Festival Neptune | Crédit photo : Visit Virginia Beach
Just because summer is ending doesn’t mean Virginia Beach has fallen into lethargy, far from it. The proof is in several upcoming events.
As travelers begin to think about the cooler temperatures of fall and the crowds thin out, Virginia Beach continues to offer a variety of new events and attractions.
“There’s something for everyone in Virginia Beach this fall,” says Nancy Helman, director of the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau. “The festivals and events don’t stop just because summer is over!” Here are a few examples.
Hunt Club Farm | Crédit photo : Visit Virginia Beach
Outdoor Fun: Music, Sports and Festivals
Le festival Neptune celebrates 50 years of Boardwalk Weekend, September 27-29. Spread over 30 blocks along the waterfront, the festivities include a craft show, a grand parade, outdoor concerts, a family fun zone, sporting events and more. As is the case every year, the famous International Sand Sculpting Championship will see master sculptors from around the world transform 450 tons of sand into works of art.
Crédit photo : Visit Virginia Beach
For their part, fans of the Jeep Fest are rejoicing: The event has now expanded to four days. Fans of the popular off-road vehicle now have a full weekend dedicated to it, with more than 1,400 participants from 15 states coming to celebrate. A new Holiday Lights Crawl will kick off the festivities from November 8-11, with early access to the famous waterfront light display. This is the only time of year when vehicles are allowed on the boardwalk.
Art and culture in the spotlight
The Virginia Aquarium opened a new outdoor art exhibit on September 13, “TROLLS: Save the Humans.” Six giant troll sculptures, inspired by folklore and created by artist Thomas Dambo, have been installed along the Aquarium’s nature trail. The whimsical sculptures, made from reclaimed and recycled materials, will be on display through January 20, 2025, and tours are included with general Aquarium admission.
Artist: Thomas Dambo | Photo credit: Atlanta Botanical Garden
The artist Thomas Dambo
Artist: Thomas Dambo | Photo credit: Atlanta Botanical Garden
The Mural Festivalwhich will be in its seventh edition, will add a rainbow of hues to the new season when it returns from September 27 to October 6. For 10 days, 10 guest artists will create original murals on the buildings of the creative district ViBe de Virginia Beach to highlight its rich artistic scene.
The Africana Art & Music Festival will also return to the seaside, from October 4 to 6, to come alive with the cultures of the African continent celebrated through live soul and R&B performances, narrated poetry, creative visual arts and wine tastings.
Info : visitvirginiabeach.com