Virginia Beach Parks After Dark Program Returns for Year 3

Parks After Dark, the free event series from Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation (VBPR), returns for its third year with expanded service. In addition to Williams Farm, the program will now include events in the Level Green and Green Run communities. The series runs from June 5 through Aug. 23, with events held 6-11 p.m. on most Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Visitors can enjoy live music from a variety of performers each week, watch movies under the stars, play games such as lawn darts, dodgeball and cornhole, take part in video game tournaments, meet their neighbors and local community organizations while enjoying tasty eats from a range of local food vendors. 

This year’s Parks After Dark will take place at three locations: 

• Williams Farm Park, June 5 - Aug. 23 
  5269 Learning Circle, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 
• College Park Elementary, June 14 - Aug. 9 
  1110 Bennington Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23464 
• Rosemont Elementary, June 14 - Aug. 9 
  1257 Rosemont Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23453 

Parks After Dark first launched in 2023 at Williams Farm Park to create a safe and welcoming space for youth and families to enjoy fun, family-friendly activities during evening hours when options can be limited. The program brings together a strong network of community partners, including the Mayor’s Youth Violence Prevention Task Force, Virginia Beach Public Library, Virginia Beach Police Department, Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department, Department of Human Services and Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Over half of the Parks After Dark staff are young leaders from the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), a Parks & Recreation-led initiative that empowers local teens and young adults through hands-on leadership and community service opportunities.   

The success of Parks After Dark demonstrates the power of collaboration and the importance of creating spaces where communities can connect and thrive. With the addition of two new sites, the program will continue to help us bring together youth, police and community members in a spirit of fun and fellowship as Parks After Dark paves the way for a brighter, more connected future of Virginia Beach.   

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).  Every weekend features a fun theme and a movie. Check out the schedule to see what’s happening each week, and for full details on vendors and events, visit VirginiaBeach.gov/ParksAfterDark. 

About Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation 
Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation strives to promote healthy lifestyles and protect the City's coastal environment, as well as to ensure all residents – regardless of their physical, social and economic circumstances – can access Parks & Recreation programs. The department's vision is to be the national leader in providing enriching and memorable lifelong experiences. Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is the 2023 National Gold Medal Award winner for excellence in Parks and Recreation Management in the Class I category by the American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association. Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is accredited by CAPRA, the certifying agency of the National Recreation and Park Association.