If you love a good festival, add Virginia Beach, Virginia, to your list of spring destinations. Kicking off the season on April 7–8, the Z Fringe Festival presents a lively mix of cutting-edge theater and theater-adjacent works across three stages at Zeiders American Dream Theater, showcasing innovative local and regional productions.
New this year, the Bulls & Barrels Beach Rodeo on April 15–16 launches the Southern Extreme Bull Riding Association circuit. Held on sand, this unique event features rodeo clowns, barrel racing and bull riding for an energetic, seaside twist on traditional rodeo action.
© Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau
Historic Garden Week celebrates its 90th anniversary in April with nearly 30 tours that explore private landscapes, historic properties and public gardens across the state. One of the featured routes on April 19 visits Virginia Beach’s North End neighborhood, offering a chance to see beautifully tended yards and significant historic sites.
On April 22 the East Coast She-Crab Soup Classic brings an outdoor tasting competition to the 24th Street Stage/Park. Local restaurants compete for Critic’s and People’s Choice awards, giving attendees an opportunity to sample different takes on the regionally beloved she-crab soup.
April 28–30, Something in the Water returns as a beachside festival celebrating music, art and culture with live performances on oceanfront stages. Curated by musician and producer Pharrell Williams, the event blends established acts and emerging artists; this year’s lineup will be announced on the festival website.
© Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau
The skies fill with color on the weekend of May 6–7 for the Atlantic Coast Kite Festival, where giant kites and skillful flyers entertain families along the town beaches. The Beach Music Cruise-In on May 12–13 celebrates 1960s music culture, inviting visitors to dance on the sand and enjoy classic hits.
Memorial Day weekend, May 26–29, features the 20th Annual Coastal Edge Steel Pier Classic & Surf Art Expo, pairing ocean sports with seaside art exhibits. Around the same time, events included in the 26th Annual Virginia Arts Festival bring world-class performances to the area, from classical concerts by the Virginia Symphony to contemporary dance by companies like Ballet Hispanico and the Mark Morris Dance Group. Check local venue listings for specific dates and program details at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts.