Parks After Dark: Summer Program Offers Fun for Everyone

Looking for free, family fun this summer while strengthening community connections? Enjoy summer nights filled with sports and recreational activities, movies, live music, food, community and more at Parks After Dark. The popular event series from Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation returns for its third year starting June 5. 

From 6-9 p.m. on most Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Aug. 23, attendees can spend time outdoors after the sun goes down, partaking in free entertainment and activities, while having a good time and getting to know their neighbors and community.

Even More Fun

After two successful years at Williams Farm Park, the program is expanding to the Level Green and Green Run communities. Parks After Dark programs at College Park and Rosemont elementary schools kick off June 14. 

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 6-9 p.m. 

• June 5 – Aug. 23 
  • Williams Farm Park, 5269 Learning Circle 
• June 14 – Aug. 9 
  • College Park Elementary School, 1110 Bennington Road 
  • Rosemont Elementary School, 1257 Rosemont Road 

Each location features plenty of activities, with a cool theme and movie each week. Be sure to check online for the schedule. 

A recreation center membership is not required to take part in Parks After Dark. Visitors will check-in at the Guest Services tent to receive a hand stamp and food voucher ticket (while supplies last).

Building Community 

The biggest goal for Parks After Dark is to build community, specifically for youth and teens. The program first launched in 2023 to establish a safe space for fun, family-friendly activities during evening hours when fewer activities are available for youth and teens.

The program brings together a wide range of community groups and resources for attendees, including the Mayor's Youth Violence Prevention Task Force, local neighborhoods and civic leagues, City departments including Virginia Beach Public Library, Police, Cultural Affairs, Human Services, and Virginia Beach City Public Schools.

With the addition of two new locations, Parks After Dark will continue to help bring more youth, police and community members together in the spirit of fun and fellowship. 

For more details about the program, visit VirginiaBeach.gov/ParksAfterDark. 

• Parks After Dark