North Virginia Beach , Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Premier Boardwalk Events
Along the Oceanfront
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 17, 2021
The Boardwalk Art Show
The Boardwalk Art Show, established in 1955, has become the most respected outdoor fine arts show on the eastern seaboard. Produced and hosted by the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), this four day festival attracts artists (300 in fact!) and collections to the boardwalk from all over the nation. Attendance exceeds 250,000, and the show takes place in June of each year. So, join in, take in all the sights and see some fantastic art.
The East Coast Surfing Championship (ESCS)
The East Coast Surfing Championship (ECSCESCS is the second oldest surfing contest in the world. Contestants come from all over the world to compete and have fun at this iconic event. Hundreds of thousands of surfing enthusiasts head to the beach for this three-day, multi-event spectacle every August. Be there, "You gotta live it to love it!"
The Shamrock Marathon
There were only 59 runners and only one race category at the first Shamrock Marathon back in March, 1973. Today, over 30,000 runners now participate in the five race event categories. Simply stated, the "Shamrock has become one of the most popular Marathon events on the east coast. The St. Patrick's Day theme greatly influences race attire and adds a festive element to the event for most runners, however, there is also a serious element to the "Shamrock" as it serves as a qualifying race for the world famous Boston Marathon.
The Neptune Festival
The Neptune Festival was created in 1974 by the Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce to preserve the sense of community and celebrate the lifestyle and culture of the city of Virginia Beach. This local send-off to summer takes place throughout the month of September and has grown to be one of America's top 100 festivals and one of the top ten on the east coast. The "Boardwalk Weekend" at the Oceanfront attracts more than 500,000 people who enjoy the special events that surround the weekend festivities. The Neptune Festival Grand Parade, the world class International Sandsculpting Championship, an air show, athletic competitions and an open-air art show are only part of the festivities that take place every year during the month of September. Quite simply, The Neptune Festival's Boardwalk Weekend is the very best way to have the best time along the Oceanfront.
The Polar Plunge
Ok it's February…the air temperature is in the upper 30's…water temp around 42 degrees…top. You are standing on the beach…in your bathing
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 17, 2021
The Holiday Parade of Lights
Since 2001, Holiday Lights at the Beach, considered the largest grand illumination display on the Atlantic seaboard, ushers in the holiday season along the Oceanfront. More than 40,000 families each year witness this amazing light show as they drive their car on the boardwalk between 2nd and 32nd streets. There are many unique nautical and holiday themed displays, with over 100 miles of bright colorful lights including a 40 foot tall Christmas tree. This is a wonderful family tradition sure to create a lifetime of joyful holiday memories at this special time of year.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 17, 2021
Location. 36° 51.85′ N, 75° 58.811′ W. Marker is in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It is in North Virginia Beach. Marker is on 36th Street just east of Pacific Avenue (U.S. 60), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 205 36th St, Virginia Beach VA 23451, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. VB Now (here, next to this marker); The Winds of Change (here, next to this marker); The Ash Wednesday Storm (a few steps from this marker); Seaside Park Casino / The Cavalier Hotel (a few steps from this marker); A Day at the Beach (a few steps from this marker); The Princess Anne Hotel (a few steps from this marker); The Graveyard of the Atlantic (within shouting distance of this marker); The Threshold of a New Nation (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia Beach.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 20, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 118 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 20, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
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