Virginia Beach, Va. – The key elements of a memorable beach vacation start on the shore with lapping waves, sandy toes and skies radiant with sunshine. Virginia Beach checks all those boxes but also unveils new events, attractions and eats this summer that add to its enduring allure. Start planning your next getaway to the state's “Best Waterfront Town” as voted by Southern Living readers last month, and come see what's new for summer this year:

MUSIC, MURALS & A MEGA SKATE SHOW

NEW Spring Oceanfront Concert Weekend, April 26 – 28
Kick off the outdoor music season with a series of live concerts on three oceanfront stages. The weekend features free music at both 17th and 24th Street Parks from Noon – 5 pm on Friday and Saturday ahead of seaside shows at Neptune's 31st Street Park. The lineup includes headliners NLE Choppa and Juicy J plus Tee Grizzley, Shordie Shordie, Skilla Baby and 310babii with one- or two-day general admission and VIP tickets on sale now. Free music also is offered Sunday from noon to 8 pm at 17th and 24th Street Parks.

NEW VB Street Art Festival, May 30 – June 2
Outdoor streetcorner sculptures that dot the primary corridors of Virginia Beach's ViBe District add color and creativity to the walkable arts community. A group of 15 artists will live paint all the neighborhood identifiers during the inaugural festival weekend, and an interactive and family-friendly community mural invites all visitors to contribute to its design. Shop a vibrant community of artisans, crafters and restaurants that add to the appeal of the free, new event just steps from the beach.

JACKALOPE Shifts to New Summer Dates, May 31 – June 2
More than 500 athletes from eight countries bring their skills back to the beach when the nation's premier adventure sports competition returns this summer. Adrenaline rushes fuel competitors and spectators alike with mind-blowing exhibitions in street and vert skateboarding, bouldering, freestyle motocross, BASE jumping and skimboarding. This free event held at 31st Street Park and on oceanfront courses is a perfect match for thrill seekers this summer. Hotel and VIP viewing packages plus a series of ticketed, athlete-led workshops are available now.

NEW Point Break Reggae Festival, June 1 – 2
Virginia Beach will be jammin' following the Memorial Day holiday as a new, seaside festival spotlights reggae music, food and culture. Gates open daily at noon with more than 20 concerts headlined by Grammy-nominated Rebelution and alternative rock band Sublime plus performances by Steel Pulse, Stephen Marley and Wiz Khalifa. General admission tickets and travel packages are on sale now.

NEW ACTIVITIES TO ADD TO YOUR ITINERARY

Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience
Following the success of the Van Gogh immersive exhibit last year, another interactive experience debuts in Virginia Beach for summer 2024. The largest of its kind in the nation, Beyond Monet explores more than 400 of the Impressionist master's original works projected across 50,000 s.f. and complemented by music and sound effects. Open July 5 – Sept. 5, 2024 on Wednesdays through Sundays at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.

Virginia Aquarium opens renovated South Building + adds new Creek Cruises
Just steps from the marine science museum's primary building, a new South Building showcases more than a dozen animal species – including the beloved North American River Otter and enchanting jellyfish – in 20,000 gallons of aquatic habitats. Dive into immersive exhibits and touch pools, observe live veterinary care and water quality testing and play outdoors while learning about the watershed and how to care for our marine environment. Entry is included with standard admission, and the new building is accessible from the connected, one-third mile outdoor nature trail that parallels Owls Creek or the facility's south parking lot.

The Aquarium also hosts a new boat tour experience April 20 – May 31. Search for osprey, eagles, herons and other wildlife during the 45-minute Owls Creek Marsh Cruise on the Atlantic Scout. With seating up to 40, join Aquarium educators to explore the native habitat and fauna that makes Owls Creek and Lake Rudee one of Virginia Beach's most valuable natural resources. The low-riding, smooth vessel welcomes riders age six and older and highlights unique marsh scenery. Other summer boat experiences include daily dolphin watching trips on either the Atlantic Scout or Atlantic Explorer vessels.

Coastal Mod
Trade your typical vacation souvenirs for an investment-quality piece of classic, mid-century modern furniture. Stroll the new furniture store's gallery filled with vintage seating, storage, lighting and art from the 1950s and '60s from notable designers including Edward Wormley and Hans Wegner.

PIT STOP FOR PASTA, PINTS AND MORE

Sorella's
Brand new on the Virginia Beach dining scene, this modern Italian restaurant's pasta bar churns out fresh varieties by hand daily in The Artery area near the oceanfront. Assistant manager and sommelier Antonia Ah You prioritized Italian wines from different regions to perfectly complement every course from antipasti to Neapolitan pizza.

Aslin Beer Co.
Just a block from the Virginia Beach Sports Center, a new craft brewery just started pouring. Brightly-colored shipping containers frame the outdoor beer garden and tiki bar perfect for enjoying a cold one, and special events like movie nights and yoga classes add to the festive environment. IZZI, the brewer's scratch kitchen concept, also serves breakfast, lunch and dinner highlighted by pizza made with their own fermented dough.

Voodoo Brewing Co.
Modeled after a European beer hall, this new gastropub is the perfect place to hang with friends in the heart of Virginia Beach's Town Center. Elevated pub cuisine plus hand-crafted cocktails and mocktails complement a wide selection of ever-changing, thought-provoking brews.

Kung Food Kitchen Experiment
Everybody loves to play at the Moxy Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel, and a new evening dining experience has arrived with an upbeat, changing menu of Asian fusion and comfort cuisine. Available nightly from 6 – 10 pm in the hotel's dining space that doubles as a combo coffee shop and diner during the day, highlights include a variety of spring rolls and specialty noodle dishes plus a rotating Tequila and Tacos Tuesday special.

Oh! Mochi
Take your tastebuds for a spin at this new café near Town Center featuring Korean corndogs covered in crushed hot Cheetos or potatoes followed by Japanese mochi doughnuts in a variety of unique flavor combinations from toasted marshmallow to Fruity Pebbles.

Dave's BBQ
Slow-smoked BBQ is a Southern staple, and local pitmaster Dave Brown perfected his style for years before opening a restaurant that's quickly gained a cult following less than a mile from King Neptune's gaze. Classic brisket, pork spare ribs, jalapeno cheddar sausage and more meats anchor a sandwich or platter with homemade sides and desserts rounding out a robust menu.

About Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach, one of Virginia's most populous cities, resides where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. The city is home to 35 miles of sandy beaches, a flourishing culinary and craft beer scene, rich history, a variety of arts and entertainment, and family-friendly attractions that keep visitors entertained year-round. For more Virginia Beach information, including new attractions and experiences, or to plan your next trip, visit www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com.