The Coastal City Hosts Artistic Fêtes, Dolphin-Watching Boat Trips, Sporting Events, Culinary Celebrations, an Easter Egg Hunt and More This April
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (April 14, 2014) – With warmer days ahead, Virginia Beach is welcoming spring with a variety of outdoor events. With an abundance of parks and waterways, beaches, outdoor entertainment, year-round sporting events and wildlife, it’s not surprising Virginia Beach is consistently named one of “America’s Fittest Cities.” She-crab, kayaking and the arts - Virginia Beach invites you to live the life.
Virginia Arts Festival
April 2 – May 29
The Virginia Arts Festival kicks off in April, launching two months of incredible music, dance and theater performances by world-renowned artists in Virginia Beach and surrounding cities. Notable performances and events taking place in Virginia Beach include the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (April 2), Virginia Symphony Orchestra performance with violinist Joshua Bell and conductor JoAnn Falletta (May 3), PANorama Caribbean Music Fest (May 9 – 10) and the Coffee Concert III (May 21). www.VAFest.org
Mid-Atlantic Home & Garden Show
April 11-13
The Tidewater Builders Association is sponsoring the Mid-Atlantic Home & Garden Show, featuring area exhibitors and an exciting lineup of HGTV celebrity home and garden experts, such as William Moss of HGTV's "Dig In" and Alison Victoria, host of the popular “Crashes” series. Other event highlights include the Xpogo Stunt Team and Great Meatball Challenge, in which area chefs will create their best meatballs, to be judged by Top Chef Mike Isabella and the first 100 attendees. www.MidAtlanticHomeShow.com
National Field Hockey League - 2014 Spring Tournament
April 12 – 13
The National Field Hockey League will host its Spring Tournament April 12-13 at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex. Admission and parking are free to fans supporting one of the 25 participating teams, which include the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Georgetown University, Penn State, Temple University and Dartmouth among others. www.NationalFieldHockeyLeague.com
1st Annual Rudee Paddle
April 19
Paddle for a good cause! The 1st Annual Rudee Paddle will include short-distance standup paddleboard (SUP) sprints, 3.5-mile middle distance races and an attempt to break the record for most people doing yoga on SUP boards in one place at one time. Proceeds benefit families of U. S. Navy SEALs and The Rudee Inlet Foundation, which aims to protect the waterways of Owls Creek and Rudee Inlet. www.RudeePaddle.com
Town Fair at Town Center
April 18
Enjoy an outdoor artisan market during the Town Fair at Town Center featuring local handmade, fair-trade art and goods at the Fountain Plaza in Virginia Beach’s downtown. www.VABeachTownCenter.com
Hunt for a Deal in Town Center
April 19
Virginia Beach’s Town Center hosts an Easter event made just for shoppers. On April 19, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., shop at Town Center retail stores, and pick an egg from their basket. Each contains a surprise, such as discounts, gift certificates, prizes and more! www.VABeachTownCenter.com
Quest for the Golden Egg at Founder’s Inn & Spa
April 20
Celebrate Easter with brunch and a Quest for the Golden Egg at the Founder’s Inn & Spa. Bring the kids for hunts at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. to search for three special eggs, containing family prizes, such as a seasonal family pool membership, voucher for Sunday brunch for four and Afternoon Tea for four. Children can also enjoy a visit from the Easter bunny, face painting, petting zoo, balloon art and an arts and crafts workshop. The special Easter stay and play package includes two-night accommodations with breakfast daily and Easter Sunday Brunch. www.FoundersInn.com
East Coast She-Crab Soup Classic
April 26
The East Coast She-Crab Soup Classic puts area restaurants head-to-head in this competition of delicious seafood. Chefs’ recipes must please guests and a panel of Hampton Roads food critics in order to win a “Peoples’ Choice Award” or “Critics’ Choice Award.” Plaques for all winners are awarded to be displayed in restaurants, where chefs enjoy bragging rights for a full year. Tickets are limited. www.BeachStreetUSA.com
Kayak Angler Tournament
April 26-27
Fishermen put their angling skills to the test at the Kayak Angler Tournament hosted by Adventure Kayak Tours. Participants must reel in their catch from a kayak, canoe or other man-powered boat and are awarded one point per inch of fish of any species. Anglers who haul in the biggest fish at this catch-photo-and-release competition win bragging rights for the year. www.AdventureKayakTours.net
Town Center Craft Beer Fest
May 3
Mark your calendars for the first-ever Town Center Craft Beer Fest. More than 50 craft beers from more than 25 breweries will be available for sampling. Tickets include sampling and live entertainment. Local Virginia brewing companies include O’Connor, Smartmouth, Back Bay, St. George, Ale Werks, Legend, Starr Hill, Devils Backbone and Sunken City. www.VABeachTownCenter.com
Celebrate spring in Virginia Beach. Request more info, by calling the Virginia Beach CVB at 1-800-VA-BEACH.
