Find Your Sunshine: Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation’s 2026 Summer Guide

Summer is here, bringing sunshine, outdoor adventure, and community celebrations with Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation (VBPR). With the right plan in place, summer shines even brighter, and this year’s guide is here to help you get started. 

The 2026 Summer Guide is packed with events, activities, and seasonal experiences running June through August. From the return of our annual waterfront series and youth programs to community-wide celebrations and hands-on recreation, this season is all about staying active, getting outside, and making the most of long summer days.

Summer Highlights to Celebrate 

This summer’s guide highlights the range of activities offered by Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation, designed to help you not only get outside but connect with the community, learn new skills, or pick up a new hobby.

Parks After Dark — June 4-Aug. 22: Now in its fourth year, Parks After Dark is back 6-10 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays through August with programming in the Williams Farm and Green Run communities, along with a new location at Level Green Park. This program helps foster safe, welcoming spaces for youth across the city, bringing the community together through free recreational activities, entertainment, and more. 

Party at the Pier — June 16, 18, 23, 25 and July 14, 16, 21, 23: Sandbridge transforms into a beach bash destination with the 11th annual Party at the Pier at Little Island Park. This free, family-friendly series features movies, live music, activities and more. Gates open at 6 p.m. with free onsite parking available after 5 p.m. Limited edition Party at the Pier merchandise is available to order online with proceeds benefiting the Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Foundation.  

Play All Day — June 21: With its timing alongside Father’s Day, the first week of summer, and Juneteenth, Play All Day VA offers a great opportunity to spend meaningful time together outdoors while enjoying free, family-friendly activities. From early morning to evening on Sunday, June 21, participants can visit Mount Trashmore Park, where the event runs from sunrise to sunset and features a full day of activities designed to inspire movement, creativity and fun. 

July 4th Celebration — July 4: Celebrate July 4 at Mount Trashmore Park with an evening full of energy, entertainment, and community spirit. The event is free to attend, making it an easy choice for families and friends looking to enjoy the holiday together. Starting at 5 p.m., enjoy live music, a variety of food trucks, and activities for all ages throughout the park. The night concludes with a dazzling fireworks show beginning at 9:30 p.m., lighting up the sky over Virginia Beach. Limited parking will be available for $20 (cash only) beginning at 2 p.m.

Together, these events showcase why Virginia Beach is the ultimate summer destination for residents and visitors alike.

Programs for Every Age and Interest 

All summer long, VBPR offers a wide range of opportunities to get active, try something new, and stay connected. Recreation centers across Virginia Beach feature fitness classes, swimming, archery, martial arts, sports leagues, arts programs, therapeutic recreation, and more. 

New in 2026, FitPop brings fitness directly to the community with a mobile fitness van that travels to parks, venues, and events across the city. This new initiative offers free, pop-up group fitness classes designed to make movement, wellness, and fun more accessible for everyone. No Recreation Center membership is required to participate. 

From high-energy activities to creative outlets and lifelong learning, the Summer Guide makes it easy to discover programs that fit your interests and your summer plans. 

Explore, Register and Join the Fun 

Summer in Virginia Beach is made for getting out, trying new things, and making the most of the sunshine. From parks and programs to events and activities across the city, there’s always something happening and something new to discover.

The Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Summer Guide is your go-to resource for planning your season, registering for programs, and staying connected.

Explore the full guide, register for programs and purchase or renew memberships at VBParksRec.com.

• Summer Activity Guide
• Parks & Recreation