Free events in Chesapeake, VA

The Coast Guard Day Show and Shine at the Portsmouth Children’s Museum presents a relaxed, non-judged car showcase with free entry for display vehicles. Customs and classics across imports and domestics are welcome. Each entered vehicle receives a complimentary lunch voucher, and additional food will be available for purchase. Activities are planned for both kids and adults, and The Deloreans will perform a free concert. An expanded display area is planned to accommodate more vehicles. There are no sponsors, no advertising, no vendors, and no formal awards. Gift cards will be offered for crowd favorites, and there may be prizes for top cars. A brief load-in period takes place before the showcase begins, and the event wraps up at the museum.

Free legal guidance is available from the Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia on issues such as public housing, divorce, child support, unemployment benefits, SSDI and SSI, and eviction. Sign-ups take place at the library and are handled on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call 757-393-8501.

Anthony Rosano & The Conqueroos bring their show to the TGIF Summer Concert Series at Bennett’s Creek Park in Suffolk. This free community concert invites everyone to enjoy live music in a casual outdoor setting. Food and drinks will be sold on site, and guests 21 and older can purchase alcoholic beverages with valid ID. Please note that coolers and canopies or tents are not permitted. Dogs are welcome when kept on a leash. For the latest weather information, call (757) 514-7250, extension 5. For general details, contact Suffolk Parks & Recreation at (757) 514-7250.

Boogie on the Bay Shag Club brings a lively night of Carolina Shag, beach music, and R&B to Woody’s - Western Branch. DJs keep the floor moving with dance-friendly tracks, and the music suits any dance style. There is no cover charge and no purchase requirement. Enjoy Woody’s food and drink specials while you socialize. The club also features special events and a monthly birthday social with a celebratory dance and complimentary cake.

Stop by the Western Branch Splash Park for “Glow in the Park” as part of the Splash Park Summer Events. There will be games, music, giveaways, and photo opportunities, and the event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, so bring your own folding chairs or picnic blankets. Please note the park will close from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM for setup.

Explore Hoffler Creek before public hours on a monthly Early Bird Walk guided by local birding experts. The route includes Lake Ballard and nearby areas, offering many chances to see and hear a variety of local species. This free event welcomes everyone, from beginners to seasoned birders. Binoculars are recommended.

Runners take to the 400 meter oval at Greenbrier Christian Academy in Chesapeake, Virginia for a mile on the track, completed in four laps. The one mile race is organized in heats with assignments based on predicted times, and on-course support includes a single aid station offering water and a replacement drink. Young children can participate in a Tot Trot, a 400 meter run for ages 5 and under that is free with registration, and the event also features a competitive distance medley relay with legs of 1200, 400, 800, and 1600 meters.

Take part in a cleanup focused on Crab Creek and the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp at the Lynnhaven Inlet Boat Ramp. Cleanup supplies, including bags and grabbers, will be provided. At the gate, mention you are there for the Crab Creek cleanup to be directed to the appropriate parking area. The setup location will be next to the house at the picnic tables. Drinks and snacks will be available.

The Salvation Army Suffolk Corps, partnering with Sinclair Communications, is providing Write Stuff backpacks filled with school supplies for local students who need them. Distribution is first come, first served while supplies last. This program is for grades K through 12 only and does not include pre-K. To receive a backpack, a parent or guardian must present an unexpired government-issued ID, proof of residency, and the child's birth certificate. Families must live in Suffolk, Franklin, Smithfield, Isle of Wight, or Southampton.

Explore the ViBe Creative District on a guided walking tour highlighting murals and public art. The route covers about a mile and typically lasts around one to one and a half hours. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera. Dress warmly during the winter months. Children and dogs are welcome. The tour is free to the public thanks to support from the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission, and optional donations help the ViBe Creative District nonprofit and its year-round arts programming.

Students and families can get ready for the new school year through a community giveaway of free school supplies. The focus is on removing barriers so children start with confidence, supported by their community. Families have the chance to connect with local organizations and celebrate a new year of learning. Registration is required.

Enjoy a live set by The Janitors at the fountain plaza in Town Center. This free performance is part of the Summer Fest lineup taking place throughout the summer. The performance will proceed weather permitting. Produced by the Central Business District Association, supported by the City of Virginia Beach, Town Center of Virginia Beach, and Armada Hoffler Realty Trust, with entertainment booked by Astro Event Company.

Free and open to the public, this stargazing outing with the Back Bay Amateur Astronomers offers views of planets, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies. No telescope is necessary, and an informal Telescope 101 session is available for anyone who wants help with a new telescope or to learn how telescopes work. Please use flashlights with red lenses or covers only. In summer, bring bug spray, and consider a camp chair if you plan to stay a while. The gathering takes place at the Northwest River Park Equestrian Area. Do not enter through the main park entrance. After passing the first gate, park outside the large gateposts and walk to the telescope area, following on-site parking signs. This event depends on suitable weather.

Experience a live performance from AOZ.

Enjoy a free community strength session connected with the 1st Phorm community at LFT GYM VB, led by Body by Summer. The total body format welcomes beginners and seasoned lifters alike. Expect an upbeat atmosphere with motivating music, friendly faces, and a routine designed to challenge participants in a positive way. The focus goes beyond the workout, highlighting connection and a community that supports and pushes one another. Space is limited, and signing up in advance helps reserve a spot.

The Waterway Market at Great Bridge Village features fresh produce, baked treats, tea, honey, granola, and lunch from local vendors. Livermore Vertical Produce offers freshly harvested baby spinach, squash, zucchini, cucumbers, green beans, slicing, cherry and heirloom tomatoes, peaches, sweet corn, plums, eggplant, peppers, grapes, figs, and basil. Farms of Eden brings local pork, chicken, and eggs. A Brighter Day Cottage Cafe has baked goodies such as warm cinnamon rolls and bread pudding. Virginia Granola Company offers granola, and Stone Horse Apiary & Apothecary LLC provides honey. Look for Southern Bloom Tea Co. and Jar-Mazing, and meet local guest author Victor Dzarnowski. Lunch is available from Main Street Shawarma. Popular items can sell out quickly, so early browsing is recommended. Co-sponsored by Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

Fond Memories brings a free live performance to the Town Center Fountain Plaza as part of the Summer Fest lineup taking place throughout the season. This outdoor event is weather dependent. It is produced by the Central Business District Association with support from the City of Virginia Beach, Town Center of Virginia Beach, and Armada Hoffler Realty Trust, and bookings are managed by Astro Event Company. For reminders and updates, follow the Central Business District Association on social media.

This game night spotlights Survey Says, a Family Feud style trivia experience hosted by Devin Martz of Tidewater Trivia. Participation is free, and gift cards are up for grabs. Monday also features appreciation specials for members of the service industry, the military, law enforcement, and first responders.

A free kids' movie will be shown at Churchland Branch Library. For more information, call 757-686-2538.

Test your knowledge across a range of general topics at this free-to-play trivia night, with prizes up for grabs. Reservations are optional, though parties over three are encouraged to book ahead so a table can be held. To reserve, call 757-689-1747.

Every Tuesday, Chicho's Greenbrier hosts a lively trivia night for anyone who enjoys friendly competition and a fun atmosphere. Participation is free, and there are new burger and drink specials to enjoy alongside the games. Reservations can secure a seat and also serve as entry into the VIP Raffle.

Music Video Bingo is hosted by Devin Martz of Tidewater Trivia. There is no cost to participate, and there are several opportunities to win prizes like gift cards and swag. Take part in a single round or stick around for the entire session, and ask about Cantina Night dinner and margarita specials.

Step into Shadowdark's gritty world, a resource-focused game where every decision truly matters. Wield distinctive weapons and battle terrifying monsters as you test your courage and strategy. Games are hosted with no entry fee. See if you can make it out alive.

Walk-In Wednesday hosts open interviews for a broad range of roles across the organization. Candidates at any stage are welcome, including those early in their careers, seasoned professionals, and people exploring a new field. For questions, contact the community at 757-982-2775.

This early childhood program is an interactive storytime that builds early literacy with stories, rhymes, songs, and more for toddlers and preschoolers attending with their caregivers. It is designed for children ages 2 to 5. The program takes place at Downtown Suffolk Library in Meeting Room 1 and Meeting Room 2. Admission is free, and people of all abilities are welcome. If accommodations are needed, call 757-514-7323 and ask for the Community Learning Manager. Facilities bringing a group of five or more should contact the Community Learning Manager. Library membership is not required to participate.

SBW is hosting a Red Cross blood drive at the Shrine Club. Those who donate will receive a $20 e-gift card they can use with merchants of their choice.

Watchhouse takes the stage as part of the Oceanfront Concert Series at 31st Street Park in Virginia Beach, a free outdoor performance set alongside the boardwalk with the ocean as a backdrop. This series brings music lovers together in the parks along the shoreline to enjoy live sounds in a classic coastal setting. Admission is free and open to all. Guests may bring a beach blanket, a towel, or a beach chair without a foot rest or canopy, as well as a small cooler. Outside food and drinks are allowed, but no alcohol is permitted. Re-entry is available with a hand stamp, and strollers are allowed. Items not permitted include alcohol, open containers of any kind, glass containers, bicycles, scooters, skateboards or other vehicles, pets except certified service animals, professional camera or video equipment, and umbrellas.

Tower of Games in Virginia Beach hosts a weekly casual open play session for Star Wars Shatterpoint. Entry is free and there is no prizing.

This early literacy storytime features stories, rhymes, songs, and more for babies and their caregivers. It is designed for children from birth through 24 months. The program takes place in the Adult Room and Children’s Area at North Suffolk Public Library. Attendance is free and open to people of all abilities. For accommodations, call 757-514-7323 and ask to speak with the Community Learning Manager. Facilities bringing a group of five or more should contact the Community Learning Manager in advance. Library membership is not required to attend.

Manor Branch Library hosts a welcoming storytime for little ones, featuring read-alouds, songs, dancing, and a simple craft activity. It is designed for children ages 0 to 5. For more information, or if you plan to attend with a group of more than eight children, call 757-465-2916.

This in-person program at the North Suffolk Public Library invites toddlers and preschoolers, together with their caregivers, to enjoy an early literacy focused storytime featuring picture books, rhymes, songs, and playful activities. It is designed for children ages 2 to 5. Activities take place in the Adult Room and the Children’s Area. Attendance is free and open to people of all abilities. To request accommodations, call 757-514-7323 and ask for the Community Learning Manager. Facilities bringing groups of five or more are encouraged to contact the Community Learning Manager in advance. A library card is not required to participate.

Neptune Festival’s Symphony by the Sea Concert Series returns for its 15th season, bringing free outdoor performances to 31st Street Park along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. This installment features Symphonicity Orchestra. Arriving early is recommended, as these popular evenings tend to fill the park. For those seeking extra convenience, VIP memberships for the full season are available for $175 per person. Benefits include reserved seating at all five shows, valet parking, pre-concert receptions with light hors d’oeuvres and a selection of beverages, complimentary popcorn and bottled water during performances, and two ticket vouchers per member for an additional Virginia Symphony Orchestra concert as well as two for a Symphonicity concert. Rain dates are available as needed. Children 16 and under are free with a paying member.