July 2026
Make the most of your summer with the best events in Virginia Beach this July. Catch free concerts, watch movies under the stars or enjoy epic Fourth of July fireworks—and that’s just the start of what you’ll find in this charming seaside city. See the full list of everything that’s happening this month 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. 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 ten 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.
Totally Tribute Music Fest
July 10–July 11, 2026
Rock out to some fantastic tunes at the Totally Tribute Music Fest. This free, high-energy festival brings together some of the nation’s best tribute bands to celebrate the legendary artists like Led Zeppelin and Paramore. Get ready to sing along to classic hits in a lively and unforgettable outdoor concert experience.
Beach Blanket Film Festival: Pirates in Pictures
July 14–July 18, 2026
Are those free Thursday evening movies not enough to satisfy your film fixation? The Beach Blanket Cinema is also putting on a free week-long Beach Blanket Film Festival, this time themed around “Pirates in Pictures.” Many of your favorite pirate films, like Hook and the Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, will be shown on the big screen. Movies start at 8:30 p.m. every night at the beach at 29th Street.
Virginia Beach International Carnival
July 16–July 19, 2026
Get ready for an extravaganza of color, music and culture at the Virginia Beach International Carnival at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. This vibrant celebration of Caribbean heritage features street parades, live music, island cuisine and costumed dancers, all coming together for an unforgettable, high-energy festival.
Neptune Festival’s Symphony by the Sea Concert Series
July 23–September 3, 2026
July kicks off the magical Neptune’s Festival Symphony by the Seas Concert Series. These free symphonic performances by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Symphonicity take place at the lovely Oceanfront 31st Street Park. While there is only one event in July, there are more to come in August and September. Plan to arrive early to snag a prime spot as the concerts do entirely fill the park.
Fourth of July Events
VA250 Events
July 4, 2026
2026 is the 250th anniversary of the United States, and Virginia—home to the country’s first-ever colony—is going all out to celebrate. There are VA250 events all year long, but the Fourth of July has some extra-special festivities, including the 250 Years Together event that’s just an hour away in Williamsburg.
Taking place from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. this event features singer Judy Collins, retired Virginia Supreme Court Justice The Honorable John Charles Thomas and the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band, before what’s sure to be an epic drone and firework show. This star-studded event will be so big that it’ll be broadcast on PBS, so why not see the festivities in person?
Stars & Stripes Celebration
July 4, 2026
Ring in July Fourth with a slew of live concerts at the 17th, 24th and 31st street parks during the Stars & Stripes Celebration. Listen to hours of live music, then at 9:30 p.m., watch the sky light up in a colorful fireworks display that you won’t want to miss.
July 4th Celebration at Mount Trashmore
July 4, 2026
Celebrate the Fourth of July at Mount Trashmore starting at 5 p.m. with live music and tasty food-truck fare. The peak of the festivities will be the spectacular fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Admission is free, and parking is $20 cash only per vehicle.
Live Performances
Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
July 18, 2026
There’s just one show at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater in July, but it’s a banger. On July 18, Ne-Yo and Akon, two R&B icons, are taking to the stage. More concerts are on the way later this summer. For more information, see the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater website.
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Throughout July
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts is welcoming two greats this July. First, Thee Phantom & The Illharmonic Orchestra puts on a one-of-a-kind show where hip-hop meets an orchestra (July 11). A couple weeks later, Peter Bernstein, acclaimed jazz guitarist, takes his time in the spotlight (July 23). For a full list of performances, check out the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts’ event page.
The Dome
Throughout July
Spend an evening to remember at The Dome this July. Greats like the American rock band Wilco (July 14), country-rock singer Stephen Wilson Jr., and TikTok-viral rapper Yeat are all slated to take the stage. For a full list of performances, see The Dome’s website.
Funny Bone Comedy Club
Throughout July
Funny Bone Comedy Club is where you’ll find the most action in Virginia Beach this July. Most nights—and even many afternoons—you’ll find world class comedians taking to the stage. Cocoa (July 3–July 5), Tumua (July 15), Aries Spears (July 24–July 26) and Chico Bean (July 31–August 2) are just a few of the highlights from the venue’s jam-packed line-up. If you’re looking for something a little different, there’s also UpDating (July 28), a reality dating show where singles are brought on stage for real-life meet-cutes. 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. Tickets start at $25.
Zeiders American Dream Theater
July 9–July 19
Assassins: The Musical
Zeiders American Dream Theater is putting on a short run of Assassins: The Musical, a critically acclaimed work written by the legendary Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman. The show brings together nine of the most notorious misfits in history—the men and women who assassinated, or tried to assassinate, a President of the United States—at a carnival, of all places. It’s a darkly funny and shockingly informative ride through American history. Tickets start at $40.
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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.
