Outdoor Event and Entertainment

Outdoor entertainment is an outdoor celebration or gathering, which involves the use of either public or private property, and which may include musical entertainment, fireworks, dancing, dramatic productions, art exhibitions, amusement attractions or devices, the distribution or sale of merchandise, food and/or alcohol, or any combination of the above. These events require a Special Event Permit from the City.

​The best way of ensuring that a specific date/location for an event is not already spoken for is to call the Special Events and Film Production Office, (757) 385-4800, prior to submitting an application. The date and/or location can then be formally reserved after the application has been received. Applications, and the requested date/location reservation, are processed in the order they are received.

• Special Event Permit Guidebook​
• Resort Management Special Event Outdoor Application​
  

Establishments offering live or recorded musical entertainment for public or private audiences in other than a fully enclosed building also require a special event permit from the city. Private residences providing outdoor musical entertainment for more than 150 people, for example, an outdoor reception with a band or disc jockey, are also required to have a special event permit from the City.

The special event permit application must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the day of the event, and 60 days prior to the first day of a major event which is consecutively for two or more days. The permit processing fee can vary from $50 to $150 depending on the scope of the event, and whether it is held on public or private property.

As a condition of approval, the event sponsor is required to provide a certificate of insurance covering general liability (required only for event held on public property) and may also be required to provide other items as deemed necessary to ensure the safety of event participants and spectators.

​​​​Block ​​Parties

Persons residing in neighborhoods requesting permission to close or block any thoroughfare in that neighborhood for the purpose of hosting a gathering of neighbors are required to obtain a Special Events Permit from the City.

The special events permit must be applied for 30 days prior to the day of the event and the application must be received in the Special Events office 30 days prior to the day of the event. The permit processing fee is $50.

Traffic movement will be the primary determining factor in denial of any block party permit. No inconvenience to through traffic or interference with public safety vehicles will be approved; therefore, the location must be a cul-de-sac or dead end street.

Block Party Permit Regulations​​​

• Block parties may be held any day of the week.
• Block parties must begin after 11 a.m. and conclude prior to 10 p.m.
• Block parties shall continue for no more than four hours.
• Block party sponsors should review copies of sections of the Virginia Beach City Code in reference to disorderly conduct, public drunkenness, and noise (Section 23-14, 23-22.1, and 23​-69). The consumption of alcoholic beverages in public is prohibited by the State Code. Copies of the Municipal Code are located in each branch of the public libraries.
• Block party sponsors are responsible for cleaning up at the conclusion of the event, if this clean-up is not to the satisfaction of the City, the clean-up will be done and the sponsor will be billed.
• Sale of beverages, tickets, etc. is prohibited. Also, there shall be no admission fees charged.

Special Events at the Oceanfront​

The City of Virginia Beach offers a variety of year-round events and entertainment programs in the resort area oceanfront and boardwalk to promote and enhance the City's economic vitality and quality of life. These events require a Special Event Permit from the City.

IMGoing works in cooperation with the City of Virginia Beach to provide an exciting and comprehensive special events program. Their mission is to enhance the image of Virginia Beach as a superior quality, year-round family resort destination.

Film ​​​Production

Film companies involved in making motion pictures, broadcast television productions, commercials, music videos (other than news media) and still photography for commercial advertising purposes are required to get a permit from the City of Virginia Beach.

The Special Events & Film Production Office assists film makers and photographers by securing the availability of the production team's chosen locations, coordinating the necessary city services and permits required for filming in the City and by providing production and on-site assistance with permit verification.

Sporting ​Event

A sporting event is an organized competition, tournament or exhibition held on public or private property which includes one of the following types of athletic activities: surfing, sailing, power boating, canoeing, jet skiing, water skiing, wind surfing, body boarding, skim boarding, volleyball, softball, skateboarding, rollerblading, etc. These events require a Special Event Permit from the City.

The special event permit must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the day of the event, and 60 days prior to the first day of a major event which is consecutively for two or more days. The permit processing fee can vary from $75 to $300 depending on the scope of the event, and whether it is held on public or private property.

As a condition of approval, the event sponsor is required to provide a certificate of insurance covering general liability (required only for event held on public property) and they may also be required to provide other components as deemed necessary to ensure the safety of event participants and spectators.

Parades

A parade is a march, procession or race consisting of people, animals, bicycles, wheelchairs, etc. on a public street, sidewalk or alley which does not comply with normal traffic regulations and includes different assembly and disassembly points. These events require a Special Event Permit from the City.

The special event permit application must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the day of the event, and 60 days prior to the first day of a major event which is consecutively for two or more days. The permit processing fee is $75 for events utilizing city sidewalks or residential streets and $100 for events utilizing a major thoroughfare.

As a condition of approval, the event sponsor is required to provide a certificate of insurance covering general liability, and they may also be required to provide other items as deemed necessary to ensure the safety of event participants and spectators.