Things to Do in Virginia Beach This September - Top Events, Activities & Attractions

Kick off with a morning stroll along the lynnhaven waterfront, then commune with history at a dozen museums and historical sites. A compact loop from the harbor to the naval district offers a clear path towards culture and waterfront views.

Looking for events? Expect a mix of live concerts and award-winning festivals, plus an afternoon auction inside a glass dome that anchors a riverside plaza. Reserve seats early and plan to stroll between stages towards bites and photo ops.

Families can enjoy a waterpark break after a few sessions in historic districts. The route preserves access to family-friendly venues and co-located markets where a dozen local crafts are showcased, making it easy to add a stopping point if you have visited before.

Last year’s upgrades were funded to improve safety and accessibility along the Lynnhaven corridor, with signposted paths guiding crowds towards popular photo spots. If you stroll towards the riverfront, you’ll find access points for bikes and strollers and a chance to pause at a shaded dome structure used for pop-up programs.

Once you map a plan, you’ll maximize the chance to savor and enjoy every moment. Municipal organizers made the calendar open to locals and visitors, with a dozen stops featuring street music, public art, and historical tours. If you’re looking to combine culture with outdoor air, that itinerary checks every box.

September Highlights in Virginia Beach: Events, Activities, and the de Witt Cottage Anniversary

Kick off the anniversary weekend with a candlelit guided tour of the de Witt Cottage, then linger for a historical gallery chat revealing long-held local stories found in archival diaries.

Plan a morning loop along the three-mile shoreline to catch dolphin sightings and a large sculpture display, followed by a stroll through an indoor gallery featuring newer sculpting demonstrations.

Evening offerings pair wine and liqueur tastings with opera selections and nighttime performing, followed by laid-back conversations near a pool and small, family-friendly comedian spots.

Weekend competitions spotlight sand sculpting and creative challenges along the boardwalk, while a boat-lapped quay hosts pop-up performances and casual tastings for travelers from wisconsin and beyond.

There, a newer outdoor sculpture section sits near the steps, with heads from a George Dean tribute catching curious glances; the surrounding space invites reflective still moments and practical tips for a comfortable fall visit.

130th Anniversary at the de Witt Cottage: Official Dates, Times, and How to Attend

Reserve the 2:15 PM guided tour on October 4, 2025. Official Dates span October 4–6, daily hours 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, with tours at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM. Online booking guarantees entry; capacity is limited; tickets available until capacity is reached. A short audio guide highlights classics-inspired furnishings, marine accents, and a botanical garden corner to enhance your visit.

How to attend: reserve online to guarantee entry, then arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the cottage porch. Parking is available along the marina and at nearby lots; for a smoother experience, arrange a ride-share if possible. After the indoor galleries, a garden walk along the botanical beds leads to a beverage station featuring a locally crafted liqueur and a non-alcoholic drink option; food vendors offer light meals and regional produce. Nearby hotels can pair your stay with guided tours and a seaside dining plan to extend the weekend.

During the program, a musical interlude and a short opera segment accompany strolling routes; comedians sprinkle humor between showings. dolphin sightings may occur off the coast, and dolphins add a huge sense of wonder to the occasion. The program, crafted by local makers and artists, highlights the cottage’s history while echoing the area’s economy and coastal culture. The experience remains safe for families and groups of all ages, and indoor spaces stay comfortable if weather shifts.

Post-visit options include a deeper dive into the cottage garden with botanical displays, continued tours, and more opportunities to sample regional produce. Final admission is at 4:00 PM, and capacity remains limited for comfort. Parking along the marina is convenient, with a short stroll to the porch. Your plan can also include a visit to nearby lighthouses and a dolphin-watching walk on the return path. That lineup complements a broader weekend alongside norfolks and other visitors, with hotels nearby offering a drink tasting and a few souvenirs to mark the 130th year.

Beachfront Festivals: Music, Markets, and Fireworks Schedules

Plan your evening around an open-air performance along the east-facing shore, then watch the night sky light up over the atlantic with a late fireworks display.

Morning markets unfold along lynnhaven and watermans corridors, with vendors offering bites, food, and crafts. Local brewing stations, fresh pastries, and handmade goods draw morning crowds, and dolphin sightings often accompany the stroll along the shore.

Evening concerts showcase a rotating lineup–from a grand orchestra on the main stage to opera-inspired sets and theater-linked performances. Indoor venues provide shelter if weather shifts, while outdoor spaces keep a warm, iconic atmosphere for every traveler.

Food, drinks, and merch fill the scene as those vendors create a feast for the senses–pleasure for families and solo explorers alike. A boat slips by as tall masts reflect in the water, adding a moving backdrop to the performances and the view.

Fireworks over the atlantic cap the weekend schedule, with the show typically around 9:00 pm. For the best view, stake out near watermans or along the shore; dogs can join in some areas on a leash while the crowd enjoys the open-air spectacle that makes this part of the coast so unique.

Practical plan: arrive early to secure a spot, watch the schedule for open hours and open-air segments, and map a loop that combines a morning market wander, an afternoon stroll, and an evening of music and a grand finale. This vibrant economy of food, drink, and crafts delivers something memorable for every traveler seeking a night of culture and coastal pleasure.

Family-Friendly Day Plans: Kid-Approved Attractions and Short Itineraries

Kick off with a splash at the region’s largest waterpark, where a unique array of rides and slides keeps energy high through late morning; plan a two-stop start for most families to stay energized.

Next, bikes along a 2–3 mile loop along the river, sharing the route with street-side murals and a main dock featuring several notable sculptures; the bikes-friendly route pairs activity with culture and keeps the pace for any size group.

Midday, visit a heritage-focused site with crafted exhibits designed for little hands, then learn about local habitat through interactive displays and a short guided community walk.

End with a dockside stroll, a special event or celebration, and a tasting of a cocktail for adults while kids share a snack and watch a mural come alive during a sunset moment. If a 24th celebration is on, the harbor hosts live acts near the dock, adding a noteworthy finale.

Outdoor Adventures: Nature Walks, Trails, and Sunset Spots

Start with the Long Creek Nature Trail at First Landing State Park: a nearly 1.5-mile loop that stitches marsh boardwalks with pine flats. If you drive here from downtown, expect a short ride and easy parking in Lot C. Follow the blue blazes to a salt-tasted overlook where ospreys wheel above the shallows. The route stays mostly flat and accessible for families, with a short rock ledge at the overlook offering a sturdy place to pause and take in the view.

Another solid option is the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge loop, roughly 2.5 miles when you combine Pine Trail with the Boardwalk. The route threads marshland, salt-sprayed pines, and dune edges; low-tide lines reveal shells and animal tracks. Start at the main parking area and follow signage to a quiet overlook where the water stretches toward the horizon.

Sunset vista at Cape Henry Lighthouse (Fort Story) offers a sweeping, western-facing view over the dunes and shoreline; the best light comes in the last half hour of daylight. The bluff path has short rock sections and low walls marking the edge–wear sturdy shoes and watch for changing winds.

After your trek, visit a nearby owner-run brewpub to sample five beers; the brewing team crafts IPAs, stouts, and hazy ales. The drinks menu pairs with chef-curated bites that feature local produce from nearby farms. The site becomes a social hub where locals swap route notes and plan the next outing.

Practical notes: bring water, sunscreen, and a light layer; wear sturdy shoes for uneven boards and dune paths. Combine the two loops into a half-day outing by starting at First Landing and finishing at Cape Henry viewpoints, then finish with a short drive to the brewpub for a relaxing end to the day.

Water Sports and Coastal Experiences: Surfing, Kayaking, and Paddleboarding

Begin with a guided lesson from a boutique outfitter located along the lynnhaven inlet; the three-mile loop in calm, sheltered water works for first-timers and helps you make quick progress, with steps from the shop to the water clearly marked and gear available at the dock. Afterward, consider a quick stroll to nearby parks for a panorama of the harbor before heading back to the hotel bar for a liqueur tasting that caps the day.

• Surfing – Availability in the morning and late afternoon, with certified instructors guiding newcomers. Soft-top boards, rash guards, and safety briefing are included; parking at the dockside lot stands ready. Expect views of the marina and calm coastal scenery, with lunch options at nearby stands or a casual cafe after the session. Only licensed instructors lead the programs, and the shop can arrange private sessions for your party if you’re interested.
• Kayaking – Routes along the Lynnhaven River and calmer bays; double and single kayaks available. Tours run 60–90 minutes, with lockers and a beverage station at the dock. Scenic stops offer great photo opportunities of birds and distant lighthouses; driving instructions from your hotel are straightforward, and a short stop at a waterfront park can be included.
• Paddleboarding – Stable boards suitable for beginners, with tandem options for partners. The three-mile paddle along flat water emphasizes balance and technique; instructors provide life jackets and quick drills. Expect gentle currents, periodic rests, and expansive views of the coastal skyline as you glide back to the dock after the session; lunch at a dockside cafe is a convenient option on longer picks.

Evening options add depth: night paddles with LED-equipped boards enable watching the night horizon over calm water; some tours include a haunted lighthouse narrative for a memorable twist. News outlets often highlight the growing opportunities for locals and visitors to connect with norfolks guides, and your chance to learn from seasoned pros grows with each booking. Driving back to the hotel after these sessions feels seamless, and the whole experience takes only a few hours to complete–yourself included in the memory. Including a stop at a boutique shop along the way, you can make the most of this coastal escape from the comfort of your own itinerary.

Credit for insights: hannahelizarmstrong.

Practical Planning: Parking, Tickets, Weather, and Crowd Tips

Park at Harbor Garage, address: 100 Harbor Way, and take the free shuttle to the lobby entrance–youve saved valuable time during busy hours.

• Parking options: Harbor Garage (address: 100 Harbor Way) is closest to the main complex; nearly all routes lead to the lobby before the exhibit halls. After 6 pm, rates drop and spaces remain available longer.
• Alternate lots include Ocean Lot and Marine Court; early arrival increases chances of a full spot; keep a map on your phone for quick access to exits.
• bonus: veterans with valid ID receive a discount and priority in parking lines at peak times.

Tickets and entry:

• Buy online to skip lines; mobile passes work; bring the confirm email or show the QR code at the lobby desk.
• Discounts: veterans, seniors, and family bundles; check pickup windows; availability varies by day.
• theres behind-the-scenes tours available; reserve early.
• full-day passes unlock access to multiple sessions; these simplify planning when youll spend most of the day exploring.
• note: chix stand offers quick bites near the main concourse; concerts and exhibits appear on a rotating schedule–verify times ahead.

Weather and what to wear:

• Typical conditions: warm days with a refreshing breeze from the water; fresh air is common, especially near the riverfront. Pack sunscreen and a lightweight jacket for evenings.
• Forecast can shift quickly; bring a compact umbrella if rain is possible, and wear comfortable footwear for long walks.
• bone-dry spells are rare but possible; plan indoor breaks when humidity climbs.

Crowd and pace tips:

• Arrive early to avoid the heaviest crowds; mid-morning and late afternoon tend to be calmer. If youre with friends, split up briefly to cover more ground and regroup at a designated play area.
• Map out 2–3 priorities: an exhibit, a concert, and a break at a cafe; these plans keep you moving without burning out.
• For families with little ones, there are small play spaces and kid-friendly zones; use these as quick resets between main stops.
• theres a popular otters exhibit nearby; including this pause helps break up the day and gives everyone something fresh to discuss.
• If you’re coordinating with veterans or large groups, use access lanes when available; behind-the-scenes options can add a special touch to the visit.
• Keep a little buffer for spontaneous stops–these moments often turn into memorable bonus experiences with friends.