Summer Events & Festivals

If you couldn’t tell by the thick humidity and scorching temps we’ve been having lately, we are in the heart of summer! But the weather isn’t the only thing heating up—events and activities are too, and there’s certainly no shortage of fun and excitement to be had. Check out these fantastic festivals coming up that are sure to be highlights to your summer:

 

Beach Blanket Movie Festival: Virginia Beach Oceanfront, JULY 16TH-20TH @ 8:30 PM

On the beach: 29th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

  • Come on down to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront for a Jurassic Experience. Find your spot on the sand and enjoy. All films are free and open to the public. This year’s film festival includes:
  • Tuesday, July 16: Dinosaur (PG) 
  • Wednesday, July 17: Jurassic Park (PG-13)
  • Thursday, July 18: The Land Before Time (G)
  • Friday, July 19: The Good Dinosaur (PG)
  • Saturday, July 20: Jurassic World (PG-13)

 

Latino Music Festival: Town Point Park, JULY 20TH @ 2:00 PM

113 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510

  • Eat, drink, and salsa the night away at the Norfolk Latino Music & Food Festival on Saturday, July 20, 2024 from 2pm to 11pm at Town Point Park along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront! Featuring explosive live music performances, an eclectic offering of Latin cuisine including tacos and empanadas, fun family-friendly activities, authentic dance lessons and performances, and much more, the festival celebrates Hampton Roads’ vibrant Latin community!

 

99th Annual Chincoteague Pony Swim: Chincoteague Island, JULY 24TH @ 8:00 AM

7427 Memorial Park Drive, Chincoteague Island, VA 23336

  • Enjoy a week of festivities for the 99th Annual Pony Swim! The festivities kick-off the Saturday before the Pony Swim with the Southern Herd Roundup, and conclude the Friday after the Pony Swim when the ponies swim back to Assateague. You can enjoy the Chincoteague Fireman’s Carnival Monday through Saturday– with rides, games, raffles, and lots of good food during pony penning week beginning at 7pm.

 

Oceanfront Concert Series: Jefferson Starship: 17th St Park, JULY 31ST @ 7:00 PM

1701 Atlantic Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

  • Get ready for hot summer nights with the Oceanfront Concert Series at Virginia Beach, a free music extravaganza taking place in the parks along the iconic Virginia Beach Boardwalk. July 31st, you can enjoy Jefferson Starship with Optimistic Cynics.

 

18th Annual OBX Watermelon Festival: Kitty Hawk Kites, AUGUST 1ST @ 10:00 AM

3933 S C. Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 275959

  • Celebrate summer with Kitty Hawk Kites and Food Lion by supporting the Outer Banks Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Coalition at the 18th Annual OBX Watermelon Festival on Thursday, August 1st from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM at Kitty Hawk Kites in Nags Head. Here you can enjoy watermelon-themed competitions, arts and crafts, food trucks, and more!



I hope this guide helps you make the most of the summer season with these amazing events. Whether you’re watching movies under the stars, dancing to live music, or enjoying unique local traditions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. See you out there, and have a fantastic time!