May 2025
Make the most of springtime with the ultimate lineup of May events in Virginia Beach. Whether you’re into live music, wine tastings, monster truck rallies, or family-friendly festivals, there’s something happening around every corner. Here’s what’s happening this month in Virgin Beach:
Atlantic Coast Kite Festival
May 4 – May 5
Soar into the fun at the Atlantic Coast Kite Festival on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, between 16th and 18th Streets. This free annual weekend festival wows with a sky full of colorful and creative high-flying kites. It also features kite-making workshops, kite-flying demos and a competition to crown the best of the best kites. Keep your eyes on the sky for giant kites, some stretching up to 80 feet long. If you’re looking to snag a kite of your own, you are in luck because there will be plenty for sale at the event.
Virginia International PAN Fest
May 9 – May 10
The Virginia International PANFest brings the vibrant and pulsing island sounds of the Caribbean to the 24th Street Stage on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The headliner of the two-day festival is Leon Foster Thomas, an accomplished jazz musician and steel pan player.
Beach Music Weekend
May 10 – May 11
Get into the groove at the free and uber-popular Beach Music Weekend at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Bring a folding beach chair and settle in at the outdoor stage at 17th Street Park for this free beach music event featuring nostalgic vibes from musical groups like The Catalinas and Band of Oz. Tap your toes in the sun-drenched sand, then dance the night away under a sky full of stars. If all the dancing works up your appetite, order some delicious bites from nearby food trucks. Don’t leave without checking out the classic car show, displaying vintage beauties from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Pungo Offroad Monsters on the Beach
May 16 – May 19
Rev your engines and get ready for the adrenaline-pumping thrills of Pungo Offroad Monsters on the Beach at the Oceanfront. This high-octane, family-friendly event transforms the beachfront into an action-packed arena for monster trucks eager to clash for dominance. Serious feats of strength will be on display as monster trucks crush cars, fly through the air and rev it up – all to the delight of thrill-seekers and anyone who loves a good monster truck battle. This unforgettable experience even features elevated add-ons, like monster truck rides and driver meet-and-greets.
20th Annual Neptune Spring Wine Festival
May 17
Taste your way around the world through over 70 wines from the U.S., France, Argentina, and beyond, all while enjoying delicious food truck bites and vibrant live music at the Neptune Spring Wine Festival. There are also zero-proof options for visitors interested in non-alcoholic wines and seltzers. Tickets from $40.
May 17
For years, the nearby agricultural district of Pungo held a beloved strawberry festival, one filled with strawberry bake-offs, arts and crafts shows, and even a parade. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the event shut down and was never revived – until this year. Now taking place in The Artery District, the revamped Strawberry Fest at The Beach features live music, pie-eating contests and all the strawberry treats you can dream up.
Oceanfront Concert Series
May 22 – September 19
Every Wednesday evening all summer long, enjoy the free musical performances of the Oceanfront Concert Series. With performers of all genres, you’re sure to find a new favorite artist or band to groove to. Bring your beach chairs and blankets, grab some snacks from the nearby vendors and settle in for a relaxing night of music under the stars. The concerts typically run from 7pm to 9pm.
USO Experience Virginia Beach Concert Series
May 30 – June 1
Enjoy fantastic live performances without spending a dime at the three-day USO Experience Virginia Beach Concert Series. Taking place at the 17th and 24th Street Parks, these free performances offer a wonderful opportunity to listen to great music from all genres and show your support for the military-focused USO non-profit.
HOLIDAY EVENTS
Cinco de Mayo Events
Celebrate the best of Mexican culture with the Cinco de Mayo events around Virginia Beach.
Virginia Beach Taco Festival
May 3 – May 4
On Cinco de Mayo weekend, the Virginia Beach Taco Festival is coming to The Shack on 8th. There, you’ll find the city’s best food trucks and restaurants serving up some of the tastiest tacos around for just $4 a pop.
Mother’s Day Events
Treat your mom to a mouthwatering brunch this Mother’s Day.
Becca Brunch at The Historic Cavalier Hotel
May 11
Each of the dining establishments at The Historic Cavalier Hotel goes all out for its Mother’s Day meals, but there’s something extra special about the brunch at Becca. With everything from housemade cinnamon buns to local oysters on the halfshell to a classy Cavalier benedict, this morning meal is an absolute treat.
Mother’s Day Brunch at Swan Terrace Grill
May 11
Tucked inside The Founders Inn & Spa, The Swan Terrace Grill is a Virginia Beach classic for Mother’s Day brunch. The buffet spread features loads of delicious options, including a chilled seafood station, an omelet station and a prime rib carving station. Reservations required.
Memorial Day Weekend Events
Pay your respects to the fallen members of the U.S. military in a few different ways this Memorial Day weekend.
Salute to Summer
May 23 – May 25
Every evening throughout Memorial Day weekend, the Salute to Summer concerts rock the Oceanfront with performers from all genres of music. Find the stages at 17th Street Park, 24th Street Park and 31st Street Park.
VB Surf Art Expo
May 24 – May 26
Just as its name implies, the VB Surf Art Expo brings together many of the best surf artists in the region. Peruse pieces in just about every medium you can dream of – from painting and sculptures to glass and jewelry.
Coastal Edge Steel Pier Classic
May 25
Just across the beach from the VB Surf Art Expo is the Coastal Edge Steel Pier Classic, a renowned surf competition. Watch the pros take to the Virginia Beach waves during this World Surf League 1000 long boarding event.
Run to Remember
May 26
Run to Remember may be the most overtly Memorial Day-focused event of the weekend. Started in honor of four Navy SEALS who were killed while serving, this 5k run/walk (and accompanying children’s one mile fun run) directly benefits organizations supporting military families and veterans.
LIVE PERFORMANCES
If you’re in the mood for a live show – whether it be enthralling music or a captivating play – you’re in luck! There’s no shortage of live events this May in Virginia Beach.
Little Theatre of Virginia Beach
May 11 & 25
Catch a showing of Ripcord at the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach, a comedic play by award-winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire. Follow the story of Abby Binder and Marilyn Dunne, a grumpy-sunshine duo living at the Bristol Place Senior Living Facility, as they engage in a hilarious and increasingly absurd battle of wills after being forced to share a room. Tickets start at $25.
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Throughout May
The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts has some of the classiest performances in Virginia Beach this May. Listen to the talented Virginia Symphony Orchestra bring contemporary Star Wars pieces to life during The Music of Star Wars performance on May 4, or enjoy their take on the classic MAHLER Symphony No. 9 to life on May 10. For a full list of performances, refer to the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts’ event page.
The Dome
Throughout May
Back in the ‘90s, The Dome was a wonderful Virginia Beach event venue that was demolished in 1994. Now, on May 4, 2025, The Dome is officially reopening in all its reincarnated glory as part of the soon-to-open Atlantic Park development in Virginia Beach. Three Dog Night (May 4) – the last act to play before The Dome closed in 1993 – will also serve as the inaugural performer at the venue, with other musical greats including Melissa Etheridge & Joss Stone (May 5) and Pat Benatar & Neil Girlado (May 7) taking to the stage later in the week. For a full list of performances, refer to The Dome’s website.
Funny Bone Comedy Club
Throughout May
Get ready to laugh until you cry with an evening out at the Funny Bone Comedy Club. With over a dozen performers spread throughout all of May – including Godfrey (May 2), Akaash Singh (May 9 – May 10), Ms. Pat (May 16 – May 17), Damon Darling (May 23 – May 24), and Josh Wolf (May 31) – the state is set for a month of comedic brilliance that you won’t want to miss. For a full list of performances, refer to Funny Bone Comedy Club’s event calendar.
Zeiders American Dream Theater
Throughout May
From May 9 to May 24, Zeiders American Dream Theater is running As You Love It, an LGBTQ+ show that follows the journey of Lydia, an effervescent young woman looking to make her mark on New York City. On May 31, the theater is putting on I’ll Huff and I’ll Puff: The Absolutely True Story of the Big Bad Wolf, perfect for kids of all ages. For a full list of performances, refer to Zeiders American Dream Theater’s event calendar.
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Written by Erin Gifford
Erin Gifford is a Virginia-based travel and outdoors writer. She especially enjoys writing about road trips, outdoor recreation and national parks. Her credits include Parents, The Washington Post, Thrillist, TIME and AFAR.com. She has written three hiking guidebooks for Falcon Guides and has created a hiking website, GoHikeVirginia.com. She also runs half marathons and is working toward completing one in all 50 states (so far, she has checked off 36 states).
