Events

APRIL 2 - APRIL 25

APRIL 9 - APRIL 13

APRIL 6

Take your stargazing to Mount Trashmore Park and observe night sky wonders through a variety of telescopes, or bring your own! Learn to identify constellations in the sky as they are pointed out by Back Bay Amateur Astronomers and the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Planetarium. Experience ViewSpace, an internet-fed, self-updating permanent exhibit from the Space Telescope Science Institute. NASA will be onsite with children's activities. April sights include the waxing gibbous moon, Jupiter's moons, Venus, Mars and star clusters. More...

APRIL 8

APRIL 10

For over thirty years, DanceBrazil has thrilled audiences across the United States and throughout the world with its dazzling artistry, which is inspired by the cultural tapestry of Brazil. Whether in the streets or on stage in the most prestigious theaters, the dancers and musicians of DanceBrazil never fail to enthrall audiences with the company's unique fusion of Afro-Brazilian movement, contemporary dance and Capoeira, the traditional dance/martial arts form that had its origins in Africa and evolved in colonial Brazil as a means of fighting enslavement. More...

APRIL 13 - APRIL 16

The Amateur Sports Act of 1978 specifically named the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) as the coordinating body for amateur athletic activity in the U.S. directly relating to international Olympic athletic competition. The Act included provisions for recognizing National Governing Bodies (NGBs) for the sports on the programs of the Olympic and Pan American Games. The United States Fencing Association (USFA) is the recognized NGB for the sport of fencing in the United States. The USFA was founded in 1891 as the Amateur Fencers League of America (AFLA) by a group of New York fencers seeking independence from the Amateur Athletic Union. The AFLA changed its name to the United States Fencing Association in 1981.

APRIL 14

Cruisin’ Virginia Beach Car Show features an amazing collection of cars along the beautiful Virginia Beach oceanfront! Participants have the opportunity to display their cars, meet celebrities, and enjoy entertainment geared to the car enthusiast! The main location for Cruisin’ Virginia Beach Car Show is the Boardwalk. Spectators view hot rods, street machines, classic cars, and trick trucks, all of which compete for trophies and awards. Thousands of car enthusiasts are able to view all vehicles on display, and shop at vendor and sponsor booths. There is a registration fee for car show participants.

APRIL 15

It's Tchaikovsky's "other" piano concerto, and it boasts its own unique beauties. Experience this hidden jewel long with two other musical gems at the 2011-2012 season finale. JoAnn Falletta, conductor William Wolfram, piano GAUBERT Les Chants de la Mer "Songs of the Sea" STRAVINSKY Fairy's Kiss Divertimento TCHAIKOVSKY Piano Concerto No. 2 More...

APRIL 20 - APRIL 22

The epitome of Romantic ballet, Giselle is a poignant tale of unrequited love, remorse, and forgiveness. The role of Giselle, often described as the Hamlet of the ballet world, requires an exquisite stylist with daring dramatic and technical skills. ABT's unrivalled roster of international ballet stars brings Giselle's mystery and ethereal beauty vividly to life in this universally acclaimed production.

APRIL 20

Seminars begin at 8AM and 9AM; Job Fair opens at 10AM. Primarily focused on transitioning military, however, civilians welcome. FREE Admission! More...

APRIL 20 - APRIL 21

Admission $14, kids under 4 are FREE ATA Martial Arts Region 111 Tournament

APRIL 21- APRIL 24

Waves of change, oceans of opportunity. Repositioning our communities for the future.

APRIL 25

Event will be held from 4:30-6:00 PM.

APRIL 27 - APRIL 29

Virginia FCCLA STAR Events Competitions in Virginia Beach as part of the State Leadership & Recognition Conference in Virginia Beach

APRIL 27 - APRIL 29

Tickets: Friday & Saturday Night ; Sunday Matinee: $47, $52 Saturday Matinee: $37, $42. Broadway's big, fat musical comedy hit. A sweet, infinitely spirited, bubblegum-flavored confection of deliriously tuneful songs. Winner of eight TONY© Awards including Best Musical! More...

APRIL 28

The East Coast She Crab Soup Classic is an open competition among restaurants. This event focuses on seafood, which is the most identifiable cuisine in Virginia Beach and a staple of area menus for decades. The hours are from Noon-3:00pm. Tickets are sold in advance, with tickets offered at the gate if available. The event is limited to 1,500 paying guests. Guests sample She Crab Soup from competing restaurants. Based on tastings, there are two categories for best recipe winners, with three places in each. One category is decided by a panel of Hampton Roads food critics and the other – “The Peoples’ Choice” – by the general public. The event is open to up to 20 restaurants. Each paying guest receives a sheet that is stamped at each restaurant’s station, allowing everyone to sample each offering. Winners are announced at the end of the event. Plaques for all winners are awarded to be displayed in restaurants, where chefs enjoy “bragging rights” for a full year.

MAY 4 - MAY 5

Urban contemporary gospel music takes center stage at GospelFest Virginia Beach, held at the 24th Street Park. This event features an electrifying two days filled with the inspiring sounds of Southern gospel, gospel hip hop, and praise music. Local and regional gospel dance groups, quartets, powerful vocalists, and gospel music choirs celebrate a genre of music that needs to be seen AND heard.

MAY 5

Kite fliers and spectators of all ages experience a visual feast at the Atlantic Coast Kite Festival. This popular event features a variety of activities appropriate for all ages and all levels of kite aficionados. Everyone is invited to take part in the Atlantic Coast Kite Festival’s “Best Kite Contest.” To enter this contest, participants must build a kite and bring it to the festival. The contest consists of two parts: the actual kite itself and how well it is made, and the participant’s ability to fly the kite. Participants must be able to fly their kites consecutively in the air for 5 minutes at a height of 100 feet. Kites are judged on Flight (ability to fly for 5 minutes), Structural Design, Craftsmanship, and Visual Appeal. There are three competitive divisions: Master, Novice, and Youth (ages 7-14). Kites are photographed and entered in the “People’s Choice” contest, where festival attendees get to vote on their favorite kites! The Best Kite Contest is free to enter. In addition, everyone is invited to participate in kite building workshops led by Archie Stewart of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. American Kite Association members from throughout the East Coast present kite demonstrations, perform kite routines to music, and fly giant kites (up to 80 feet long) that include an octopus kite! Kite vendors are also available on site, selling various kinds of kites. Admission to the kite festival is free.

MAY 5 - MAY 6

Adult: 1 day $20, 2 Day $35; Children: 1 Day $15, 2 Day $25; Military: 1 Day $20, 2 Day $35; Seniors: 1 Day $15, 2 Day $25; Children under 4: FREE. The U.S. Finals is an end-of-the-year series of seven events aimed at crowning TRUE CHAMPIONS in all divisions and levels of cheer and dance, giving teams a chance to see where they rank against other teams in their respective divisions from coast to coast and around the world!

MAY 6

Tickets: $19, $24, $29, $35 (Boxes) For the first time, Symphonicity will explore the quintessentially classically American sound of jazz. The Jazz Ensemble of Norfolk State University, led by Stephanie Sanders, Symphonicity Principal Bassoonist, will join the orchestra in works by the great Duke Ellington and others. Ms. Vinnie Knight, a well known jazz singer, will also join in the celebration of this truly American art form. More...

MAY 7

In England, “The Flying Proms” is a beloved tradition that showcases the beauty of vintage aircraft flying man maneuvers accompanied by live music performed by a symphony orchestra. This unique show comes to the United States, courtesy of the Virginia Arts Festival and is co-presented with the Military Aviation Museum. More...

MAY 11

Tickets: $47, $37, $27. The name, Gallim, means "waves" in Hebrew, and the image remains in the mind as you experience this groundbreaking company's deeply affecting performances: waves of movement across the stage, waves of emotion, art that makes waves by its very existence. "The impact...is so powerful - and the dancers perform so urgently, so intently about things so essential to our being - that it's hard to leave the show without feeling changed..." (Dance Europe). This program funded in part by the citizens of Virginia Beach through a grant from the City of Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission. More...

MAY 11 - MAY 13

Charles Barker Toyota Scion Monsters on the Beach, presented by Production Off-Road, brings thrills and chills to the Virginia Beach oceanfront as Monster Trucks battle for ultimate sand domination! This family-targeted event is loud, fast, and exciting. A course is built right on the beach at 6th Street, with bleachers overlooking from the boardwalk. Sand dunes and junk cars combine to make the race course fast and fun for drivers and spectators alike. This is a ticketed event, with prices designed to fit the family budget. Each of the four shows is approximately 2 hours in length.

MAY 11 - MAY 12

The PANorama Caribbean Music Fest is a musical adventure set to the soothing sounds of steel pan music. The festival’s casual atmosphere appeals to the island community and people of all ages who are intrigued by the unique sounds and style of steel drum music! Fusing together the rhythm of steel bands, ocean breezes, and great Caribbean food, the breathtaking Virginia Beach oceanfront becomes an “island paradise” for the weekend. A co-produced event between the Virginia Arts Festival and BeachEvents, the PANorama Caribbean Music Festival at its core is a steel drum band competition featuring over 20 high school, college, and community bands from throughout the United States. Bands attend workshops on Friday at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. These workshops are led by nationally-known steel drum artists and educators. On Saturday, the action moves to the 24th Street Park, where bands compete for ratings and the coveted Grand Champion Award. In the evenings steel drum headliners play on the main stage. All performances are free to the public. The PANorama Caribbean Music Fest has been recognized as one of the American Bus Association’s Top 100 Events. The festival also holds membership in the Student Youth Tour Association (SYTA). The festival is free and open to the public.

MAY 12

It's a day for the dogs as they compete in the 2012 Hyperflite Skyhoundz® Local Competition, canine disc contest, 21st Annual Dog-Gonest Dog Show and the Agility Course. Enjoy canine-related product and service exhibits, rescue organizations, and canine demonstrations.

MAY 12

Show your support by Standup Paddleboarding around the Bay with friends and family in the Pink Flotilla fundraiser. Beginner and Advanced paddlers are all welcome, as well as any type of paddle vessel you can bring to the beach. There will also be a Race class for the competitive types (4 miles) and a Pink Beach Walk (1 mile) for those who wish to participate off the water. All proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen Tidewater, so don’t forget your check book!

MAY 13

MAY 15

The King is getting into the swing of spring. Are you? Join the Neptune Festival this year at our 17th Annual Golf Tournament held at Bayville Golf Club. Drive, chip, and putt your way to prizes during a tournament that truly gives you the royal treatment! This tournament is limited to 36 foursomes, and will be held at the beautiful Bayville Golf Club in Virginia Beach. Foursome packages and sponsorships are available, as well as individual golfer entries. For more information, call the Neptune Festival office at (757) 498-0215.

MAY 17 - MAY 20

Beach Music Weekend blends the best of the “oldies” with dancing under the stars in a jam-packed blast to the past! Settle into the sand as the top Beach Music bands from up and down the East Coast descend on the Virginia Beach oceanfront in a nostalgic salute to the “good old days” of cool cars and hot tunes. A three-day series of free concerts is presented on a stage built right on the beach at 30th Street. Evening shows on Thursday and Friday give way to a full day of entertainment on Saturday and more daytime concerts on Sunday. All beach performances are free to the public. Thursday’s ticketed show takes place in a local restaurant. The festival atmosphere is enhanced with beer and food served in tents on the sand alongside a sea of beach chairs and dancing couples! Boardwalk sponsors and vendors overlook the beach, luring visitors from the boardwalk into the fun of Beach Music Weekend! A giant 20-foot inflatable jukebox on the beach towers over the fun as festival-goers kick off their shoes and dance their cares away on the sands of Virginia Beach. 2012 Entertainment Schedule Thursday, May 17 (Pre-Festival Party) *Ticketed Event* Neptune's Restaurant 7:30pm-10:30pm (The Entertainers) Friday, May 18 *FREE* 29th St. Beach Stage (Door 6:30pm) 7:30pm-10:30pm (Craig Woolard Band) Saturday, May 19 *FREE* 29th St. Beach Stage (Door 11am) Noon-2pm (Coolin' Out) 2:30pm-4:30pm (Bill Deal's Phondels) 5pm-7pm (The Mystic Soul Bubba's) 7:45pm-10:30pm (The Embers) Sunday, May 20 *FREE* 29th St. Beach Stage (Door 11am) Noon-3pm (Main Event) 3:30pm-6pm (Band of Oz)

MAY 18

Ahoy Mateys! Catch a showing of The Goonies and join the adventure to find One-Eyed Willie’s “rich stuff” in this 1985 classic film. Wear your best swash bucklin’ gear for plenty of pirate-themed activities and a chance to interact with real pirates! The movie sets sail at sunset. Arrgghhh!

MAY 18 - MAY 19

This family-friendly event features two days of activities designed to bring out the “pirate” in everyone! Costume contests, games, a treasure hunt, pirate re-enactors, and movie on the beach all combine to celebrate those scallywags we all wish we could be: pirates! When arriving at the Pirate Party on the Beach, beware of those scurvy scallywags, The Moody Crewe. These pirate re-enactors will be posing for photographs, singing sea shanties, and demonstrating swordplay! Don’t worry, though! The Moody Crewe loves landlubbers, and this merry band of pirates will entertain as well as educate! Joining the Moody Crewe will be the Devil’s Deckhands and the York Privateers.

MAY 18 - MAY 20

Come out to see WWI & WWII airplanes fly for the fourth annual Warbirds Over the Beach Airshow to be held at the Virginia Beach Airport! Enjoy re-enactors and musical entertainment. This event is open to the general public. Plan to get comfortable on your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy big band music, singing, dancing, impersonators, and more!

MAY 19

Private - Admission by Invitation or Pre-registration Only Admission: $15 Registration Deadline: April 30, 2012 An event filled with exhibits and performances. With more than 70,000 square feet of activity booths for all ages, a special surprise performance, vendors, exhibitors, programming areas, and activities, you're sure to find plenty of fun.

MAY 19

Save the packing, the passports, and the jetlag...Travel the world with Neptune Festival’s International Spring Wine Festival! 31st Street Park is transformed into a hub of tasting stations from around the world with wines from 9 countries, each featuring blends and styles that are sure to ignite the traveler in you.With the Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop, grab your tickets and let your palate do the travelling as you enjoy an afternoon of live music and good company! Featured Countries Include: ARGENTINA AUSTRALIA CHILE FRANCE GERMANY ITALY NEW ZEALAND SPAIN USA - WEST COAST, VIRGINIA A limited number of admission tickets will be sold for this event. Each ticket includes a commemorative wine-tasting glass and tastings throughout the day. Enjoy delicious foods, live entertainment, and the opportunity to purchase your favorite wines. TICKETS ADVANCE SALES (UNTIL MAY 15th) $30 DAY OF SALES (IF AVAILABLE) $35 TABLES UMBRELLA TABLES (INCLUDES 8 TICKETS) $350 Please call the office for ticket orders of 10+ tickets for a $2/ticket discount.TICKETS PURCHASED ON AND AFTER TUESDAY, MAY 15TH WILL BE PLACED IN THE WILL CALL TENT AT THE EVENT AT 31ST STREET PARK!

MAY 25

Back by popular demand, the Family Great Adventure Series is all about Discovery and Entertainment at the Virginia Beach oceanfront! On select nights during the season, families can take part in an interactive adventure that leads them to various sites along the boardwalk and Atlantic Avenue to unravel a mystery. During each adventure, participants can dress up as characters, use “brain and brawn” to win the contest at hand, and settle into the sand for a family-friendly movie shown on a giant inflatable screen on the beach! All events are free and open to the public. Each night is themed to the particular movie being shown!

MAY 25 - MAY 27

Salute to Summer is an unabashed “Star-Spangled” salute to great music from the past and present, fun in the sun, and our American military! Live entertainment on three outdoor stages includes music of different styles and eras. Military bands are featured as well in an acknowledgement of their sacrifices to preserve our freedom! The “Heroes Walk” display stretches along the boardwalk from 17th to 31st Streets. Original essays written by local high school students are reproduced on four by eight foot banners easily read by passers-by. These essays describe the military conflicts in which the United States has been involved throughout history. They help to remind us of the price that has been paid and is still being paid today by the United States military. Michael Clark Band FRIDAY, MAY 25 17th Street 8:00 - 9:00 PM Michael Clark Band 9:30 - 10:45 PM Michael Clark Band 24th Street 8:00-9:00 PM Cody Austin Band 9:30 - 10:45 PM Cody Austin Band 31st Street 8:00 - 9:00 PM Filligar 9:30 - 10:45 PM The Dirty Guv'nahs SATURDAY, MAY 26 17th Street 8:00 - 9:00 PM 4 II C 9:30 - 10:45 PM 4 II C 24th Street 8:00 - 9:00 PM USAF Rhythm in Blue Jazz Ensemble 9:30 - 10:45 PM USAF Rhythm in Blue Jazz Ensemble 31st Street 7:30 - 9:00 PM Delta Rae 9:30 - 11:00 PM Reid Waddle SUNDAY, MAY 27 17th Street 8:00 - 9:00 PM Charlie Band 9:30 - 10:45 PM Charlie Band 24th Street 7:30 - 9:00 PM Bush Hawg 9:30 - 11:00 PM River City Gang 31st Street 7:30 - 9:00 PM Sharon Little 9:30 - 11:00 PM J. Roddy Walston & The Business

MAY 26 - MAY 27

Along with beautiful beaches, Virginia Beach has miles and miles of beautiful farmland. We call this area Pungo and every year the Pungo Strawberry Festival is held on Memorial Day weekend. This year we are estimating attendance of 120,000 over the two day event. Not only does the Festival have all the strawberries you can eat offered in over 50 different ways, activites include a pie eating contest, strawberry bake-off, continuous entertainment on three stages, a parade, one of the largest carnivals on the east coast, livestock show and sale, a multi-million dollar military display, pig races, youth art show, and arts and craft booths. This Festival has grown from nearly 50,000 in 1983 to its present size of over 120,000. The Festival is a 501 © 3 non-profit organization and prides itself on its ability to give to the community. All proceeds from our Festival are donated to non-profit community and service organizations. We are proud to have returned over $600,000 to the community thus far and this does not include money raised by community groups on site. The 29th Annual Pungo Strawberry Festival is just around the corner. Don't miss this family-oriented, fun-filled, wholesome and alcohol-free event. 9 am to 7 pm each day $5 per vehicle parking fee Admission Free More...

MAY 26 - MAY 28

The Steel Pier Classic is a professional and amateur surfing contest located in Virginia Beach, VA. It is produced by the Virginia Long Board Federation (VLF), a 501 c3 non profit organization that aids the community through surfing endeavors. The Steel Pier Classic is the largest longboard event on the East Coast. However it is not only longboarding; it is comprised of a variety of event - nose riding, retro surfing, tandem, stand up paddleboard, and Pro/Am surfing Divisions. The Steel Pier Beach Surf Art Expo embraces the art of surfing in every form. Make sure you stop by to experience the and celebrate the surf culture.

MAY 28

JUNE 1 - JUNE 3

PATRIOTIC FESTIVAL celebrates THE MILITARY at The Virginia Beach Oceanfront for three days of National Touring Artists Concerts, along with Military Display & Demos and a three day Oceanfront Air Show featuring The Blue Angels. Be a part of this salute to our troops, serving now and in the past. A salute and celebration of our military! Remember the men and women of the United States Military and Armed Forces for their heroism and the sacrifices they make for Americans. America’s most popular artists have performed at the Patriotic Festival, such as RASCAL FLATTS, LYNYRD SKYNYRD, CARRIE UNDERWOOD, MICHAEL MCDONALD, SINBAD, WAYNE NEWTON, TEMPTATIONS, FOUR TOPS, HUEY LEWIS, SUGAR RAY, BIG & RICH, GRETCHEN WILSON, SUGARLAND, BRIAN MCKNIGHT, TRAVIS TRITT, GARY ALLEN, ZAC BROWN BAND, DAVID COOK, & MATT NATHANSON, UNCLE KRACKER, DARYL HALL & JOHN OATES, JASON ALDEAN , THE McCLYMONTS, STEEL PULSE, DARIUS RUCKER, BEACH BOYS, and ROBIN MEADE. The Patriotic Festival is the largest regional Military Celebration and is the City of Va. Beach’s primary event of the summer season.

JUNE 1

Back by popular demand, the Family Great Adventure Series is all about Discovery and Entertainment at the Virginia Beach oceanfront! On select nights during the season, families can take part in an interactive adventure that leads them to various sites along the boardwalk and Atlantic Avenue to unravel a mystery. During each adventure, participants can dress up as characters, use “brain and brawn” to win the contest at hand, and settle into the sand for a family-friendly movie shown on a giant inflatable screen on the beach! All events are free and open to the public. Each night is themed to the particular movie being shown!

JUNE 7 - JUNE 12

From June 7-12, 2012, the Port of Virginia will once again host an impressive fleet of tall ships, navy and military war ships representing the world. OpSail 2012 Virginia is planned to illuminate the community with spectacle and festivity, and will place our Commonwealth front and center on the world stage. More...

JUNE 8 - JUNE 10

You’ll find colorful international teams parading to the sound on conga drums enroute incredible COOP U.S. OPEN Pro/Am matches, with cash prizes at stake; hundreds of youth teams aged 9 thru 19 battling on the beaches, men’s and women’s single gender squads, college teams, and even "corporate-coed" competitors from businesses and military organizations promoting health and fitness. The game, played on 25-35 or 30-40 yard grids, is 5v5 and fast-paced, with limited dribblin’ and laser shots on goal. Never fear, however, as brackets are seeded to support all levels of play - from the beginner to the most professional. Much like beach volleyball, sand soccer‘s rules are easy to pick up. Uniforms for this beach bash are "anything-goes." More...

JUNE 8 - JUNE 9

For two days, Virginia Beach celebrates the sights and sounds of the Latin experience. Based on a popular Latin festival in Miami, the Virginia Beach version retains the key ingredients of good food, family participation, and first-rate Latin music. National performers electrify the diverse audience with high-energy tunes that move the crowd to dance under the stars. Local and regional Latin acts (each with their own loyal fan base) take the stage and unite festival-goers with the rhythms of Salsa, Merengue, and Jazz. Additional activities include the Zumba Fitness Marathon, a 3-hour Latin-inspired, easy-to-follow fitness routine led by Master Level Zumba Instructor Liana Veda. Door prizes and awards are featured. Latin Fest is a free event.

JUNE 21

Back by popular demand, the Family Great Adventure Series is all about Discovery and Entertainment at the Virginia Beach oceanfront! On select nights during the season, families can take part in an interactive adventure that leads them to various sites along the boardwalk and Atlantic Avenue to unravel a mystery. During each adventure, participants can dress up as characters, use “brain and brawn” to win the contest at hand, and settle into the sand for a family-friendly movie shown on a giant inflatable screen on the beach! All events are free and open to the public. Each night is themed to the particular movie being shown!

JUNE 22 - JUNE 24

"Sandstock” started out as a beach-inspired variation on “Woodstock.” Now a tribute to Rock & Roll, Sandstock celebrates the music of the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s that “rocked our world!” National and local tribute artists who run the gamut and cover performers like Led Zeppelin to Queen to Journey crank out hit after hit on multiple stages at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. Even “The King” himself gets in on the act with special tribute shows. To set the stage, parks are decorated. Thrill to the “Disco Divas” of the 70’s, and the “big hair” rockers of the 80’s! To electrify the night, a laser light show explodes on a giant screen on the beach to the music of bands like Pink Floyd! To add a touch of whimsy and period authenticity, psychedelic “hippie” vans provided by local and regional VW clubs, are on display. Games and activities for all ages round out this “blast from the past!”

JUNE 25- JUNE 30

This is the East Coast Nationals you’ve been waiting for! Events will take place at the beautiful Virginia Beach Convention Center, where we will have 40,000 square feet of space for our event and free classes. There is no “host” hotel for Virginia Beach, however there are many outstanding accommodations available both city and oceanfront. More...

JUNE 28

Back by popular demand, the Family Great Adventure Series is all about Discovery and Entertainment at the Virginia Beach oceanfront! On select nights during the season, families can take part in an interactive adventure that leads them to various sites along the boardwalk and Atlantic Avenue to unravel a mystery. During each adventure, participants can dress up as characters, use “brain and brawn” to win the contest at hand, and settle into the sand for a family-friendly movie shown on a giant inflatable screen on the beach! All events are free and open to the public. Each night is themed to the particular movie being shown!

JULY 4

Multiple live performances on oceanfront stages attract tens of thousands of visitors and residents of Hampton Roads to a “star-spangled” salute to this great country of ours at Stars & Stripes Explosion! Musical acts offer something for everyone with tribute bands saluting some of the biggest names in music. From 8:00pm-9:30pm, a stage erected right on the beach at 20th Street becomes the focal point for performances by Symphonicity (the symphony orchestra of Virginia Beach) together with the Virginia Beach Chorale. This musical program encompasses patriotic songs, Broadway standards, movie themes, and folk music. The show segues into a spectacular fireworks show at 9:30pm that explodes over the ocean in a burst of colors and patterns!

JULY 7

At Chalk the Walk ARTsplosion, participants draw four-by-four foot chalk drawings right on the boardwalk! Chalk the Walk participants are asked to incorporate the announced theme in their work. 200 competitors complete chalk drawings to be evaluated by a panel of judges. Judges score the drawings according to criteria such as composition, use of color, adherence to theme, and creativity. There are three competitive divisions: Amateur, Professional, and Youth. The Youth division is for ages 12-16. Children 11 and under are invited to draw for fun in a separate area. Trophies and cash prizes are awarded for each division. The event runs from 10:00am-5:00pm. Advance registration for Chalk the Walk is not required. There is no fee to participate. Trophies and cash prizes are awarded for each division. The event runs from 10:00am-5:00pm. Advance registration for Chalk the Walk is not required. There is no fee to participate. ***You must be registered by 1:00 pm to qualify for the competition. All drawings must be completed by 3:30 pm.

JULY 12

Back by popular demand, the Family Great Adventure Series is all about Discovery and Entertainment at the Virginia Beach oceanfront! On select nights during the season, families can take part in an interactive adventure that leads them to various sites along the boardwalk and Atlantic Avenue to unravel a mystery. During each adventure, participants can dress up as characters, use “brain and brawn” to win the contest at hand, and settle into the sand for a family-friendly movie shown on a giant inflatable screen on the beach! All events are free and open to the public. Each night is themed to the particular movie being shown!

JULY 21

The Crab is King at this one-of-a-kind event that is fun for the entire family! The day begins with judging for the Miss Curvaceous Crustacean Beauty Pageant, where hermit crabs are presented in their own unique decorated displays judged on creativity and flair. Hermit crab preliminary races lead to the Crustacean 500, where the winner is crowned and awarded the Order of the Mercury Claw trophy! Crabs race on a specially-designed circular track, where all the crabtestants are placed in the center. At the sound of the starting pistol, crabs scurry to the outer circle at the edge of the track, where it's all about the survival of the crabbiest! Beauty pageant and race trophies are awarded at the end of the day. There are no entry fees and pre-registration is not required. For more information, visit beachstreetusa.com.

AUGUST 2

Back by popular demand, the Family Great Adventure Series is all about Discovery and Entertainment at the Virginia Beach oceanfront! On select nights during the season, families can take part in an interactive adventure that leads them to various sites along the boardwalk and Atlantic Avenue to unravel a mystery. During each adventure, participants can dress up as characters, use “brain and brawn” to win the contest at hand, and settle into the sand for a family-friendly movie shown on a giant inflatable screen on the beach! All events are free and open to the public. Each night is themed to the particular movie being shown!

AUGUST 16

Back by popular demand, the Family Great Adventure Series is all about Discovery and Entertainment at the Virginia Beach oceanfront! On select nights during the season, families can take part in an interactive adventure that leads them to various sites along the boardwalk and Atlantic Avenue to unravel a mystery. During each adventure, participants can dress up as characters, use “brain and brawn” to win the contest at hand, and settle into the sand for a family-friendly movie shown on a giant inflatable screen on the beach! All events are free and open to the public. Each night is themed to the particular movie being shown!

AUGUST 20 - AUGUST 26

Celebrating its 50th year, ECSC is North America's Oldest Running Surfing Competition and the second oldest continuously-run surfing contest in the world. More than 100 of the world's top professional surfers, male and female, and an estimated 300 amateur surfers will travel to Virginia Beach to "ride the curl" at the Oceanfront and compete for combined cash prizes.Held annually in Virginia Beach, Virginia since 1963, ECSC is more than just surfing. Dozens of people also take part in other competitions including skimboarding, volleyball, an oceanfront 5K run, a swimsuit competition and the extreme sport of skateboarding. Live bands perform for free on an oceanfront stage throughout the weekend. A cost is involved to participate in competitions, but all activities are free and open to the public. More...

AUGUST 24 - AUGUST 25

FunkFest celebrates the music generated over the years by influential legends such as James Brown, Sly and the Family Stone, George Clinton, and The Ohio Players. Funk is an American musical style that originated in the mid-to late-1960’s when African-American musicians blended soul music, soulful jazz, and R&B into a rhythmic, danceable new form of music. Funk brings a strong rhythmic groove of electric bass and drums to the foreground. Funk music was a major influence on the development of 1970’s disco music, and has even impacted house music and hip-hop. FunkFest features bands in free concerts on a stage on the beach at 24th Street. Food, merchandise, and dance contests all contribute to a festive, “funky” vibe!

AUGUST 31 - SEPTEMBER 2

The sounds of rock, jazz, country, blues, R&B, and more flood the Virginia Beach oceanfront for three sun-filled days over Labor Day Weekend at the Verizon Wireless American Music Festival. The largest outdoor music event on the East coast, the Verizon Wireless American Music Festival brings together local, regional, and national acts to play on a gigantic 60-foot wide and 60-foot tall stage on the beach at 5th Street as well as stages in all parks along the beautiful Virginia Beach oceanfront. Festival goers by the thousands love the appeal of being outdoors on the beach with the Atlantic Ocean providing the perfect background for some of the greatest live music of all time! Food vendors, beer, and merchandise kiosks enhance the festival atmosphere along the boardwalk. Exclusive VIP passes provide separate entrance to the area right in front of the stage for viewing Friday and Saturday concerts, access to heavy hors d’oeuvres, VIP-only port-a-johns, two free beers or wine, and tickets to both Friday and Saturday concerts. This is the ultimate way for fans to enjoy the concerts! More...

AUGUST 31 - SEPTEMBER 2

Welcome to the Virginia Beach Rock 'n' Roll 1/2 Marathon! This 1/2 Marathon is one of the most unique events you'll ever participate in as we end on the beautiful Virginia Beach Oceanfront! Please join us for the 2012 edition of this very special event! More...

SEPTEMBER 7

Back by popular demand, the Family Great Adventure Series is all about Discovery and Entertainment at the Virginia Beach oceanfront! On select nights during the season, families can take part in an interactive adventure that leads them to various sites along the boardwalk and Atlantic Avenue to unravel a mystery. During each adventure, participants can dress up as characters, use “brain and brawn” to win the contest at hand, and settle into the sand for a family-friendly movie shown on a giant inflatable screen on the beach! All events are free and open to the public. Each night is themed to the particular movie being shown!

SEPTEMBER 7 - SEPTEMBER 8

Celebrating one of the most cherished musical genres of all time, Blues at the Beach features two days of free concerts on an outdoor stage. Local, regional, and nationally-recognized Blues acts share the stage for a riveting and heartfelt tribute to the sights, sounds, and soul of the American experience. National headliners have brought their intensity and knockout live performances to Virginia Beach. Performers who are talented writers, singers, and guitar players have appeared at the festival and enthralled Blues enthusiasts. Blues stars James Harman, Terry Garland, Billy Boy Arnold, and many like them, have presented standout performances at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. Instrumental workshops, led by Natchel’ Blues Network personnel and festival performers, are offered free to spectators.

SEPTEMBER 14 - SEPTEMBER 16

A little bit of Italy and Greece come to the Virginia Beach oceanfront for two days of pasta, pizza, Italian wine, great Greek food, beer, and world-class entertainment, together with family-friendly entertainment like grape-stomping! People from all walks of life and backgrounds join in one community for a three-day celebration of everything Italian and Greek! Table seating under the giant tent makes for the perfect atmosphere for dining, singing, and dancing to classic and modern Italian musical selections. Strolling musicians go from aisle to aisle, giving diners an up-close and personal serenade of Italian tunes we’ve all heard growing up and Greek songs that celebrate a rich heritage!

SEPTEMBER 28 - SEPTEMBER 30

Don't miss the Neptune Festival's grand finale, Boardwalk Weekend. For three days and nights, a host of activities such as the internationally renowned North American Sandsculpting Competition, draw visitors and guests from across the Commonwealth and beyond to the Virginia Beach Boardwalk.Daily concerts alfresco in tented festival stages are scattered along 32 blocks of the boardwalk and feature a variety of live music. Over 275 artisans will line the boardwalk for the Neptune Art and Craft Show interspersed with a veritable smorgasbord of food vendors dishing out delectable delights guaranteed to please any palette. More...

SEPTEMBER 28 - OCTOBER 7

How else can one describe this new and improved event any other way than an experience. With a world-class venue, talent, and prize purse, Neptune's North American Sandsculpting Championship has distinguished itself as a premier event unlike any other for miles. From the gallery feel and extended viewing hours, your sandsculpting fill can be quelled with a single visit. It's been the signature event of the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival since its inception. Now it becomes the signature event of an entire region as the North American Sandsculpting Championship expands to ten days. With an international field of sculptors representing countries from around the world, the expansion of the competition puts this as one of the most distinctive events of its kind in the United States. RETURNING IN 2012: NEPTUNE'S KINGDOM, LAND OF SAND A huge tent, almost as large as a football field, will house 22 sculptures created by 12 solo and 10 doubles teams! Sculptors will compete for the largest prize purse awarded in the country. More...

OCTOBER 7

JT Walk & Beach Party is a celebration with food, fun and friends. Food provided by Beach Bully BBQ and Qdoba Mexican Fiesta. Live entertainment by many local acts. Special activities and food stations for kids. Only those who register and make qualifying contributions will receive T-shirts and Beach Party tickets. Over the last 3 years more than 20,000 people have gathered at the Virginia Beach oceanfront to participate in what is now known as the JT Walk & Beach Party. This year promises an even bigger turnout!

OCTOBER 15 - OCTOBER 19

Private - Admission by Invitation or Pre-registration Only OCEANS ’12 MTS/IEEE Hampton Roads — bringing together the technology, people and ideas to expand the understanding of the earth’s largest natural resource. Keynote executive speakers from government, academia and industry Interdisciplinary town halls to address key issues of the National Ocean Policy Plus 18 simultaneous technical tracks including: • Sea Level Rise and Coastal Inundation • Integrated Ocean Observing System/Global OceanObserving System • Marine Renewable Energy (including off-shore wind energy) • Marine Vehicle Autonomy • Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning More...

OCTOBER 20 - OCTOBER 21

Over 50 craft beers from over 25 breweries are available for sampling at the Virginia Beach Craft Beer Festival at the 24th Street Park at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Tickets include sampling and a commemorative glass. Live music sets the stage for the perfect outdoor setting for tasting some of the best beer brewed! Craft beer is made using a traditional process of blending the sugars from malted grains (such as barley or wheat), with hop flowers and water. The skill of the Masterbrewer brings out the desired aroma, color, mouth feel, foam and flavor qualities of the hops and malt through formulation of recipes and the fermentation of sugars into alcohol, carbon dioxide gas and other characters. After careful aging at just the right temperatures the beer is packaged and delivered to the consumer. More...

OCTOBER 26 - OCTOBER 27

Great swag, Baker's Crust and Blue Moon too; It's the most fun event you ever will do! Join us for the 4th Annual Blue Moon Wicked 10k and Old Point National Bank Monster Mile! More...

NOVEMBER 16 - JANUARY 1

Festive fish, jumping dolphins, frolicking porpoises – all in bright, colored lights against the clear night-time sky, are the stars of McDonald’s Holiday Lights at the Beach, a nautical and holiday-themed light display at the Virginia Beach oceanfront! They are joined by Santa, elves, and a 40-foot tall Christmas tree erected on the beach and in the beautiful parks along the Virginia Beach boardwalk. It’s the only time of the year that cars get to drive right on the boardwalk - for over 30 blocks! 30,000 vehicles a year make the trek through this holiday wonderland. This “Fanta-Sea” of lights is sure to dazzle and amaze holiday travelers visiting Virginia Beach. Hotels create special packages that include free tickets to the light show. New displays are added each year so it’s never the same show twice! One of the highlights is the giant “12 Days of Christmas” display, where some fixtures stand 20 and 30 feet high! A free CD of holiday music is provided to each vehicle entering McDonald’s Holiday Lights at the Beach, making it easy to see AND hear why this event has been named one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s "Top 20 November Events" and the American Bus Association's "Top 100 Events in North America for 2011!" More...

NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 1

The 3rd Annual Samuel Adams Surf-n-Santa 10 Miler starts at 8am at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. All santas will run through the oceanfront area, under the lights, through local neighborhoods and finish inside the Convention Center for a Rockin' Holiday Party. Frosty's 5k - 8am December 1, 2012 This fun 5k starts on 19th Street in front of the Convention Center and finishes inside the Convention Center. It's a run for the whole family! All participants will receive a technical fabric race shirt, and all finishers will receive a unique medal. Top three finishers for overall, masters, and each age group will get awards. Sign everyone up for this one! Samuel Adams Brewery wants you to get FESTIVE! More...

DECEMBER 1

Officially ushering in the holiday season in Virginia Beach, the Holiday Parade at the Beach affords local businesses, schools, and organizations the opportunity to support the community and celebrate the season with thousands of parade-goers. Giant balloons, marching bands, lighted floats, equestrian units, fire trucks, performing dance groups, motorcycles, and more join forces to present a dazzling and entertaining night of fun for all ages! And best of all, Santa himself makes a grand appearance to greet all his loyal fans as the evening winds down and many families take the opportunity to also visit the amazing Holiday Lights at the Beach! More...