The Summer Fun Has Just Begun in Virginia Beach

This June, Virginia Beach Offers a Month of Artistic ViBes, Live Music, Outdoor Adventures, Historic Airplanes, Classic Cars and More

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (June 1, 2015) – Virginia Beach is embracing the summer heat by filling up the long days of sunshine with exciting events taking place each weekend. This month, visitors can meet the artisans of the new ViBe Creative District, celebrate our military at a music festival, conquer the Chesapeake Bay by paddleboard, witness daredevil maneuvers by WWII airplanes during Flying Proms, head off the coast to catch big fish and much, much more.

A CREATIVE ViBe

Explore Virginia Beach’s newly designated ViBe Creative District during First Friday ViBe (June 5), when local artisans and shops extend their hours to feature special events, music, food and other entertainment throughout the neighborhood’s galleries and stores, located just steps off the oceanfront boardwalk at the Resort Beach.

Later in the month, hit the annual Boardwalk Art Show (June 18-21) as it celebrates its 60th anniversary and peruse blocks of fine art, great food and live entertainment. The prestigious event is sponsored by the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) with vetted artworks displayed along the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. To get the VIP experience, opt for tickets to the Boardwalk Beach Club, an 80-foottented space along the boardwalk offering valet parking, an open bar, lunch service and beautiful ocean views.

ROCK TO THE RHYTHM OF THE WAVES

Kick off your shoes and dance in the sand at Sandstock – A Tribute to Rock & Roll (June 12-14), a beach-inspired variation on Woodstock. Tribute artists will crank out hit after hit, covering popular favorites by Elton John, the Allman Brothers, the Grateful Dead and other rock titans on “dueling” stages at 24th Street on the Resort Beach.

A few blocks up the boardwalk, at Neptune Park on 31st Street, families will find uplifting alternative music during the Sonrise Music Festival (June 12-14). The family-friendly event will feature artists from a myriad of musical genres such as top 40, hip hop, indie and inspirational, plus a plethora of activities, including comedians, a children’s fun tent, speakers, contests and more.

Catch the fever and “Shake Your Bon Bon” during Hardee’s Latin Fest (June 26-27), a cultural weekend featuring authentic music and delicious cuisine! The fun takes place at 24th Street Park with live bands playing Salsa and Merengue rhythms under the stars. During the day, shake and shimmy during the Zumba fitness marathon or enjoy the vendors and cultural activities.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Stop by the 2015 North American Sand Soccer Championships (June 5-7), taking place between 14th and 36th streets at the Resort Beach, to see 10,000 talented players from 16 states and 20 countries compete during this renowned and free-to-watch oceanfront festival. The highlight of NASSC weekend is the international men’s U.S. OPEN, during which ten highly skilled teams battle for the title of U.S. National Champion.

Adventurous dads will love spending Father’s Day at the Cape 2 Cape Paddle Crossing (June 21), near Chesapeake Bay Beach. The inaugural event takes place at First Landing State Park with a weekend medley of fun, yet challenging races culminating in a 19-mile Chesapeake Bay crossing staged for the most elite racers in the world. Afterwards, take in the sunset over the water and treat dad to a brew and fresh seafood from one of the nearby dockside restaurants.

Catch the big one and win a boatload of prizes at the annual Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament (June 24-27), kicking off at Marina Shores Yacht Club, near Chesapeake Bay Beach. The tournament is 100 percent payout, with last year’s winners hauling off $127,650. After each day of fishing, all participants can tie-up and join the evening dockside parties featuring live music, great food and drinks on the water.

PLANES, PROMS AND AUTOMOBILES

Set the cruise control and head to Virginia Beach to get your classic car fix during the Springfest 6 Car Show (June 6) at the Convention Center. Browse the rare car showcases, including the East Coast Rotary Classic, watch the RC Drift competition, check out Mobile AWD Dyno or simply enjoy the event’s live music, food, raffles and giveaways.

The Military Aviation Museum, near Sandbridge Beach, will once again host its annual Flying Proms (June 13) air show. Visitors can see the beauty of vintage WWI and WWII aircraft flying maneuvers accompanied by live music courtesy of the Symphonicity orchestra. Evening festivities will include movie viewings starring the museum’s rare aircraft, a choreographed patriotic air show and a spectacular fireworks display finale!

RUNNING ALL SUMMER LONG

The Virginia Aquarium Family Great Adventure Series (June 25) is all about discovery and entertainment at the Resort Beach. Throughout the summer, families can take part in an interactive adventure that leads them to various sites along the boardwalk and Atlantic Avenue to unravel a mystery. During each adventure, participants dress up as characters, using “brain and brawn” to win the contest at hand and settle into the sand for a family-friendly themed movie shown on a giant inflatable screen on the beach! All events are free and open to the public.

Head downtown for the Town Fair at Town Center (June 19), featuring local handmade art, jewelry, goods and fair trade merchandise.  On the third Friday of each month, now through September, residents and visitors alike can stroll around the fountain plaza of Town Center to view more than 30 merchants’ handmade and fair trade goods.

There is no better way to spend spring than at these sand-tacular events in Virginia Beach. To learn more about Virginia Beach, plan a stay or request a complimentary vacation guide, contact the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau by calling 1-800-VA-BEACH or going to www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com.