February 2024
Winter is a quieter season in Virginia Beach, but you’ll find there’s still plenty to do in February, including live concerts, comedy shows, theater productions and even a wine festival. For those who want to get outside, Virginia Beach has some special experiences in store, such as whale-watching cruises and a ranger-guided nature walks. Add these Virginia Beach events to add to your calendar for February, and let the fun begin!
ARTS & CULTURE AND FESTIVALS
Plan to “get cultured” this February in Virginia Beach. Go to a new art exhibition, attend a theater performance, or sample award-winning wine varietals from across the state. Here’s what’s in store.
A Raisin in the Sun
January 19 - February 11
The Little Theatre of Virginia Beach features A Raisin in the Sun, the story of the dreams and dissensions of three generations of one struggling black family living in Chicago’s South Side. This award-winning play written by Lorraine Hansberry has a PG rating, and is suitable for older children and teens.
Funny Bone Comedy Club
Throughout February
Need a laugh? There’s plenty of comedy on tap at the Funny Bone Comedy Club. A jam-packed lineup will ensure you’re laughing all month long. Performances in February include Ken Flores (Feb. 1), Corey Holcomb (Feb. 2 & 3), Adele Givens (Feb. 9 & 10), Jeff Leeson (Feb. 11), Ellen Skrmetti (Feb. 12), Orlando Leyba (Feb. 14), Shapel Lacey (Feb. 15), Michael Blackson (Feb. 16 & 17), Matt Matthews (Feb. 23-25), Andrea Jin (Feb. 28) and Justin Silva (Feb. 29).
Out of the Box: Emerging Artist Series
February 1 - 22
At the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, get ready for a full slate of free concerts in February taking place on Thursdays at 7 p.m. as part of the 10th season of the Out of the Box Emerging Artist Series. The schedule includes The JD3 Band (Feb. 1), The Storyweavers (Feb. 8), Uglyography (Feb. 15) and Ward’s Pocket (Feb. 22). Note that there no free concert on Feb. 29.
Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
February 9 - June 9, 2024
The acclaimed Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art welcomes two brand-new exhibitions, opening on Feb. 9. In the Main Gallery, Mark Dion and Alexis Rockman: Journey to Nature’s Underworld features paintings and sculptures that explore our sometimes-troubled relationship with the environment. In the Community Gallery, Witness displays sculptures of birds created by artist Spencer Tinkham.
2024 Coastal Virginia Magazine WineFest
February 10 & 11
Get ready to sample reds, whites, rosés and sparkling wines from across Virginia at the annual Coastal Virginia Magazine WineFest. Cideries, breweries and distilleries will be on hand, as well, at this two-day sampling showcase that will take place at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. This event is for those ages 21+, and tasting tickets include a souvenir wine-tasting glass. In 2023, WineFest attracted more than 4,000 visitors who came for wines, live music, food and a grape-stomping competition.
The Dinner Detective
February 10 & 17
There’s been a murder and you can help solve the crime as part of a comedic murder mystery dinner show at APEX Entertainment called The Dinner Detective. The murderer may be in the room, and you could be identified as a prime suspect before you’ve finished the first course. This three-hour interactive experience is best suited to adults, but teens can attend when accompanied by an adult.
Concerts, Musicals and Events at the Sandler Center
February 16 - 29
There is a lot going on at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in February. Look for kid-friendly music events, musical theater, classical music performances and even the chance to watch or play Wheel of Fortune, live and in person. Events include The Black Opry Revue Tour (Feb. 16), a family Sing a Song (Feb. 17), Sinatra and Beyond (Feb. 17), Concert III – Pianorama Paradox (Feb. 18), Evita (Feb. 23-25), Wheel of Fortune LIVE! (Feb. 27) and Joe Bonamassa (Feb. 29).
OUTDOOR FUN
If you want to be outside, there’s something fun in store for you in Virginia Beach. Here are your best bets for things to do outside in February.
Winter Wildlife Festival
January 27 - February 4
The nine-day Winter Wildlife Festival wraps up in early February with family-friendly excursions, ranger-led walks, tram tours, skill-building workshops and boat tours. The nature festivities are organized by the City of Virginia Beach’s Parks & Recreation division. All events, including free and fee-based activities, require pre-registration.
Whale-Watching Cruises
Throughout February
Winter is the season for whale watching in Virginia Beach. Set out on a two-hour winter boat tour at the Virginia Aquarium or a whale-watching cruise with Rudee Tours. Chances are good that you will see humpback whales swimming in the ocean waters off the shoreline, breaching out of the water and slapping their tails. Keep your eyes peeled for bottlenose dolphins, too.
Virginia Beach Polar Plunge
February 2 & 3
Take an icy dip on one of the coldest days of the year as part of a Polar Plunge. There are six Polar Plunge events in Virginia, including one in Virginia Beach. The events raise money for Special Olympics Virginia. As a “plunger,” you commit to raising $100. As your reward, you get to run and plunge into the chilly ocean waters.
Winter Wildlife & History Tram Tour
February 18 & 24
Take a tram from Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge to False Cape State Park for a winter wildlife tour that enables visitors to see first-hand the migration of the park’s waterfowl, such as mallards and snow geese. The ranger-led tour includes a one-mile guided hike to learn more about native wildlife and the history of False Cape State Park.
