September 2026
As September ushers in the start of fall, it’s far from “sweater weather” in Virginia Beach. Get ready to soak up the sun at outdoor concerts, sand sculpting competitions and even a wine festival. Here are the events you don’t want to miss out on this month in Virginia Beach.
Neptune Festival’s Symphony by the Sea Concert Series
July 23–September 3
Catch the last show of Neptune’s Festival Symphony by the Sea Concert Series on September 3. This free symphonic performance by the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and Symphonicity takes place at the lovely oceanfront 31st Street Park. Plan to arrive early to snag a prime spot, as the concerts tend to fill the park fast.
Second Annual Chlorine Clash Invitational
September 1
Atlantic Park Surf has a whole slew of events this September, starting with its second annual Chlorine Clash Invitational. Featuring eight World Surf League-qualifying competitors and eight wild cards, this event puts these competitors head-to-head in a series of turn and barrel waves. Watch these pros do what they do best before the winners take home cash prizes.
Virginia Beach Labor Day Weekend
September 4–September 6
Looking for completely free entertainment throughout Labor Day Weekend in Virginia Beach? Head to the Oceanfront, specifically to 17th, 24th and 31st Street Parks. Each evening at 7:30pm (doors open at 6:30 pm), a different captivating performance will kick off. Some are kid-friendly – like Golden: A K-Pop Kids Party – while others like Greensky Bluegrass and Carbon Leaf are great for visitors wanting to listen to tunes from decades gone by. Bring your beach chairs, blankets and snacks to settle in for the perfect end-of-summer celebration.
Virginia Beach Super Girl Surf Festival
September 5–September 7
Don’t miss the Virginia Beach Super Girl Surf Festival, the largest women’s sports, lifestyle and music festival in the world. Watch thousands of talented female athletes do what they do best — surfing, skating, beach volleyball and beach flag football. Most events take place between 1st Street and 4th Street on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk.
As if that weren’t enough already, the festival also includes free wellness and fitness classes, as well as nearly two-dozen concerts headlined by artists like Switchfoot and Gym Class Heroes (pre-registration is required). The goal of the festival is to empower, uplift and inspire women, and it’s safe to say that it succeeds.
Fall Wine Festival
September 11–September 12
Sip and savor more than 60 wines from vineyards and wineries across Virginia at the 29th annual Fall Wine Festival on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront at 31st Street Park. This year’s festival will feature more than a dozen esteemed wineries, including Mattaponi Winery and Zoll Vineyards, promising an unforgettable weekend for wine enthusiasts. Add live music and delicious food into the mix, and you’ve got yourself an event to remember. There are also non-alcoholic wines and seltzers for those looking for zero-proof options. Tickets start at $40.
End of Summer Bay Bash
September 18
With outdoor concerts and movies under the stars, sand castle building festivals and surf competitions, summer in Virginia Beach is an absolute treat. Celebrate one last time before the season ends at the End of Summer Bay Bash. Enjoy endless food and drinks, dancing and live music. The proceeds go towards next year’s Neptune Festival events, as well as to the local Connect with a Wish non-profit, which helps Virginia Beach children in foster care. Tickets start at $150.
International Coastal Cleanup
September 19
Odds are, you’ve spent a good amount of time exploring the great outdoors in Virginia Beach – hiking at First Landing State Park, paddleboarding at Rudee Inlet or just spending a beach day at the Oceanfront. Why not give back to nature by participating in the International Coastal Cleanup? Meet at the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum at 9 a.m. to do your part to keep the Virginia shoreline sparkling.
NAS Oceana Air Show
September 19–September 20
Watch military aircraft race across the sky at the NAS Oceana Air Show at Naval Air Station Oceana. And the 2026 show is extra special, as it celebrates America’s 250th birthday. Snag some snacks from the food vendors, peruse the retail vendor booths and grab a spot to watch the aircraft demonstrations up above. Admission and parking are completely free.
Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend
September 25–September 27
As one of the biggest annual events in Virginia Beach, the Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend is jam-packed with activities for three days straight. At the Neptune Festival Art & Craft Show, more than 200 artisans come together to show off their wares. At Neptune’s Surfing Classic, watch surfers of all ages take to the Virginia Beach waves. At the Grand Parade, spot Queen Neptune and her court amongst the marching bands and cheerleaders. And let’s not forget the 20+ concerts going on throughout the weekend!
International Sand Sculpting Championship
September 25–October 4
Although technically part of the Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend, the International Sand Sculpting Championship deserves its own time in the spotlight. After all, it’s one of those Virginia Beach events that simply can’t be missed. Watch artists at work as they transform ordinary sand into massive, elaborate sculptures that’ll leave you gaping in awe. In previous years, competitors have made everything from castles to whales to King Neptune himself.
Dock Dogs
September 25–September 27
Like the International Sand Sculpting Championship, Dock Dogs is also a particularly popular event of the Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend. This free, family-friendly event features the most adorable tail-waggers in Virginia Beach. Dogs show off their skills as they run, jump and fetch, then splash into a refreshing swimming pool. It’s without a doubt one of the best things to do in Virginia Beach with your pups.
Farm Aid
September 26
One of music’s biggest benefit events is coming to Virginia Beach for the first time at the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater. Founded in 1985, Farm Aid’s 2026 iteration features epic sets from Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews. Proceeds from this event go towards supporting family-owned farms in the U.S. Tickets start at $85.
Live Performances
Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
Throughout September
This month, Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater has an exciting mix of performers, both old and new. Travel back a few decades with the Wu-Tang Clan (September 16) or TLC and Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue (September 18). Or stay solidly in the 2010s and ‘20s with performances like $uicideboy$ (September 6), Bryson Tiller with Majid Jordan, Ty Dolla $ign and Austin Millz (September 9) and Jason Aldean (September 10). For more information, visit the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater website.
Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Throughout September
A night out at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts is always a good time. This September, catch George Thorogood and The Destroyers (September 1), Pat Metheny (September 15) and the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band (September 30), just to start. For a full list of performances, check out the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts’ event page.
The Dome
Throughout September
Get your rap and hip-hop fill at The Dome this September, with acts by Fetty Wap (September 12), Young Thug (September 16) and Yeat (September 17). Or embrace your emo-rock self with Taste of Chaos’ performance (September 25) at the end of the month. For more information, visit The Dome’s website.
Funny Bone Comedy Club
Throughout September
An evening of laughs is pretty much guaranteed to be in your future with a visit to Funny Bone Comedy Club. This month, find comedians for every style of humor, including Corey Holcomb (September 4–September 5), Lucas Zelnick (September 17), Earthquake (September 18–September 20) and Zarna Garg (September 25–September 26). To top it all off, the venue is also hosting a Shrek Tribute Drag Brunch (September 27), complete with tasty brunch favorites and appearances by Shrek, Fiona, Donkey and Lord Farquaad. For a full list of performances, refer to Funny Bone Comedy Club’s event calendar.
Little Theatre of Virginia Beach
September 18–October 11
The laugh-out-loud comedy, Ken Ludwig’s Moon Over Buffalo, is taking the stage at the Little Theatre of Virginia Beach this fall. When two fading 1950s theatre stars get one last shot at Hollywood stardom, everything that can go wrong does. Mistaken identities, ridiculous misunderstandings and pure slapstick chaos are just the beginning. Tickets start at $30.
Zeiders American Dream Theater
September 7–September 12
Proteus Festival
Zeiders American Dream Theater is hosting its weeklong Proteus Festival this September— a full six days of creativity taking over their block of Town Center. It’s essentially a showcase of the arts, with music, comedy, theater, kids’ entertainment, open mics and interactive art projects all under one roof.
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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.
