Confection lovers are sure to find a sweet treat all across Virginia Beach. From cookies and cakes to pies, donuts, breads and more, Virginia Beach has an abundance of bakeries serving fresh-baked goodies.
Here are the top five bakeries in Virginia Beach:
1. Gateaux Bakery & Cafe
Topping the list is Gateaux Bakery & Cafe. Located at 1628 Independence Blvd., Suite #1500, the bakery, which offers desserts, custom cakes and more, is the highest-rated bakery in Virginia Beach, boasting four stars out of 91 reviews on Yelp.
2. Angie’s Bakery
Next up is Angie’s Bakery, situated at 3501 Holland Road, Suite #102. With 4.5 stars out of 35 reviews on Yelp, the bakery and Filipino spot has proven to be a local favorite.
3. Bodacious Bakehouse Bodacious Bakehouse, located at 309 Aragona Blvd., Suite #106, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the bakery and breakfast and brunch spot, which offers pizza and more, 4.5 stars out of 148 reviews.
4. Sugar Plum Bakery Sugar Plum Bakery, a bakery that offers desserts and more, is another much-loved go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 153 Yelp reviews. Head over to 1353 Laskin Road to see for yourself.
5. May’s Parlor
Check out May’s Parlor, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 110 reviews on Yelp. You can find the bakery and patisserie/cake shop, which offers coffee and tea and more, at 2708 Pacific Ave.
Holiday Lights at the Beach is a holiday tradition that brings joy and wonder to Hampton Roads every holiday season! Join us this year from Thanksgiving Day through December 30.
2017 brought a new experience to the boardwalk at Holiday Lights Maola Milk Merry Mile…a nautical and holiday fantasy of lights spread over a dozen blocks – from 8th Street to 22nd Street. The light show featured over 50 of our most popular, hand-picked displays along the boardwalk and beach. The entrance wase at 2nd Street.
This shorter, more intimate light show features a shiny journey into nautical, holiday, and adventure lands – all along the beautiful Virginia Beach boardwalk. Festive fish, jumping dolphins, frolicking porpoises – all in bright, colored lights against the clear night-time sky, are the stars of Holiday Lights Merry Mile. They are joined by Santa and his elves.
Drivers will be able to tune their car radio to a frequency to hear holiday music along the Holiday Lights at the Beach display, 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!”
Holiday Lights Maola Milk Merry Mile…open nightly at 5:30. Hours of operation are 5:30pm-10:00pm Sunday through Thursday and 5:30pm-11:00pm Friday-Saturday.
This is a ticketed event. All vehicles enter through the main entrance at 2nd Street. Show starts at 8th street. Cash only is accepted at the gate.
To wine lovers and those who long for an epicurean treat:
The annual COVA Wine Fest is returning to Virginia Beach!
Virginia Beach natives, visitors and gourmands alike look forward to this annual event to introduce their palates to some of the best delicacies our region has to offer. Each year, Coastal Virginia Magazine gathers local peddlers of wines, brews and gourmet food to feature some of their wares. This year is set up to be the best year yet!
This must-do event will be located at the spacious Virginia Beach Convention Center on Saturday, January 26 from noon–7 p.m. and Sunday, January 27 from noon–5 p.m.
Besides the amazing wines and delectable treats, past attendees know that a good time will be had by all! Quality, live entertainment will fill the venue as you roam through over 80 vendor booths with a grape stomp competition!
Location
On the beach at 24th Street
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill 17th Street Park
31st Street Park
Multiple live performances on oceanfront stages will attract thousands of visitors and residents of Virginia Beach to a “star-spangled” salute to this great country of ours at Stars & Stripes Explosion on July 4!
Scheduled live entertainment offers something for everyone: patriotic and classical to tribute bands, and naturally, fireworks!
Looking for something to do this weekend? Come down to the Virginia Beach Boardwalk for a flying good time!
The Atlantic Coast Kite Festival is back for 2016 in Virginia Beach! Photo Credit: beachstreetusa.com
This weekend, kite aficionados, amateur flyers and spectators will “ooh” and “aah” as these colorful contraptions take to the sky! If you’re a pro who wants to go for the Best Kite Contest, or if you’ve always wanted to learn how to send a kite soaring through the skies, this is the place to be.
DATE: May 5, 2018 to May 6, 2018
THE ATLANTIC COAST KITE FESTIVAL HAS BEEN CANCELED FOR TODAY (SUNDAY) BECAUSE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER.
Kite fliers and spectators of all ages will 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.
Location: Virginia Beach Oceanfront
On the beach between 16th and 18th Streets
Kite-buliding workshop on the boardwalk at 17th Street
Times:
Saturday, May 5 – 10:00am-4:00pm
Sunday, May 6 – 11:00am-4:00pm
Everyone is invited to take part in the Atlantic Coast Kite Festival’s “Best Kite Contest.” To enter this contest, participants bring a kite that they have made or purchased and fly it at the festival. The contest consists of two parts: the actual kite itself (how it looks 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 will be judged on Flight (ability to fly for 5 minutes), Structural Design, Craftsmanship, and Visual Appeal. There will be three competitive divisions: Master, Novice, and Youth (ages 7-14). Trophies will be awarded for all divisions.
The Best Kite Contest is free to enter, and takes place from 1:30-3:00pm each day.
“Flight Training” – Experienced kite enthusiasts will assist novice flyers. Topics include equipment selection, laying out of lines, setting up the field, launching the kite, flying and landing a kite, and safety.
“Flight Training” will take place each day.
Families are invited to participate in kite building workshops led by Archie Stewart of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Archie is a member of the American Kitefliers Association (AKA), and is a past Board Member and Chairman of Festivals and Competitions for Kites Over New England (KONE). He is also a member of ConnectiKiters kite club, headquartered in Norwalk, CT and a member and competitor of the Eastern League Flyers Association. These workshops are free and include kite materials and instructions on how to build a kite, as well as the aerodynamics of kite flying and kite safety.
American Kite Association members from throughout the East Coast will present kite demonstrations, perform kite routines to music, and fly giant kites (up to 80 feet long) that include an octopus kite! Kite vendors will be on site to sell various kinds of kites.
Awards will also be given each day for oldest and youngest kitefliers, funniest kite, most unusual kite, and biggest kite.
Get your scurvy crew together and head down to the Virginia Beach Boardwalk for a Pirate Party!
All the scallywags will be at the 10th annual Pirate Party at the Beach! Photo Credit: beachstreetusa.com
Pirate Party on the Beach
May 19, 2018 to May 20, 2018
Location:
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill 17th Street Park
The Pirate Party on the Beach returns to the Virginia Beach oceanfront for two rollicking days of music, mayhem, and more! This family-friendly event features activities designed to bring out the “pirate” in everyone. Pirate games, a treasure hunt, and pirate re-enactors all combine to celebrate those scallywags we all wish we could be: pirates!
Other activities throughout the weekend include bandana-making, face-painting, weapons demonstrations, and shopping for pirate-themed merchandise.
Pirate re-enactors will abound, with those founding pirates of Pirate Party on the Beach, The Moody Crewe, leading the way with educational displays and lively interaction. Pirate Party on the Beach is also pleased to have Blackbeard’s Crew and the Cannon Crew.
Entertainment is a key, magical ingredient at Pirate Party on the Beach. Enjoy the lively music and join in the fun!
The Shadow Players Stage Combat Group will amuse with their audience-inspired hijinks and amaze with their exciting sword-play.
Photo Credit: Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a must for any Virginia Beach visitor. And because there are always new exhibits and exciting events, Virginia Beach locals will always find something fresh to experience.
Looking for something special during your visit? Check out what’s coming up in our featured events.
Craft Brews Cruise
Friday, May 18, 2018 7:00 PM
Enjoy sunset over the water on the Atlantic Explorer for our 2018 series of Craft Brews Cruises. During these two hour trips, you will be treated to craft brews from local breweries as part of our Sensible Seafood Program partnership. Tickets are $33 for Aquarium members and $35 for non-members.
Sensible Seafood Fest
Thursday, May 24, 2018 7:00 PM
Presented by PNC Bank, this event celebrates ocean-friendly seafood! Sample a variety of mouth-watering dishes featuring sustainable seafood prepared by incredibly talented local and regional chefs.
This event is for ages 21 and up. Tickets are on sale now! BUY TICKET
Clean the Creek
Saturday, June 2, 2018 9:00 AM
On Saturday June 2, the Virginia Aquarium will host a cleanup of Owls Creek and surrounding areas. We’re looking for individual volunteers, families, work teams, and military groups to clean by foot or by kayak. The cleanup, scheduled from 9 to 11am, will help remove trash and debris from our waterways.
To participate, register by email at aquavols@virginiaaquarium.com or call the Aquarium’s volunteer office at 757-385-0274 no later than noon on Wednesday, May 30th. An itinerary will be emailed to volunteers no later than 5:00pm on May 31.
World Oceans Day
Friday, June 8, 2018 11:00 AM
Help us celebrate World Oceans Day 2018! It will be a day full of fun, including live animal presentations and special activities throughout the Bay & Ocean Pavilion!
World Oceans Day
Saturday, June 9, 2018 11:00 AM
Help us celebrate World Oceans Day 2018! It will be a day full of fun, including live animal presentations and special activities throughout the Bay & Ocean Pavilion!
World Oceans Day
Sunday, June 10, 2018 11:00 AM
Help us celebrate World Oceans Day 2018! It will be a day full of fun, including live animal presentations and special activities throughout the Bay & Ocean Pavilion!
Special Needs Under the Sea
Sunday, July 15, 2018 7:30 AM
Join us as we invite families with children or adults with special needs to visit the Aquarium before we open to the public. See all of our animals and exhibits in a calm, comfortable environment and explore at your own pace. The event begins at 7:30am and continues through opening at 9am, but guests who visit early are welcome to stay for as long as they would like. Tickets are available here: https://tickets.virginiaaquarium.com/events/special%20needs%20under%20the%20sea/2018-4-15_7.30/aquarium%20admission?back=2&area=0a93aa8b-5677-4383-bb10-b375cbd6f3cb&type=ga
Advanced registration is required. Regular admission rates apply https://www.virginiaaquarium.com/visit/Pages/Admission.aspx
One caretaker is admitted at no charge if he or she is working with a guest who is visiting the Aquarium, watching a movie in the Virginia Aquarium Giant Screen Theater, or enjoying a boat trip on the Atlantic Explorer.. A caretaker is defined as a required medical attendant without whom the guest could not tour the Aquarium.
A caretaker is defined as a required medical attendant without whom the guest could not tour the Aquarium, enjoy the movie, or take a boat trip. The disabled guest may request an additional caretaker be admitted at 50% of regular admission.
Craft Brews Cruise Boat Trip
Friday, July 20, 2018 7:00 PM
Enjoy sunset over the water on the Atlantic Explorer for our 2018 series of Craft Brews Cruises. During these two hour trips, you will be treated to craft brews from local breweries as part of our Sensible Seafood Program partnership. Tickets are $33 for Aquarium members and $35 for non-members.
Craft Brews Cruise Boat Trip
Friday, August 17, 2018 7:00 PM
Enjoy sunset over the water on the Atlantic Explorer for our 2018 series of Craft Brews Cruises. During these two hour trips, you will be treated to craft brews from local breweries as part of our Sensible Seafood Program partnership. Tickets are $33 for Aquarium members and $35 for non-members.
Craft Brews Cruise Boat Trip
Friday, September 14, 2018 7:00 PM
Enjoy sunset over the water on the Atlantic Explorer for our 2018 series of Craft Brews Cruises. During these two hour trips, you will be treated to craft brews from local breweries as part of our Sensible Seafood Program partnership. Tickets are $33 for Aquarium members and $35 for non-members.
Incredible artists, commissioned works, extraordinary collaborations, and unforgettable performances … it’s all waiting for you at the annual Virginia Arts Festival. For 22 years, this acclaimed festival has brought the world’s great artists to performance venues throughout the Hampton Roads area, making this beautiful region – already beloved for its beaches, pristine waterways, wildlife, and historical attractions that date back to the earliest days of our country – a cultural destination for travelers from around the world.
The big event is the Virginia International Tattoo. Presented in the grand tradition of the world’s oldest tattoos, this Tattoo is an all-American show of patriotism and pride – one international sensation. The dynamic cast of more than 850 hails from several countries. The Tattoo has something for everyone. Count on marching bands, massed pipes and drums, military drill teams, Celtic dancers, choirs and as always, surprise guests! The 2018 Virginia International Tattoo is themed “Above and Beyond the Call of Duty,” and will turn a spotlight on a select group of veterans: Recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Named by American Bus Association as the 2016 Top Event in the United States, Virginia International Tattoo will feature the finest cast ever assembled April 26 through 29, 2018 at Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia.
Photo Credit: Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center