Beachy Fun and Culture Collide: Virginia Beach Boardwalk Art Show

Back in 1956, the first official Boardwalk Art Show was held, with a top prize of $25 and 104 participating artists. Now, Virginia Beach's Boardwalk Art Show is celebrating its 60th year with many special events to commemorate the occasion -- not to mention the 250,000+ art enthusiasts like yourself in attendance.

The kickoff party begins June 18 at 7 p.m. at 31st Street Park, where Vertical Horizon, a popular alt-rock band that formed on the grounds of Georgetown University, will perform on the outdoor stage.

On June 19 and 20, you'll find plenty of activities for kids via the free Family Fest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids can enjoy hands-on art-making, music and outdoor activities at 24th Street Park.

For bigger kids (OK, grownups), the weekend will offer live bands playing in the pop-up beer garden. Along culinary row, you'll find beachy fare like crab cakes and fish tacos, as well as another festival fave, barbecue.

And, of course, there's the art show, hosted by the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. Booths will be set up from 19th to 33rd streets, with more than 250 artists presenting paintings, glass work, jewelry, sculptures and more. The show awards more than $25,000 to artists in several categories.

The art show is free; hours are as follows:

  • Thursday, June 18: noon to 6 p.m.
  • Friday, June 19: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • Saturday, June 20: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • Sunday, June 21: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Virginia Beach is located about four and a half hours from downtown D.C.

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