Festival & Event Highlights
Compiled by Staff
51st Annual Neptune Festival & Boardwalk Weekend
September 26-28
1st to 33rd Street, Virginia Beach Oceanfront
All encompassing reflection of the region’s coastal community culture with live music, food, beer, wine, art, and athletics.
Check out 200 art and craft vendors on the boardwalk, featuring a Youth Art Show, Young Collectors Art Gallery For Kids, and Chrysler Museum for Art’s Mobile Glass Blowing Studio.
On the sports side, try the Neptune’s 8K Race (Sept. 27, starts at 31st Street), Neptune’s Volleyball Tournament (Sept. 27-28, on the beach between 2nd and 6th Street), Surfing Classic (Sept. 27-28, at 2nd Street), and Neptune’s Atlantic Regatta (Sept. 27).
For art, don’t miss the Neptune Festival Art & Craft Show (25th to 35th Street) on the boardwalk all three days. There’s also the International Sandsculpting Championship (7th Street).
Live music schedule:
31st Street Stage, Friday
9:30 PM – Grateful Dub
8 PM – Roots of Creation
6 PM – Rocky 7
24th Street Sage, Friday
6 PM – Grateful Jed
9 PM – Wonderland
31st Street Stage, Saturday
3 PM – Big Forest Fire
5:30 PM – The Getdown
7:30 PM – Bennett Walker Wales
9:30 PM – Matisyahu
24th Street Stage, Saturday
3PM – The Steals
5:30 PM – Girl Can’t Help It
7:30 PM – WAR
9:30 PM – 5 Starr
31st Street Stage, Sunday
1 PM – Buckshot duo
3:30 PM – Anthony Rosano & The Conqueroos
24th Street Stage, Sunday
1 PM – Tiki Bar Band
3:30 PM – Skip Castro Band
VISUAL ART & CRAFTS
4th Annual Suffolk Plein Air Festival
September 12-13
Suffolk
This year’s festival features 37 professional plein air artists competing for awards and prize money by capturing the beauty of Suffolk’s waterways, landscapes, and cityscapes. The event concludes with a Wet Paint Sale and Awards Soiree on Friday, September 12, at the Suffolk Art Gallery in downtown Suffolk.
10th Annual Hermitage Handmade Festival
September 20
Hermitage Museum & Gardens
From 11 AM to 4 PM, experience over 100 local arts and crafts makers selling their wares as view live art demos and art-making activities. Food trucks and beverages too.
10th Anniversary ViBe Block Party
October 3
18th Street/Virginia Beach
ViBe Creative District celebrates a transformative decade featuring live music, vendors, eats and drinks. 6-9 PM.
8th Annual Mural Festival
October 3 through October 12
ViBe Creative District
A total of 10 new murals will be painted by 10 different Virginia artists at properties throughout the arts district. The project allows the artists a 10-day timeframe to paint their artwork designs to completion providing the public ample time to explore and meet the artists while they work. Free public programming and events are offered during the festival.
The Hague Parade: A Floating Art Exhibition
October 5
The Hague/Norfolk
Inspired by the Bosch Parade in the Netherlands (a tipping of the hat to artist Hieronymus Bosch), The Hague Parade is a love letter to the water in the form of creative expression, collaboration, and community.
The floating art parade hopes to inspire wonder and celebrate our waterways. The Hague Parade is a beautiful dance between the arts and the sciences which will culminate at the once Norfolk Museum of Arts and Sciences, now The Chrysler Museum of Art. 5 PM.
Paint the Block Pink
October 4
45th Street & Colley Avenue/Norfolk
Purchase a sidewalk square to pain pink in support of local artist Kim Keene. Door prizes, silent auction, food, drink and more. Starts at 5 PM.
61st Annual Ocean View Art Show
October 4-5
Lakewood Park/Norfolk
The Chesapeake Bay Art Association presents its 61st juried art show featuring regional artists, musicians, and food/beverage vendors in a NEW location — Lakewood Park. 10 AM to 5 PM.
An Occasion for the Arts
October 4-5
Merchants Square/Colonial Williamsburg
An outdoors visual arts festival enhanced with live, acoustic/folk base music and dance performance.
69th Annual Boardwalk Art Show
Presented by Virginia MOCA
October 10-12
Virginia Beach Boardwalk, 24th to 35 Street
The legendary national caliber art show features over 150 visual artists from around the country show their works on the Boardwalk at the oceanfront. New this year is a Liquid Arts Fest at 24th Street featuring hard-to-get craft beers from around the US.
21st Annual Port Warwick Art & Sculpture Festival
October 11-12
Styron Square/Port Warwick/Newport News
Some 80+ artists show their works at this outdoor festival that also focuses on fine artists. With art and music in the central square, also check out the surrounding restaurants and shops.
24th Annual Colonial Place/Riverview Art Walk
October 12
Norfolk
Walk the neighborhoods of Colonial Place and Riverview from noon to 5 PM and see local art on yards, sidewalks, and homes.
10th Annual NEON Festival
October 17-18
NEON District/Downtown Norfolk
Presented by Arts Alliance and PRA Group, this free festival welcomes everyone to experience the NEON District through art exhibitions, local and regional performances, mural tours and programming unique to Norfolk’s first arts neighborhood. Visit the Elation Brewing Beer Garden.
41st Annual Fall Stockley Gardens Arts Festival
October 18-19
Stockley Gardens/Norfolk/Ghent
For four decades, the Stockley Gardens Arts Festival has presented its blissful event in mid-October as the leaves begin to turn and the days grow chilly. The neighborhood vibes are warm for the 100+ visual art vendors and live performing bands.
MUSIC
Rockin’ On The River: Lucky 757
September 20
126 E. Severn Road
Details at hope-house.org
A backyard party featuring Lucky 757’s rockabilly sounds. Benefits Hope House Foundation. 6 PM.
5th Annual One Love Reggae Music Festival
October 4
Coastal Fermentory
A great list of regional reggae band playing noon to 9:30 PM includes Eastern Standard Time, Nature’s Child, Rio, Cultivated Mind, Lionsbridge, Trevor Daniel & The Reef, Native Dread and more.
THEATRE
Proteus Festival
October 2-10
Zeiders American Dream Theater
A celebration of theater, music, comedy, and art of all forms.
New Plays Festival is October 2-4; Creative Teams on October 9; and Music Contest October 10.
The festival concludes with a Block Party on Oct. 11 from 3-7 PM followed by Plan B Comedy performance at 8 PM. Free to attend.
FOOD & DRINK
Neptune’s 28th Annual Fall Wine Festival
September 12-13
31st Street Park @ The Oceanfront
Enjoy more than 60 wines from 15+ Virginia wineries.
Taste of Suffolk
September 13
Downtown Suffolk
A downtown street festival featuring foods served by local restaurants and craft beer from Nansemond Brewing Station. Live music by Roberta Lea, BJ Griffin, Bennett Walker Wales, Snackbar Jones, and Amy Kaus. 11 AM to 8 PM.
Phish Pre-Show Party/Mothership Golden Ale Release
September 20
St George Brewing Company
The brewery partnered with the city of Hampton for the release of Mothership Pale Ale. Live music by Dead Rise from 1-5 PM. Local vendors and food.
Williamsburg Pancake Festival
September 26-27
Williamsburg Hellenic Center
This ticketed celebration of breakfast bliss invites you to roll out in your coziest PJ set and indulge in a family-fun evening full of pancakes, music from Tidewater Drive Band, and activities. 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Petals & Pairings
September 27
Norfolk Botanical Gardens
Indulge in an unforgettable evening of culinary experiences, wine and craft beer pairings, and live entertainment. Benefits Ronald McDonald House Norfolk. 6:30 PM.
Portsmouth Fall Wine Fest
October 5
Portsmouth Pavilion Festival Park
This is a new wine festival being held from noon to 6 PM.
Liquid Art Beer Fest
October 10-12
24th Street Park @ The Oceanfront
Commonwealth Brewing Company has partnered with the Boardwalk Art Show to create a unique beer festival featuring independent craft breweries unknown to most in the 757 region. Commonwealth’s Liquid Art DIPA will make its 2025 debut.
37th Annual Town Point Virginia Wine Festival
October 18-19
Town Point Park, Norfolk
One of fall’s highlights is savoring Virginia wines on the Elizabeth River. Enjoy vino from some 60+ wineries.
CULTURAL
Fall Fest
September 20
Virginia Zoo
It’s time to fall in love with this cozy, small-town-inspired evening offers something for everyone, from nostalgic games to elevated tastings, all while soaking in the crisp evening air and golden-hour views.
Families will love the old-fashioned sack races, classic carnival games, and the charm of a curated fall market featuring handmade goods and seasonal finds. Local food trucks will serve up fall flavors, while live music sets the tone for a festive evening.
For guests 21+, enjoy bourbon and craft beer tastings from local favorites Tarnished Truth Distillery and Elation Brewing, included with your ticket. 5 PM to 8:30 PM.
Colors of the Diaspora Gala & Fundraiser
September 21
Slover Library
The Tidewater African Cultural Alliance invites you to a dazzling gala fundraiser honoring the legacy, artistry, and unity that connect us across continents and generations. Enjoy an immersive blend of: Live performances; Afro Caribbean cuisine; Culture—all in support of expanding African cultural education and community programming in Hampton Roads; and Golden Gourd Awards honoring 7 of our community leaders.
IgNITE: Lagoon
October 3
Chrysler Museum of Art
Dance the night away with DJ sets, circus performances, and a monster costume contest for all those who love to dress up and are inspired by the mystery of… what lies beneath.
Just in time to celebrate a gifted and versatile maker, Tapio Wirkkala, whose exhibition will be on view at the Museum, Lagoon celebrates his belief that “all materials have their own unwritten laws…” Join this amazing conglomeration of contemporary artists, pop-up installations, creative collaboration, and our community’s wonderful waterways. 7-10 PM.
Fil Fest USA 2025
October 3-5
Rudee Loop of Virginia Beach
A celebration of Filipino culture including a Tinikling Challenge and live music by Ruby Ibarra (Oct 4., 6 PM). Free admission.
35th Annual Virginia Children’s Festival
October 4
Town Point Park, Norfolk
A full array of children’s activities of music, art, dance, pirates, storytelling, face painting and more. $5 admission.
Historic Phoebus Fall Fest
October 11, 10 AM – 6 PM
Mellen Street/Historic Phoebus
A fun street festival featuring retail and food vendors, plus entertainment.
Zoo Boo
October 18-19
Virginia Zoo
Families with kids of all ages are encouraged to wear their costumes and receive treats along your stroll at the Zoo. Timed ticket reservations are required for this popular event. 9 AM to 5 PM.
Adult Night Zoo Boo Edition
October 24
Virginia Zoo
For adults 21 and over, a Halloween party with beverages, food, and music. Dress in your wildest costume. 5-8 PM.
Masquerade In Ghent
October 24
Colley Avenue/Norfolk
This annual street party celebrating Halloween includes costume contests, food/drinks, and live music from Wonderland. 6-10 PM. Free.
Mariners’ Park Fall Festival
November 1
Mariners Museum Park
Enjoy an autumn afternoon filled with family-friendly activities, pumpkin decorating, live music, beer and cider tastings, food trucks, and more.
Virginia Beach Jeep Fest 2025
November 7-9
Virginia Beach Oceanfront between 20th & 37th Streets on the Beach
Enjoy sunrise beach cruises or push the limit on the sand obstacle course. Show off your ride, check out the latest Jeep accessories, and immerse yourself in all things Jeep!
