Honor our nation’s heroes this Veterans Day in Virginia Beach. From parades and pickleball to museums and memorials, there are many ways to pay your respects and join the festivities. Read on to discover the best things to do in Virginia Beach this Veterans Day.
Veterans Day Events
Veterans Day Weekend Pickleball Tournament
November 7–9
Celebrate the country’s brave service members with a weekend of exciting pickleball playing. Spanning three days, this competition features several thrilling matches, with players vying for the title of Veterans Day Weekend Pickleball Tournament champ. Funds raised from the event go towards Paws of Honor, a non-profit that provides free veterinary care and products for retired U.S. military and law enforcement K9s. Register before November 3 to participate.
Chad 1000X Virginia Beach
November 8, 7:30 a.m.
The Chad 1000X Virginia Beach is a workout-style event honoring the late Navy SEAL and veteran Chad Wilkinson, who took his own life on October 29, 2018. This adrenaline-pumping event aims to raise funds and awareness for veteran mental health initiatives focusing on suicide prevention. Participants can choose to complete 1,000 step-ups individually, with a partner, or as a team, with or without a weighted rucksack. Register for the event on Eventbrite and make a difference in the lives of veterans in need.
Iron Valley Real Estate Annual Veterans Day Event
November 8, 5–8 p.m.
Get ready for Iron Valley Real Estate (IVRE) Annual Veterans Day Event, which is held at the beloved New Realm Brewing Company this year. Like the other Virginia Beach Veterans Day events, the IVRE Veterans Day event raises money to support veterans, with the proceeds going towards Irreverent Warriors Virginia Beach. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance for a lovely night of food, drinks and new friendships.
Tidewater Veterans Day Parade
November 11, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Arguably the most beloved Veterans Day event in Virginia Beach, the Tidewater Veterans Day Parade is filled with classic cars and marching bands, American flag bearers and military marching units. The winding route starts at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront on Atlantic Avenue, before meandering onto 17th Street, Baltic Avenue and 19th Street. Claim a section of sidewalk before the parade begins and get ready to experience this Veterans Day event in all its red, white and blue glory.
More than that, the Tidewater Veterans Day Parade is a two-part event. The parade ends at the Tidewater Veterans Memorial, where the parade participants and crowds gather for a brief memorial wreath-laying in honor of the soldiers who have fallen.
Museums, Monuments and Memorials
Explore the area’s military- and veteran-focused museums, monuments and memorials to learn more about the rich history of the military in Virginia Beach — on land, air and water.
Military Aviation Museum
Get up close and personal with aviation history at the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach. Home to one of the world’s largest collections of vintage military aircraft — many of which are still in flying condition — this attraction draws in aeronautic and military fans alike. Add the museum’s bomber jacket exhibit, history of flight display and nearby plane-filled Navy Hangar to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a Veterans Day well spent.
Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum
Dive into the history of coastal heroism at the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum. Located in a former U.S. Coast Guard station, this Oceanfront museum holds a host of fascinating exhibits that showcase daring rescues, fascinating shipwrecks and historic nautical equipment. The century-old artifacts and displays tell inspiring stories of those who have bravely protected the Virginia Beach shores.
Naval Aviation Monument Park and The Norwegian Lady Statue
Settled at the center of Naval Aviation Monument Park, the nine-foot-tall bronze statue known as the Norwegian Lady certainly catches the eye, but there’s a sad story behind this piece of art. In March 1891, a Norwegian ship called Dictator sank off of the Virginia Beach coast, causing seven of the seventeen people aboard to lose their lives. The Norwegian Lady sculpture was built in their memory, where she continues to look out to sea to encourage the safe return of all those who sail away.
Navy SEAL Monument
Pay your respects to the hard-working Navy SEALs at the city’s Navy SEAL Monument. Settled on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, this impressive statue features the iconic Naked Warrior statue, symbolizing all the “frogmen” who tirelessly serve or have served our country through underwater military missions. Don’t forget to take a peek at the plaques around the statue, which share the history of SEAL operations, along with the gold stars and paw prints of local SEALs and SEAL K-9s killed in the line of duty.
Tidewater Veterans Memorial
Tidewater Veterans Memorial Park is a small greenspace dedicated to William “Billy” Myers Sr., a Virginia Beach native and veteran who served in World War II and the Korean War. The highlight of this memorial is the contemporary, student-designed sculpture. Made up of two dozen or so bisected, white circles connected with a small waterfall, this thoughtful piece symbolizes how a world divided by war can come together.
Tours and Breweries
Looking to do something a little different for Veterans Day? Support local veterans while also learning about military operations on these unique Virginia Beach tours and breweries.
Patriotic Excursions
Unleash your inner hero with Patriotic Excursions. Forget ordinary boat tours — become part of a thrilling military-style simulation aboard authentic U.S. Navy RHIBs (rigid-hulled inflatable boats.) Gear up for a 2.5-hour adrenaline rush as you tackle water-based challenges inspired by real-life special ops missions, including recon, rescue and tactical maneuvers.
Young Veterans Brewing Company
Young Veterans Brewing Company in Virginia Beach is a unique craft brewery founded by veterans, blending a love for beer with a deep commitment to honoring military service. Each brew reflects a touch of military-inspired flair, from bold IPAs to refreshing lagers, making it a popular destination for locals and guests alike. On Veterans Day, the brewery becomes a community hub, welcoming patrons to raise a glass to support those who have served.
Looking for a brew with a salute? Check out these other veteran-owned spots around Virginia Beach — because freedom tastes better with a cold one.
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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.
