Ah, summer. The time of year when the air is ripe with the anticipation of fun. Make it the best one yet with these five ways to kick off summer in Chesapeake, VA!
Pick Fresh Peaches
Nothing says summer better than a fresh peach, and Chesapeake, VA is one of the few places in Coastal Virginia where you can pick your own. Greenbrier Farms and Mount Pleasant Farms have beautiful orchards with low-hanging fruit. Both are charming, and the farms offer a variety of family fun and summer flavors. Enjoy their petting zoos, freshly picked produce, or special activities held throughout the season.
Festivals, Live Music, and Fireworks
Celebrate summer with an unforgettable live music experience at Rock the Park on June 22. This family-friendly outdoor concert featuring the iconic Wailers also offers delicious food from food trucks along with adult beverages. Don't miss out, secure your tickets now.
You've heard about wine tastings, but have you heard about burger tastings? Don't miss CoVAa Battle of the Burgers. Experience this new culinary adventure, which includes local brews, live music, specialty arts and crafts vendors, and the region's best burgers. It's all happening at Chesapeake City Park on June 8. Tickets are on sale now.
Join us for an early Independence Day celebration at Celebrate Freedom on July 3. Chesapeake's annual event is packed with family fun, delicious food, and breathtaking fireworks. Admission is free, but parking is $5. Bring your own chairs and blankets to enjoy the music, activities, and entertainment for all ages. Festivities kick off at 6 PM, with fireworks lighting up the sky at 9:30 PM. Don't miss this unforgettable evening.
Escape to Nature - Go Camping
If you're looking for an authentic camping experience, check out the beautiful Northwest River Park and Campground. This 763-acre park perfectly blends natural beauty and recreational activities. There is plenty to love about this four-time winner of "Best of Chesapeake," including camping, mini golf, canoe and paddle boat rentals, and more. Cabins are available to rent, and campsites can reserved in advance.
Chesapeake Campground has everything you need to fully enjoy your camping experience and the great outdoors! Activities include mini-golf, pony rides, swimming, tennis and basketball courts, a driving range for golfers, and bike, canoe, and John Boat rentals.
Explore Summer Brews
Chesapeake's collection of craft brews celebrates artisanal locals who create everything from juicy IPAs bursting with hops to complex barrel-aged sours. Enjoy the release of their summer blends at these dog-friendly locations, and enjoy great eats.
Big Ugly Brewing is a local favorite, which started as a home hobby with a focus on big, unique flavors. They feature Big Bold Beers on tap on any given night. With a large outdoor patio, they frequently host events, food trucks, and live music.
The Garage Brewery is located in the heart of the Greenbrier area of Chesapeake. This small microbrewery is focused on creating unique draft beers to please everyone's taste. The garage-themed environment is enjoyed by patrons. Complete with an outdoor patio and a mezzanine for private parties/gatherings, it is the perfect stop for your quest for craft beer.
Studly Brewing Company is a hidden gem offering great brews, a children's play area, and terrific service - just read their fan reviews. Their menu is indulgent, offering ballpark dogs, nachos, big salads, and even nacho pizza. Not a fan of beer? No problem - they offer wine and prosecco, too.
Wasserhund Brewing Company is located in the bustling Summit Pointe area of Chesapeake. It continually delights patrons with new beer flavors while maintaining a selection of beloved staples on tap. Renowned almost as much for its pizzas as its brews, Wasserhund serves German-inspired dishes and provides a menu for children.
Plan a Picnic at One of Chesapeake's Beautiful Parks
Chesapeake boasts numerous stunning green spaces filled with natural beauty and scenic views, including areas with ponds, rivers, or lakes. Pack a blanket and some sandwiches and set out for an afternoon of fun.
Oak Grove Lake Park has a 1.5-mile trail around beautiful Oak Grove Lake. Scenic with open spaces and a play area, picnic shelters are scattered along the trail, providing a panoramic view of the lake. Rental picnic shelters with grills are available.
Lakeside Park is nestled in a historic neighborhood with an incredible lake vista. The park offers an ADA-accessible playground and the important Lakeside Veteran's Walk Memorial. This spot is also perfect for family photos.
Chesapeake City Park has 60 acres of open space, chock full of amenities such as a skate park (permit required) and Fun Forest Playground.
Visit one of Chesapeake's over 90 parks to plan the perfect weekend adventure.
