Hampton is a vibrant, active community, brimming with opportunities to celebrate with our community. Our proximity to the beach provides endless entertainment options, and multiple festivals and annual events for nearly every season! Whether you choose to revisit a favorite tradition or start a new tradition, there is an event for you in Hampton. Below is a small sampling of some of our favorites:
Polar Plunge
Why would you put on your bathing suit (or costume) and run into the Atlantic in February? Because in addition to giving you tremendous bragging rights, you can also help raise funds to help Virginia athletes prepare for and compete in the Special Olympics. Activities include a costume contest complete with a parade, tasty drinks, live music, free hot chocolate and coffee, and a variety of local vendors. Top it all off with an icy dip in the water to support a great cause!
Hampton Restaurant Week
The motto of Hampton Restaurant Week is “Sip, Savor, & Stroll”, and it’s a perfect description of this beloved local event! Hampton is among the many Virginia cities that have become renowned for excellent cuisine and destination dining. Sample a new favorite or pay homage to a classic – the prix fixe menu makes it affordable to try something new every day of the week.
Yuengling Shamrock Marathon
This St. Patrick’s Day tradition includes a variety of distances including 8K, Half Marathon, Marathon, and various challenges. Take in the beautiful Coastal Virginia scenery and take advantage of the flat, fast, gorgeous terrain. Cross the finish line overlooking the Atlantic and then get ready to party! The post-race celebration is on the beach and features Murphy’s Irish Stew, Yuengling Beer, and live music.
Something in the Water
The star-studded music festival organized by Pharrell Williams continues to draw crowds year after year. Living near Virginia Beach allows Hampton residents to enjoy this varied lineup of world-famous artists and musicians without the hassle of living in Virginia Beach! Spring’s notoriously popular music event is the concert event of the season!
Blackbeard Pirate Festival
Every year visitors come to view the sights and sounds of 18th-century Hampton as pirates attack! Dressed in historically accurate costumes, “pirates” transform modern Hampton into the busy seaport of yesteryear. Listed nationally as a favorite pirate festival, the Blackbeard Festival includes children’s activities, live music, firework, historically accurate vendors, arts and crafts, and more! Watch reenacted street skirmishes between pirates and the military along with full-scale sea battles in the harbor! Join Blackbeard’s funeral parade, Hampton’s Mardi Gras, and share in the plunder from his treasure chest.
Neptune Festival
Perhaps one of the most popular and celebrated festivals on the coast, the Neptune Festival is a yearly tradition in our region. The festival’s popularity has extended to the Spring Wine Festival, where you can sample more than 70 wines from around the globe. The Boardwalk Weekend brings together hundreds of thousands of people for an enormous variety of events. Daily concerts spread over 30 blocks on the boardwalk feature local, regional, and national recording artists. The Art & Craft show features more than 200 artisans displaying an immense collection of handmade offerings. The Neptune’s International Sandsculpting Championship takes place over the weekend – make sure to walk to the end of the boardwalk to see them! These are just some of the most popular events that are part of the festival – this is truly the event of the year!
Poquoson Seafood Festival
Hampton seafood is legendary, and the Poquoson Seafood Festival is a worthy celebration of our best cuisine. Pay homage to all that the Chesapeake Bay provides at this annual salute to the watermen who work in the Bay. Indulge in delicious desserts and, of course, seafood! Featured favorites include scallops, crab cakes, and other Bay delicacies. Live music and entertainment create a festive party for the entire community.
Hampton Holly Days
Celebrate the season and spread some holiday cheer during Hampton Holly Days! The Downtown streets are illuminated with the longest-running holiday parade on the Peninsula. The following weekend kicks off the Holly Days Market, where you can shop for that special gift, and the Downtown Block “Lighting” Party. Get a very merry start to your holidays with this very special Hampton tradition.
Hampton offers a wide array of traditions and community events – these are just a small sample of all the wonderful annual events you can enjoy in our city! To stay up to date with even more events in our community, check in regularly with our Events in Hampton! We regularly post happenings we think our residents would love. Find the perfect event for you and your family.