The city of Virginia Beach does not need an introduction. Atlantic City is a vibrant city that borders the Atlantic Ocean and has been renowned for having numerous beautiful beaches, a fun-oriented boardwalk, and the very least, the holiday spirit throughout the year. Events always happen there, whether it is music in the sun or gorgeous light shows in the winter.
The holiday spirit is hard to miss, no matter if you’re going by yourself or with family, or with friends. Virginia Beach has something for everyone, all year long. There are beach sports, music events, art shows, and bright holiday displays.
What’s Still to Come in 2025?
Virginia Beach experiences a large turnout of population each year and the second half of 2025 will not be an exception. We are already looking forward to some fantastic experiences coming over the next few months; sport matches, sand arts performances, and warm holiday traditions. Between events or to drift away a cosy evening in the warmth of your hotel, or rented home, you may want to know how to get a $75 free chip instantly and find some relaxing fun at your staying place.
So, between mid-summer and winter, which of the seasons is worth seeing, then?
Summer Highlights
- East Coast Surfing Championships (ECSC)
- Location: 1st Street Jetty, Virginia Beach Oceanfront
- Dates: August 18–24, 2025
The Coastal Edge ECSC is the longest-running surf competition in the world, having been around for more than 60 years. In the middle of summer, it brings surfers from all over the nation to fight for titles and awards.
This week is full of action sports, music, and entertaining things to do on the beach, not only surfing. Though this legendary event is taking place in Virginia Beach yearly in August, those who are eager to surf all year round may consider those places where the surf season never literally ends. This is due to the variety of coastlines and a moderate maritime climate.
During the event, there are a lot of sideshows, with the most popular among them being the skateboard and BMX trick shows, swimsuit shows, beach volleyball makes, and even flag football competitions. Local snack vendors and restaurant owners along the beachfront and throughout the entire coastline create a carnival-like atmosphere.
Funk Fest Beach Party
- Location: 24th Street Stage, Virginia Beach Oceanfront
- Dates: August 22–23, 2025
The Funk Fest Beach Party is one of the most awaited musical festivals of the summer that entails the elements of rhythm, soul, and good vibes. It is the best means to end a good summer with welcoming music, seaside, and gay people, as well as nice food at such a beach party.
Autumn Attractions
With the leaf shades changing and the temperatures dropping, Virginia Beach assumes a different tune, one that is full of art, tradition, as well as seasonal enjoyment.
Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend
- Location: Virginia Beach Boardwalk
- Dates: September 26–28, 2025
An autumn staple, the Neptune Festival is celebrating its 51st year. This massive 30+ block beachfront festival includes live music, an arts and crafts mart, sporting contests, and the world-famous sand sculpture competition.
Expectations for the Neptune Festival:
| Feature | Description |
| Live Music | Stages along the boardwalk offer concerts from regional and national artists. |
| Art & Craft Show | Over 200 artisans display unique handmade items. |
| Sand Sculpting Championship | 22 internationally recognized sculptors compete in a large sand art installation. |
| 8K Race | A scenic run along the beach welcomes athletes and spectators. |
| Grand Parade | A lively parade with floats and community spirit. |
| Family Activities | Kids’ art galleries, workshops, and interactive play areas for all ages. |
Wicked 10K Weekend
- Location: From Virginia Beach Convention Center to the Boardwalk
- Dates: October 25, 2025
This Halloween marathon in Virginia Beach is one of a kind and exciting. Participants dress up in their best costumes and run the 6.2-mile course through the Oceanfront, cheered on by crowds and costumed volunteers.
Post-race festivities include food, music, photo booths, and an awards ceremony — not just for speed, but also for creativity in costume design. This autumn event has heart and style for runners and spectators.
Winter Wonders
The winter programs in Virginia Beach makes the city truly glow even when the weather gets cooler. The holidays here are cozy, bright, and fun for the whole family.
BayPort Credit Union Holiday Lights at the Beach
- Location: Virginia Beach Boardwalk
- Dates: November 14 – December 31, 2025
The Holiday Lights at the Beach exhibition makes the boardwalk a drive through winter wonderland. All along an oceanfront lighted path, visitors go by themed exhibits of surfing Santas, joking crabs, musical sea creatures and the like.
This year’s display includes:
- North America’s longest curving LED light tunnel.
- A 40-foot animated Christmas tree.
- Color-changing archways and seaside holiday scenes.
- Driving with radio-synchronized music.
Especially enjoyable for families with children, it is a warm, safe, and festive way to spend the holidays.
Last Night on the Town – New Year’s Eve
- Location: Virginia Beach Town Center
- Date: December 31, 2025
Join the official New Year’s Eve party in Virginia Beach to welcome 2026. The event at Town Center is centered in the midst of the central area that offers free entertainment, DJs, food trucks, art exhibitions, and a festive countdown to midnight.
As it gets into the evening there is an increase in energy- and at half-way clocks, there is a burst of lights to welcome the sky with a spectacular burst of fireworks. The party is free to attend to persons of all ages and offers an eco-friendly and thrilling environment to end the year.
2025 New: Atlantic Park
Among the most exciting new components to Virginia Beach in 2025 is Atlantic Park, a contemporary surf and entertainment zone that may open in phases, starting this summer. Headed by a fellow Virginia Beacher, Pharrell Williams, this project turns the unused Dome land into a music, food, art, and recreation-filled destination.
The main attraction at Atlantic Park is the Wavegarden Cove, which is a 2.6-acre man-made surf lagoon and is designed to recreate ideal waves each time. There are also concert venues, local restaurants, small shops, and cultural places in the park- making it a new people attraction point for the locals as well as the tourists.
Not only is it an ideal location in which you can watch live music or even learn how to swing your surfboard, it is just a great site near the water to have a coffee, too. Atlantic Park will soon find its way into any itinerary of Virginia Beach.
Final Thoughts
The second half of 2025 in Virginia Beach is a place that will be loved by every traveler. No matter whether you are surfing the waves, following the fireworks, observing the enormous constructions of sand, or just having fun reserved by the accompanying holiday mood.
With the end of summer and fall coming in, the power of the city is only intensifying. Atlantic Park is opening, great events such as the Neptune Festival and the Holiday Lights are illuminating the coast and what better time to plan a visit.
Hence, take your calendar, select an event of your liking, and get ready to spend the best day of your life in Virginia Beach in 2025.
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