April 2024
April in Virginia Beach is a great time to dive into a month packed with fun, food, fitness and farmers markets. From comedy shows and state park events to breathtaking gardens and crafting extravaganzas, April has it all. You’ll even find local celebrations for the total solar eclipse and Earth Week. Get ready to make plans, because here’s what’s on tap for April in Virginia Beach:
Pungo Roots Farmers Market
April 6
Mark your calendars because the monthly Pungo Roots Regenerative Farmers Market has moved their uber-popular and eco-friendly outdoor market from the first Sunday to the first Saturday of the month, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.. You won’t want to miss out on all the farm-fresh and healthy organic veggies at the market. The farm store is open on Fridays and Saturdays.
Old Beach Farmers Market
April 6, 13, 20, 27
The Old Beach Farmers Market bounces back into full swing in April – it’s every Saturday in the month – so swing by the parking lot of Croc’s 19th Street Bistro for a farm-fresh start to your weekend. Bring your trusty reusable shopping bag: You’ll need it to haul all the beautiful, seasonal produce, as well as meats, farm-fresh eggs, artisan cheeses and baked goods (did someone say from-scratch biscuits and pies?). Saturdays are going to be deliciously unforgettable.
Solar Eclipse
April 8
Cosmic vibes are coming to Virginia Beach. We may not be in the path of totality, but that’s not to say that it’s not going to get seriously dark here during the solar eclipse. At 3:21 p.m., more than 80 percent of the sun will be covered by the moon, so a mesmerizing twilight will be cast across the beach. At False Cape State Park, don a pair of stylish viewing glasses to watch the eclipse over Back Bay. First Landing State Park will host an out of this world “Eclipse Extravaganza” at the outdoor amphitheater with popcorn and s’mores. You can also check with your hotel to see if they have an eclipse party planned.
Crush N’ Run 5K
April 13
Lace up your walking or running shoes, because it’s time to “crush” 3.1 miles at the Crush N’ Run 5K. The race starts at Chix on the Beach on 7th Street and continues up the Virginia Beach Boardwalk before looping back at 30th Street. Celebrate as you run or walk across the finish line at 9th Street with a cool finisher’s medal and an Orange Crush (of course). Now in its eighth year, this annual 5K run helps raise money for local charities, such as The Eliza Hope Foundation and An Achievable Dream.
38th Annual Virginia Beach Spring Craft Market
April 19-21
For anyone who’s into all things arts and crafts, including handmade jewelry, photography, woven baskets, candles, glass sculptures, and hand-crafted wood décor, you won’t want to miss the Virginia Beach Spring Craft Market. Seriously, it’s the ultimate haven for crafting enthusiasts. Now in its 38th year, this craft market is a wonderful opportunity to meet skilled artisans and soak up the stories behind their creative works. Dozens of exhibitors will be on hand to display their works, including vendors with tasty food products. Don’t forget to toss your name into the hat for a chance at fabulous door prizes.
Earth Week Celebrations
April 20-28
Virginia Beach is rolling out the green carpet for Earth Day and Earth Week celebrations designed to honor our planet. At Mount Trashmore Park, enjoy a fun day of hands-on activities and eye-opening educational exhibits on April 20. There will be food trucks too, when you need to fuel up before or after your eco-friendly adventure. At First Landing State Park, a week’s worth of workshops and ranger programs kick off on April 20. Topics include upcycling, composting, watersheds, and climate. The week wraps up with a ranger-led beach walk on April 28. Let’s make every day Earth Day!
East Coast She-Crab Soup Classic
April 20
Get ready to dive spoon-first into a hefty helping of she-crab soup, maybe with a sprinkling of cheese or crunchy oyster crackers. At the East Coast She-Crab Soup Classic at 24th Street Park, sample hearty soups from nearly a dozen regional restaurants, all vying for the title of Best She-Crab Soup. Last year’s winners were CP Shuckers Café & Raw Bar (critics’ choice award) and Entre Nous (peoples’ choice award). Come hungry, you’ve got a lot of sampling to do before the sun sets on this wildly flavorful event. Let the soup-tasting showdown begin!
Historic Garden Week in Virginia
April 20-27
Get ready to tiptoe through tulips to mark Historic Garden Week. The Garden Club of Virginia has teamed up with garden clubs from all corners of the state to arrange local tours of fragrant and colorful gardens. On Wednesday, April 24, the Virginia Beach Garden Club and the Princess Anne Garden Club will host trolley tours in the morning and afternoon to show off the secret gardens of private homes across Virginia Beach’s North End. This is your ticket to floral paradise.
Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
Through June 9
Make time for the acclaimed Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, which features an exhibition in the Community Gallery called Witness. This exhibition displays sculptures of birds created by renowned artist Spencer Tinkham. The focus is on the design, structure and fragile beauty of birds, sharing individual narratives of birds through the ages and their roles on the planet. Witness runs through June 9, 2024. Don’t miss this chance to soar through art and nature.
LIVE PERFORMANCES
In April, there’s a lot going on for lovers of theater, musicals, comedy and live music. Take a look at what’s on the schedule in Virginia Beach.
The Dinner Detective
April 13 & 27
There’s been a murder and you can help solve the crime as part of a murder mystery dinner show at APEX Entertainmentcalled The Dinner Detective. The murderer may be in the room – maybe even at the next table. You could be in the spotlight as a prime suspect, even before you’ve finished your salad. This thrilling three-hour interactive experience is best suited for adults, but teens can attend when accompanied by an adult. Are you ready to solve the crime of the century?
A Murder is Announced
Through April 14
Agatha Christie’s A Murder is Announced continues its run at the Little Theatre in Virginia Beach through April 14. This classic whodunit murder mystery entertains audiences with an amateur sleuth, false identities, curious motives, deceitful suspects and, of course, murder. This novel-turned-play has a PG rating, and is suitable for teens and older children.
Audacy's Oceanfront Concerts
April 26 - 28
Audacy's Oceanfront Concerts will return to Virginia Beach April 26-28, 2024. It all goes down at the Oceanfront with a full weekend of entertainment, including live music from national and local Hip Hop acts and DJs, as well as delicious food, and beachfront activations.
Check out FREE music at 17th Street Park & 24th Street Park each day from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM. Then head over to Audacy's Oceanfront Concerts on the sand next to Neptune's Park each night on Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27.
Zeiders American Dream Theater
Throughout April
Look for a full slate of music, comedy, open mic nights and theater performances at Zeiders American Dream Theater, including the two-day Z Fringe Festival (April 5-6), which celebrates self-produced theatrical performances. Notable events to add to your calendar include a live performance by Chloe Youtsey, winner of the Proteus Music Contest (April 19), and The Undiscovered: Backwards Broadway Cabaret (April 25).
Funny Bone Comedy Club
Throughout April
If you like to laugh, there will be plenty of opportunities to do so at Funny Bone Comedy Club, which has slated more than a dozen shows in April. Get ready to be entertained by such acts as Zach Rushing (April 3), The Christi Show (April 4), and Felipe Esparaza (April 26-27).
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Throughout April
The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts has something for everyone in April, including dance performances, classical music, live concerts, and symphony orchestra shows. A few notable live events include pianist Keiko Matsui (April 10), Derek Hough – Symphony of Dance (April 22) and Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto (April 27).
