Top Things to Do in VA Beach in September
Written by: Helen Wells
Helen writes for Sandbridge Life Realty, sharing insights and local expertise on everything that makes the Virginia Beach area a standout coastal destination, from hidden gems to can’t-miss seasonal events.
September is an excellent time to visit Virginia Beach, as the summer crowds begin to disappear, though the ocean remains warm and ideal for swimming. It's a perfect month for spending days at the beach, enjoying outdoor activities, and attending special events. If you're visiting with your family, as a couple, or with friends, there are plenty of things to do in VA Beach in September. You'll come across a range of activities, including large festivals and concerts as well as wildlife tours and dining by the waterfront, so there's something to suit all sorts of people.
The fact that the weather in Virginia Beach in September is a major advantage should be noted. One can look forward to warm afternoons, cool evenings, and excellent conditions for being outdoors. Since there are so many events taking place, it is easy to see why early fall is such a popular time for a visit.
To secure your accommodation early through Sandbridge Life, you can enjoy beachside vacation rentals, choosing either roomy oceanfront houses or cozy options ideal for families.
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In This Piece:
- Why Visit Virginia Beach in September?
- Attend the Sandbridge Pig Pickin'
- Experience the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival
- Enjoy Farm Aid 2026
- Watch the NAS Oceana Air Show
- Spend Labor Day Weekend at the Beach
- Explore Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
- Visit the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
- Go Dolphin Watching
- Enjoy Fresh Seafood and Waterfront Dining
- Explore First Landing State Park
- Attend Additional September Events
- Plan Your September Virginia Beach Getaway
- Book Your September Getaway with Sandbridge Life
- Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in VA Beach in September
Why Visit Virginia Beach in September?
In September, you can enjoy most of the advantages of summer without having to deal with the large crowds, since you're still able to swim, surf, paddleboard, fish, and relax in the sun, as well as benefit from the more pleasant weather and the shorter queues at popular places and restaurants.
Virginia Beach is an excellent choice for a trip you'll remember thanks to its pleasant September weather, its lovely beaches, and the variety of events on offer. If you stay in Sandbridge or near the Oceanfront, there will be a wide range of activities to choose from.
Attend the Sandbridge Pig Pickin'
The Sandbridge Pig Pickin' is one of the favorite local traditions. It offers residents and visitors a chance to spend the day enjoying tasty barbecue, listening to live music, meeting local vendors, and having a lot of fun. The event takes place at Little Island Park and also raises funds for the Sandbridge Volunteer Rescue Squad. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy family-friendly entertainment and experience the tight-knit community that gives Sandbridge its character.
Experience the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival
The Virginia Beach Neptune Festival is one of the major East Coast festivals and a notable event in the city. At the Oceanfront in September, the festival features live entertainment, artisan vendors, sand-sculpting competitions, sporting events, food, and activities suitable for all ages, with the Sand Sculpting Championship as a particular highlight that attracts talented artists from all over the world. You could spend the entire day at the festival, enjoying the live performances and experiencing the cheerful atmosphere that exists along the Boardwalk.
Enjoy Farm Aid 2026
If you're a music fan and in Virginia Beach in September, be sure to catch Farm Aid 2026. Farm Aid brings together well-known musicians and individuals concerned about family farms to host a day featuring live music and a range of activities. In addition to the headliners, you have the opportunity to taste local food, see the educational exhibits, and find out about sustainable farming and local food.
Watch the NAS Oceana Air Show
One of the most exciting annual events in the area is the NAS Oceana Air Show. You have the opportunity to watch exciting aerial displays, see military aircraft in action, and witness high-speed performances given by the best pilots. The event also allows you to get close to the aircraft and learn something about naval aviation. Families, aviation enthusiasts, and first-time visitors are all impressed by the wonderful displays and the enthusiastic atmosphere, which make this event in Virginia Beach so special.
Spend Labor Day Weekend at the Beach
Virginia Beach provides an excellent opportunity to make the most of the area during the Labor Day Weekend before summer comes to an end. You have the option to swim in the Atlantic, build sandcastles with your children, surf, or relax under an umbrella with a good book. Although Sandbridge Beach is quieter than Oceanfront, it is still near all the main attractions. For many families, Labor Day is the last opportunity to go to the beach before the school year starts.
Explore Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
If you're looking to get away from the beach, then you should visit the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The protected area spans thousands of acres and is excellent for hiking, birdwatching, photography, and wildlife viewing. September is a good time to go there since the weather is cooler and the birds are migrating. You can explore the beautiful coastal scenery and enjoy one of Virginia Beach's finest natural spots by using trails and boardwalks.
Visit the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
It is impossible to go to Virginia Beach without taking some time to stroll along the well-known Boardwalk. The Oceanfront has a Boardwalk approximately 3 miles long, featuring restaurants, shops, entertainment, public art, and excellent ocean views. People can rent bikes, take a walk in the evening, listen to live music, or relax and watch the waves.
Go Dolphin Watching
In September, dolphin cruises remain a popular activity. Several tour operators provide trips to see bottlenose dolphins in the local waters. Taking such a tour is an enjoyable way to get close to nature and see the Virginia Beach coast.
Enjoy Fresh Seafood and Waterfront Dining
Virginia Beach is well known for its seafood, and September is an excellent month for eating outside. At restaurants across the city, you can find popular local dishes such as crab cakes, oysters, shrimp, flounder, and tuna. Whether you're looking for a relaxed place by the water or a more upscale meal, there are plenty of delicious options.
Explore First Landing State Park
If you like the outdoors, you should visit First Landing State Park. This scenic park marks the location where English settlers first arrived in Virginia in 1607 and remains one of the most historically significant sites in the region. For centuries, the area's waterways have been traveled by Native Americans, colonial settlers, merchant ships, and military vessels. Local legends even suggest that the pirate Blackbeard once sought refuge in the park's secluded waterways, while both Union and Confederate forces used the surrounding channels during the Civil War.
Today, visitors can explore more than 19 miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through forests, marshes, beaches, and cypress swamps. The park's rich history extends beyond its colonial roots. Much of the park's early infrastructure was developed by African American members of the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s, and the site is now recognized as both a National Natural Landmark and a property listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors may occasionally hear activity from the neighboring military training facility, but these operations are routine and do not affect the park experience or visitor safety.
Whether you're interested in local history, wildlife, or outdoor recreation, First Landing State Park offers one of the most rewarding experiences in Virginia Beach.
Attend Additional September Events
Apart from the major events, Virginia Beach offers a great deal of entertainment throughout September. Smaller festivals and regular events help you get a feel for the city like a local and make the most of the pleasant September weather.
Labor Day Oceanfront Concert Series
The Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial conclusion of summer. On the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, there are free live music performances, entertainment, and a variety of activities throughout the weekend. You have the opportunity to see concerts by the beach, stroll along the Boardwalk, and make the most of one final summer weekend by the seaside.
Live! on Atlantic
In Atlantic, Live! on Atlantic provides free entertainment each night from mid June through Labor Day weekend at the Oceanfront, with local and regional musicians performing just a short distance from the beach, thus making it an ideal setting for a walk along Atlantic Avenue.
757 Battle of the Beers
If you are a fan of beer, then you should include the 757 Battle of the Beers in your schedule for September. The event takes place at the Military Aviation Museum and includes local craft breweries, offering you the opportunity to sample a range of local beers in a distinctive location.
Plan Your September Virginia Beach Getaway
In VA Beach, there are plenty of activities to choose from in September so that you can spend your mornings at the beach, your afternoons exploring the parks and attractions, and your evenings at festivals, concerts, or community events. With events like the Sandbridge Pig Pickin', Neptune Festival, Farm Aid 2026, and the NAS Oceana Air Show, September is one of the busiest and most exciting months of the year.
Book Your September Getaway with Sandbridge Life
Featured Property: Dmanfish
If you want to finish the summer with a good beach holiday, why not book your September getaway with Sandbridge Life and make use of their spacious rentals, the convenience of being near the beach, and all the comforts of home? Whether you're looking for a property with ocean views or a rental that is good for dogs, Sandbridge Life has just the right option for you if you want to experience the best that Virginia Beach has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in VA Beach in September
Is September a good time to visit Virginia Beach?
Yes, in September the ocean is warm, there are fewer people, and there is a full schedule of festivals and other events, so it is one of the best times of the year to go visiting.
What is the Virginia Beach weather in September?
In September, the weather in Virginia Beach is usually warm and comfortable, with pleasant day temperatures and conditions ideal for outdoor activities.
What are the biggest events in VA Beach in September?
In Virginia Beach during September, some of the principal events are the Sandbridge Pig Pickin', the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, Farm Aid 2026, and the NAS Oceana Air Show.
Can you swim in Virginia Beach in September?
Absolutely. Ocean temperatures remain warm enough for swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, and other water activities throughout much of the month.
Where should I stay when visiting Virginia Beach in September?
Sandbridge is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a quieter beach experience while still being close to festivals, attractions, restaurants, and outdoor adventures throughout Virginia Beach.
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