Things to Do in Virginia Beach This August

August 2026

Summer in Virginia Beach isn’t over yet. Make the most of the warm weather with outdoor concerts, movies under twinkling stars, surf competitions and so much more. Without further ado, here’s the full list of events happening this August in Virginia Beach:

Oceanfront Concert Series

May 27–August 19, 2026

The annual Oceanfront Concert Series, a long line of outdoor musical performances loved by locals and visitors alike, continues to brighten up the summer through mid-August. Taking place nearly every Wednesday at the 17th, 24th, and 31st Street Parks, these free events feature musicians of all genres. Bring your beach chairs and blankets, grab some snacks from the nearby vendors and settle in for a wonderful night of music. The concerts typically run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Beach Blanket Cinema

June 18–August 20, 2026

On select Thursday evenings all summer long, the Beach Blanket Cinema puts on free family-friendly movies right on the Virginia Beach shoreline. All you have to do is bring your beach blanket or chair—and some movie-friendly snacks, of course—to the beach at 29th Street. Movies start at 8:30 p.m.

Virginia Legends Live!

June 25–August 22, 2026

History buffs, Virginia Legends Live! is calling. This summer series brings the state’s history to life in several 30-minute performances that are all completely free to watch. This year, there are six different shows, highlighting everyone from a teen Virginia girl who contributed to the Revolutionary War to the first enslaved Africans brought to the colonies. Catch these shows at the 13th, 25th, and 26th Street stages.

Neptune Festival’s Symphony by the Sea Concert Series

July 23–September 3, 2026

By August, the magical Neptune’s Festival Symphony by the Sea Concert Series is in full swing. These free symphonic performances by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Symphonicity take place at the lovely oceanfront 31st Street Park. Plan to arrive early to snag a prime spot as the concerts do entirely fill the park.

Water Lantern Festival

August 1

Lanterns light up the lake in a magical evening at Mount Trashmore Park for the Water Lantern Festival. As its name implies, you’ll release beautiful lanterns out into the calm waters of Lake Trashmore. More than just a stunning site, it’s an opportunity to cherish loved ones, including friends, neighbors and family members.

World Oddities Expo

August 1–August 2

Looking for the weird and wonderful? The macabre and mystical? The World Oddities Expo is the event for you. Held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, this two-day event features performers, artists, educators and vendors showcasing skills and wares that are just a little bit peculiar – think taxidermied animals, tarot decks and bone jewelry, just to start. Tickets start at $23.

Summer Bash at Mount Trashmore

August 8

Head to Mount Trashmore for its annual Summer Bash, a lovely outdoor market with over 50 local vendors. Shop for locally made permanent jewelry, munch on delicious bites from Virginia Beach food trucks and listen to live music at this family-friendly event. If you really want to get in on the fun, jump into the adrenaline-pumping games, like the hula hoop contest, the potato sack race and hot potato – winners get gift cards to spend on their favorite market finds!

Coastal Craft Beer Festival

August 15

Craft beer lovers, head over to 31st Street Park on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront for national and regional beers, ciders and seltzers. In all, you’ll have the opportunity to sample dozens of brews from over 30 breweries, including local favorites like Commonwealth Brewing Co., Back Bay Brew House: Farmhouse and New Realm Brewing Company. Tasting tickets at the Coastal Craft Beer Festival include a keepsake glass and unlimited tastings. Not drinking? No problem. The festival is also serving up non-alcoholic beer and refreshing seltzer options.

Superstar Anime

August 15–August 16

Suit up in your best costume and prepare for two days of anime awesomeness at the Virginia Beach Convention Center for Superstar Anime. This event celebrates all things anime with engaging panels, Q&A sessions and cosplay contests.

SonRise Music Festival

August 15–August 16

The Christian music event, SonRise Music Festival, is taking on Virginia Beach for just two days. This year, the headliner is Sean Feucht, formerly of the famous Bethel Church and Bethel Music. Tickets start at $15.

Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships

August 23–August 30

Attracting world-class surfers and wildly enthusiastic spectators, the Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships is the place to be when you want to watch surfers catching seriously gnarly waves. After all, it’s the oldest continuously run surfing competition in the world. Beyond surfing, there will be street skate and ramp contests, beach volleyball, swimsuit contests and a Boardwalk 5k run. Don’t forget your sunblock (and yes, your fun energy too).

Virginia Beach Funk Fest Beach Party

August 28–August 29

Get funky at the Virginia Beach Funk Fest Beach Party. Bring your dancing shoes or, at the very least, a folding chair when you need to break from grooving to the rhythm of all the electrifying music you’ll take in over two days. The music is a buzzy mix of hip-hop, synth-funk, Southern soul and R&B. To keep up your energy, there will be food on hand for purchase as well.

Crabfeast at the Beach

August 29

Celebrate the best of Virginia Beach seafood at Crabfeast at the Beach. Held at the Philippine Cultural Center of Virginia and hosted by The Virginia Beach Alumnae Chapter

of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the event features all-you-can-eat crab – a dream come true for any seafood fan. As if that weren’t enough, the event also features live music and vendors. 

Live Performances

Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater

Throughout August

Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater has an absolutely stacked lineup this August. The month starts off with genre-bending icon Rod Stewart (August 1) and country music legend Tim McGraw (August 8). Later in the month, greats like Chris Stapleton (August 18), Pitbull (August 21), and Billy Idol (August 22) take to the stage as well. For more information, see the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater website.

Sandler Center for the Performing Arts

Throughout August

The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts is welcoming quite a few tribute shows this August, including Devotion: An Earth, Wind & Fire Experience (August 1), Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience (August 15) and Motown Mania – Starring Masters of Soul (August 29). The center is also hosting PJ Morton, soul singer and six-time Grammy winner, who’s practically guaranteed to put on a performance to remember (August 8). For a full list of performances, check out the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts’ event page.

The Dome

Throughout August

You can’t go wrong with any of the shows at The Dome this month. Isaiah Rashad (August 15) and Chance the Rapper (August 28) showcase their own unique takes on hip-hop, while indie pop phenom Dominic Fike (August 18) and Virginia Beach-raised neo-soul artist Masego (August 23) round out an absolutely stellar month of music. For more information, see The Dome’s website.

Funny Bone Comedy Club

Throughout August

Funny Bone Comedy Club has an absolutely packed lineup to round out the summer this August. Some of the biggest stars include Chico Bean (July 31–August 2), Bruce Bruce (August 7–August 9), Mike Epps (August 14–August 16) and Pauly Shore (August 22). For a full list of performances, refer to Funny Bone Comedy Club’s event calendar.

Little Theatre of Virginia Beach

July 17–August 9

Sister Act

The iconic musical comedy, Sister Act, is coming to life at the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach this summer. When a flashy nightclub singer goes into hiding at a strict, struggling convent, it’s a hilarious clash of two completely different worlds. It’s dance routines in nun habits, talented singing on the run, and just an all-around good time.