April
Norfolk International Azalea Festival
Each April, when the azaleas are in full bloom, Norfolk rolls out the red carpet to honor the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) with a week long celebration. Events include The Parade of Nations, music festival, art exhibits, Virginia International Tattoo and The Coronation of Queen Azalea and her Court. http://www.azaleafestival.org/
Virginia International Tattoo
Presented annually at Norfolk Scope Arena, the Virginia International Tattoo is an exhibition of marching bands, massed pipes and drums, drill teams, gymnasts, Scottish dancers, choirs and more. Each year, a cast of over 700 artists from many different countries creates and unforgettable spectacle under one roof for four breathtaking performances. This show is the largest show of its kind in the United States. The Virginia International Tattoo has been elected as one of the eight "founding members" of the world's most prestigious Tattoo society. http://www.vafest.com/
May
Annual Memorial Day Parade
A tradition in Portsmouth since 1884, the city's Memorial Day Parade - the nation's oldest - is in its 124th year.
Chesapeake Jubilee
The Chesapeake Jubilee has provided family fun and entertainment for thousands of Chesapeake residents and visitors from all over the East Coast for 26 years. National entertainment as well as local artists on 3 stages. There are 3 large crafts tents and the largest 4-H show and sale in Virginia.
Also, an annual KCBS Barbecue Cook-Off too with over $11,000 in prizes! Zambelli Fireworks on Saturday night are a blast! A large array of rides from Amusements of America rounds out the fun.
June
Harborfest
Hampton Roads' largest summertime event featuring visiting international tall ships, national, regional and local entertainment, children's activities, fireworks and more!
August
Annual East Coast Surfing Championships
ECSC is North America's oldest running surfing competition and the second oldest continuously-run surfing contest in the world. More than 100 of the world's top professional surfers, male and female, and an estimated 300 amateur surfers will travel to Virginia Beach to "ride the curl" at the Oceanfront and compete for cash prizes. ECSC is more than just surfing. Other competitions include skimboarding, volleyball, an oceanfront 5K run, a swimsuit competition and extreme sports of skateboarding and BMX biking. Live bands perform for free on the oceanfront stage throughout the weekend. http://www.surfecsc.com/
September
Annual Neptune Festival & Boardwalk Weekend
A boisterous and beloved send off to summer, the Neptune Festival offers everything from a wine tasting and world-class sandcastle competition to numerous athletic competitions, and air show, and the famous Neptune Parade. http://www.neptunefestival.com/
November/December
Annual Old Towne Holiday Music Festival
Designated as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2008 by the American Bus Association, the Olde Towne Holiday Music Festival has also been a past recipient of the Governor's Travel & Tourism Award for "On-Going Event of the Year." This musical tribute along High Street to the spirit of the holiday season includes sidewalk bonfires, street entertainers, children's activities and musical performances ranging from barbershop harmony and jazz to steel drums and brass ensemble tunes. Concerts are held in a variety of locations, such as historic churches and museums. Olde Towne shops are also open for your all holiday shopping needs. Approximately 10,000 visitors enjoy this annual holiday musical event.
Jo Slack, CTIS - Sales Manager
Phone Number: (757) 382-6411
Toll Free: (888) 889-5551
Fax: (757) 502-8016
Email: jslack@cityofchesapeake.net
