City Seeks Public Comment on 2023 Something in the Water Festival Opportunity Nov. 15

The City of Virginia Beach is inviting the public to view proposed contract terms and share their opinions on hosting the 2023 Something in the Water Festival. The City Council will hold a public comment session during the regularly scheduled Council meeting on the proposed contract terms on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, Building 1, 2401 Courthouse Drive, 2^nd Floor. City Council is expected to vote on the proposed contract terms at the Dec. 6 meeting.

"It is exciting to be so close to the possible return of the Something in the Water festival," said Mayor Bobby Dyer. "The City and Mr. Williams have negotiated what I think are mutually beneficial draft terms in good faith. We sincerely appreciate Mr. Williams and his willingness to bring this marquee event back home, and we look forward to hearing from the public on Nov. 15."

If Council chooses to vote and accept the terms, the festival will return to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront resort area April 28-30, 2023, kicking off the city's prime entertainment and festival season.

"During uncertain times, this event is good for our economy, treasured by our community, and highlights the strength and diversity of Virginia Beach as a premiere East Coast entertainment destination," said Council Member Aaron Rouse. "We simply know how to do large-scale events well that are safe and welcoming for residents and guests."

Festival Economic Impact Background

Results of an economic impact study conducted following the inaugural Something in the Water festival in 2019 showed that the festival made money, not only for Virginia Beach but for every city in the Hampton Roads region according to an Old Dominion University analysis.

• The hotel occupancy rate for the event was about 90% or higher throughout the entire city and hovered between 94 and 96% in the Resort Area.
• Hotel occupancy was 86% or higher throughout all of Hampton Roads, including Williamsburg, with the average for the region sitting at more than 90%.
• Hotel revenue in Virginia Beach was $2.2 million and for all of Hampton Roads, it was $4.85 million.
• The economic impact of both Virginia Beach-based and visitor ticket holders was $21.76 million, and the resulting tax revenue was $1.19 million. The total economic impact on Hampton Roads was $24.11 million.

Register to Speak on Nov. 15

To register to speak, contact the City Clerk's Office at 757-385-4303.

###