May 2024
It’s May, which means it’s time to get outside and dive into the fun in Virginia Beach, whether at a farmers’ market, a surfing competition, an art expo or a professional soccer match. There are also plenty of family-friendly festivals in May, including the Virginia Beach Dance Festival and the Atlantic Coast Kite Festival. Here’s what to get on your calendar for May.
Pungo Roots Farmers Market
May 4
The monthly Pungo Roots Regenerative Farmers Market takes place on the first Saturday of the month. Don’t miss out on all the farm-fresh and wonderfully pesticide-free vegetables at the market. The farm store is open on Fridays and Saturdays.
Virginia Beach Dance Festival
May 4
Move, sway, twirl, and hop at the Virginia Beach Dance Festival at the Virginia Beach Convention Center – the ultimate celebration of music and movement. This exciting festival features performances by bachata and salsa dance workshops taught by highly skilled performers from Evolución Latina Dance Company and Spirits N Motion 3.0.
Atlantic Coast Kite Festival
May 4-5
Soar into the fun at the Atlantic Coast Kite Festival on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, between 16th and 18th Streets. This annual weekend festival wows with a sky full of colorful and creative high-flying kites. This free and family-friendly event features kite-making workshops, kite-flying demos and a competition to crown the best of the best kites. Keep your eyes on the sky for giant kites, some stretching up to 80 feet long. If you're looking to snag a kite of your own, you are in luck because there will be plenty on sale at the event.
Old Beach Farmers Market
May 4, 11, 18 & 25
Swing by the parking lot of Croc’s 19th Street Bistro for the Old Beach Farmers Market, a farm fresh outdoor market open every Saturday in May. Bring your favorite reusable shopping bag because you’ll want to fill it with all the fresh, seasonal produce, as well as meats, farm-fresh eggs, artisan cheeses and all kinds of baked goods. At Old Beach Farmers Market, Saturdays are deliciously fresh and unforgettable in Virginia Beach.
Beach Music Weekend
May 10-11
Get into the groove at the uber-popular Beach Music Weekend at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Bring a folding beach chair and settle in at the outdoor stage at 17th Street Park for this free beach music event featuring nostalgic vibes from musical groups like The Tams and The Catalinas. Tap your toes in the sun-drenched sand, then dance the night away under a sky full of stars. If all the dancing works up your appetite, order some delicious bites from nearby food trucks. Don’t leave without checking out the classic car show, displaying vintage beauties from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Virginia International PANFest
May 10-11
The Virginia International PANFest brings the vibrant and pulsing island sounds of the Caribbean to the 24th Street Stage on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The headliner of the two-day festival is The Elite Pan Consortium, an accomplished group of the best steelpan musicians in the world. Nature’s Child and LittKeys will also entertain with reggae, acoustic and hip-hop. PANFest promises a weekend filled with rhythm, culture and plenty of well-harmonized beachfront fun.
Monsters on the Beach
May 17-19
Rev your engines and get ready for the adrenaline-pumping thrills of Monsters on the Beach at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. This high-octane, family-friendly event transforms the beachfront into an action-packed arena for monster trucks eager to clash for dominance. Serious feats of strength will be on display as monster trucks crush cars, fly through the air and rev it up – all to the delight of thrill-seekers and anyone who loves a good monster truck battle. This unforgettable experience even features elevated add-ons, like monster truck rides and driver meet-and-greets.
Tidewater Comicon
May 18-19
Unleash your inner superhero and celebrate your fandom at Tidewater Comicon at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Now in its 10th year, this epic annual celebration features comics, pop culture, cosplay, gaming and, of course, superheroes. There will be special guests too, like actors, voice artists and illustrators from some of your favorite media franchises, including DC Comics. There will also be panels, workshops, meet-and-greets and vendor booths with collectibles and memorabilia.
Memorial Day Weekend Salute to Summer
May 24-26
Kick off the unofficial start of summer with the Memorial Day Weekend Salute to Summer at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Free concerts at 17th Street Park, 24th Street Park, and 31st Street Park take place all weekend long. This event honoring local heroes will feature local and regional bands, as well as a “Heroes’ Walk” with tribute banners along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. This can’t-miss beachside celebration will have heartfelt tributes and plenty of fun, too.
Dominion Derby Girls
May 25
Gear up for an electrifying mix of speed and strategy as the Dominion Derby Girls take to the rink for an action-packed bout filled with thrills and spills. Whether you’re a long-time derby fan or a curious newbie, the home game at Haygood Skating Center will not disappoint. Cheer on the home team jammers and blockers as the All Stars attempt to skate their way to victory in a wildly exhilarating showdown with Fredericksburg on May 25.
VB Surf Art Expo
May 25-27
Catch a wave or two at the VB Surf Art Expo, which will take place on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk between 3rd Street and 6th Street. This annual celebration of creativity pays homage to the local surf culture through works of art, including paintings, photographs, sculptures, pottery, and jewelry. Featured artists live and breathe surfing and beach life, and all are eager to share their passion for the surfing lifestyle with art lovers and surf enthusiasts. It’s an exciting fusion of art and surf in Virginia Beach that you won’t want to miss.
Coastal Edge Steel Pier Classic
May 25-27
Held in conjunction with the VB Surf Art Expo, the Coastal Edge Steel Pier Classic is a celebration of some of the world’s top longboard talent. This event is a qualifying event put on by the World Surf League, so of course, the crème de la crème of longboard surfers will show off all their elite moves at this event on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront at 1st Street.
Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
Through June 9
Plan on 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, as well as sharing individual narratives of birds through the ages and their roles on our planet. Witness runs through June 9. Don’t miss this chance to soar through art and nature.
LIVE PERFORMANCES
In May, there’s plenty for lovers of theatrical performances, musicals, comedy shows live music, and even sporting events. Here’s what’s on tap in Virginia Beach.
The Dinner Detective
May 11 & 25
There’s been a murder in the house and you can help solve the dastardly crime as part of an interactive murder mystery dinner show, The Dinner Detective, at APEX Entertainment. The murderer may be in the room – maybe even at the next table. Will you be in the spotlight as a prime suspect? This thrilling three-hour interactive experience is best suited for adults, but teens can get in on the fun when accompanied by an adult. Get ready to solve the crime of the century.
The Outsider
May 17 to June 9
The Outsider begins its run at the Little Theatre in Virginia Beach on May 17. This hysterical comedy, written by Paul Slade Smith, follows the story of Ned Newley, an unexpected and curiously odd candidate for governor. It’s a celebration of democracy remixed by humor. This laugh-out-loud play has a PG rating and is suitable for teens and older children.
Virginia Beach United
Throughout May
Soccer fans, a new season kicks off (pun intended) in May! Feel the thrill as you watch your favorite local players pass, kick, block and score at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex. Virginia Beach United will take to their home turf for matches with teams from across the region, including Charlottesville FC (May 18) and Patuxent FC (May 22). It’s high-energy fun for the whole family. Cheer the home team on to victory!
Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
Throughout May
Concert season is on at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach. This outdoor concert venue hosts two exhilarating concerts in May, including Hozier and Allison Russell (May 15) for the Unreal Earth Tour, featuring blues, soul, indie rock and folk music. Later in the month, Needtobreathe and Judah and the Lion take to the stage with rock music (May 26).
Zeiders American Dream Theater
Throughout May
A full docket of music, comedy, open mic nights, and family-friendly theater performances is on tap at Zeiders American Dream Theater. Notable events to add to your calendar for May include Rathskeller: A Musical Elixir (May 3-18), Songwriter Swap (May 24), which features six songwriters swapping and singing original songs, and Space! (May 25), a fun, interactive all-ages show featuring quirky time-travelers.
Funny Bone Comedy Club
Throughout May
If you need a good laugh, make a beeline for Funny Bone Comedy Club, which has scheduled over a dozen shows in May. You’ll be entertained by comedy acts such as the So Unbothered Comedy Tour (May 5), Tasha K (May 12) and Lavell Crawford (May 24-26).
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Throughout May
The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts has a little bit of everything in May, including tribute bands, musicals, dance performances, vocalists and live concerts. A few live events of note include Jersey Boys (May 3-5), The Carnegie Concert (May 18), and Keb’ Mo (May 31).
About Our Writer
Erin Gifford is a Virginia-based travel and outdoors writer. She especially enjoys writing about road trips, outdoor recreation and national parks. Her credits include Parents, The Washington Post, Thrillist, TIME and AFAR.com. She has written three hiking guidebooks for Falcon Guides and has created a hiking website, GoHikeVirginia.com. She also runs half marathons and is working toward completing one in all 50 states (so far, she has checked off 36 states).
