While travellers start to think about cooler fall temperatures, Virginia Beach continues to sizzle with an exciting array of new events and attractions.
Embrace the change of seasons with a visit to explore the city’s newest outdoor activities and art displays where the best of autumn delivers unforgettable memories made on its stunning shores. As summer crowds wind down, Virginia Beach opens up with more room to explore and soak in the locals’ favourite seasonal celebrations and amenities.
“There’s something for everyone in Virginia Beach this fall. The festivals and entertainment don’t stop just because summer is over,” says Nancy Helman, director of the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). “We can’t wait to welcome Canadian visitors to experience another fantastic season at the beach.”
Highlights include:
OUTDOOR FUN REIGNS WITH MUSIC, SPORTS AND FESTIVALS
Neptune Festival celebrates its golden anniversary
King Neptune has the Midas touch this year, celebrating 50 years of Boardwalk Weekend Sept. 27 – 29. Spanning more than 30 blocks along the oceanfront, festivities include an oceanfront art and craft show, grand parade, outdoor concerts, family fun zone, athletic events and more. And don’t miss the signature International Sandsculpting Championship featuring master sculptors from around the world turning more than 450 tons of sand into magnificent works of art.
Fan-favorite Jeep Fest expands to four days
Jeep enthusiasts now have a long weekend dedicated to the automotive brand as more than 1,400 travel from 15 states to revel in the culture on Virginia Beach’s pristine shoreline. A new Holiday Lights Crawl kicks off the Nov. 8 – 11 celebration, granting early access to the city’s popular oceanfront light display and the only time of year vehicles are permitted to drive on the Boardwalk. Other weekend events include sunrise beach cruises and a 4x4 sand course with day and LED-illuminated night runs.
ART AND CULTURE TAKE CENTER STAGE THIS SEASON
Virginia Aquarium debuts new outdoor art exhibition
The Virginia Aquarium opened its newest changing exhibit, “TROLLS: Save the Humans” on September 13. Six giant, folklore-inspired troll sculptures by artist Thomas Dambo have been installed along the Aquarium’s Nature Trail, inspiring visitors to explore nature and treat our earth with care. The whimsical sculptures, crafted from reclaimed and recycled materials, will live at the Aquarium until January 20, 2025, and sightings are included with general admission.
Mural Festival announces new fall dates
Changing leaves aren’t the only colours expected this fall -- the 7th Annual ViBe District Mural Festival splashes a rainbow of hues into a new season when it returns September 27 to October 6. Across the span of 10 days, 10 featured artists will paint original murals on buildings in Virginia Beach’s creative district as a celebration of its rich art scene.
Africana Arts & Music Festival makes long-awaited return
The oceanfront park at 17th Street comes alive with cultures of the African continent celebrated through live soul and R&B performances, uplifting spoken word poetry, creative visual arts and wine tastings. Soak up the good vibes in the seaside setting on Oct. 4 – 6, 2024.
First Landing & False Cape State Parks install viewfinders for colourblind guests
A pair of Virginia Beach parks are among the nation’s first to install EnChroma-adapted viewfinders to help red-green colourblind guests better distinguish between colours in nature. Led by Natural Tunnel State Park Chief Ranger Ethan Howes, who is colourblind himself, the Virginia State Parks system recently installed the new viewfinders at all 43 state park locations including Virginia Beach’s First Landing State Park and False Cape State Park.
