Fun Things to Do for Labor Day Weekend in Virginia Beach

2025

Say goodbye to summer the Virginia Beach way—sun, sand, and a whole lot of fun. The Oceanfront Boardwalk will be buzzing with live music and holiday-weekend energy, but that’s just the start. Spend your days lounging on the beach, paddling out on the water or hopping between local spots for fresh seafood and craft brews. However you celebrate, Labor Day weekend in Virginia Beach is all about squeezing every last drop of summer-y joy.

Get a Running Start at the Chartway Virginia Beach 10 Miler & 5K

 August 29-August 31

Kick off your Labor Day weekend with some high-energy fun at the Chartway Virginia Beach 10 Miler & 5K, a two-day running festival that brings thousands of athletes and spectators to the Oceanfront. Saturday starts with the 5K and Kids’ 1 Miler, while Sunday features the signature 10 Miler along Atlantic Avenue with stunning beach views. For those up for a challenge, runners can take on both races in the “Live the Life Challenge” and earn extra bling. Whether you’re running, cheering from the sidelines or just soaking up the atmosphere, the weekend wraps up with a lively beachside post-race party featuring live music, cold beer and plenty of celebratory vibes.

Oceanfront Concert Series

August 29–31

As the sun sets on summer, the Oceanfront Concert Series brings the Boardwalk to life with three nights of live music. From August 29–31, head to the stages at 17th, 24th and 31st Street Parks, where national recording artists and local faves perform everything from rock and country to funk and pop. Best of all, the concerts are completely free, so you can grab your beach chair or blanket, settle into the sand and enjoy sweet tunes with the ocean as your backdrop. With music filling the night air, food vendors close by, and the energy of the holiday weekend all around, it’s one of the most iconic—and can’t-miss—ways to spend Labor Day weekend in Virginia Beach.

Enjoy Beach-Side Entertainment at Live! On Atlantic
 

Watch the evening come to life along the picturesque Oceanfront with Live! On Atlantic, when sidewalks and streets become stages for performance artists, magicians, jugglers, musicians and more. Suitable for all ages, Labor Day weekend will bring nationally recognized artists to Virginia Beach during this free signature music series under the stars.  

Sip Cocktails at the Rooftop O Bar
 

Appreciate the long weekend during a relaxed evening in a rooftop garden, enjoying delicious craft cocktails. Head to Orion’s Roof Garden & Dining on Oceanfront and revel in panoramic rooftop views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. Sip specialty cocktails at the O Bar, such as a Japanese Old Fashioned (a classic with a twist) or a Freedom of Peach (made with Cognac, peach, vanilla, pear, lemon and sparkling sake.) If you’re wanting a bite to go with your cocktail, it’s impossible to go wrong with any of Orion’s fresh sushi rolls. (Chef’s kiss!)  

Tap into Your Daring Side at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium
 

Get your heart pumping at The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium. Adjacent to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, the park features 17 treetop trails, 33 ziplines and over 250 adventure challenges like low-rope and high-rope courses, aerial obstacle courses and tree swings for the little ones. Opt for a group challenge and test your limits during a day of thrilling attractions.  

Have Brunch at Rockafeller’s Restaurant
 

Perhaps your idea of a perfect vacation morning starts around 11 a.m. with tasty food and amazing views. If so, head inland to Rockafeller’s Restaurant for Sunday Brunch and savor fresh seafood dishes such as the Rock’s Seafood Omelet with shrimp and bay scallops; the Seafood Mac & Cheese with shrimp, bay scallops and lobster; or the Shrimp Hushpuppies – a playful take on a Southern classic. Request a table outside on the deck to watch boats come and go in Rudee Inlet.  

Kayak Through Local Waters
 

From the Atlantic Ocean to Back Bay Wildlife Refuge, there are many wonderful waterways to kayak in Virginia Beach, each offering a memorable way to explore the scenic surroundings in the Chesapeake Bay District (known to locals as Chic’s Beach.) If a calm day paddle sounds ideal, book with Chesapean Outdoors, which offers a tour launching from First Landing State Park, and take in the scenery of Broad Bay and Linkhorn Bay as you paddle your way through quiet waters. If you’re hoping to spot marine life during your trip, there are tours that head to prime locations for dolphin spotting.  

Feel Artsy at the ViBe Creative District
 

Bring out your inner artist at the ViBe Creative District, a unique arts and culture hub brimming with art galleries, restaurants and larger-than-life murals. Snap a photo in front of a colorful public art piece, or relax at a nearby coffee shop such as Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii or Three Ships Coffee for a caffeine boost or sweet treat. Don’t leave without stopping into a few artisan shops like Igor’s Custom, which creates impressive hand-painted signs, or Jars of Dust, where you can find handcrafted stoneware ceramic pieces.  

Explore the Military Aviation Museum
 

Learn about the history of flight at the Military Aviation Museum in Pungo, one of the world’s largest collections of World War I and II military aircraft. History and aviation buffs can get up close to more than 50 aircraft at its 130-acre property, designed to mimic an actual airport facility. The museum offers group tours, story time for children, flight demonstrations and even open-cockpit flight experiences if you want to take your experience to new heights.