Farm Aid by the Sea: A Virginia Beach WeekendLive music, family farmers and local food take center stage on this three-day Virginia Beach getaway celebrating the Farm Aid festival and concert. Explore the city’s agricultural roots and coastal beauty, enjoy the Friday-night kickoff, then spend a full day immersed in Farm Aid’s music and HOMEGROWN experiences. Wrap up the weekend with Sunday pastries, a relaxed meal and surfing.Authorslex_weinstein
DestinationsVirginia BeachItinerary

Day 1 — Local Roots + Farm Aid Kickoff

Virginia Beach Farmers Market
Local produce, specialty foods and independent merchants bring Virginia Beach’s agricultural roots to life at this year-round marketplace. At its heart is a connection between the community and the people who grow and make its food.
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First Landing State Park
Where the trees meet the water, explore hikes, bike rides or beach picnics along the bay at this gorgeous State Park.
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Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Beyond the busy oceanfront, a quieter coastal landscape unfolds at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Marshes, dunes, beaches and freshwater habitats shelter migratory birds and other wildlife.
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Neptune's Park
With its towering bronze King Neptune statue overlooking the boardwalk, Neptune’s Park embodies Virginia Beach’s oceanfront spirit. This outdoor gathering and performance space provides a coastal backdrop for community celebrations associated with Neptune Festival weekend.
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Rose's
After the Farm Aid kickoff, we really wanted to check out this spot because it’s one of my local favs but it was already at max capacity by 7:30pm on Friday night! They’re super popular due to their lo-fi live dj and incredible food, but don’t take reservations so try it on a weeknight for guaranteed seating.
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Quemar
We opted for another local fav just a few minutes from the oceanfront that did NOT disappoint! Quemar has an incredible ambiance, cocktail menu, dance floor and array of Latin fusion dishes perfect for a fun night out. The small plates are perfect for sharing and it’s a rare place amongst beach culture that you won’t feel out of place if you want to dress up a bit.
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Day 2 — Farm Aid 2026

Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
Music, family farmers and HOMEGROWN food take center stage at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach, the outdoor concert venue anchoring your Farm Aid weekend. The celebration includes HOMEGROWN Village's hands-on exploration of farming, soil, water and food; FarmYard Stage conversations with farmers, artists and advocates; HOMEGROWN Skills Tent demonstrations; the HOMEGROWN Seed Swap; and a participatory Virginia Farmers Mural. Providing the musical heartbeat is the 2026 lineup: Willie Nelson & Family, Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, Margo Price, Nathaniel Rateliff, Turnpike Troubadours, Lukas Nelson, Sierra Ferrell, I'm With Her, Amythyst Kiah and others.
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DAY 3 — Virginia Beach Sunday

Sugar Plum Bakery Inc
There’s more than sweetness behind the pastries, cakes and baked goods at Sugar Plum Bakery Inc. This Virginia Beach nonprofit supports people with disabilities through employment opportunities, giving its neighborhood bakery a community-centered purpose. They’re closed Sun-Mon so make sure to plan ahead if you want a sweet treat that supports the local community.
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Granier European Bakery & Café
An incredible option for European style coffee, pastries and breakfast that will have you savoring every last drop and crumb! We loved their almond croissant and breakfast croissant sandwich with lattes that will def give you a bold start to the day.
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The Pink Dinghy
Bright, playful and intimate, The Pink Dinghy pairs a neighborhood atmosphere with a menu influenced by Latin American flavors. Small plates and tropical-inspired drinks lend a lively feel to your Sunday meal.
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Atlantic Park Surf
Surf culture takes a different form at Atlantic Park Surf, where a purpose-built lagoon brings engineered waves to Virginia Beach’s oceanfront district. The attraction adds a contemporary chapter to the city’s longstanding connection with surfing.
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Stays

Home2 Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach Princess Anne
When the last set ends, your bed is only about a mile away at this all-suite hotel. Each suite has its own kitchen, and the morning after brings free breakfast, an indoor saltwater pool and a fire pit out on the patio.
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Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort
Every room at this resort faces the Atlantic, just past the north end of the boardwalk. Split your time away from the festival between the sand and the pools, then ride up to Orion's Roof on the 23rd floor for dinner high above the beach.
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The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, Autograph Collection
For something more upscale, this grand hotel on a hill above the ocean has its own bourbon distillery, a full spa and a private beach club a short walk down the slope. Tour the distillery for a tasting, then settle into the Raleigh Room for cocktails and live music.
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Tours

Buried Beneath the Boardwalk: Neptune Ghouls and Ghost Tours
The boardwalk gets a lot spookier after dark on this hour-long ghost walk. A local guide leads you about a mile past King Neptune, the Norwegian Lady and the conch shell sculpture, telling stories of pirates, witches and deadly sirens at each stop. Blackbeard's ship once sailed these waters, so expect him to come up.
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Sunset Dolphin Kayak Tours
Paddle out onto the Chesapeake Bay as the sun drops and keep your eyes on the water for wild dolphins surfacing nearby. Beginners are welcome on this two-hour, small-group outing, where guides get you launched and show you the route in stable sit-on-top kayaks.
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