Ways to Celebrate the Historic Milestone in Virginia Beach
By Julie Matthews
As our nation marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, there’s no better time for visiting the Commonwealth of Virginia, a place intricately interwoven in our country’s foundation and front and center for the Semiquincentennial. One of the signature VA250 events happening in 2026 is Sail250® Virginia, in which Virginia Beach is designated as one of the affiliate harbors welcoming the international fleet of ships in June. Widely known as a premier entertainment city, Virginia Beach will also host a number of other incredible 250th-related events throughout the year.
Great ways to experience America’s big milestone in Virginia Beach and the local region include the following:
2026 Commemorative Events
June 16-19: Sail250® Virginia, Virginia Beach
A sight to see, don’t miss viewing a fleet of more than 50 tall ships and historic vessels meet at the Lesner Bridge before they set sail into the Chesapeake Bay on Friday, June 19.
Sail250Virginia.com/Virginia-Affiliate-Harbors
July 4: July 4 Stars & Stripes Celebration
Celebrate America’s birthday at this free event at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Enjoy live music, fireworks and more!
BeachEventsVB.com/Event/July-4-Stars-Stripes-Celebration-2026
July 4: 42nd Annual Independence Day 5K
This 5K runner/walker event is a fun activity for the whole family on the Fourth of July. There’s even a 1/4 Mile Tot Trot for younger children.
RunSignUp.com/Race/Events/VA/VirginiaBeach/IndependenceDay5K
Sept. 12: 14th Annual 757 Battle of the Beers
Along with celebrating local craft beer, this year’s festival will feature a 250th theme in recognition of the milestone anniversary in 2026.
Sept. 19-20: 2026 NAS Oceana Air Show
Always full of exciting performances, the beloved airshow will have a special “250 Years” theme in 2026.
Experience Local History
Along with offering excellent events, Virginia Beach is also home to significant historic sites and places. As a project of the United States’ early government, the original Cape Henry Lighthouse was completed in 1792. In 1881, the second Cape Henry Lighthouse was constructed and today both historic landmarks remain standing on the Fort Story Military Base not far from the 1607 “First Landing” of the English settlers who were in route to Jamestown. Also reflecting this historic event is the nearby First Landing State Park. Learn more by visiting PreservationVirginia.org
and DCR.Virginia.gov/State-Parks/First-Landing.
More rich local history awaits at a number of historic museum houses in town, including the Thoroughgood House (1719), the Lynnhaven House (1725) and the Francis Land House (1805), which are interesting sites to tour and learn stories about our country’s early ancestors. Through May 31, the Francis Land House is displaying “The Life and Legacy of The Marquis de Lafayette” traveling exhibit, highlighting Lafayette’s role in the American Revolution. Learn more by visiting VBMuseums.org.
There’s no better way to explore Virginia Beach’s maritime history and heritage than paying a visit to the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum, conveniently located at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. For a close look at our nation’s colonial days the Historic Triangle–including Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown, approximately an hour drive north, makes a remarkable road trip from Virginia Beach.
Whether through events or other experiences, come get acquainted with Virginia Beach and its surrounding region’s past for a better understanding of the amazing destination it is today.
