USO Experience Virginia Beach
USO Experience Virginia Beach Concert Series
Friday, June 2-Sunday, June 4 | 7:30pm
17th and 24th Street Parks
FREE and open to the public
CONCERT SCHEDULE
Friday, June 2
17th Street Park: BALLYHOO! with special guest The Harbor Boys
24th Street Park: The Ataris with special guest Don’t Panic
Saturday, June 3
17th Street Park: Alien Ant Farm with special guest Turncoat Syndicate
24th Street Park: Molly Hatchet with special guest Mark Dunn
On the Beach at 22nd Street beginning at 8:30pm:
Family Movie Night: The Bad Guys
PG
Sunday, June 4
17th Street Park: Black Stone Cherry with special guest 710 Oil
24th Street Park: Matt Stell with special guest Celeste Kellogg
USO Village opens daily on the beach and boardwalk at 17th Street
For all USO events happening June 1-5, visit www.uso.org/usoexperience-vb
Celebrate the military and their families at the USO Experience Virginia Beach!
For active service members and their families, USO Experience Virginia Beach (VB) 2023 is a weeklong summer event that consists of a series of athletic, recreational, and social activities. For civilians, USO Experience is a way to learn about and celebrate the armed forces through the military village and free nightly concerts!
USO Experience VB 2023 social and educational events facilitate interactions between military and civilians and provide an opportunity for the civilian community to see that our service members are more than brave people keeping them safe. These common unifying experiences between the military service members and civilians let the military know they are supported, valued, and respected by their country.
Activities for service members include Skydiving, Paddleboarding, Horseback Riding, Surfing, Kayaking and more.
USO Experience Virginia Beach
Thursday, June 1–Monday, June 5
Multiple locations throughout Virginia Beach
Celebrate the military and their families at the USO Experience Virginia Beach!
For active service members and their families, USO Experience Virginia Beach (VB) 2023 is a weeklong summer event that consists of a series of athletic, recreational, and social activities. For civilians, USO Experience is a way to learn about and celebrate the armed forces through the military village and free nightly concerts!
USO Experience VB 2023 social and educational events facilitate interactions between military and civilians and provide an opportunity for the civilian community to see that our service members are more than brave people keeping them safe. These common unifying experiences between the military service members and civilians let the military know they are supported, valued, and respected by their country.
Activities for service members include Skydiving, Paddleboarding, Horseback Riding, Surfing, Kayaking and more.
The public is invited to experience the Military Village on the beach and boardwalk at 17th Street.
Free concerts at 17th, 24th Street Parks will be offered Friday-Sunday from 7:30-10:30pm. Line-up coming soon.
For more information, visit uso.org/usoexperience-vb
Pungo Offroad Monsters on the Beach
Monster Truck Rides are available! Tickets can be purchased at the ride location on the beach at 5th Street. Rides are available:
Friday: 5pm-10pm
Saturday: 10am-10pm
Sunday: noon-5pm
Tickets are $17 per person
Pungo Offroad Monsters on the Beach presented by Eastern Truck and Accessories is SOLD OUT!
Friday, May 19 | 7:30 pm (sold out)
(Monsters Experience 6 pm)
Saturday, May 20 | noon (sold out) & 7:30 pm (sold out)
(Monsters Experience 10:30 am & 6 pm)
Sunday, May 21 | 2 pm (sold out)
(Monsters Experience 12:30 pm)
Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Pungo Offroad Monsters on the Beach, presented by Eastern Truck & Accessories, brings thrills and chills to the Virginia Beach oceanfront as Monster Trucks battle for ultimate sand domination! This family-friendly event is loud, fast, and exciting. Make sure you see the BIGGEST Monster Truck show in the mid-Atlantic ON THE BEACH with a race and stunt course built right on the Beach at 6th Street and bleachers overlooking from the boardwalk. Sand dune ramps and junk cars combine to make the racecourse fast and fun for drivers and spectators alike.
Monster Trucks battle for individual race honors as well as the weekend-long point series with the overall winner snatching the George Carpenter Cup as “King Of The Beach”.
Races on the beach track also include amateur Tough 4X4 competitions with cash prizes and bragging rights at stake for the competitors. Rounding out the track activities will be quad-racing and demos with jumps and exciting side-by-side action!
General Admission bleacher tickets are available as well as the Monster Experience ticket upgrade that includes a driver meet-and-greet, Monsters on The Beach t-shirt, Monsters on The Beach poster, race credentials and premium general admission seating.
Free activities are also planned throughout the weekend. The Virginia Beach boardwalk will come alive with the Show and Shine truck show and exhibitor displays featuring some of the most exciting new accessories on the market today.
2023 TRUCK LINE-UP
Stone Crusher
Hooked
Dirt Crew
Dozer
Velociraptor
Vendetta
Tailgator
Illuminator
Truck Show & Shine, presented by Eastern Truck & Accessories:
Monsters on the Beach Truck Show & Shine, presented by Eastern Truck & Accessories, will be held on Saturday. Participating trucks will be on display from 10:00am until 4:30pm on the boardwalk north of 8th Street. Awards are presented at 3:00pm by Eastern Truck & Accessories. Winners return to the boardwalk on Sunday.
Pungo Offroad Monsters on the Beach, presented by Eastern Truck & Accessories is rain or shine. Should severe weather force a cancelation, information will be posted on our website an on social media. In the event of a cancelation, refunds will be automatically issued with no further action required.
Stay up-to-date:
Admission FAQs
- Box Office and Will Call located on the Boardwalk at 6th Street.
- Box Office opens 2 hours prior to each performance.
- Bleachers open one hour prior to each performance.
- Children 2 and under free for GA.
- ALL GUESTS must have a ticket for Monster Experience.
- All race ticketholders enter the Boardwalk bleachers from the Boardwalk at 6th Street.
- All Monster Experience ticketholders enter the pits from the Boardwalk at 5th Street.
- Limit of eight tickets per purchase.
- All tickets are subject to availability.
Memorial Day Weekend Salute To Summer
Friday, May 26-Sunday, 28 | 7:00pm – 11:00pm
17th and 24th Street Parks
FREE and open to the public
Enjoy the cool sounds of summer as the season of sun and fun kicks off on Memorial Day Weekend! Free concerts at 17th Street Park, 24th Street Park, and 31st Street Park feature local bands representing different genres and musical stylings. These concerts Friday, May 26-Sunday, May 28 complement the perfect weekend to sun, swim, and surf at the East Coast’s premier resort.
Enjoy our Heroes’ Walk banners along the boardwalk. These essays were composed by local Virginia Beach history students and tell the stories of various wars and conflicts the United States has been involved in over the years. They are a great reminder of the sacrifices made throughout our history.
Friday, May 26
17th Street Park: Cultivated Mind
24th Street Park: Buckshot
31st Street Park: School of Rock
Saturday, May 27 – CANCELED
17th Street Park: Wonderland
24th Street Park: 5Starr
31st Street Park: Brasswind
Sunday, May 28
17th Street Park: Chong Band
24th Street Park: The Deloreans
31st Street Park: Rocky 7
La Fiesta Virginia Beach presented by the Hispanic Chamber of Coastal Virginia
ACTUALIZACIÓN DEL TIEMPO PARA EL VIERNES 16 DE JUNIO: Debido a los continuos problemas meteorológicos, La Fiesta comenzará a las 21:00 horas con José Alberto “El Canario.” Las puertas se abrirán a las 20:00.
WEATHER UPDATE FOR FRIDAY, JUNE 16: Due to continuing weather issues, La Fiesta will befin at 9 pm with Jose Alberto “El Canario.” Doors will open at 8 pm.
Friday, June 16- Saturday, June 17
Virginia Beach Oceanfront at 29th Street
Featuring Jose Alberto “El Canario,” Rubby Perez, Diveana, La Banda Blanca, Wanda Lopes, Eddy Kbrera, Ballet Folklorico Mexican Tradition of Julio Ruiz, and more!
For two days, Virginia Beach celebrates the sights and sounds of the Latin experience!
La Fiesta Virginia Beach possesses the key ingredients of authentic food, colorful cultural costumes, and high-energy national Latin music. Latin Grammy Award nominees and winners headline concerts on the Beach stage at 29th Street each night.
Due to continuing weather issues, La Fiesta will befin at 9 pm with Jose Alberto “El Canario.” Doors will open at 8 pm.
Authentic Latino and Hispanic food vendors as well as retail vendors round out the festival experience.
La Fiesta 2023
Friday, June 16
5 pm: DJ
7:45 pm: Diveana
9:30 pm: Jose Alberto “El Canario”
Saturday, June 17
4 pm: DJ
5 pm: Ballet Folklorico Mexican Tradition of Julio Ruiz
5:30 pm Eddy Kbrera
6:30 pm: Ballet Folklorico Mexican Tradition of Julio Ruiz
7 pm: Wanda Lopez
8 pm: La Banda Blanca
9:30 pm: Rubby Perez
Proceeds from alcohol sales to support Virginia Legends Walk.
Know Before You Go:
Allowed:
- Beach blanket, towel, or beach chair (without a foot rest or canopy)
- Small cooler
- Outside food and drink (no alcohol)
- Re-entry with wrist band
- Strollers
Prohibited:
- Alcohol
- Open containers of any kind
- Glass containers
- Bicycles
- Pets (except certified service animals)
- Professional Camera/Video Equipment
- Umbrellas
East Coast She-Crab Soup Classic
SATURDAY, APRIL 22 | 12pm-2:30pm
24th Street Park
2023 Winners:
Sean Brickell Peoples’ Choice Award:
The East Coast She-crab Soup Classic returns to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront April 22! The competition will feature regional restaurants vying for the title of Best She-crab Soup. Attendees sample and vote for the People’s Choice Awards while regional cuisine experts serve up Critics Choice Awards.
Don’t miss the opportunity to sample some the best She-crab soup on the East Coast!
Participating Restaurants for the 2023 East Coast She-Crab Soup Classic
Atlantic Pints
Beach House 757
Blue Pete’s
CP Shuckers
Entre Nous
Irwin’s Pharmacy & Fountain
Lendy’s
Rockafeller’s
Shadowlawn Eats
Yiannis
In addition to these fine restaurants, cleanse your palate with oysters provided by First Landing Seafood.
2022 Winners
Critics’ Choice Award:
1st Place – Capt’n Crabby
2nd Place – Lendy’s Cafe
3rd Place – Yiannis Wine & Food
Sean Brickell Peoples’ Choice Award:
1st Place – Rockafellers Restaurant
2nd Place – Tempt Restaurant & Lounge
3rd Place – Lendy’s Cafe
Restaurant line-up subject to change.
What to Bring
The She-crab Soup Classic happens rain or shine. Dogs, strollers, and beach chairs are not permitted in the tasting area. Comfortable shoes and sunglasses or hat are advised.
Allergy Alert: Food contains shellfish.
Chalk the Walk
Saturday, June 17 | 10am-5pm
On the boardwalk from 16th-18th Streets
FREE and open to the public
2023 Theme: Out of this World
Chalk the Walk takes over the Virginia Beach Boardwalk as artists gather to turn the boardwalk into an impromptu canvas of color!
At Chalk the Walk, participants draw out-of-this-world four-by-four-foot chalk drawings for three blocks along the boardwalk.
Competitors will complete chalk drawings with the “out of this world” theme to be evaluated by a panel of judges. Judges will score the drawings according to criteria such as composition, use of color, adherence to theme, and creativity. There will be three competitive divisions: Amateur, Professional, and Youth. The Youth division will be for ages 12-16.
All participants must register by 12:30pm to qualify for the competition and drawings must be completed by 3:30pm to be eligible for prizes. Registration is free, and all participants should bring their own chalk.
Trophies and cash prizes will be awarded for each division. Winners will be announced at 4:45pm on the boardwalk at 17th Street.
Registration will be on site from 10:00am-12:30pm. Capacity is limited.
There is no fee to participate, but it is recommended that artists bring their own chalk.
2023 WINNERS:
YOUTH DIVISION
1st Place: Y-4 – Dylan Davis
2nd Place: Y-12 – Madeleine Rooney
3rd Place: Y-19 – Ace Justis
AMATEUR DIVISION
1st Place: A-35 – Virginia Mollner (Also 1st place winner in 2022!)
2nd Place: A-20 – Alissa Quesenberry
3rd Place: A-26 – Sage Marrujo
PROFESSIONAL DIVISION
1st Place: P-10 – Jordan Kuhlhoff
2nd Place: P-3 – Josh Blum
3rd Place: P- 4 – Dan Kniffin
BEST OF THE BOARDWALK
P-1 – Abbey Turner (Also Best of the Boardwalk winner in 2022!)
Thank you to our sponsors
Beach Music Weekend
Friday, May 12- Saturday, May 13
On the beach at 30th Street
Friday, May 12
7:30pm: The Swingin’ Medallions
Saturday, May 13
Noon: Bill Deal’s Original Rhondels
3:30pm: Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot
7:30pm: The Catalinas
10am-4pm: Beach Music Weekend Classic Car Show
Beach Music Weekend features bands on the beach with dancing under the stars for a jam-packed blast from the past! The top Beach Music bands from up and down the East Coast descend on the Virginia Beach oceanfront in a nostalgic salute to the “good old days” of hot tunes and cool times.
A two-day series of ticketed concerts are presented on a stage built right on the beach at 30th Street. Evening concerts on Friday give way to a full day of entertainment on Saturday.
The General Admission weekend pass will be available in advance of the festival.
The festival atmosphere is enhanced with a variety of food trucks throughout the weekend. Boardwalk sponsors and vendors overlook the beach, luring visitors from the boardwalk into the fun and sun at Beach Music Weekend.
SHOW-OFF YOUR RIDE AT THE BEACH MUSIC WEEKEND CAR SHOW! 12 trophies and cash prizes will be awarded, including Best in Show. Classic cars will be on display from 10am-4pm on Saturday with trophies awarded at 3:30pm.
Registration is available on site. Registrants MUST check-in between 7am-10am on Saturday at 2906 Atlantic Avenue (across from Oceanfront Inn). Download the registration form here.
Know Before You Go
- Festival Box Office is located on the Boardwalk at 30th Street and opens two hours prior to first concert performance.
- Festival gate is located on the Boardwalk at 30th Street and opens to Beach Concert Stage one hour prior to first concert performance.
- Festival is held outdoors rain or shine. Festival may be suspended or postponed due to severe weather or in case of severe weather forecast.
- Picnic baskets are welcome.
- No alcohol or glass may be brought into the Festival.
- Persons must be at least 21 years of age with a valid photo ID to purchase and/or consume alcoholic beverages.
- For the safety of all, Event Security may screen persons entering the Festival.
- No animals allowed inside Festival performance areas. Service Animals are permitted.
- Festival guests may be photographed and videotaped for future promotional use.
- These regulations do not alter or change State or City laws in any manner and guests are subject to all applicable State or City laws.
- For parking info, please visit
- For Oceanfront resort info, please visit www.visitvirginiabeach.com
Atlantic Coast Kite Festival
Saturday, May 6 | 10am-4pm
Sunday, May 7 | 11am-4pm
On the beach from 16th-18th Streets
FREE and open to the public
Kite fliers and spectators of all ages experience a visual feast at the Atlantic Coast Kite Festival. This popular event features a variety of activities appropriate for all ages and all levels of kite aficionados.
Everyone is invited to take part in the Atlantic Coast Kite Festival’s “Best Kite Contest.” To enter this contest, participants bring a kite that they have made or purchased and fly it at the festival. The contest consists of two parts: the actual kite itself (how it looks and how well it is made), and the participant’s ability to fly the kite. Participants must be able to fly their kites consecutively in the air for 5 minutes at a height of 100 feet. Kites will be judged on Flight (ability to fly for 5 minutes), Structural Design, Craftsmanship, and Visual Appeal. There will be three competitive divisions: Master, Novice, and Youth (ages 7-14). Trophies will be awarded for all divisions.
The Best Kite Contest is free to enter, and takes place each day.
“Flight Training” – Experienced kite enthusiasts will assist novice flyers. Topics include equipment selection, laying out of lines, setting up the field, launching the kite, flying and landing a kite, and safety. “Flight Training” will take place each day.
Families are invited to participate in kite building workshops. These free workshops include kite materials and instructions on how to build a kite, as well as the aerodynamics of kite flying and kite safety.
American Kite Association members from throughout the East Coast will present kite demonstrations, perform kite routines to music, and fly giant kites (up to 80 feet long) that include an octopus kite! Kite vendors will be on site to sell various kinds of kites.
Awards will also be given each day for oldest and youngest kitefliers, funniest kite, most unusual kite, and biggest kite.
Admission to the kite festival is free.
