Virginia Beach Honors Its National Pride with a New “Stars, Stripes & Spurs” Weekend this Spring

As the nation’s semiquincentennial celebrations get underway, Virginia Beach will celebrate with a full weekend of oceanfront entertainment and activities designed to honor and recognize military servicemembers and their families. Home to four military installations and thousands of U.S. active duty and veterans, the coastal city’s patriotism will shine brightly April 24-26 with a new “Stars, Stripes & Spurs” weekend.

Anchored by live concerts, a beach rodeo and military equipment exposition stretching more than two miles along the oceanfront, the city’s role as a premier destination to celebrate both the nation’s and the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversaries will be on full display.

USO Experience Virginia Beach
A collection of military vehicles and equipment will be positioned for public viewing along the shoreline including a Humvee, all-terrain military trucks, a mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle, amphibious assault vehicle, hovercraft, special boat team and more. Explore the area to learn more about the mission of each branch of service and the people who protect and defend our nation every day at this free weekend festival. 

Bulls and Barrels Beach Rodeo
Crowds will pack the bleachers for this unique attraction that will bring traditional rodeo entertainment to the sands of Virginia Beach, the first of its kind sanctioned by the Southern Extreme Bull Riding Association (SEBRA). The new Running of the Bulls event will take place on Friday followed by the full rodeo experience on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Professional cowboys and cowgirls from across the country will compete in extreme bull riding, barrel racing and mini bull riding while the nation’s top bull riders will battle to win a Best of the Beach gold belt buckle and major cash prizes. Tickets are available beginning Feb. 13, with VIP options to include rodeo clown and competitor meet-and-greets, behind-the-scenes bullpen and horse corral tours and special beach seating. 

Oceanfront Concert Series
From the roar of the ocean to the roar of the crowds, the Boardwalk will be alive with sounds that set the scene for celebration. A USO Dinner and Nashville Singer/Songwriter event will kick off the festivities on Friday evening, and a trio of seaside stages will host free entertainment on Saturday and Sunday nights. Jam nightly with a live DJ at 17th Street Park and move to the beat of live outdoor concerts at 31st Street Park. 

“During this weekend, we will come together to celebrate and honor those who have served our nation, are currently serving, and their brave spouses who support them every day,” said Robert M. “Bobby” Dyer, mayor of the City of Virginia Beach. “We invite you to join in the fun and express gratitude for servicemembers’ unwavering commitment to serving their country.”

Embrace your American pride this spring by attending a Virginia Beach event that will salute military service with a festive, family-friendly celebration. The new Stars, Stripes & Spurs weekend welcomes residents and visitors while embracing the nation’s commemorative anniversary with concerts and special experiences that would have made our founders proud.  

About Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach, one of Virginia’s most populous cities, resides where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean and recently was named one of New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2026” based on its vibrant surf and cultural scenes. The city is home to 38 miles of sandy beaches, a flourishing culinary and craft beer scene, rich history, a variety of arts and entertainment, and family-friendly attractions that keep visitors entertained year-round. For more Virginia Beach information, including new attractions and experiences, or to plan your next trip, visit www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com.