Officially established in 2015, the ViBe Creative District is marking a milestone – 10 years of shaping the creative heartbeat of Virginia Beach. In just a decade, this Oceanfront neighborhood has transformed into a beacon of artistic expression, small business success and culinary innovation. From colorful murals and locally owned shops to inspired flavors and community events, the ViBe is a place where creativity thrives around every corner. To celebrate, here’s a look at some of the district’s highlights you can explore today.
Peruse Public Art Installations
As its name implies, the ViBe Creative District offers countless opportunities for art to shine, including through over 450 public art installations. Find murals, sculptures, brightly painted utility boxes and creative crosswalks covering all fifteen blocks of the neighborhood. Simply wander around and see what you spot, or take a planned route along 18th Street, 19th Street and Cypress Avenue to see some of the district’s most recent artistic additions. Impressively, most of these public art projects are funded directly by the district, which contracts over 100 artists every year to add a little more sparkle and shine to this creative neighborhood.
Each year, the district also hosts its popular Mural Festival, a multi-day celebration that turns the neighborhood into a living canvas. Nationally recognized and local artists alike are invited to transform blank walls into vibrant works of art, while visitors stroll the streets, meet the artists, and watch their visions come to life in real time. The festival has become both a showcase of talent and a community gathering, infusing new energy and color into the ViBe with every edition.
A Flavorful Side of the ViBe
Creativity in the ViBe Creative District goes far beyond paintbrushes and murals—it’s also plated, poured and served. The culinary arts also have their place in the spotlight in the ViBe Creative District. Start your day with an incredible cup o’ joe from Fathom Coffee or an innovative weekend brunch at The Pink Dinghy, where vibrant cocktails and bright, coastal-inspired small plates reflect the district’s playful energy. Later in the day, opt for a juicy, no-frills burger served up with neighborhood charm at the dive bar-esque Frank and Patty’s, a stacked, flavor-packed sandwich from Yorkie’s Modern Deli or contemporary farm-to-table bites from Esoteric.
Top off your visit with a treat of your choice – whether it’s a scoop of ice cream or a bottle of craft beer. For the former, Lolly’s Creamery is the place to go, with their creative homemade flavors like cookie monster, puppy chow and mermaid. For the latter, Vibrant Shore Brewing is the district’s go-to, with its unique microbrews and visiting food trucks. If you happen to prefer spirits to beers, head to Chesapeake Bay Distillery, where they’ve mastered the arts of rum- and vodka-making.
Discover Local Treasures
Over the last decade, the ViBe Creative District has served as a haven of sorts of small businesses, with over 65 of them moving in since 2015. Beyond the many beloved locally owned restaurants, you’ll also find clothing boutiques and home goods stores, art galleries and surf shops. Pop into local favorites like Jars of Dust for beautiful, functional ceramics or Wave Riding Vehicles (WRV) for all your surf lifestyle needs. Don’t miss the Virginia Beach Art Center and The Creative Well Arts Foundation, side-by-side artistic collaborators on Virginia Beach Boulevard who showcase hundreds of artists each year through open call exhibitions, working studios, juried shows and art classes.
To really experience the community’s entrepreneurial spirit, visit during the district’s annual Small Business Saturday event, when shops and makers open their doors with special sales, pop-ups, and a festive neighborhood atmosphere designed to celebrate and support local.
Enjoy Creative Local Events
As if that weren’t enough, the ViBe Creative District has spent years curating recurring events for the community. The weekly Old Beach Art & Eco Market and the monthly Old Beach Farmers Market are both great spots to pick up local eats and handmade crafts. The bimonthly Virginia Beach Flea Market is stocked to the brim with vintage and antique gems. And let’s not forget to mention two of the district’s largest annual events – the VB Street Art Festival (May & June) and the ViBe Mural Festival (October) – both of which bring a whole lot of color and creativity to the already artsy neighborhood.
Share this post
- Arts
- Oceanfront
- Restaurants
- Vibe Creative District
Written by Sarah Etinas
As a full-time freelance travel writer and editor, Sarah Etinas is always on the lookout for her next adventure. With a passion for exploring new destinations, she's covered everything from the vibrant food scene in Hawaii to the stunning outdoor landscapes of Florida. Her work has been featured in renowned publications like TimeOut, TripAdvisor, Thrillist, and Lonely Planet. When she's not writing, Sarah practices what she preaches by hiking to beautiful waterfalls, visiting local markets, and dining on the most unique dishes she can find.
