Restaurants
FIREBREW Bar & Grill
Relaxed tavern with a warm vibe offering American fare, self-serve wine stations & patio seating.
1253 Nimmo Pkwy Suite 117, Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Phone: (757) 689-2800 | Web: fire-brew.com
The Barking Dog
Low-key waterside joint serving hot dogs & sausages, plus burgers, sandwiches & fried seafood.
4330 Kecoughtan Rd, Hampton, VA 23669
Phone: (757) 325-8352 | Web: hampton.thebarkingdogvatogo.com
Le Yaca Virginia Beach
À la carte & tasting menu options in a white tablecloth dining room, with light wood interior.
701 First Colonial Rd Suite 107, Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Phone: (757) 500-4773 | Web: leyacawilliamsburg.com
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Venture Kitchen & Bar
Brick-oven pizza & tapas pair with cocktails & craft beer at this contemporary American kitchen.
9 E Queens Wy E, Hampton, VA
Tautog’s Restaurant
Popular local seafood eatery set in a cozy Victorian cottage near the beach, with porch seating. 205 23rd St, Virginia Beach, VA
Park Lane Tavern
American pub food served in a stylish setting with wood decor inspired by the taverns of London. 4200 Kilgore Ave, Hampton, VA
Whiskey Kitchen
Rustic, warehouselike pub with locally sourced comfort food, regional brews & whiskey cocktails.
2149 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA
Tommy’s Restaurant
Casual diner serving American comfort food for breakfast & lunch in old-school digs.
3406 W Mercury Blvd, Hampton, VA
Terrapin Restaurant
Sleek, refined venue with a bar & outdoor seating offering locally sourced New American cuisine. Pinewood Square, 3102 Holly Rd, #514, Virginia Beach, VA
Mission BBQ
Casual chain featuring BBQ & classic sides, plus memorabilia honoring soldiers & first responders.
2035 Von Schilling Drive, Hampton, VA
Hot Tuna
Seafood-focused eatery with an eclectic menu & lively bar scene fueled by DJs & colorful cocktails. 2817 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA
Smitty’s Better Burger
Circa-1956 burger joint with drive-up service makes foot-long franks & other American classics. 1313 N King St, Hampton, VA
EVENTS 2024
Sep 13-14
27th Annual Fall Wine Festival
Get ready to wine down. Join your friends by the Virginia Beach oceanfront for a wine tasting hosted by Virginia’s leading vineyards. Taste from more than 60 wines while you meet and greet the fascinating people who are forging Virginia’s reputation for quality wines. Enjoy delicious food, live entertainment and the opportunity to purchase the wines you like by the bottle and case. Learn more at visitvirginiabeach.com.
Sep 27-29
50th Annual Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend 2024 marks the 50th anniversary for the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival! Every year, hundreds of hundreds of thousands of people celebrate at the festival’s many offerings along 30+ blocks of the boardwalk. Daily concerts at two festival stages feature 20 performances from local and national recording artists. Learn more at visitvirginiabeach.com.
Oct 4-6
Africana Arts Festival 2024
It is an arts and music festival. Originally launched in 2013, with the Funkfest Beachparty, held in August, the event is relaunching (Post COVID) as Africana Arts & Music Festival. The name evolution is to emphasize a greater focus on the visual and performing fine arts of the African Diaspora. Learn more at visitvirginiabeach.com.
Oct 12-13
Something in the Water 2024
The multi-day music festival led by Virginia Beach native Pharrell Williams returns home this October. With a star-studded musical lineup still to be announced, the event also highlights arts and culture through a series of performances, capsule events and community activities designed to highlight unity, celebrate diversity and empower all. Learn more at visitvirginiabeach.com.
EVENTS 2024-25
Nov 2
Fall Festival
Food trucks, face painting, bounce house, craft & vendor booths! This is an outdoor event & free to attend. Learn more at visitvirginiabeach.com.
Nov 7-10
Virginia Beach Jeep Fest
Jeep owners and enthusiasts converge onto the beaches of Virginia Beach for the annual VaBeach Jeep Fest. Sign up for a beach cruise along the shoreline, test your driving skills on a beach sand course, or simply enjoy the Jeep lifestyle as hundreds of Jeeps gather for a Show & Shine display. Learn more at visitvirginiabeach.com.
Nov 29 - Dec 1
43rd Annual Virginia Beach Christmas Market
The Virginia Beach Christmas Market will feature 175 fine artisans and crafters from more than 20 states. Featured artisans will offer fine arts, pottery, jewelry, stained glass, wood, toys, photography, fiber arts, thousands of Christmas collectibles and much, much more. Learn more at visitvirginiabeach.com.
Dec 13 - 14
Surf -N- Santa 5 Miler
The 2024 BayPort Credit Union Surf N Santa 5 Miler presented by Bon Secours is back with a brand new theme plus the same favorite traditions. This evening run allows you to experience the magic of the Holidays. Run through the holiday lights on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk before you celebrate your run at our post-race party. Learn more online at visitvirginiabeach.com.
Jan 1 2025
First Night Holiday Hike
Start your new year off on the right with the inaugural Holiday Lights First
EVENTS 2025
Night Holiday Hike! Whether you’re kicking off a New Year’s resolution, working off some holiday cookies, or just love a good stroll, Holiday Lights First Hike Night offers a unique way to get some exercise while enjoying Virginia Beach’s stunning Holiday Lights one final time. Learn more at visitvirginiabeach.com.
Jan 11 2025
Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular
Paramount’s Laser Spectacular is the smash hit multi-media laser and light show featuring the Original Recordings of Pink Floyd. It’s a great night of psychedelic entertainment for Classic Rockers as well as a new generation of Floyd fans! Parents, score cool points with your teenagers and bring them along! Learn more at visitvirginiabeach.com.
Feb 7-8
Virginia Beach Coin Show
The Tidewater Coin Club is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the numismatic needs of collectors in the Tidewater Virginia area and to education regarding the history of coinage. The Club was established in February 1956 and has met continuously since. Learn more at visitvirginiabeach.com.
Mar 14-16
Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend
The 53rd running of the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend will take place in Virginia Beach, Virginia on March 14-16, 2025. This St. Paddy’s Day tradition has a race distance for every goal: Marathon, Half Marathon, 8K, and challenges. The party continues after the race at our post race celebration on the beach with Yuengling Beer and live music. Learn more at visitvirginiabeach.com.
Mar 27
The Peking Acrobats
For the last thirty-two years, THE PEKING ACROBATS® have redefined
audience perceptions of Chinese acrobatics. They perform daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs and display their technical prowess at such arts as trick-cycling, precision tumbling, juggling, somersaulting, and gymnastics. Learn more at visitvirginiabeach.com.
Apr TBD
39th Annual Virginia Beach Spring Craft Market
For anyone who’s into all things arts and crafts, including handmade jewelry, photography, woven baskets, candles, glass sculptures, and handcrafted wood décor, you won’t want to miss the Virginia Beach Spring Craft Market. Seriously, it’s the ultimate haven for crafting enthusiasts. Learn more at visitvirginiabeach.com.
Apr 26
Earth Week Celebrations
Virginia Beach is rolling out the green carpet for Earth Day and Earth Week celebrations designed to honor our planet. At Mount Trashmore Park, enjoy a fun day of hands-on activities and eye-opening educational exhibits. Learn more at visitvirginiabeach.com.
May TBD
VB Street Art Festival
The ViBe Creative District welcomes 15 local artists to paint 15 sculptures as part of the VB Street Art Festival. Eventgoers can get an up-close look at the creative process, and they’ll also have a chance to try painting their own mural at The Garage VB. Learn more at visitvirginiabeach.com.
May/June TBD
Jackalope Fest
A 3 day vibrant festival renowned for its unique atmosphere, the quality of the athletes competing in high adrenaline action sports such as skateboarding, bouldering, and BASE jumping. This thrilling festival hosts world-class competitions and demonstrations by world-
Street food is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the sizzle of skewers on a grill, the aromatic spices wafting through the air, and the sizzling woks that create an irresistible symphony of flavors. Here are some of the world’s most beloved street food traditions:
1. Thailand: Mango Sticky Rice ~
In Thailand, street food is a way of life. You can’t visit without savoring pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish bursting with flavors. And don’t forget to indulge in mango sticky rice, a sweet and fragrant dessert that’s the perfect balance of creamy and chewy.
2. Mexico: Tacos and Elote ~
Taco stands are a staple in Mexican street food culture, offering an array of fillings like al pastor, carne asada, and carnitas. Pair your tacos with elote, grilled corn slathered with mayonnaise,
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cheese, and chili powder—a taste explosion in every bite.
3. India: Samosas ~ Indian street food is a flavorpacked paradise. Try chaat, a savory snack that combines crispy fried dough with chickpeas, yogurt, and tangy chutneys. For something heartier, try samosas - deep fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes are a must-try.
4. Vietnam: Banh Mi ~ Vietnamese street food offers a fresh and aromatic experience. Sample a steaming bowl of pho, a fragrant noodle soup infused with herbs and spices. Or grab a banh mi, a delectable sandwich filled with grilled meats, pickled veggies, and a burst of fresh herbs.
5. Greece: Gyros & Souvlaki ~ Greek street food is a Mediterranean delight. Indulge in a gyro, a pita wrap filled with tender slices of roasted meat and topped with tzatziki sauce and veggies. For a quick bite, grab a souvlaki skewer, often made with succulent marinated chicken or pork.
6. Japan: Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki ~ Japan’s street food scene offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Try takoyaki, octopus-filled dough balls drizzled with savory sauces. Or savor okonomiyaki, a savory pancake loaded with toppings like cabbage, pork, and mayo.
7. Morocco: Tagine & Harira Soup ~ Moroccan street food is a sensory explosion. Taste tagine, a slowcooked stew that combines tender meats, vegetables, and aromatic spices. And don’t miss harira soup, a hearty tomato and lentil soup that’s a Moroccan comfort food staple.
8. United States: Hot Dogs/Pretzels ~ Street food isn’t limited to international flavors. In the U.S., you can’t beat the classic charm of a hot dog cart or a soft pretzel stand. Add your favorite toppings and sauces for a taste of American street food tradition.
Exploring global street food culture is like taking a whirlwind tour of the world’s flavors and traditions. Each street vendor, food cart, or bustling market stall offers a unique opportunity to savor authentic dishes and connect with locals. Whether you’re strolling through the vibrant streets of Bangkok or sipping soup in a Moroccan medina, street food is an adventure waiting to be devoured. So, grab a plate, dig in, and let your taste buds take you on a journey you’ll never forget!
LGBT LIFE CENTER
LGBT Life Center is a trusted leader that empowers the LGBTQ communities and all people affected by HIV through improving health and wellness, strengthening families and communities, and providing transformative education and advocacy. Web: lgbtlifecenter.org
HAMPTON ROADS PRIDE
Hampton Roads Pride unites the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) and allied communities in support of inclusion, dignity and equality of all people. Web: hamptonroadspride.org
HAMPTON ROADS LGBT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Our mission is to empower and support LGBT and allied member businesses and professionals and provide our community an inclusive and welcoming environment to live, work, and grow. Web: hrbor.org
PFLAG NORFOLK / HAMPTON ROADS
PFLAG is the first and largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and their families. Web: www.pflaghr.com
GENDER SPECTRUM
Gender Spectrum works to create gender sensitive and inclusive environments for all children and teens. Web: genderspectrum.org
HAMPTON ROADS LGBTQ LIAISON
The Hampton Police Division’s LGBTQ liaison addresses the needs of the lesbian, gay, transgender and questioning community and connects that community with the police and other members of law enforcement. Web: hampton.gov/3298/LGBTQ-Liaison
THE SILVER RAINBOW
The Silver Rainbow of Hampton Roads aims to improve the lives of older LGBTQ adults in coastal Virginia via advocacy, social events, support and lifelong learning. Membership is free and open to interested persons of any age, sexual orientation or gender expression. Web: facebook.com/groups/silverrainbow757
EVENTS 2025
renowned skateboarders, BASE jumpers, and boulderers. Learn more at visitvirginiabeach.com.
Jun TBD
Chalk the Walk
Witness the transformation of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk as artists unite for Chalk the Walk, turning the boardwalk into a vibrant canvas of color! During Chalk the Walk, participants create extraordinary four-by-four-foot chalk drawings along three blocks of the boardwalk. Competitors unleash their creativity with themed chalk drawings to be assessed by a panel of judges. Learn more at visitvirginiabeach.com.
Jun 21-23
Pride at the Beach
Celebrate love, unity, and diversity at Hampton Roads Pride’s lively pride festivals. Join the celebration, witness incredible performances, and immerse yourself in an atmosphere of acceptance. It’s not just an event; it’s an experience of authenticity and joy. Pride at the Beach wraps up Pride Weekend with fun in the sun, entertainment, relaxing with friends, and of course, sand. Learn more at visitvirginiabeach.com.
Jul 4
July 4th Stars & Stripes Celebration
Grab your beach blanket and join the popular July 4th Stars & Stripes Celebration for the summer’s biggest display of live music, fireworks and family-friendly entertainment. All performances are free and open to the public. Learn more at visitvirginiabeach.com.
Jul TBD
Beach Blanket Cinema
Claim your spot on the beach, set up a comfy blanket or beach chair and take in a movie during the free, family-friendly Beach Blanket Movie Series. The movie series takes place every Thursday on the beach at 29th Street, with movies beginning at 8:30 p.m. Visit the event website for the full family-
EVENTS 2025
friendly lineup, including July’s showings of Wonka and Elf. Learn more at visitvirginiabeach.com.
Aug 23
Coastal Craft Beer Festival
Join us for Neptune’s Annual Coastal Craft Beer Festival – enjoy the best brews from across the Commonwealth and beyond! Over 65 beers from 30 breweries, including exclusive cask ales, local, regional and national craft beers will be available. Live music and delicious food offerings round out the day. Learn more at vabeach.com.
