Things to Do in Virginia Beach This September

September 2025

As September ushers in the start of fall, it’s far from “sweater weather” in Virginia Beach. Get ready to soak up the sun at outdoor concerts, sand sculpting competitions and even a wine festival. Here’s what you don’t want to miss in September!

Festivals and Events

Oceanfront Concert Series

September 10

After gracing the Virginia Beach Oceanfront with free Wednesday concerts all summer long, the Oceanfront Concert Series is coming to a close with one final performance on September 10. Featuring the rock band Say Anything and special guest Madd Francis, it’ll be an unforgettable finale. The concert takes place at 24th Street Park and runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Fall Wine Festival

September 12 – September 13

Get ready to sip and savor more than 60 wines from vineyards and wineries across Virginia at the 28th Annual Fall Wine Festival on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront at 31st Street Park. This year’s festival will feature more than a dozen esteemed wineries, including Mattaponi Winery and Zoll Vineyards, promising an unforgettable weekend for wine enthusiasts. Add live music and local food truck bites into the mix, and you’ve got yourself an event to remember. Tickets start at $40.

India Fest

September 13

Taking place at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, India Fest is a vibrant day-long celebration of Indian culture. Enjoy Bollywood dancing and music, yoga demonstrations, fashion shows and jewelry, henna/mehendi and face-painting, an Indian bazaar and vendors, plus plenty of flavorful Indian cuisine. Even better, admission and parking at the event are both free!

SonRise Music Festival

September 13–14

Brightening up the Virginia Beach Oceanfront with faith-filled rhythms, the SonRise Music Festival returns to wrap the season in spiritual celebration, September 13–14. Featuring Grammy- and Dove-nominated Ryan Ellis and acclaimed worship leader Kate Stanford, plus an inspiring appearance by special guest speaker Sean Rodriguez, it promises to be a weekend of uplifting music and powerful messages. Held at 24th Street Park on the beach, festivities kick off at 4 p.m. on Saturday and continue with family-friendly worship and connection through Sunday morning.

130th Anniversary at the de Witt Cottage

September 20

Take a step back in time at the oldest remaining private structure on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, the de Witt Cottage. The property was originally purchased back in 1895 and was used as a private residence for most of its 130-year-long life. It was only in 1995 that the cottage became open to the public, as the home of the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage — which happens to be celebrating its 30th anniversary, too.

To celebrate both anniversaries, the cottage is hosting an auction with live and online bidding. Two wildfowl decoys are up for grabs, both made by local carving legends Mark and Ian McNair. Proceeds from the auction will go towards supporting the museum for years to come. The opening reception will be Saturday, September 20, with VIP admission starting at 3 p.m. and general admission starting at 4 p.m.

Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend

September 26 – September 28 

One of the biggest annual events in Virginia Beach, the Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend is jam-packed with activities for three days straight. At the Neptune Festival Art & Craft Show, more than 200 artisans come together to show off their wares. At the Neptune Surfing Classic, watch surfers of all ages take to the Virginia Beach waves. At the Grand Parade, spot Queen Neptune and her court amongst the marching bands and cheerleaders. And let’s not forget the 20+ concerts going on throughout the weekend!

International Sand Sculpting Championship

September 26 – October 5

The International Sand Sculpting Championship is one of those Virginia Beach events that simply can’t be missed. Watch artists at work as they transform regular ol’ sand into massive, elaborate sculptures that’ll have you gaping in awe. In previous years, competitors have made everything from castles to whales to King Neptune himself.

Dock Dogs

September 26 – September 28

Dock Dogs is a free, family-friendly event featuring the most adorable tail-waggers in Virginia Beach. Dogs show off their skills as they run, jump and fetch, then splash into a refreshing swimming pool. It’s without a doubt one of the best things to do in Virginia Beach with your pups.

Live Performances

Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater

Throughout September

Though summer is coming to a close, the outdoor concerts don’t have to end. At Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater, you can catch some fantastic performances by James Taylor (September 3), blink-182 (September 4) and Alice Cooper & Judas Priest (September 24), all under open Virginia Beach skies. For a full list of performances, refer to the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater’s event page.

Sandler Center for the Performing Arts

Throughout September

This September, Sandler Center for the Performing Arts has quite a diverse range of events, for everyone from foodies to audiophiles. Get your music fix at concerts featuring Steven Curtis Chapman (September 11) and Ryan Adams (September 13). If you’d prefer, experience the magic of rock and film combined during a special screening of Stop Making Sense (September 16), complete with a post-screening Q&A session featuring Jerry Harrison of the Talking Heads. Last but not least, the center welcomes MasterChef All-Stars Live! (September 26), a new stage show during which you can watch your favorite MasterChef contestants compete live head-to-head. For a full list of performances, check out the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts’ event page.

The Dome

Throughout September

The Dome is welcoming some incredible artists to its stage this September. You’ll find some of the top artists from nearly every genre – from country’s Maren Morris (September 16), rock and punk’s Papa Roach & Rise Against (September 17), reggae’s Ziggy Marley & Burning Spear (September 22), and hip-hop and country’s Shaboozey (September 27). As a bonus, iconic comedians Steve Martin and Martin Short also have a show (September 19) at this popular Virginia Beach venue this September. For a full list of performances, see The Dome’s website.

Funny Bone Comedy Club

Throughout September

Get a load of laughs this month with a visit to Funny Bone Comedy Club. Popular comedians this month include Ryan Davis (September 5 – September 6), George Wallace (September 12 – September 13) and the trio of Sheryl Underwood, Kyle Erby and Mike Washington (September 26 – September 28). For a full list of performances, refer to Funny Bone Comedy Club’s event calendar.

Little Theatre of Virginia Beach

September 12 – October 5

This September, Little Theatre of Virginia Beach is starting its run of “Sleuth,” a Tony Award-winning play written by Anthony Shaffer. Throughout the two-act play, there will be games and manipulation, cleverness and cunning, that’ll have you questioning what is fiction and what is reality. Tickets start at $25.