What’s New in Virginia Beach This Summer 2026

Virginia Beach is kicking off Summer 2026 with a mix of new restaurants, cultural events, waterfront experiences, and community celebrations. From rooftop seafood spots and drive-thru sushi to major festivals and museum expansions, there’s plenty to explore this season.

Courtesy Virginia Beach CVB

New Food & Drink Spots

Courtesy The Bee & The Biscuit

One of the most unique additions this summer is Chic’s Laundry, a former laundromat in northern Virginia Beach that has been transformed into a retro-inspired neighborhood restaurant. The new concept focuses on modern Mid-Atlantic cuisine in a laid-back setting.

Guests can expect:

• Creative cocktails

• House-baked sourdough pizzas

• Sustainably sourced seafood

• A nostalgic, retro-cool atmosphere

Meanwhile, Vang’s Sushi Shack is bringing a playful twist to the local sushi scene. Located in the Haygood Shopping Center area, the walk-up and drive-thru concept comes from the owner of Sushi Vice and stands out for both its colorful graffiti-covered exterior and bold menu offerings.

Some menu highlights include:

• Spicy signature sushi rolls

• Hot Cheetos toppings

• Garlic chili crisp flavors

• Quick drive-thru service

Coffee lovers also have a new café to visit this summer. Sleepy Cowgirl Coffee has officially opened its first brick-and-mortar location in the Hilltop district after building a following through its vintage horse trailer setup. The new space keeps its signature pink palette and cowgirl-inspired style while expanding the menu and seating experience.

The café now offers:

• Signature lattes

• Matcha drinks

• Pastries

• Expanded food options

Another newcomer is The Lucky Penny, a casual restaurant and bar near Naval Air Station Oceana. Along with patio seating, pool tables, and live music, the restaurant leans into America’s 250th anniversary theme with burgers and sandwiches named after U.S. presidents.

At the Oceanfront, longtime favorite Ocean Edie’s Seafood has introduced a rooftop patio overlooking the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, giving visitors a new spot to enjoy seafood, tropical drinks, and ocean views during the summer season.

Visitors can also stop by select Virginia ABC stores to pick up the limited-edition Virginia Spirits 250th Celebration Trio Pack, which includes:

• Gin

• Whiskey

• Rum

• Spirits from nine Virginia distilleries, including Chesapeake Bay Distillery

Major Events & Attractions

Courtesy of Atlantic Park

Virginia Beach is also playing a major role in America’s 250th anniversary celebrations this year.

On June 19, the city will serve as the launching point for Sail250, a large maritime event featuring more than 50 tall ships, military vessels, and historic ships from around 20 countries. The Parade of Sail will travel from near the Lesner Bridge through the Chesapeake Bay toward Norfolk, with viewing areas available along the Chesapeake Bay side of Virginia Beach.

The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art has also officially opened its new location on the Virginia Wesleyan University campus after more than 70 years at the Oceanfront. The expanded 35,000-square-foot facility includes larger exhibition galleries and additional education space designed for larger-scale installations and programming.

Current exhibitions include:

• Nina Chanel Abney: The Pursuit of Happiness

• Seamless: Art and Design

Both exhibitions will run through August 16.

The museum is also preparing for its Monster Drawing Rally fundraiser on August 14, where more than 70 local artists will create artwork live.

At the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, visitors can now meet several new animal ambassadors:

• Willow the Virginia opossum

• Maple the striped skunk

• Mahogany the spectacled owl

The animals appear during the aquarium’s daily Animal Ambassador presentations included with general admission.

Music, Culture & Shopping

Courtesy of Virginia Beach CVB

Virginia Beach is also introducing new cultural experiences this summer, including the city’s inaugural Jazzteenth festival on June 20 in celebration of Juneteenth.

The family-friendly event will feature:

• Performances by Keke Wyatt and Vivian Green

• Jazz and R&B music

• Local vendors

• Visual arts

• Educational experiences

• Community showcases celebrating Black culture and history

For shoppers looking for something personalized, Teal Eagle Boutique now offers a custom hat bar where customers can create their own hats from start to finish.

With new restaurants, waterfront events, cultural festivals, and expanded attractions, Virginia Beach is adding plenty of fresh experiences for Summer 2026.