The Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Oceanfront
The summer’s most anticipated live music events happen on the stages along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk along Oceanfront, which hosts everything from indie bands to Jefferson Starship and a Latin music festival. They’re part of the Oceanfront Concert Series, which brings full-scale shows to the shore on select summer nights. You’ll also find musicians entertaining the masses along the boardwalk every night as part of Live! On Atlantic, bringing a summerlong soundtrack to the Oceanfront beach.
Waterman’s Surfside Grill, Oceanfront
Waterman’s Surfside Grill is a classic, beachfront burger joint that has evolved over its 60+ years into a full-service seafood restaurant, offering an impressive menu alongside its signature Orange Crush cocktail. Grab a table by the beach or head upstairs to The Attic, where you’ll find some of the area’s best local bands belting it out in an intimate space.
Catch 31, Oceanfront
Technically, the Summer Concert Series – which has welcomed the likes of The Wailers and Vertical Horizon – is open to anyone who wants to pull up a chair. But why not enjoy it with a fish sandwich and cold beer in hand, kicking back at a stageside table at Catch 31? This Oceanfront restaurant has a front-row seat to the park, so your meal always comes with one of Virginia Beach’s best views, even if a concert isn't on.
Calypso Bar & Grill, Oceanfront
Rainy day? No problem. That never stops the music at the Calypso Bar & Grill, where live bands and DJs perform under the largest covered patio on the beach. In addition to great music, you’ll also find some of the area’s top tacos on the menu, whether you’re feeling jerk chicken, carne asada or fried shrimp.
Back Bay Beach House Brewing Co., Oceanfront
During the day, few places are better for cooling off with a cold beer than Back Bay Beach House Brewing Co., situated on Oceanfront. The beach house vibes are strong, with open windows looking out on the beach, so you never miss the sunshine. Stick around on Saturday nights and you’ll be treated to live bands in The Lounge, creating the perfect blend of craft beer and music for a quintessential Virginia Beach experience.
Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub, Oceanfront
You might feel a little confused when you walk into Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub and hear live reggae music coming from the stage. That’s precisely the appeal of this longstanding Oceanfront Irish pub, where they’re happy to regale you with traditional Celtic tunes but mix in some rock and country, too. Their music is best enjoyed on Murphy’s sunny patio, which effectively creates an outdoor concert venue in the summer.
Hot Tuna, Chesapeake Bay
Stroll by the boisterous Hot Tuna in Chesapeake Bay on a Friday or Saturday night and you’ll almost always hear music pouring out of open-front garage doors. While the fresh Atlantic seafood draws the crowds during the week, the restaurant’s stage hosts popular local acts on weekends. So, it’s a great place to get a sense of the Virginia Beach music scene and the spectacular food scene simultaneously.
HK On the Bay, Chesapeake Bay
HK On the Bay is an unassuming little pitched-roof restaurant just a couple of blocks from the water, but you know what they say about judging a book by its cover; HK serves up some of the best seafood dishes in all of Hampton Roads. The daily catch specials taste especially good when accompanied by local musicians, who take the small stage inside the restaurant on Saturday nights. The space is small, and the music can get loud, but if you’re into that kind of immersion, HK’s is tough to beat.
Taste Unlimited, Chesapeake Bay
Perusing the Chesapeake Bay District, you might be tempted to stop into Taste Unlimited for its unique collection of gourmet foods like house-made hot sauces and fresh baked goods. You’ll definitely want to stick around for a sandwich, too. Then savor it a little longer and take in the Live on the Lawn concert series, where happy hour turns into twilight to the sounds of live local bands.
Froggie’s BBQ, Chesapeake Bay
A great barbecue joint is always a fantastic find, and if you’re searching for brisket and ribs make your way to Froggie’s BBQ smoke shack just across the bridge from Lynnhaven Inlet. The country-meets-beach atmosphere pairs perfectly with the food and kicks up a big notch whenever a band takes the stage. Blues, bluegrass, country, and southern rock sounds fill the room like musical mesquite smoke. And despite being blocks from the water, the place feels like a backcountry roadhouse.
The Outdoor Plaza of Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Town Center
Town Center’s Sandler Center for the Performing Arts' outdoor plaza becomes one of the summer’s hottest outdoor music venues on Wednesday nights through August. That’s when Ynot Italian’s Ynot Wednesdays take over the plaza, bringing live concerts ranging from rock to big brass and Motown. You can also enjoy pizza and other bites from Ynot Italian, as well as beer, wine and cocktails.
Blue Pete’s, Pungo
Set along an idyllic canal a stone’s throw from Back Bay, Blue Pete’s in Pungo is one of VBs best places for fresh seafood and lush scenery. The calm setting lends itself well to the relaxing live bands that play here regularly, adding a serene soundtrack to the outdoor experience.
Elevation 27, Inland
For something a little larger than the collection of bars with live music along the beach, go inland to Elevation 27, a 600-person venue for local and touring bands. Named for its elevation 27 feet above sea level, the venue provides an intimate place to catch larger acts and also features a solid on-site restaurant. Summer concerts include performances by Waxing Poetics, We the Kings, Midnight Rain: A Live Taylor Swift Tribute Band, Jazz is Dead: Explorations into the Music of Grateful Dead and more.
Scandals Live!, Inland
Another fantastic venue for catching touring bands is Scandals Live!, which isn’t really scandalous at all but can get wild when the right band is in town. It’s a favorite stop for smaller bands traveling the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, and its small, intimate size makes interacting with musicians very much part of the experience. Upcoming summer concerts include performances by Evergreen Terrace in July and King 810 in August.
Writer Bio:
Matt Meltzer is a travel and food writer who has written extensively about the United States. He's a former staff writer with Thrillist and Matador Network, and his work has appeared in National Geographic Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler and other national publications. Follow his adventures on Instagram @meltrez1.
