Virginia Beach outlines 2026 oceanfront special-events plan, traffic and safety measures

The City of Virginia Beach on Wednesday presented its plans for the 2026 oceanfront special-events season, detailing public information channels, interagency safety coordination and expected traffic impacts for major events.

Tanya Howard, manager for campaign and client services in the city communications office, said the city defines a "major" oceanfront event as one that draws a minimum of 10,000 attendees per day and urged residents and visitors to "know before you go" by checking the event hub at virginiabeach.gov/eventinfo and using apps such as Waze and the city's VB Go parking app. "A major way that you can access information about the special event season would be at virginiabeach.gov/eventinfo," she said.

The communications office will publish media advisories (typically the Friday before an event), send text alerts (VB Events 267283), distribute flyers with QR codes and post coordinated social-media updates on Facebook, Instagram, X and Nextdoor. Howard said a digital toolkit for stakeholders, a filmed recap of the meeting and a blog post on the city's website will be available for those unable to attend. She also noted a second community meeting is scheduled for July 30.

Lieutenant Tankersley of the police department's special-event unit described the city's public-safety planning structure for large gatherings, saying the special-event task force "includes EMS, fire, public works, emergency management" and often the sheriff's office. He said the task force conducts tabletop exercises, joint training and operates command posts for the largest events; for major gatherings the city may deploy outside medical resources and on-site medical tents.

Brooks Herstein of the Resort Management Office reviewed recent and upcoming events and logistics. He said the Shamrock Festival attracted more than 20,000 runners this year and that route adjustments were necessary because of limitations at nearby military installations. Herstein listed upcoming highlights: the Virginia Beach 10 Miler and 5K (May 9), USA Ultimate Beach Championships, Beachy Music Festival and Panfest (same weekend); the Point Break Music Festival (June 20–21) with expected road closures near the festival footprint; the North American Sand Soccer Championships (multi-day; more than 800 teams); the Jackalope event; and a July 4 Stars and Stripes celebration with fireworks and entertainment across three oceanfront parks.

Officials repeatedly warned of heavy traffic and limited parking during peak weekends, noting municipal garages such as the 30th Street Garage will see high demand. Howard and Herstein advised attendees to plan ahead, use the city's event hub and parking app, and consult the public-works road-closure and events impact page for the latest closure details.

No formal decisions or votes were taken during the presentation. The presenters invited questions from attendees and thanked city staff and public-safety partners; the session was recorded for posting on the city's website.