Premier Boardwalk Events

Premier Boardwalk Events. Along the Oceanfront. , 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 suit. Reminder, it's February. So, here's the plan: You are to spring, full speed, toward the ocean. No stopping, until after you have hurled your entire body into the surf. Sound crazy? Well, maybe not so crazy after all. Yes, you are a willing participant in the Virginia Beach Polar Bear Plunge. Since 1992, 36,000 Polar Bear plungers (3,300 in 2014) have taken the plunge and raised $8,100,000 in support of the Special Olympics-Virginia Program. This two-day event is an event for a truly great cause. So next year, come on down and experience "The Thrill of the Chill." It's something you can brag about to your grandchildren one day., 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.