70+ Fun Things to Do in Virginia Beach This Summer (Besides Going to the Beach)
- Scott Westfall
- May 11
- 7 min read
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 countless events and activities to enjoy!
There’s no shortage of reasons we love Virginia Beach. You’ll quickly see why when you explore the fun around Hampton Roads. Below are the best things to do around Virginia Beach in the coming months.
Skip to:
Fun Things for Kids
Things to Do at Oceanfront and Boardwalk
Romantic Things for Couples in Virginia Beach
Things to Do at Night
Concerts This Summer
Other Things to Do in Virginia Beach
Read also: Top Things to Do in Hampton Roads by RentCafe -- featuring our CEO!
Fun Things for Kids to Do in Virginia Beach
Watch a Movie on the Beach
(July 14-18, 2026) Take part in the Beach Blanket Movie Festival - a free outdoor cinema experience! From Tuesday to Saturday, 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 13, 2026) Participate in Chalk the Walk on the boardwalk. Bring your own chalk and unleash your inner child and artist! Registration is free, with trophies and cash prizes available.
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.
Master the Waves at Surf Camp
Help your kids conquer the Atlantic Ocean at the WRV Surf Camp! They can choose from either a 5-day or 3-day option, where professional surfers will teach them how to ride the waves in a safe, fun environment.
Complete the ViBe District Art Scavenger Hunt
Enjoy the brilliant spring weather by touring the art of the ViBe district via a scavenger hunt! Use this printable walkthrough to find local sculptures and paintings.
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
Conquer the treetop trails and ziplines at the Adventure Park at the Virginia Aquarium. With numerous trails available, everyone from beginners to experts can have a great time!
Farm Fun at Hunt Club Farm's Summer Camp
Experience the fun of farm life at Summer Farm Camp! Kids will get hands-on experience with all sorts of petting farm animals, from pigs to ducks to alpacas!
Things to Do at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Boardwalk
Have Fun at Live! On Atlantic
Formerly known as BeachStreetUSA, Live! On Atlantic fills the sidewalks of Atlantic Avenue with free entertainment. This evening program features jugglers, musicians, magicians, and more!
Roam the Virginia Legends Walk
Dig into the history of Virginia’s notable residents as you stroll along the Virginia Legends Walk at 13th Street at the Oceanfront. From presidents to athletes, you’ll learn plenty about Virginia pride!
Challenge Yourself with Puzzling Adventures
Turn your walk along the boardwalk into an adventure! Participate in Puzzling Adventures™. Your mobile device will guide you through trivia and puzzles while enjoying the beautiful scenery at Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
Grab a Seat at the Oceanfront Concert Series
Enjoy free concerts throughout the summer at the oceanfront featuring nationally recognized artists. It’s the perfect way to conclude a day at the beach!
Get the Full Latin Experience with “La Fiesta”
(June 26-17, 2026) Enjoy La Fiesta Virginia Beach, a celebration of Latin food, culture, and music at the Oceanfront.
Feel the Rhythm at the Virginia Beach International Carnival
(July 16, 2026) The Virginia Beach International Carnival brings the vibrance of Caribbean culture to the oceanfront at 24th Street Park!
Get Funky on the Beach
(August 28-29, 2026) Funk Fest returns with electrifying music right on the beach, promising a fantastic experience!
Play Laser Tag and Arcade Games at Flipper McCoys
If it rains, head to Flipper McCoys Family Entertainment Center for a fun day indoors! Choose from laser tag, retro arcade games, skeeball, and more to keep everyone entertained!
Celebrate Girl Power at Super Girl Surf Fest
(Sepetember 5-7, 2026) It's the largest celebration of women's sports, lifestyle, and music in the world, and it's taking place at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront for free! Don't miss the surfing and sports contests or performers like The Band Perry and Natasha Bedingfield.
Savor the Sounds of the Symphony by the Sea
On select Thursdays during summer, enjoy concerts by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Symphonicity Orchestra at 31st Street Park. Attend for free, or purchase a VIP pass for additional perks like valet parking and reserved seating.
Romantic Things to Do for Couples in Virginia Beach
Cook Together with Fresh Produce
Start your romantic Saturday at the Shore Drive Farmer’s Market. It’s the ideal spot to grab pastries and fresh produce for a lovely homemade meal!
Indulge in Sunday Brunch at Waterman’s
If cooking isn’t your thing, enjoy brunch at a local favorite. Waterman’s Surfside Grille offers outdoor seating with lovely ocean views and a menu featuring fresh local seafood.
Light the Night at the Water Lantern Festival
(August 1, 2026) Grab your tickets for the Water Lantern Festival at Mount Trashmore Park! This unique event includes conversation cards and a floating lantern kit.
Swap Brews at the Coastal Craft Beer Festival
(August 15, 2026) Enjoy the Coastal Craft Beer Festival together. Sample over 60 beers from 30 different breweries!
Share a Kiss in the Cape Henry Lighthouse
Visit Fort Story and climb the historic Cape Henry Lighthouse. Here, you can reenact romantic moments like those from The Bachelor while enjoying a breathtaking 360° view.
Make it a Date at Beachside Social
Looking for a fun night out? Visit Beachside Social, where you can enjoy a delightful menu and games like bocce ball and shuffleboard!
Have a Picnic at First Landing
Stroll through First Landing State Park on one of its nine beautiful trails. Find a cozy spot to open your picnic basket and enjoy quality time outdoors.
Taste Seasonal Wines at the VB Winery
Visit Virginia Beach Winery for daily wine tastings and special events throughout the month. Experience some of the best wines in the region!
Plan Your Dream Wedding at the Bridal Expo
(June 7, 2026) Check out everything you need for the perfect wedding day at the Bridal and Wedding Expo at the Virginia Beach Convention Center!
Things to Do at Night in Virginia Beach
Sing Along at Totally Tribute Music Fest
(July 10-11, 2026) Experience Totally Tribute Music Fest featuring tribute bands performing blues, rock, and pop classics!
Celebrate Independence Day with Beachside Fireworks
(July 4, 2026) Don’t miss the Stars and Stripes Celebration at the Oceanfront, featuring live entertainment and fireworks viewed from several parks along Atlantic Avenue.
Hit the Dance Floor at Omega Bar
Known for its tapas, drinks, and vibrant Latin dance atmosphere, Omega Bar is perfect for a night of fun. Visit on Friday or Saturday for “Latin Nights!”
Take the Stage at Open Mic Night
Show off your musical skills at Open Mic Night every Tuesday at Barbeque by Froggies on Shore Drive. Don’t forget your instrument!
Cruise Down the Elizabeth River
Take in the beautiful Norfolk skyline on a dinner cruise aboard The Spirit of Norfolk. Experience dining, dancing, and games as you sail alongside impressive ships.
Access Free Concerts with Summer Fest
Join Town Center’s Summer Fest for live music throughout August from 5-9 pm. Enjoy food, drinks, and local talent under the stars.
Concerts in Virginia Beach this Summer
Looking for music? Check out this summer's lineup of Virginia Beach concerts at these top venues!
Other Things to Do in Virginia Beach This Summer
Jam, Listen, and Learn at the Vocal Jazz Summit
(June 4-7, 2026) The Zeider’s American Dream Theater presents the Vocal Jazz Summit. Enjoy performances, workshops, masterclasses, and jam sessions.
Marvel at the Virginia Fleet with Sail250
(June 19, 2026) Celebrate the country's semiquincentennial in style by witnessing over 50 tall ships and historic sailing vessels gather in the Sail250 Parade of Sail!
Visit the Historic DeWitt Cottage
Explore the oldest remaining private structure on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront at the historic DeWitt Cottage. It houses the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum, gift shop, and Back Bay Wildfowl Guild.
Dress for Fallout at the Wasteland Expo
(June 27-28, 2026) Head to the Virginia Beach Convention Center in your favorite Fallout cosplay for a casual convention full of activities and seminars with fellow fans.
Witness Vintage Warbirds Take to the Skies
Visit the Military Aviation Museum and enjoy narrated flight demonstrations showcasing historical military planes. Admission includes access to the museum and the day’s events!
Try Primitive Camping on the Beach at False Cape State Park
Reconnect with nature at one of the primitive campsites at False Cape State Park. With six pristine miles of the Atlantic Ocean, it's a truly unique retreat.
Become a Muddy Princess
(July 19, 2026) This one’s for the ladies who want a “girl’s dirty day out.” The Muddy Princess Mud Run at the VB Sportsplex is full of silly and challenging obstacles, and it’s all about celebrating women in all their glorious forms.
Tour the Ferry Plantation House
Experience the historical and paranormal stories of the Ferry Plantation House. Discover the tales of the infamous “witch of Pungo” and other local legends.
Get Weird at the World Oddities Expo
(August 1-2, 2026) Explore a peculiar paradise for lovers of all things oddity! Artists, performers, vendors, and guest speakers will make this weird convention one to remember.
Honor Michael Jackson with "Who's Bad"
(August 15, 2026) Who’s Bad, the longest-running Michael Jackson Tribute Band, brings the popular music of Michael Jackson to the stage at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts.
Get Inspired by MOCA’s New Exhibitions
Visit the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art's new home on the campus of Virginia Wesleyan University and see some stunning new exhibitions this summer!
Attend the East Coast Surfing Championships
(August 23-30, 2026) Witness the excitement of Coastal Edge’s East Coast Surfing Championships—the oldest continually run surfing competition in the world!
Kiss Summer Goodbye at the End of Summer Bay Bash
(September 18, 2026) Enjoy nonstop dancing, delicious food, and fantastic music at the End of Summer Bay Bash! Proceeds will support Toby’s Dream Foundation, helping children with life-threatening illnesses.
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