Virginia Beach Arts and Entertainment

November 9, 2018

Virginia Beach arts and entertainment includes festivals, bands, movies and live performances at the Oceanfront, Town Center and beyond.

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Day or night, rain or shine—Virginia Beach provides visitors with enough entertainment to overflow any well-planned travel itinerary. Whether you want a night out or the town or you want to discover the works of Virginia Beach’s talented local artists, there’s plenty for you to see, hear and do.

Virginia Beach Festivals and Live Concerts

There’s always something happening at Neptune Park on 31^st Street. Start your evening off right by seeing performances by local bands. At the 24^th Street Stage, visitors will be delighted to partake in thrilling events such as Sandstock—A Tribute to Rock & Roll and the Stars & Stripes Explosion on July 4 occurring at three stages along the oceanfront.

One event that draws huge crowds each year is the American Music Festival held Labor Day weekend at 5^th Street Stage, 17^th Street Park, 24^th Street Park and 31^st Street Park. The festival brings the sounds of rock, jazz, country, R&B and more to the Oceanfront for one of the largest outdoor music events on the East Coast featuring national, regional and local acts.

One of the largest annual events in Virginia is the Neptune Festival where thousands of people can enjoy daily concerts, local food vendors, an Art & Craft Show featuring over 270 artisans displaying handmade work from paintings to glass work, a fireworks show, International Sandsculpting Championship and more, all along over 30 blocks at the Oceanfront. With thrilling performances nearly every night of the week, there’s enough outdoor entertainment to keep you busy all summer long.

Local and National Music

Whether it is a neighborhood beach bar featuring a live local band or a large outdoor venue delivering the latest up-and-coming rock stars, Virginia Beach certainly does not lack in the music department. Dive into the local music scene with a live band at the Oceanfront. There are plenty of hot spots offering delicious pub grub and an entertaining blend of folk, alternative, hard rock and acoustic acts.

The34th Street stage features acts that provide entertainment to two restaurants along the boardwalk—Lager Heads and Tortugas Café & Tiki Bar. The stage provides the perfect atmosphere to unwind with a drink while listening to relaxing acoustic tunes.

For an evening of music under the stars, head to the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater, a grand outdoor venue that provides cheap lawn seating to worth-every-penny front row seats and showcases the summer’s hottest musicians.

Click here to read more about entertainment in Virginia Beach.

Art Galleries and Museums

If dismal weather rains on your vacation parade, check out the Virginia Beach museum and art scene. The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) several rotating exhibits throughout the summer that display incredible and one-of-kind works by inspiring artists.

Virginia MOCA hosts Virginia Beach’s longest running annual festival at the Oceanfront, the Boardwalk Art Show. The art show features hundreds of artists displaying their works from 13 fine art mediums. The Virginia Beach boardwalk provides a scenic backdrop for thousands of visitors to explore the art, spanning 15 blocks, over a beautiful summer weekend.

Local collections of art are always available, and they are the best way to bring some of Virginia Beach’s culture home with you. One of the places visitors can admire these local treasures is at the 21^st Street Gallery on Birdneck Road. The gallery features photography as well as paintings and jewelry, all reflective of the oceanfront’s artistic talents. More local artistry can be seen at The Artists Gallery, which showcases mixed media pieces, pottery and photography, all colorfully decorated among the gallery’s walls. If your admiration lies with sculptures, be sure to also visit the Richard Stravitz Sculpture and Fine Art Galleries on Laskin Road and Pacific Avenue. This pair of galleries has won a variety of awards to include one for “Best Sculpture.”

You don’t necessarily have to visit a gallery to find some bright, cheery art pieces to liven your day. Take a walk through the ViBe Creative District, Virginia Beach’s arts and culture neighborhood. From the crosswalks and sidewalks to the walls of the locally-owned shops and restaurants, you can find vibrant art everywhere.

The ViBe District is also home to several art galleries and studios that sell varieties of fine arts, hand-crafted goods, music and more. Visiting the ViBe District is the perfect chance to dive into Virginia Beach’s local art scene, just a few blocks away from the boardwalk. Click here to learn more about the ViBe Creative District.