September 2024
As September ushers in the start of fall, it’s far from “sweater weather” in Virginia Beach. Get ready to soak up the sun at outdoor concerts, sand castle competitions and even a wine festival! Mark your calendars for arts and crafts shows, a parade, a sand sculpting competition, a surf classic, and so much more. Here’s what you won’t want to miss in September:
Live! On Atlantic
September 1
Wrap up the summer concert season on Labor Day Monday with the wildly popular Live! on Atlantic series. Free performances rock the Virginia Beach Boardwalk at Atlantic Avenue from 7 to 11 p.m. on stages at 19th and 23rd Streets, as well as at parks at 17th and 24th Streets.
Chartway Virginia Beach 10 Miler & 5k
September 1
Start stretching your quads and hamstrings for the Chartway Virginia Beach 10 Miler & 5k. This exciting 10-mile run along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk boasts stunning views across the Atlantic Ocean. The 5K and one-mile races take place on August 31 and the 10-mile run sets off on September 1. After you’ve worked up a sweat, stick around for the J&A Racing beach party, with plenty of cold beer and live music. It’s the perfect way to end summer on the right foot (pun intended).
North End Run Club
Weekly, Tuesdays & Fridays
Fall’s weather is perfect for an outdoor run, and if you need a little extra motivation, join the twice-weekly meet-ups of the North End Run Club. This energetic local running club meets on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. and on Fridays at 6:30 a.m. All skills and levels are welcome. Stay in the loop by following the club on Instagram at @northendrunclub for all the latest run locations.
Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience
Through September 5
Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience is a highly innovative and immersive exhibition that brings Impressionist painter Claude Monet’s masterpieces to life through dramatic interactive displays and colorful digital projections. This artistic celebration breathes fresh new life into more than 400 of Monet’s most famous works. Beyond Monet exhibits in the Virginia Beach Convention Center and will come to a close in Virginia Beach on September 5, so get your visit in early this month.
Old Beach Farmers Market
September 7, 14, 21 & 28
The Old Beach Farmers Market welcomes locals and visitors every Saturday in the parking lot of Croc’s 19th Street Bistro in the ViBe Creative District. Bring your reusable shopping bags to scoop up seasonal produce, local eggs, artisan cheeses and organic meats, even delicious homemade cakes and biscuits. Yum.
Shore Drive Farm Market
September 7, 14, 21 & 28
Every Saturday, the Shore Drive Farm Market sets up in a large parking lot on Shore Drive at Red Tide Road. You’ll find loads of locally-grown produce, as well as artisan-made jewelry, from-scratch cakes, succulents, ferns and locally-made products, like lip balms and lotions.
Pungo Roots Farmers Market
September 7
The monthly Pungo Roots Regenerative Farmers Market sets up on the first Saturday of the month. Stop by for farm-fresh and organic vegetables at this popular market in the agricultural community of Pungo. The farm store is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
27th Annual Fall Wine Festival
September 13-14
Get ready to sip and savor more than 60 wines from vineyards and wineries across Virginia at the 27th Annual Fall Wine Festival on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront at 31st Street Park. This year's festival will feature more than a dozen esteemed wineries, including Mattaponi Winery and Zoll Vineyards, promising an unforgettable weekend for wine enthusiasts. Savor the rich flavors of these fine wines while enjoying live music that sets the perfect ambiance. In addition, treat your taste buds to a variety of delectable bites from local food trucks. Tickets include unlimited wine tastings and a souvenir wine glass, making it a perfect memento of a day well spent.
On the Boardwalk
The world-famous Virginia Beach Boardwalk is the place to be for the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival (Sept.27-29,) celebrating its 50th year this September. It’s going to be an action-packed weekend with a surfing competition, an arts and crafts show, a sailing regatta, a sand sculpting contest and so much more. Here are a few events you can look forward to at this beloved festival. (Check site for full list of events, including beach yoga and extra fun for the kiddos.)
Dock Dogs
September 27-29, Hours Vary
Dock Dogs is a free, family-friendly event features the most adorable tail-waggers in Virginia Beach. Dogs show off their skills as they run, jump and fetch, then splash into a refreshing swimming pool. (P.S.. If you’re looking for more fun things to do with your furry BFF, Virginia Beach offers plenty of four-legged fun al year long.)
Neptune Festival Art & Craft Show
September 27-29, Hours Vary
The Neptune Festival Art & Craft Show features more than 200 talented artisans showcasing their works, including jewelry, ceramics, sculptures and mixed media. Discover new artists and enjoy live music as you stroll this vibrant event.
International Sand Sculpting Championship
September 27 – October 6, Hours Vary
Be awed by a stunning array of super-size sand sculptures meticulously hand-crafted by talented artists from around the world at the International Sand Sculpting Championship. Free sand sculpting clinics to help you become a sand crafting pro.
Neptune’s Atlantic Regatta
September 28, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Starting at Little Creek, sailboats in Neptune’s Atlantic Regatta race along the picturesque coastline before finishing up at 24th Street. It’s the grand finale of the local sailing season.
Neptune Festival Grand Parade
September 28, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Colorful floats, lively marching bands, and gigantic balloons entertain and delight crowds as the Neptune Festival Grand Parade marches down Atlantic Avenue from 16th Street to 32nd Street.
Neptune’s 8K Race
September 28, 8 a.m. start time
Lace up your running shoes for Neptune’s 8K Race, one of the area’s favorite running events. Scenic ocean views abound on a fast and flat running route made for runners of all fitness levels.
Neptune’s Surfing Classic
September 28-29, 7:30 a.m.
Hang ten, friends! Neptune’s Surfing Classic makes a splash on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Over two exciting days, gnarly surfers of all ages hit the waves to show off their longboard skills.
Youth Art Show
September 29, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
See works of art created by wildly talented young artists in grades 4 to 12 at the Youth Art Show. Stroll the outdoor gallery along 27th and 28th Streets. More than 30 awards will be presented to these rising artistic stars.
Live Performances
September in Virginia Beach offers plenty for anyone and everyone who loves live entertainment like theater performances, comedy shows and live music. Here’s what’s what you can look forward to this month.
Misery
September 13-October 6
Misery starts its run at the Little Theatre in Virginia Beach on September 13. This psychological thriller scripted by William Goldman follows Paul Sheldon, a wildly successful romance novelist who wakes up from a car crash to realize he’s being held captive by his “number one fan.” This thriller is guaranteed to have you at the edge of your seat right up until the curtain falls.
Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
Throughout September
Summer may be over, but you can still enjoy outdoor concerts at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater. What’s on tap in September? Get ready for Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top & The Outlaws (September 7) and Hootie and the Blowfish (September 14.)
Funny Bone Comedy Club
Throughout September
When you’re ready to laugh, make the drive to Funny Bone Comedy Club, which has more than two dozen shows in the works for September. You’ll be seriously entertained by such hilarious stand-up acts as Bill Bellamy (September 5-7,) The Office’s Craig Robinson (September 14-15) and Gary Owen (September 27-29.)
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Throughout September
The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts is home to tribute bands, jazz performances and live concerts in September. Settle in for a melodious night with the Buena Vista Social Orchestra (September 24) and Andy Grammer (September 25.)
Erin Gifford
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).