Suds & Buds
May 22, 5:30-8:30pm
Norfolk Botanical Gardens
Tickets include garden admission, food, two adult beverages, and live music by Lewis McGehee. Proceeds benefit Norfolk Botanical Garden, the Rotary Club of Norfolk, and All District Reads area literacy program. Tickets range from $65-85.
Zoo Grooves: Pop Punk Edition
May 23
Virginia Zoo
Call your friends (and your mom) to remind them that it’s not just a phase, it’s a lifestyle. At this all-ages event you can break out your checkered slip-on kicks, studded belt, skinny jeans and black eyeliner to Dance! Dance! to your favorite tracks. Whether you’re more of a screamo screech owl, a goth sloth, or a punk skunk, the zoo’ll be taking you back to the early 2000s for hands down the best day you can ever remember.
Dockside Seafood Feast
May 23
Graham & Rollins/Downtown Hampton
The Hampton History Museum’s fundraiser featuring music, fun, and all-you-can-eat seafood returns to Graham & Rollins along the Downtown Waterfront!
Dishes include an endless bounty of the blue crabs that Hampton is famous for (cakes, claws, soft-shell, and soup); oysters (fried and on the half shell), scallops, fried flounder, and shrimp cocktail. Enjoy complimentary beer, wine and Dockside Lemonade.
UMOJA Festival
May 23-25
Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion, Portsmouth
A celebration of diversity, unity, and African-American Culture. Kool & The Gang headlines.
5th Annual Strawberry Festival Weekend
May 23-25
Back Bay’s Farmhouse
Have a pint of Pungo Strawberry Shortcake Cider and listen to live bands The Berries (5/23), Monarch & Mercy Creek (5/24), and The Salt Duo (5/25).
16th Annual Virginia Beach Surf Art Expo
May 24-26
On the Oceanfront Boardwalk Between 3rd and 6th Streets
A visual art festival focused on coastal culture.
Cheers To Independence Trail
May 24
The Vanguard Brewpub & Distillery
From 1-4 PM, dine, drink, view art, and listen to historic stories in celebration of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
USO Experience Virginia Beach
May 30 — June 1
17th & 24th Street Parks @ Oceanfront
For active service members and their families, USO Experience Virginia Beach (VB) is a weeklong summer event comprising a series of athletic, recreational, and social activities. For civilians, USO Experience is a way to learn about and celebrate the armed forces through the military village and free nightly concerts!
USO Experience VB social and educational events facilitate interactions between military and civilians and allow the civilian community to see that our service members are more than brave people keeping them safe. These common unifying experiences between military service members and civilians let the military know they are supported, valued, and respected by their country.
Activities for service members include skydiving, paddle-boarding, horseback riding, surfing, kayaking, and more.
2nd Annual VB Street Art Festival
May 30 – June 1
18th & 19th Streets in the ViBe Creative District
Free and open to all
This annual festival on 18th and 19th Streets in the ViBe Creative District features the painting of 15 sculptures by 15 artists, all live painting over the three-day weekend. Each sculptural, multi-faceted neighborhood identifier will get a new life as it is repainted live during the festival. The 1.5-mile route is designed to be easily walkable to see all 15 artists working.
Visitors have the opportunity to meet the artists while they work. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the 20 local food and beverage businesses when they visit the ViBe Creative District.
In total, 95 artists from 3 countries, 11 states and cities through Virginia applied — the top 15 designs were chosen by the Virginia Beach Public Art Committee.
2025 FEATURED ARTISTS:
Zac Bender of Raleigh, NC
Rachael Blake of Virginia Beach
Jennifer Brandon of Virginia Beach
Lizzie Brown of Richmond
Cameron Clark of Norfolk
Michelle Clark of Greensboro, NC
Extra Crunchy of Vancouver, BC
Tyler Fake of Virginia Beach
Sheila Huyoa of Virginia Beach
Ja’Niya McLean of Norfolk
Katie Nesbitt of Virginia Beach
Abby Pawley of Virginia Beach
Gina Renzi of Chesapeake
Rogue Murals of Memphis, TN
Alison Speerbrecker of Chesapeake
Beer Fest at Cogans Park
May 31, 12-5 pm
Cogans North
Featuring 14 regional breweries and live music.
2025 Hampton Black Beard Festival
May 31 & June 1
Mill Point Park
Hampton’s waterfront comes alive with dozens of pirate re-enactors, costumed in historically accurate garb, who transform today’s Hampton into the busy seaport of yesterday. Led by Blackbeard the Pirate himself, re-enactors help visitors step back in time and re-live the history and legends of 1718 Hampton. The Festival offers a variety of children’s activities, live musical entertainment, fireworks, period vendors, arts and crafts, and more.
UniverSoul Circus
June 5-22
Next to Military Circle Mall
Celebrating 31 years as one of America’s top family events, UniverSoul Circus brings together the best international performers in a high-energy, interactive spectacle featuring world-class talent, vibrant costumes and music from across the globe. Audiences will experience a cultural celebration filled with rhythm, soul and extraordinary performances.
Canvas & Cocktails Art Auction
June 6
Lemon Tree Gallery/Cape Charles
Live and silent auction, cash bar, light fare.
49th Annual Norfolk Harborfest
June 6-8
Town Point Park, Norfolk
The granddaddy of all festivals in Norfolk, checkout visiting tall ships, feast of turkey legs, watch fireworks (Saturday night), and dance to the music on multiple stages. Plus circus-like land acts such as The Amazing Colin Campbell, The Defiant Crew Pirate School, Xpogo Xtreme Show, BMX & Skate Stunt Show, Code Ninjas, and live music.
Musical headliners include Lettuce, Chase Rice, and a James Brown Tribute.
Local bands performing include Roberta Lea, Community Witch, The Fuzz Band, BJ Griffin, Cody Christian, Allen Hudson & The Halfmoons and more.
Seawall Music Festival 2025
June 6-7
High Street Landing/Olde Towne Portsmouth
Two days and nights of live music on the riverfront. Fireworks Saturday at 9:30 PM.
Brews, Brine, & Wine
June 6, 5-8:30pm
Timberneck Farm at Machicomoco State Park
Enjoy oysters, beer, wine, and new this year, whiskey! Visit the Plein Air artists who will have small paintings of the beautiful surroundings available for purchase.
Common Grounds Collab Beer Fest & Camp Night
June 7, 2-6pm
Holiday Trave-L-Park, Virginia Beach
A collaborative craft beer and camping experience featuring the dopest breweries from around the world serving up dozens of one-time-only, creatively delicious craft beers in every style imaginable. The night culminates with a massive bonfire spectacle under the stars.
5th Annual Art Crawl
June 7-8
Various Locations
Chesapeake Bay Art Association has organized a self-guided event designed to get art lovers to visit local galleries and studios in Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach. More information can be found at chesapeakebayartassociation.com
Norfolk Theatre Festival
“Every Brilliant Thing,” June 8, Norfolk State University Brown Memorial Hall
Core Theatre’s “Frankenstein,” June 10-11, Wells Theatre
“Glitches in Reality,” June 13-15, Robin Hixon Theatre
“Top Dog/Underdog,” June 19-29, Norfolk State University’s Brown Memorial Hall
“Mister Showtime,” June 21, Robin Hixon Theatre
Juneteenth Freedom Day
June 14
Festival Park @ Atlantic Union Pavilion
Celebrate African American freedom during this free, family-friendly event featuring soul food trucks, artisan vendors, and local and national bands. 1 PM to 9 PM.
Juneteenth In The Park
June 14
Town Point Park, Norfolk
Juneteenth in the Park is a celebration of African American culture. Noon to 6:30 PM.
Chalk The Walk
June 14
On the Boardwalk Between 16th & 18th Streets
Chalk the Walk takes over the Virginia Beach Boardwalk as artists gather to turn the boardwalk into an impromptu canvas of color.
4th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Fest Peninsula
June 15
Millpoint Park, Hampton
Celebrate. Educate. Commemorate. A day of cultural arts, dance, storytelling, health screenings, and live music from The Legendary Soulful Tenors, Brian Darden, Akeylah Simone, Juz Cuz Band, and more. 11:30 AM to 7 PM.
Juneteenth Freedom Festival
June 21, 3-8 PM, FREE
Victory Landing Park
This new family-friendly day of celebration will feature vendors, 12 local food trucks, and live entertainment by Dru Hill, Sammie, 702, and Jazze Pha.
PERFORMING ARTS
American Theatre
“A Juneteenth Pageant: The Play,” June 14
The Virginia Black Film Festival, June 19-22
Attucks Theatre
Jazz Trio: Aaron Goldberg, Nat Reeves, Jae Sinnett, May 16
Maria Bamford, May 17
Steve Earle, June 1
Malcolm Jamal Earner Band, June 14
Chrysler Hall
Golden Slippers Dance Academy, June 14
Ferguson Center for the Arts
Soundscapes Community Ensemble Spring Concert, May 18
Sandler Center for the Arts
Ella & Ellington, May 15
Ace Frehley, June 4
Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts
Britain’s Finest: The Beatles Experience, May 23
Tidewater Classical Guitar
Andrea Gonzalez, May 15, Williamsburg Regional Library
Andrea Gonzalez, May 16, Robin Hixon Theater
Virginia Arts Festival
Louisiana Calling featuring Sonny Landreth Band and The Iguanas, May 15, Perry Pavilion
Lena Seikaly, May 15, Sandler Center’s Miller Studio
Kelli O’Hara, May 16, Sandler Center
The Wood Brothers, May 20, Perry Pavilion
Zemlinsky Quartet with Olga Kern, May 21, William & Mary Concert Hall
Zemlinsky Quartet with Olga Kern, May 22, Robin Hixon Theater
Zemlinsky Quartet with Olga Kern, May 23, Sandler Center’s Miller Studio (10:30 AM)
Rhythm Project Showcase, May 24, Perry Pavilion
Swamp Dogg, May 29, Perry Pavilion
Birmingham Royal Ballet’s “Black Sabbath The Ballet, May 30 through June 1, Chrysler Hall
Renee Fleming, June 1, Harrison Opera House
Lana Trotovšek, Nina Kotova, János Balázs with Olga Kern, June 4, Sandler Center’s Miller Studio
Lana Trotovšek, Nina Kotova, with Olga Kern, June 5, William & Mary Concert Hall
Lana Trotovšek, Nina Kotova, János Balázs with Olga Kern, June 6, Robin Hixon Theater
Samara Joy, June 7, Chrysler Hall
Yo-Yo Ma, June 8, Chrysler Hall
Virginia Arts Festival Chamber Players with Olga Kern, June 11, Robin Hixon Theater
Brendon Elliott, violin, Elizabeth Vonderheide, violin, Beverly Baker, viola, Sterling Elliott, cello, June 12, St John’s Episcopal Church, Portsmouth
Virginia Beach Chorale
“Love Is All You Need,” May 17, Sandler Center
Little Theatre of Virginia Beach
“Ripchord,” May 23 through June 15
Little Theatre of Norfolk
“Memphis: The Musical,” Through June 1
Hurrah Players
“Junie B Jones,” May 17-18
Peninsula Community Theatre
“The Boys Next Door,” Through May 18
Historic Palace Theatre (Cape Charles)
Britain’s Finest: The Beatles Experience, May 24
Wilder Horse (Rolling Stones Tribute), June 21
Zeiders American Dream Theater
“As You Love It,” Through May 24
Plan B Comedy, May 24
Governor’s School for the Arts Jazz Concert w/Julius Tolentino, May 30
“I’ll Huff and I’ll Puff,” May 31
Jazz Vocal Series, June 6-8
Echoes Music Showcase (Eric Staab, Jarvis Griffin, Aviana), June 13
Plan B Comedy, June 14
