May 2026
Make the most of springtime with an incredible lineup of events happening in Virginia Beach this May. Whether you’re drawn to live music, wine tastings, monster truck rallies or family-friendly festivals, there’s something happening around every corner. Here’s what’s happening this month in Virginia Beach:
Atlantic Coast Kite Festival
May 2 – May 3
Soar into the fun at the Atlantic Coast Kite Festival at 17th Street Park on the Oceanfront. This free annual weekend festival wows with a sky full of colorful, creative, high-flying kites, plus features kite-making workshops, flying demos and a competition to crown the best in show. Keep your eyes on the sky for giant kites, some stretching up to 80 feet long. And if you’re looking to snag a kite of your own, you’re in luck because there will be plenty for sale at the event.
Virginia International PANFest
May 8 – May 9
The Virginia International PANFest brings the vibrant, pulsing island sounds of the Caribbean to the 24th Street Stage on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The two-day festival is equal parts concert and competition showcasing talented steel pan players from around the world. It’s an absolute joy to experience.
Beach Music Weekend
May 8 – May 9
Get into the groove at the free and uber-popular Beachy Music Weekend at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Bring a folding beach chair and settle in at the outdoor stage at 31st Street Park for nostalgic vibes from musical groups like Band of Oz and The Music of the Beach Boys (featuring Pet Sounds Live). Tap your toes in the sun-drenched sand, then dance the night away under a sky full of stars.
Pungo Offroad Monsters on the Beach
May 15 – May 17
Rev your engines and get ready for the adrenaline-pumping thrills of Pungo Offroad Monsters on the Beach at the Oceanfront. This high-octane, family-friendly event transforms the beachfront into an action-packed arena where monster trucks clash for dominance. Watch in awe as these mechanical giants crush cars, soar through the air, and roar to life – all to the delight of thrill-seekers young and old. The excitement extends beyond the arena, with monster truck rides and driver meet-and-greets for a truly unforgettable experience.
21th Annual Neptune Spring Wine Festival
May 16
Taste your way around the world through over 70 wines from the U.S., France, Argentina, and beyond, all while enjoying delicious food truck bites and vibrant live music at the Spring Wine Festival. Zero-proof options, including non-alcoholic wines and seltzers, are also available for those who prefer them. Tickets from $40.
Tidewater Comicon
May 16 – May 17
If you’re a comic book fan, don’t miss Tidewater Comicon at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. For two full days, immerse yourself into the worlds of your favorite fandoms and meet celebrated comic creators and voice actors. Tickets from $28.
Holiday Events
Cinco de Mayo Events
Celebrate the best of Mexican culture with the Cinco de Mayo events around Virginia Beach.
Virginia Beach Taco Festival
May 2 – May 3
On Cinco de Mayo weekend, the Virginia Beach Taco Festival is coming to The Shack on 8th. There, you’ll find the city’s best food trucks and restaurants serving up some of the tastiest tacos around for just $4 a pop.
Mother’s Day Brunches
Treat your mom to a mouthwatering brunch this Mother’s Day.
Mother’s Day Brunch at Becca at the Cavalier Hotel
May 10
The dining establishments at The Historic Cavalier Hotel go all out for Mother’s Day, but there’s something extra special about the brunch at Becca. With everything from housemade cinnamon buns to local oysters on the half shell to a classy Cavalier benedict, this morning meal is worth celebrating.
Mother’s Day Brunch at Swan Terrace Grill
May 10
Tucked inside The Founders Inn & Spa, The Swan Terrace Grill is a Virginia Beach classic for Mother’s Day brunch. The buffet spread features an impressive spread of delicious options, including a chilled seafood station, an omelet station and a prime rib carving station. Reservations required.
Mother’s Day Drag Brunch at Elevation 27
May 10
Not every Mother’s Day brunch has to be prim and proper. Spice things up with a Mother’s Day Drag Brunch at Elevation 27. You’ll get to munch on delicious brunch bites with a side of epic full-out looks and jaw-dropping lip-sync performances. Ages 21+.
Memorial Day Weekend Events
Pay your respects to the fallen members of the U.S. military in a few different ways this Memorial Day weekend.
Memorial Day Salute to Summer
May 22 – May 24
Every evening throughout Memorial Day weekend, the Salute to Summer concert series rocks the Oceanfront with performers from all genres of music – including the locally beloved group, The Deloreans. Find the stages at 17th Street Park, 24th Street Park and 31st Street Park.
VB Surf Art Expo
May 23 – May 25
Just as its name implies, the VB Surf Art Expo brings together many of the best surf artists in the region. Peruse pieces in just about every medium you can dream of – from painting and sculptures to glass and jewelry. There are over 80 artists setting up shop this year, so there’s a good chance you’ll leave with a gem or two.
Run to Remember
May 25
The Run to Remember may be the most meaningful Memorial Day event of the weekend. Founded in honor of four Navy SEALs killed while serving, this 5k run/walk (and accompanying children’s one-mile fun run) directly benefits organizations supporting military families and veterans.
Live Performances
If you’re in the mood for a live show – whether it be enthralling music or a captivating play – you’re in luck! There’s no shortage of live events this May in Virginia Beach.
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Throughout May
The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts’ May event calendar has something for everyone. Pop by for The Music of Star Wars with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra (May 3), sing along to Bat Out of Hell: The Musical (May 12) or listen to GRAMMY-winning jazz artist Christian McBride as part of the Virginia Arts Festival (May 17). For a full list of performances, check out the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts’ event page.
The Dome
Throughout May
The Dome welcomes an eclectic mix of artists taking to its stage this May. Highlights include alt-rock musician David Byrne (May 13) and the rock group SatchVai Band (May 23). For a full list of performances, see The Dome’s website.
Funny Bone Comedy Club
Throughout May
The Funny Bone Comedy Club is the place to be this May, with big name headliners performing hilarious sets that’ll have you laughing all night long. DL Hughley (May 1–May 2), Godfrey (May 8–May 10), Kam Patterson (May 22–May 24) and Arnez J (May 29–May 31) are just a few of the elite performers visiting this month. For a full list of performances, refer to Funny Bone Comedy Club’s event calendar.
Little Theatre of Virginia Beach
May 15 – June 7
Noises Off
Step behind the curtain and into the hilarious chaos of Noises Off, the latest production from the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach. When a second-rate theatrical troupe attempts to stage a flop of a show, the drama offstage quickly eclipses the play itself. From slamming doors and missed cues to flying sardines and tangled romances, watch as the performance spirals into absolute chaos, where anything that can go wrong, will. Tickets start at $25.
Zeiders American Dream Theater
Throughout May
Zeiders American Dream Theater has an exciting mix of productions and events in the works for May. Kicking off the month, its production of Around the World in Eighty Days (May 2) is a wonderful choice for families. The latter half of the month brings Dr. Smile: A New Musical (May 15–May 30), which thoughtfully explores the stories of marginalized communities in an approachable way. For a full list of performances, refer to Zeiders American Dream Theater’s event calendar.
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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.
