50+ Fun Things to Do in Virginia Beach This Summer (Besides Going to the Beach)
- Scott Westfall
- May 15, 2024
- 9 min read
Updated: Jun 20, 2024
Looking for the best things to do today, this weekend, or during your trip to Virginia Beach this summer? Summer is the most fun time of year to visit Virginia Beach, and there are so many events and activities to take part in!
There’s no shortage of reasons we love Virginia Beach, and you’ll see why when you search for fun around Hampton Roads. Here are the best things you can do around Virginia Beach over the next few months.
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Fun Things for Kids to Do in Virginia Beach
Watch a Movie on the Beach Take part in the Beach Blanket Cinema Series - a free outdoor cinema experience! On Thursday nights, stake your claim on a patch of sand with your blankets and beach chairs for a family-friendly flick.
Color the Boardwalk at Chalk the Walk (June 18, 2024) BYO chalk and release your inner child and inner artist at Chalk the Walk on the boardwalk! Registration is free, and trophies and cash prizes will be awarded. It’s also inspiring just to go and watch!
Wear Pink to See “Barbie: The Movie - In Concert!" (July 8, 2024) Rediscover last year’s highest-grossing film at the Virginia Beach amphitheater accompanied by a live, all-woman orchestra performing the hit soundtrack!
Master the Waves at Surf Camp Help your kids make the most of their time at the Atlantic Ocean with WRV Surf Camp! Choose from 5-day or 3-day options where a professional surfer will help kids ride the waves in a safe, fun, and rewarding way.
Become a Junior Golfer The TopGolf Summer Academy offers five days of fun as kids ages 6-12 are taught all the components of a great game of golf.
Give a Roar at the Jurassic Experience (July 16-20, 2024) This year’s Beach Blanket Movie Festival presents an extra week of dino-namic fun with a series of dinosaur flicks! Check out the lineup here.
Complete the ViBe District Art Scavenger Hunt Enjoy the brilliant spring weather by touring the art of the ViBe district via a curated scavenger hunt! This printable walkthrough tells you where to walk to see some of the local sculptures, paintings, and history.
Find Out Whodunnit with You Sleuth! Unleash your inner detective with You Sleuth’s augmented reality mystery-solving game! It’s like a mix between Clue and Pokemon Go!, where you and your smartphone are on the case.
Challenge Yourself at the Adventure Park Master the treetop trails and ziplines at the Adventure Park located at the Virginia Aquarium. There are many trails with different difficulty levels, so everyone from beginner to expert will have a great time!
Dance Along to Top Hits with Kidz Bop Live (August 2, 2024) The whole family will enjoy the spectacle and beats of Kidz Bop Live at the Virginia Beach amphitheater this summer. This kid-friendly set list will have everyone dancing.
Things to Do at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Boardwalk
Have Fun at Live! On Atlantic Formerly known as BeachStreetUSA, this evening program fills the sidewalks of Atlantic Avenue with all sorts of free entertainment: jugglers, circuses, musicians, magicians, and so much more.
Roam the Virginia Legends Walk Dig into the history of Virginia’s most famous residents (past and present) as you stroll along the Virginia Legends Walk at 13th Street at the Oceanfront. From presidents and military heroes to accomplished athletes and writers, these legends are sure to boost your VA pride.
Challenge Yourself with Puzzling Adventures Gamify your walk along the boardwalk by taking part in Puzzling Adventures™! Your mobile device will tell you where to go to complete trivia and puzzles while enjoying the beautiful scenery at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
Grab a Seat at the Oceanfront Concert Series Sing along to the tunes of nationally-recognized recording artists at the FREE concerts held throughout June at the oceanfront. It’s a great way to end a day at the beach.
Challenge Your Squad at the Fun & Games Show (June 7, 2024) The FFX Theatre brings you a live show full of challenges and games that the whole family can enjoy! Enjoy snacks, prizes, and surprises.
Get the Full Latin Experience with “La Fiesta” (June 28-29, 2024) La Fiesta Virginia Beach brings the food, cultural dress, and music of Latin culture to life at the Oceanfront. Celebrate the movement and sounds of Latin experience!
Feel the Rhythm at the Virginia Beach International Carnival (July 18 - 21, 2024) The Virginia Beach International Carnival brings the vibrance of Caribbean culture to the oceanfront! Get a taste of the music, food, and beauty of it all at 24th Street Park.
Get Funky on the Beach (August 23-24, 2024) Funk Fest is back and better than ever with a new spot right on the beach! Take in the electrifying music of this favorite festival in August.
Play Laser Tag and Arcade Games at Flipper McCoys Perfect for a rainy day or to refresh everyone in the air conditioning, a trip to Flipper McCoys Family Entertainment Center is a guaranteed good time! Book a round of laser tag or enjoy retro arcade games, skeeball, pool, and more.
Savor the Sounds of the Symphony by the Sea During select Thursdays this Summer, 31st Street Park will host the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Symphonicity Orchestra in a series of delightful concerts. Attend for free, or purchase a VIP pass that includes valet parking, reserved seating, and more.
Romantic Things to Do for Couples in Virginia Beach
Step Into Famous Artwork with Beyond Monet (July 5 – September 5, 2024) If you missed (or loved!) the Van Gogh Immersive Experience, don’t miss this one! Over 400 pieces of artwork by Monet will be featured, along with an encore presentation of Van Gogh.
Cook Together with Produce from the Shore Drive Farmer’s Market Get your romantic Saturday started early with a trip to the farmer’s market on Shore Drive! It’s the perfect place to grab some pastries and fresh produce to cook up a delectable brunch together.
Indulge in Sunday Brunch at Waterman’s If cooking at home isn’t your style, hit up one of the many great brunch spots in Virginia Beach. Waterman’s Surfside Grille is a local favorite, with outdoor seating overlooking the ocean and fresh local seafood dominating the menu.
Make a Memory at the Water Lantern Festival (August 3, 2024) Get your tickets to the Water Lantern Festival at Mount Trashmore Park! A unique date idea or a creative way to honor a loved one, your pass includes conversation cards, a floating lantern kit, and more.
Swap Brews at the Coastal Craft Beer Festival (August 24, 2024) Do you and your SO love a good brew? Then the Coastal Craft Beer Festival is the perfect date! Featuring over 60 beers from 30 different breweries, it’s going to be a slice of heaven for all craft beer lovers.
Share a Kiss in the Cape Henry Lighthouse Take a trip down to Fort Story to climb the old Cape Henry Lighthouse, where you can reenact the romantic kiss of Arie and Lauren from Season 22 of The Bachelor. At the top, you’ll enjoy a 360°-view of the ocean and Virginia Beach in the lantern room.
Make it a Date at Beachside Social Can’t decide what to do tonight, but know you want to have some laughs together? Head over to Beachside Social, where you can get a memorable date with low effort by taking advantage of their excellent menu, bocce ball and shuffleboard courts, or even a board game!
Dance the Night Away at Neptune’s Seniors Gala (September 4, 2024) For lovers ages 62 and up! Neptune’s Seniors Gala will be a night of big band favorites and a delicious buffet for seniors at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.
Have a Picnic at First Landing Stroll together along the nine beautiful trails around First Landing State Park until you find the perfect spot to open your picnic basket and enjoy some beautiful summer weather together.
Taste Seasonal Wines at the VB Winery The Virginia Beach Winery offers special wine tastings each day, as well as special event nights each month. Find a fun opportunity to sample some of the best wine around!
Take Your Relationship to the Next Level at the Bridal Expo (June 9, 2024) Find everything you need for the perfect wedding day at the Bridal and Wedding Expo at the Virginia Beach Convention Center! Get access to all kinds of vendors and giveaways at this interactive event.
Things to Do at Night in Virginia Beach
Master Pub Trivia at Murphy’s Irish Pub Spend your Tuesday night playing pub trivia at Murphy’s while enjoying a delectable burger! Teams and solo players are welcome, and you might just win a prize or a spot on the Champions Trophy.
Sing Along to Your Old Favorites at Totally Tribute Music Fest (July 5-7, 2024) Formerly known as Sandstock, this series of concerts will bring the music of your favorite bands and artists through some of the best tribute performers from across the country. This year features the music of The Beatles, Journey, Prince, and more.
Celebrate Independence Day with some Beachside Fireworks (July 4, 2024) The Stars and Stripes Celebration at the Oceanfront is back this year, with live entertainment and fireworks viewable from several of the parks along Atlantic Avenue. Free and open to the public!
Hit the Dance Floor at Omega Bar Known for its tapas, drinks, and energetic Latin dancing, Omega Bar is a great place to boogie down during your visit to Virginia Beach. Every Friday and Saturday night are officially “Latin Nights!”
Take the Stage at Open Mic Night Itching to show off your musical skills? Tuesday nights at Barbeque by Froggies on Shore Drive are Open Mic Nights. Bring your talent (and your instrument) and enjoy some of the best barbeque in town.
Access Free Concerts with Summer Fest Town Center’s Summer Fest returns with live music every night from 5-9pm. Imbibe or indulge in culinary delights at one of the many outdoor dining options in the area while listening to some of your favorite local talent.
Cruise Down the Elizabeth River Take in the beauty of neighboring Norfolk at night with a dinner cruise on the Elizabeth River. The Spirit of Norfolk will host your evening with dining, dancing, and games as you sail by some of the impressive battleships and cargo ships that frequent the harbor.
Get Bad like Michael Jackson at the Sandler Center (August 17, 2024) Jackson fans everywhere won’t want to miss the chance to see the longest-running tribute band to the King of Pop. This musical party has been taking the UK and US by storm.
Concerts in Virginia Beach this Summer
What concerts are taking place in Virginia Beach this Summer? Here’s the big list.
2024 Summer Concerts at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
June 2, 2024 - Tyler Childers
June 4, 2024 - 21 Savage
June 6-7, 2024 - Morgan Wallen
June 14, 2024 - Brooks and Dunn
June 15, 2024 - Dave Matthews Band
June 28, 2024 - Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ice Cube & Irontom
July 20, 2024 - Third Eye Blind, Yellowcard & Arizona
July 25, 2024 - Slightly Stoopid & Dirty Heads
July 26, 2024 - Jason Aldean
July 27, 2024 - Creed, 3 Door Down & Finger Eleven
August 1, 2024 - New Kids on the Block
August 7, 2024 - Train, REO Speedwagon & Yacht Rock Revue
August 10, 2024 - Hank Williams, Jr. & Whiskey Myers
August 20, 2024 - Foreigner, Styx & John Waite
August 23, 2024 - Pitbull: Party After Dark Tour
August 26, 2024 - Imagine Dragons
September 7, 2024 - Lynyrd Skynyrd, Zz Top & The Outlaws
September 14, 2024 - Hootie and the Blowfish
2024 Summer Concerts at Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
June 7, 2024 - Ben Folds
June 8, 2024 - Samara Joy
July 25, 2024 - Dionne Warwick
Other Things to Do Virginia Beach this Summer
Jam, Listen, and Learn at the Vocal Jazz Summit (June 6, 2024) The Zeider’s American Dream Theater brings together the names of jazz at this new music festival. The event will feature performances, workshops, masterclasses, and jam sessions.
Immerse Yourself in the Fascinating World of Bees with The Nature Bus (June 23, 2024) Hop on board the Nature Bus for a “Bee-utiful Experience” to experience the life of a beekeeper and learn about our buzzing friends and their honey.
Hear the Best of Country, Folk, and Rock at Outlaw Fest (June 26, 2024) Outlaw Music Festival will light up the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater in Virginia Beach with some incredible headliners like Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, and Alison Krauss!
Visit the Historic DeWitt Cottage Visit the oldest remaining private structure on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront at the historic DeWitt Cottage. It’s also home to the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum, gift shop, and Back Bay Wildfowl Guild.
Witness Vintage Warbirds Take to the Skies On a Saturday this summer, visit the Military Aviation Museum as they perform narrated flight demonstrations to share about historical events involving military planes. Included with a day’s museum admission!
Try Primitive Camping on the Beach at False Cape State Park Get in touch with nature by booking one of the primitive campsites at False Cape State Park. With six pristine miles of the Atlantic Ocean, it’s a truly unique retreat.
Tour the Ferry Plantation House Experience both history and the paranormal with a tour of the centuries-old Ferry Plantation House, featuring tales of everyone’s favorite “witch of Pungo.”
Get Inspired by MOCA’s New Exhibitions This July, the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art will open brand-new exhibits featuring some Virginia artists, a statement on the environment of bees, and unexpected art.
Attend the East Coast Surfing Championships (August 18-25, 2024) See some of the best take on Virginia Beach’s most intense swells at Coastal Edge’s East Coast Surfing Championships! This is the oldest continually-run surfing competition in the world.
Run in the Virginia Beach 10-Miler (August 31 – September 1, 2024) Say farewell to the season with this race and beach party hosted by Chartway!
Kiss Summer Goodbye at the End of Summer Bay Bash (September 20, 2024) Nonstop dancing, endless food, and drinks, and fantastic musical entertainment will be the highlights of the End of Summer Bay Bash! Proceeds will go to Toby’s Dream Foundation to encourage children facing life-threatening illnesses.
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