Family events in Chesapeake, VA

Young readers can connect over stories and discussion in a book club created for children ages 10 to 12 at Churchland Branch Library. Meetings are held on select fourth Tuesdays of the month. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Books are available for pickup during the first week of the month. For registration and more information, call 757-686-2538 ext 6626.

At Atlantis Games & Comics - Portsmouth, tabletop fans gather to play board games together. Participants can bring a favorite title or choose from a store library of more than one hundred demo games to try. Staff members are available to answer questions, help explain rules, and match players with suitable games. A raffle is also part of the fun, with entries collected on a board game slip. The event welcomes newcomers and seasoned players alike, including all ages.

Explore the children’s garden at Sleepy Hole Park and connect with the Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners who care for the space and share their knowledge each Wednesday. This sensory garden invites curiosity through sights, scents, and sounds, and welcomes children of all ages. Open Garden Days take place on the fourth Wednesday of the month during the growing season. Visitors can talk with the gardeners, stroll through the beds, help with a small task like weeding, and learn what is being grown and the reasons behind it. Plans may change, especially in bad weather. If a date is canceled or you miss one, stop by when the gardeners are in the garden to ask questions and learn more about the plants. Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments and is an equal opportunity employer. For disability-related assistance or accommodations, contact Andrea Slye with VCE City of Suffolk at 757-514-4337 or TDD 800-828-1120.

Explore Owl Creek Landing on an educational guided walk led by Brett. The route highlights wildlife that live in VB and on the property, VB’s vital role along migratory bird pathways, and why marshland serves as essential habitat. Along the way, participants look for birds and discuss their primary food sources in Owl Creek. The experience continues on the Treetop Trail Canopy Walk with a focus on trees and native plants that support a healthy ecosystem. It wraps up on the Forest Trail for a closer look at life on the forest floor, from insects and spiders to fungi. This guided tour is included with admission.

Designed for the littlest listeners, this session features brief stories, cheerful songs, gentle movement, and time to play. It is intended for ages from birth to 18 months and takes place on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. For more information, call 757-393-8501.

Beach life takes center stage at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront as the Neptune Festival marks its 52nd anniversary with Boardwalk Weekend. Two festival stages present free concerts with more than 20 performances by local and national recording artists. Along the boardwalk, an Art & Craft Show features handmade creations from over 200 artisans, and Neptune’s International Sandsculpting Championship showcases 22 sand sculptures crafted by sculptors from around the world. Additional happenings across the weekend include Neptune's 8k Race, the free Learn from the Pros Sand Clinics, Healthy Haven with free beach yoga and fitness, Poseidon's Playground family fun zone for free, Touch-A-Truck for free, Dock Dogs with free viewing, Neptune's Volleyball Tournament alongside USA Volleyball NTDP, Neptune's Surfing Classic, Neptune's Atlantic Regatta, the Grand Parade for free, a Youth Art Show, Young Collectors: Art Gallery for Kids, a Hometown Heroes Reception, and more.

A live concert, presented as part of the community concert series in Suffolk’s Harbor View area, brings the 2026 Shore Invasion Tour to Southside Hampton Roads.

An open gym session welcomes participants ages 5 and older, whether they are members or not. The fee is $15 per person. Registration is available through the portal.

Explore downtown Norfolk on a guided walk that uncovers eerie history and paranormal lore. Hear stories of ghosts and real-life tragedies along with strange tales that hint at other dimensions, all while taking in the city’s spooky character. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and begins in front of the USS Battleship Wisconsin. Expect to cover roughly 1.7 miles, so comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for children, available for purchase online. The content leans mature, and parents should use their discretion for younger attendees. If the tour is canceled due to rain or low turnout, ticket holders will be notified by email and receive a full refund. No refunds are provided for no-shows. Parking is available in nearby downtown garages, and the tour frequently sells out.

EAA Chapter 339 presents a monthly fly-in breakfast featuring pancakes in regular and blueberry varieties, served with sausage and eggs, plus orange juice and coffee. The meal is available for a $10 donation, or $5 for chapter members.

Rooted in a shared passion for horses and community, the Coastal Classic Horseman’s Club offers a family friendly show experience that celebrates solid horsemanship and fair competition. The atmosphere is welcoming and supportive, creating space for riders of every age and experience level.

Restored and Redeemed Car Show gathers automotive enthusiasts at Alexander Baptist Church to showcase standout vehicles and highlight a message of restoration rooted in faith. Entries are judged by category, with prizes awarded to top selections. Vehicle registration is a donation of $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the event. Spectator admission is free. All proceeds support The FIX Ministry.

New Beginnings Church of Christ’s Helping Other People Excel (H.O.P.E.) Outreach Ministry hosts a monthly food bank distribution in partnership with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, supporting the effort to reduce hunger in Hampton Roads. Food is available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.

The 2026 Hampton Roads Walk for Apraxia gathers the community at Bayville Farms Park for a free event that celebrates Apraxia Stars and the teams who support them. The experience is planned with safety, fun, and lasting memories in mind, and additional details will be shared through the local Walk website. Registration is free. Registered participants can work toward fundraising incentives, including the annual Walk t-shirt, and those who raise $50 receive the official 2026 shirt. Apraxia Stars are honored individually for their hard work and receive a complimentary t-shirt, medal, and certificate. Funds raised support the programs of Apraxia Kids, which focus on strengthening the support systems around children with apraxia of speech by educating professionals and families, fostering community engagement and outreach, and advancing advocacy and research. The Walk brings together parents, relatives, and professionals to connect, fundraise, and create a space where families feel understood. It is part of the largest event in the country dedicated to apraxia awareness, and the community often shares encouragement using #WalkforApraxia.

A relaxed game day at New Creation church in Western Branch centers on playing games in a friendly setting.

Karaoke welcomes all ages at Chicho’s Pizza – Strawbridge. Children take the spotlight first, then adults step up for their turn. Pick a favorite song, enjoy a beverage, and make it a fun singalong for both kids and adults.

Celebrate the 6th Annual Barktoberfest with a pup-friendly day in the park. Explore pet-focused vendors and connect with rescues. Food trucks will be on site. Attendees may bring frisbees and ball launchers so dogs can stretch their legs across nine acres of grassy space. Wiener dog races add a lively dash of competition to the festivities.

Now in its second year, the 2nd Annual Taste of Virginia Fest delivers a day of delicious tastes, family activities, market-style shopping, and live entertainment at Mt. Trashmore. Chefs, food trucks, and culinary talents from across the region showcase a wide range of cuisines, including soul food, American favorites, Asian, Mexican, Indian, and Caribbean specialties, plus plenty of vegan and plant-based options. Guests can browse goods from local makers and artisans, enjoy music in a family-friendly setting, and support local food businesses and culinary professionals while celebrating Virginia’s vibrant food culture. Admission is free, with VIP upgrades available.

The Waterway Market at Great Bridge Village brings a friendly, community-focused farmers market experience. This week highlights Grandparents Day, honoring grandparents of all kinds with a welcoming market setting. The season features special happenings such as Dolly Days, a Dolly Parton tribute in partnership with US 106.1, along with Pasta in the Park at the Waterway Market. New faces are set to appear, including Gypsy Bakehouse, Always Room for Dessert VA, and Club Pilates Great Bridge. Live music comes from Art Rowe Music. Food trucks on the lineup include Viking Cafe Coffee, The Salty Spur VA, The Shmitt Sandwich, and 757 Pop VA. The market is co-sponsored by Chesapeake PRT. It is also in the running for American Farmland Trust’s Favorite Market, a chance to bring support to local agribusiness.