May 2022
Summer is just around the corner, which means there’s no better time to warm up to some of Virginia Beach’s favorite long-standing events. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors or take in entertainment inside, there’s something for everyone to participate in this May.
COASTAL FESTIVITIES
Atlantic Coast Kite Festival
On the Beach between 16th & 18th Streets
April 30 - May 1
@leegggoooo, Instagram
Kite fliers and spectators of all ages will experience a colorful visual feast at the beloved Atlantic Coast Kite Festival. Enjoy activities for all ages and all levels of kite enthusiasm from kite-building workshops and kite-flying demonstrations to kite vendor booths and even a daily “Best Kite Contest.” This popular event is free and open to the public.
Virginia International PANFest
24th Street Stage at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront
May 6-7
@vaartsfest, Instagram
Pull up a lawn chair and spend the day soaking in the sounds of steel drum music as the Virginia Beach Oceanfront becomes an island paradise during the Virginia International PANFest – part of the Virginia Arts Festival. Take in performances by Steel Sensation, Nature’s Child and the Jesse Chong Band, as well as a steel drum band competition featuring more than 20 high school, college and community bands from around the U.S. All performances are free and open to the public.
Monsters on the Beach
6th Street at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront
May 13-15
Holiday Inn & Suites Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Presented by Eastern Truck & Accessories, Pungo Offroad Monsters on the Beach brings thrills and chills to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, as monster trucks battle for ultimate sand domination! This annual event is the biggest monster truck show in the mid-Atlantic and takes place directly on the beach – making it a thrilling course for drivers and spectators alike. Tickets and special experiences are now available for purchase.
Beach Music Cruise-in
30th Street at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront
May 20-22
Virgina Beach Hotel Association
Dance under the stars to tunes from the past during the annual Beach Music Cruise-In, featuring bands from all over the East Coast for a nostalgic salute to the good old days of hot tunes and cool times. The three-day concert series takes place on a stage directly on the beach at 30th Street, providing a fun and casual ambiance for a weekend-long of music, food and drinks. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Saturday and Sunday performances begin at noon and extend through the evening. Tickets are now available for purchase.
Worrell 1000 Catamaran Race
The Oceanfront Inn
May 21
After a decades-long break, the 12-day ocean endurance race returns to Virginia Beach! Watch 17 catamaran sailing teams cross the finish line at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, following a 1,000-mile trek originating in Ft. Lauderdale. While it’s not possible to predict the racers’ exact arrival, the finish line will be set up at noon at The Oceanfront Inn on Atlantic Avenue. Look for the Orange Worrell 1000 flags and join the Race Committee and Worrell 1000 volunteers in giving the racers a warm welcome and well-deserved congratulations.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AT TOWN CENTER
Live entertainment continues to be the star of the show at the Virginia Beach Town Center, with a month-long schedule of live performances that’ll have you singing, laughing and dancing along.
LIVE Music
Twist Martini & Associates
May 4, May 11, May 18 & May 25
Enjoy live music on the patio in the heart of the Virginia Beach Town Center at Twist Martini & Associates. Sip and savor at the acclaimed craft cocktail bar, as you take in live performances from the following artists, from 7 to 10 p.m.:
- May 4: Dave Johnson
- May 11: Left to Rust
- May 18: Julz Gat
- May 25: Aaron Firestone
Dueling Pianos
APEX Entertainment
May 5-6
Join APEX Entertainment for three hours of unforgettable fun and music during their long-awaited Dueling Pianos event, taking place on May 5 at 6 p.m. and May 6 at 10 p.m. Tickets, which include food, are now available online ($40 per person or $200 for a table of six) and are expected to sell out quickly!
TasteBreakers: Jonah Rosee & Allen Hudson and the Halfmoons
Zeider’s American Dream Theater
May 21
Zeiders American Dream Theater
Join Zeider’s American Dream Theater for the music scene’s best happy hour as they welcome regional songwriting duo Jonah Ross and Allen Hudson for an evening of songs and stories. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m., and the first drink is always on the house! Tickets are now on sale online ($20 per person, $17 senior/military)
FARMERS’ MARKETS
Get the best of the season’s bounty with a visit to one of our beloved farmers’ markets.
Old Beach Farmers Market
Croc’s 19th Street Bistro Parking Lot
May 7, 14, 21 & 28
For the ultimate VB experience, head to the ViBe Creative District to browse and shop at the Old Beach Farmers Market, showcasing seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, seafood, cheeses, baked goods, artisan breads, savory foods from local chefs, soaps, flowers and more.
Shore Drive Farmers Market
Lynnhaven Coffee Company
May 7, 14, 21 & 28
farmerjohnsmarket_vb, Instagram
Grab a coffee from Lynnhaven Coffee Company and shop among the locals as you browse a variety of products from area farms, artisans, bakers, seafood producers and more every Saturday, from 9 a.m. until noon at the Shore Drive Farmers Market. Vendors include Full Quiver Farms, B&H Produce, Veg Out Gardens, Gateaux Bakery and many, many more.
INDOOR FUN
Head indoors to discover a lot of family-friendly fun along the way.
The Dinner Detective Comedy Murder Mystery Dinner Show
Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront
May 7, 14 & 28
The country’s largest interactive comedy murder mystery dinner show is now in Virginia Beach and taking place at the Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The Dinner Detective Comedy Murder Mystery Dinner Show will have you solving a hilarious crime, while you feast on a fantastic dinner. Just beware! The culprit is hiding in plain sight. The fun, social and interactive evening is suitable for adults. Tickets are limited and can be purchased online.
Spring Craft Market
Virginia Beach Convention Center
May 13-15
Featuring more than 125 fine artists and artisans from across the nation, the Virginia Beach Spring Craft Market offers an impressive array of fine arts, handcrafted jewelry, wood, glass, photography, candles, woven baskets, clothing, toys, folk art and specialty food vendors. Browse and buy one-of-a-kind items, while getting to meet the makers behind them. Admission is $7 per person and free for children 12 and under.
Tidewater Comicon
Virginia Beach Convention Center
May 14-15
Tidewater Comicon returns to the Virginia Beach Convention Center with two days of vendors, artists, panels and contests for fans of all ages. Special celebrity guests, comic book creators and voice actors include Brandon Routh, Michael Bell, Johnny Yong Bosch, Bill and Kat Maus and many more. Tickets are now available at tidewatercomicon.com.
Maya Lin: Ways of Water Exhibit
Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
April 21 - September 4
Join the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art for its breathtaking and inspiring installation of Maya Lin’s thought-provoking works, including never-before-exhibited sculptures and prints. “Ways of Water” focuses on an environmental concern specific to our region, asking visitors to reconsider their relationship with nature at a critical moment. A wide array of public programs will also complement the solo exhibit.
