patriotic favorites that lead up to (and include) the dazzling fireworks display.
(757) 417-7771
Virginia Beach, VAWebsite
If you're searching for something truly unique, then make your way to the Virginia Beach Spring Craft Market. This festival, held every March, welcomes the warmer season with an incredible selection of items that include fine arts, hand crafted jewelry, wood, glass, photography, candles, woven baskets, clothing, toys, folk art and specialty food, among many other items. The event happens at the Virginia Beach Convention Center from Friday through Sunday and its efforts benefit the work of the Food Bank of Southeastern Virginia.
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