The City of Virginia Beach is well known for its warm, relaxing beaches nestled along the Atlantic Ocean. Aside from sunbathing, swimming and water sports, Virginia Beach also hosts several activities throughout the year that visitors shouldn’t miss while on vacation. During these special events, local hotels and merchants frequently offer Virginia Beach vacation packages.

American Music Festival

Held Labor Day weekend, the American Music Festival is the largest outdoor musical event on the US East Coast. Musical acts from all over the country provide entertainment on 7 stages at the Oceanfront and one just south at Sandbridge Beach. Some are free, while others require tickets to enter the area. Acts cover nearly every genre, including rock, country, R&B, gospel and blues.

Neptune Festival

After the prime of summer is over, Virginia Beach hosts the Neptune Festival at the Oceanfront. It is named in honor of King Neptune, the ancient Roman god of the seas. Laden with sand castle building competitions, musical entertainment, food vendors and bustling crowds, the Neptune Festival allows locals to celebrate the end of summer, and visitors to enjoy one last hurrah before heading back to work and school.

East Coast Surfing Championships

The East Coast Surfing Championships are held in late summer. It is a chance for local, national and international amateur surfers to showcase their talents. Other competitions held throughout the weekend include skimboarding, swimsuit, beach volleyball and a 5K run. Competitors and spectators alike attend the event and stay at the local Virginia resorts.

Pungo Strawberry Festival

Each year on Memorial Day weekend, Virginia Beach celebrates the holiday with the Pungo Strawberry Festival. Located in southeastern portion of the city, Pungo is known for its agriculture. The festival takes over Pungo, with more than 120,000 people present throughout the weekend. Strawberries are celebrated, sold and served in every way imaginable – and then some. A large carnival atmosphere is enhanced by 4-H displays, a parade, pie-eating contest, pig racing and more. This is an alcohol-free, family-friendly event.

July 4th

Each year, the Independence Day celebration in Virginia Beach is different. There are always festivities, fireworks and music. Exactly when, where and who’s performing changes with the times. Spending the 4th of July on the beach or at the park with a cookout is a popular pastime in the Atlantic Coast city. This is a family-oriented celebration that people often plan around a Virginia Beach family reunion or wedding. Springtime is the best time to make plans and reservations in the area for the Independence Day holiday.