What’s new in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach marks its 60^th anniversary in 2023 with a host of new events, attractions and more.

Visitors to the vibrant coastal city have plenty of options to plan a memorable vacation in any season:

FESTIVALS

The Z Fringe Festival
April 7 – 8, 2023
The region’s first major theater festival showcases unique works in a weekend of theater that pushes the envelope. It features performances of self-produced works by local artists on three stages in Zeiders American Dream Theater.

Something in the Water Festival
April 28 – 30, 2023
The multi-day music festival led by Virginia Beach native Pharrell Williams returns next spring. With a star-studded musical line-up still to be announced, the event also highlights arts and culture through a series of performances, events and community activities.

Virginia Arts Festival
May 2023
As part of the 26^th annual festival line-up, Virginia Beach venues host top performing artists throughout the city. Ballet Hispanico and the Mark Morris Group dance onto the Sandler Center stage, and illusionist Scott Silven mesmerizes guests at a prix fixe dinner at the Historic Cavalier Resort Hotel. A series of classical music performances, including the Virginia Symphony and the popular Virginia International PANFest round out the schedule.

Jackalope Fest
June 2 – 4, 2023
High adrenaline action sports turn up the heat with three days of competition and demonstrations by world-renowned athletes in skateboarding, BASE jumping, breakdancing and bouldering. This is the first year Virginia Beach hosts the free event.

ACTIVITIES

Sound Meditations on the Water
Thursday evenings, May – September
Rudee Inlet Stand Up Paddle recently launched a new experience that pairs the practice of sound bathing with a paddle board float session anchored on the calm waters of Rudee Inlet. It promotes relaxation and peace within during the 90-minute guided experience.

NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships 
March 10 – 11, 2023
The city’s premier athletic venue, the Virginia Beach Sports Center, hosts the Division II Men’s and Women’s Championship events next spring. The pinnacle of collegiate athletic competitions is the first in a series of four consecutive years of elite events awarded to the city.

Beyond Van Gogh 
July 1 – August 13, 2023
Experience the art of Vincent Van Gogh in a whole new way when this national touring exhibit comes to the Virginia Beach Convention Center next summer. The immersive environment puts visitors in the heart of 300 of the master’s works shown across 30,000 sq ft of displays and complemented by a musical score.

MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES

Little Theater of Virginia Beach celebrates 75 years
The beloved community theater marks a memorable milestone. Performances in their 75^th season began with “Dracula” and “White Christmas” and continue in 2023 with Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” “The Legend of Georgia McBride,” “Murder on the Orient Express,” Jimmy Buffett’s “Escape to Margaritaville,” plus an additional summer musical to be announced.

TASTE celebrates 50 years
Pioneering specialty food in Coastal Virginia in 1973, TASTE now operates three Virginia Beach locations and a fourth scheduled to open in 2023. Taste the good life with in-café dining or pack a spectacular beach picnic with fresh-made sandwiches, gourmet prepared foods, snacks and beverages. For its 50th anniversary, TASTE celebrates its history by sharing stories and offering a few throwback menu specials.

Virginia Beach Sportsplex: 25 years
The region’s best outdoor sports venue celebrates its 25^th anniversary with a $7 million renovation project that includes a collection of access improvements. The 6,000-seat multi-level, artificial turf arena is home to the USL League Two Virginia Beach United semi-professional development soccer team.

Sandler Center for the Performing Arts: 15 years
Celebrating its 15^th anniversary season in 2023, the Sandler Center welcomes national performing entertainers and serves as a home to local arts groups. Enriching the lives of both residents and visitors through performance art and educational programs, the Sandler Center contributes significantly to the city’s arts culture.