68th Annual Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show
October 4-6
It is no surprise the Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show has been ranked as a Top 15 Fine Art Show of the Decade by Sunshine Artist Magazine. Everyone is invited and encouraged to come out to this phenomenal show which runs from Oct. 4 - 6 this year. One of the only outdoor art shows produced by an accredited museum, Virginia MOCA strives to have the highest caliber fine art against the scenic backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. Artists are the heart of this show — over 175 of them flock to Virginia Beach each year to showcase their talent along our iconic boardwalk. Located between 24th and 35th Streets, the show spans 13 mediums ranging from classic and contemporary to the unconventional and eccentric.
Treasures of the Earth Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show
October 4-6
The Virginia Beach Convention Center hosts Treasures of the Earth, a popular gem, mineral and jewelry show that features an array of estate, handcrafted and fashion jewelry made with precious metals and stones. Also on display will be fossils, crystals and minerals. Rock hounds and gem lovers alike will savor a feast for the eyes at this show that celebrates the earth’s natural treasures.
17th street park
Africana Arts & Music Festival
October 4-6
The Africana Arts & Music Festival is a vibrant celebration of arts and music, including dance, visual arts and vocals, from across the global African diaspora. Formerly known as the Funkfest Beachparty, this exciting event is re-launching with a fresh name and a broader focus, spanning the full spectrum of visual and performing arts. The event will feature live poetry readings, painting, wine tasting, group fitness and plenty more.
India Fest
October 5
At the Virginia Beach Convention Center, India Fest welcomes visitors with fashion shows, upbeat music, Bollywood dance performances and henna body painting. This family-friendly cultural extravaganza will also feature an array of exhibitors of delicious Indian food—so come hungry!
Virginia Beach Coin Show
October 11-12
Presented by the Tidewater Coin Club, the Virginia Beach Coin Show will take place at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. This event brings together collectors, investors and dealers with an impressive selection of domestic and foreign coins, currency, rare finds and artifacts. A coin auction will take place on October 11 at 6 p.m. Coin enthusiasts will also have the chance to win fantastic door prizes and raffles throughout the show.
Fins & Frights at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
October 18-19
Get in the Halloween spirit with a howling fun, family-friendly Halloween event at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center! Fins & Frights will take place on Oct. 18 - 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. with tricks and treats for all. Guests can explore a spooky night at the Aquarium with candy stations, on-theme activities and games, a haunted nature trail, and a costume contest. Guests are encouraged to dress up in a costume and enjoy a spook-tacular journey through the Aquarium, hauntingly decked out for the occasion.
Old Point National Bank Wicked 10K Weekend
October 25-26
For a wicked good time (pun totally intended,) lace up your running shoes for the Old Point National Bank Wicked 10K Weekend. This spooktacular race weekend invites you to get into the Halloween spirit and costumes are highly encouraged. With three different distances—a 10K, 5K and one-mile fun run, there’s a race for everyone in the family. Both the 5K and 10K races finish on the iconic Virginia Beach Boardwalk, so make sure to grab a bite, take in the ocean views and kick your feet up post-race.
Military Family Fall Festival
October 27
Get ready for a full day of family fun at the Military Family Fall Festival, presented by the Armed Services YMCA of Hampton Roads. Held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, this awesome event is packed with live music, arts and crafts, games, costume contests and a petting zoo. Exclusively for active-duty military families, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the fall season.
Virginia Bridal & Wedding Expo
October 27
Get ready to say “I do” to wedding planning made easy at the Virginia Bridal & Wedding Expo at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. From first-rate caterers and photographers to lively DJs and expert party planners, the expo has everything brides-to-be need to create an unforgettable day for family and friends.
Movies in the Plaza
Get set for family-friendly fun at Town Center with Movies on the Plaza. Every Saturday at sunset, catch free outdoor movie screenings on the big screen at Town Center Fountain Plaza. Enjoy free popcorn, and when the cold weather arrives, cozy up with free hot chocolate, too. Here’s the line-up for October:
10/5: Ghostbusters Frozen Empire
10/12: Wonka
10/19: Despicable Me 4
10/26: Nightmare Before Christmas
Halloween Events
When Halloween comes to Virginia Beach, get ready to celebrate with parades, spooky festivals, harvest fairs and trunk-or-treat activities. Here’s what to do and where to go in Virginia Beach when you want to celebrate spooky season.
Haunted Hunt Club Farm
September 27-October 31 (select nights)
When the sun goes down, get ready to scream at Hunt Club Farm, which spookily transforms into Haunted Hunt Club Farm. There are almost too many scares thanks to four spine-tingling attractions, including Haunted Hayride, Forbidden Fields, Death Alley and Village of the Dead. Doors open at 7 p.m. on weekends and select weeknights in October. Bring a friend or two to share in the frights—trust us, you won’t want to do this one solo.
Harvest Fair
September 28- October 31
Head to Hunt Club Farm during the day for Harvest Fair, a month-long family-friendly extravaganza. Dive into a gigantic pumpkin patch, meet adorable animals at the petting farm, and enjoy pony rides and hay rides. On weekends, the fun ramps up with carnival rides, food vendors and a DJ, making this fall festival the place to be.
Town and Treat
October 26
Join the fun at the Town Center of Virginia Beach for the annual Town and Treat event. There will be music by DJ Ponfetti, free cotton candy, and mad science activity stations. Enjoy face painting, balloon artists, stilt walkers, photo booths, Halloween prizes and special costumed characters. Don’t miss the kids’ costume contests, and of course, trick-or-treating through the retail shops.
Live Performances
In October, there’s something for anyone and everyone who loves theatrical performances, comedy shows and live music. Here’s what’s in store this month in Virginia Beach.
Misery
September 13-October 6
Misery continues its run at the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach through October 6. This psychological thriller scripted by William Goldman follows Paul Sheldon, a successful romance novelist who awakens from a car accident to realize his “Number One Fan” is holding him captive. This thriller will have you at the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
October 4
There’s still time to enjoy outdoor concerts at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater. This month, chart-topping Post Malone comes to town (October 4) with acclaimed hits incorporating pop, rock, R&B and country.
Funny Bone Comedy Club
Throughout October
Need a good laugh to counter the spooks of the season? Then head to Funny Bone Comedy Club in Town Center, which has nearly two dozen shows on tap in October. You’ll be entertained by hilarious stand-up acts like Tacarra Williams (October 4-5,) Funny Marco (October 11-12) and Don “DC” Curry (October 18-20.)
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Throughout October
The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts has nearly a dozen shows on the schedule in October, including musical theatre, symphony concerts, tribute bands and live performances. Settle in for Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (October 4-6,) Men at Work (October 23) and Jim Belushi (October 25.) They even have a Halloween-inspired family-friendly orchestra show, PBJ Halloween Spooktacular, which encourages getting decked out as your favorite spooky character.
