Planning Events and Entertainment for 2021

Planning for the 2021 entertainment events and activities is under way and we are considering changes that would freshen up the lineup and introduce new options for residents and visitors alike to enjoy. Some of the events will be returning fan favorites, some are being updated and others are new to our community. While many will be free, some will require a paid admission just as they do now. Your input will help guide planning efforts.

A few things to keep in mind:

These events take place in the city's oceanfront area.
The goal is to offer a mix of options.
These events and activities are funded, in full or in part, through the Tourism Investment Program, which is made up mostly of tourism-related taxes and fees like hotel taxes, portions of the restaurant taxes and rental fees.

The survey will be open for input through Friday, December 4, 2020.

Thank you for your help.

Returning Events

These events are fan favorites we're planning to bring back for 2021. How do you rate them?

East Coast She-Crab Soup Classic features local restaurants serving up their special recipes. They compete, you eat and vote for the best of the best. April.

Love It

Like It

Eh...

Not So Much

Please No

Closed to responses

Live! On Atlantic in the Parks will feature the hottest local bands, magic shows, a circus, classical music AND interactive family entertainment in oceanfront parks. May-September. Free.

Love it

Like It

Eh...

Not So Much

Please No

Closed to responses

Virginia International PANfest features world-class performers playing Caribbean music. May. Free evening concerts.

Love It

Like It

Eh...

Not So Much

Please No

Closed to responses

Atlantic Kite Fest will be high-flying fun as kite fliers take to the skies along the beach. There will be kites for sale and kite-building workshops. May.

Love It

Like It

Eh...

Not So Much

Please No

Closed to responses

Family Bike Nights invite kids and adults to ride together on paths along Atlantic Ave. and the oceanfront bike path. Decorate your ride or come as you are. April, Oct. and Nov. Free.

Love It

Like It

Eh...

Not So Much

Please No

Closed to responses

Monsters on the Beach brings nationally recognized monster trucks to the beach to battle for ultimate sand domination. Weekend also includes unique vendors and monster truck rides. May.

Love It

Like It

Eh...

Not So Much

Please No

Closed to responses

PRIDE in the Park celebrates the LBGTQ community through music, art, speakers and socials. June.

Love It

Like It

Eh...

Not So Much

Please No

Closed to responses

Patriotic Festival will rock the beach with national music acts on massive beach stage along with other events, activities and displays that pay tribute to our military servicemen and servicewomen. June.

Love It

Like It

Eh...

Not So Much

Please No

Closed to responses

Stars & Stripes Explosion will bring live entertainment on multiple stages at the oceanfront leading up to a spectacular fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. July 4.

Love It

Like It

Eh...

Not So Much

Please No

Closed to responses

Chalk the Walk ARTsplosion transforms the boardwalk at 17th St. into a canvas of color as artists create works of art around a theme. Youth, amateur and professional chalk artists can participate. July.

Love It

Like It

Eh...

Not So Much

Please No

Closed to responses

Funk Fest Beach Party includes national music acts, great food and unique vendors in a weekend-long celebration of everything "funky"! August.

Love It

Like It

Eh...

Not So Much

Please No

Closed to responses

Neptune Festival brings the famous sand sculptures together with more than 40 events, from sports and an arts and crafts show to entertainment and food. October.

Love it

Like it

Eh...

Not So Much

Please No

Closed to responses

Boardwalk Art Show is one of the only outdoor art shows in the country produced by an art museum. It strives to feature the highest caliber of fine art and contemporary crafts. October.

Love it

Like it

Eh...

Not So Much

Please No

Closed to responses

Holiday Lights at the Beach will light up the oceanfront with a drive-through display of holiday lights, nautical themes and adventure scenes while listening to holiday music piped into your vehicle through your radio. Mid-Nov.-Jan. 2.

Love It

Like It

Eh...

Not So Much

Please No

Closed to responses

2021 Holiday Parade features giant balloons, marching bands, lighted floats, equestrian units, fire trucks, performing dance groups, motorcycles, and more to present a dazzling and entertaining night of fun for all ages. Best of all, Santa himself makes a grand appearance. Dec. Free.

Love It

Like It

Eh...

Not So Much

Please No

Closed to responses

Updated Events

These events are being updated/refreshed. Look for new themes, extended days, new interactive activities, changed dates, times and locations. How interested are you in attending each?

Coastal Cruise-In celebrates America's love affair with cars, showcasing collectible cars of all kinds. Along Atlantic Ave. May and October.

I definitely will be there

I probably will be there

I am not sure about this one

I probably won't be there

I definitely won't be there

Closed to responses

Memorial Day Weekend Stars in the Park kicks off summer with a music lover's weekend featuring national bands in our oceanside parks. May. Free.

I definitely will be there

I probably will be there

I am not sure about this one

I probably won't be there

I definitely won't be there

Closed to responses

Totally Tribute Music Festival features national tribute artists bringing some of the greatest sounds of major stars to concerts in the 17th, 24th and 31st street parks. June. Free.

I definitely will be there

I probably will be there

I am not sure about this one

I probably won't be there

I definitely won't be there

Closed to responses

Beach Music Weekend features regional beach music bands playing classic sounds of summer at the beach. September.

I definitely will be there

I probably will be there

I am not sure about this one

I probably won't be there

I definitely won't be there

Closed to responses

LaFiesta! VaB celebrates the sights and sounds of the Latin experience through food, colorful cultural costumes and high-energy music. May.

I definitely will be there

I probably will be there

I am not sure about this one

I probably won't be there

I definitely won't be there

Closed to responses

Family Great Adventure Movie Series provides family fun and film watching on the beach at 29th St on Thursdays in July and August. Free.

I definitely will be there

I probably will be there

I am not sure about this one

I probably won't be there

I definitely won't be there

Closed to responses

New Events

These would be new in town. What do you think? How likely would you be to attend?

ClueZ Family Challenge is an entertaining interactive event that challenges groups/families to solve mysteries by following clues you uncover, the characters you interview and the places you discover. On foot. June.

I definitely will be there

I probably will be there

I am not sure about this one

I probably won't be there

I definitely won't be there

Closed to responses

Halloween Parade that transforms Atlantic Avenue into a "Halloween Highway." Costumed characters, monstrous musicians, frightful floats and BOOlloons will be part of this new magical celebration. October 30.

I definitely will be there

I probably will be there

I am not sure about this one

I probably won't be there

I definitely won't be there

Closed to responses

Stars in the Parks will bring national recording artists to the 17th, 24th and 31st street parks.

I definitely will be there

I probably will be there

I am not sure about this one

I probably won't be there

I definitely won't be there

Closed to responses

VB Incredible Family Race is all about team building and family bonding. You'll need brains AND brawn as teams tackle mental and physical challenges on a race around the Virginia Beach oceanfront. May 15.

I definitely will be there

I probably will be there

I am not sure about this one

I probably won't be there

I definitely won't be there

Closed to responses

Is there another specific event or type of entertainment you don't see here that you'd like to suggest for consideration?

Closed for Comments

Tell us a little about you.

What would deter you from attending events in the entertainment district? (select all that apply)

Crowds

Lack of parking

Don't care for the types of events

Schedule conflicts with other commitments

I work when most of these events take place

No one to go with

Other

Closed to responses

What is the zip code where you live?

Do you work in a hospitality industry?

Yes, hotel/motel

Yes, restaurant

Yes, entertainment

Yes, retail

Closed to responses

Your Age:

41 - 55

33%

26 - 40

29%

56 - 65

20%

66+

11%

18 - 25

Younger than 18

Closed to responses | 1,600 Responses

Provide your email address to receive notices about this project and other public input opportunities.

When is the last time you visited the Virginia Beach oceanfront?

In the last 2 weeks

47%

In the last month

18%

In the last year

15%

In the last 3 months

14%

I don't remember the last time I was there

I never go to the oceanfront

Closed to responses | 1,589 Responses

How often do you typically visit the Virginia Beach oceanfront?

A few times a year

24%

I live there

23%

Monthly

20%

I am there every chance I get

14%

Weekly

14%

Once or twice a year

I never go to the oceanfront

Closed to responses | 1,578 Responses

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Planning Events and Entertainment for 2021

Planning Events and Entertainment for 2021

A few things to keep in mind:

These events take place in the city's oceanfront area.

The goal is to offer a mix of options.

These events and activities are funded, in full or in part, through the Tourism Investment Program, which is made up mostly of tourism-related taxes and fees like hotel taxes, portions of the restaurant taxes and rental fees.

The survey will be open for input through Friday, December 4, 2020.

Thank you for your help.

Returning Events

These events are fan favorites we're planning to bring back for 2021. How do you rate them?

Question title

East Coast She-Crab Soup Classic features local restaurants serving up their special recipes. They compete, you eat and vote for the best of the best. April.

Question title

Live! On Atlantic in the Parks will feature the hottest local bands, magic shows, a circus, classical music AND interactive family entertainment in oceanfront parks. May-September. Free.

Question title

Virginia International PANfest features world-class performers playing Caribbean music. May. Free evening concerts.

Question title

Atlantic Kite Fest will be high-flying fun as kite fliers take to the skies along the beach. There will be kites for sale and kite-building workshops. May.

Question title

Family Bike Nights invite kids and adults to ride together on paths along Atlantic Ave. and the oceanfront bike path. Decorate your ride or come as you are. April, Oct. and Nov. Free.

Question title

Monsters on the Beach brings nationally recognized monster trucks to the beach to battle for ultimate sand domination. Weekend also includes unique vendors and monster truck rides. May.

Question title

PRIDE in the Park celebrates the LBGTQ community through music, art, speakers and socials. June.

Question title

Patriotic Festival will rock the beach with national music acts on massive beach stage along with other events, activities and displays that pay tribute to our military servicemen and servicewomen. June.

Question title

Stars & Stripes Explosion will bring live entertainment on multiple stages at the oceanfront leading up to a spectacular fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. July 4.

Question title

Chalk the Walk ARTsplosion transforms the boardwalk at 17th St. into a canvas of color as artists create works of art around a theme. Youth, amateur and professional chalk artists can participate. July.

Question title

Funk Fest Beach Party includes national music acts, great food and unique vendors in a weekend-long celebration of everything "funky"! August.

Question title

Neptune Festival brings the famous sand sculptures together with more than 40 events, from sports and an arts and crafts show to entertainment and food. October.

Question title

Boardwalk Art Show is one of the only outdoor art shows in the country produced by an art museum. It strives to feature the highest caliber of fine art and contemporary crafts. October.

Question title

Holiday Lights at the Beach will light up the oceanfront with a drive-through display of holiday lights, nautical themes and adventure scenes while listening to holiday music piped into your vehicle through your radio. Mid-Nov.-Jan. 2.

Question title

2021 Holiday Parade features giant balloons, marching bands, lighted floats, equestrian units, fire trucks, performing dance groups, motorcycles, and more to present a dazzling and entertaining night of fun for all ages. Best of all, Santa himself makes a grand appearance. Dec. Free.

Updated Events

These events are being updated/refreshed. Look for new themes, extended days, new interactive activities, changed dates, times and locations. How interested are you in attending each?

Question title

Coastal Cruise-In celebrates America's love affair with cars, showcasing collectible cars of all kinds. Along Atlantic Ave. May and October.

Question title

Memorial Day Weekend Stars in the Park kicks off summer with a music lover's weekend featuring national bands in our oceanside parks. May. Free.

Question title

Totally Tribute Music Festival features national tribute artists bringing some of the greatest sounds of major stars to concerts in the 17th, 24th and 31st street parks. June. Free.

Question title

Beach Music Weekend features regional beach music bands playing classic sounds of summer at the beach. September.

Question title

LaFiesta! VaB celebrates the sights and sounds of the Latin experience through food, colorful cultural costumes and high-energy music. May.

Question title

Family Great Adventure Movie Series provides family fun and film watching on the beach at 29th St on Thursdays in July and August. Free.

New Events

These would be new in town. What do you think? How likely would you be to attend?

Question title

ClueZ Family Challenge is an entertaining interactive event that challenges groups/families to solve mysteries by following clues you uncover, the characters you interview and the places you discover. On foot. June.

Question title

Halloween Parade that transforms Atlantic Avenue into a "Halloween Highway." Costumed characters, monstrous musicians, frightful floats and BOOlloons will be part of this new magical celebration. October 30.

Question title

Stars in the Parks will bring national recording artists to the 17th, 24th and 31st street parks.

Question title

VB Incredible Family Race is all about team building and family bonding. You'll need brains AND brawn as teams tackle mental and physical challenges on a race around the Virginia Beach oceanfront. May 15.

Question title

Is there another specific event or type of entertainment you don't see here that you'd like to suggest for consideration?

Tell us a little about you.

Question title

What would deter you from attending events in the entertainment district? (select all that apply)

Question title

What is the zip code where you live?

Question title

Do you work in a hospitality industry?

Question title

Your Age:

Question title

Provide your email address to receive notices about this project and other public input opportunities.

Question title

When is the last time you visited the Virginia Beach oceanfront?

Question title