24th Street Park

```mediawiki 24th Street Park is a public recreational area located in the Oceanfront neighborhood of Virginia Beach. Serving as a central gathering place for residents and tourists alike, the park offers a variety of amenities and hosts numerous events throughout the year. Its location provides easy access to the Virginia Beach boardwalk, the Atlantic Ocean, and surrounding commercial districts. The park is anchored by the 24th Street Stage, an outdoor performance venue that hosts both free and ticketed events as part of the city's broader Oceanfront event programming.

History

The development of 24th Street Park reflects the growth and evolution of the Oceanfront area of Virginia Beach. Originally, the land encompassing the park was a relatively undeveloped section of the city, transitioning from a primarily rural landscape to a burgeoning resort destination in the early to mid-20th century. The park's creation was part of a broader effort by the city to improve public spaces and draw visitors to the Oceanfront. Early versions of the park were simpler in scope, focused on basic recreational facilities such as open green spaces and playgrounds.^[1]

Over the decades, 24th Street Park has undergone several renovations and expansions to meet changing community needs. Improvements have included the addition of a dedicated outdoor performance stage, upgraded playground equipment, and enhanced landscaping. The park's design has consistently aimed to balance recreational use with the preservation of natural elements. Through those changes, the park has become a cultural anchor at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, hosting concerts, festivals, and community events that draw both residents and out-of-town visitors.^[2]

Geography

24th Street Park occupies approximately three city blocks, bordered by 24th Street to the north, 25th Street to the south, Pacific Avenue to the west, and Arctic Avenue to the east. The park's relatively flat topography makes it easily accessible for people of all ages and abilities. Its design incorporates a mix of open grassy areas, shaded trees, and paved walkways, providing a variety of settings for recreational activities. Its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean influences the park's microclimate, with prevailing sea breezes offering relief during warmer months.

The park's landscaping features a variety of native plants and trees, contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal and ecological health of the area. Drainage systems are designed to prevent flooding and manage stormwater. The park's location within a dense urban resort environment requires ongoing maintenance and management to ensure its continued viability as a public green space within the Oceanfront district.^[3]

Attractions

A central attraction of 24th Street Park is its large, open lawn area, frequently used for picnics, casual games, and community gatherings. The park also features a dedicated playground area with equipment suitable for children of various ages. Public restrooms, water fountains, and shaded seating areas are available throughout the park.

The park's primary anchor is the 24th Street Stage, an outdoor performance venue equipped with professional sound and lighting systems capable of accommodating large-scale concerts as well as smaller community events. The stage faces a wide open lawn that serves as a natural audience area, making it one of the more versatile outdoor venues along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Its design allows for both general admission standing crowds and seated arrangements depending on the event format.^[4]

The park's location places it directly adjacent to the Virginia Beach boardwalk, allowing visitors to move easily between the park and the oceanfront promenade. It frequently serves as a starting or ending point for local runs, charity walks, and other organized outdoor activities.^[5]

Events

24th Street Park and its outdoor stage serve as the primary venue for much of Virginia Beach's annual Oceanfront event programming. The City of Virginia Beach organizes an Oceanfront Event Season each year, typically running from spring through late summer, with the 24th Street Stage serving as its centerpiece. The 2026 season was announced by the city in the spring of that year as part of ongoing efforts to draw visitors and engage residents throughout the warmer months.^[6]

Among the recurring free events held at the park is the Oceanfront Concert Series, which brings regional and national touring acts to the 24th Street Stage at no cost to attendees. The series draws a wide range of genres. Performers have included jam band acts such as Eggy and Dogs In a Pile, who were announced for a July 15 date as part of the 2026 series, as well as Holy Roller, who have performed at the Oceanfront Concert Series in Virginia Beach.^[7]^[8] Country artist Chayce Beckham has also been featured in conjunction with the Virginia Beach Bulls and Barrels beach rodeo, a separate ticketed event held on the Oceanfront that incorporates programming at the 24th Street stage area.^[9]

The Virginia Beach Bulls and Barrels Beach Rodeo, held annually in late April, is a ticketed event that uses the park and surrounding Oceanfront space as its venue, combining rodeo competitions with live music programming. The fourth annual edition of the event took place April 25–26 at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, drawing competitors and spectators to the area around 24th Street.^[10]^[11]

The park also plays host to the Liquid Art Beer Fest, a ticketed craft beer festival held annually in the fall. The event draws regional breweries and food vendors and is organized as part of the broader suite of Oceanfront events managed by the city and its partners.^[12]

Getting There

24th Street Park is readily accessible by a variety of transportation methods. For those traveling by car, street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhoods, although it can be limited during peak season and special events. Several public parking garages are located within walking distance of the park, offering additional parking options. The park is also served by the Virginia Beach public transportation system, with several bus routes stopping nearby.

Pedestrian and bicycle access to the park is encouraged, with dedicated bike lanes and sidewalks connecting it to the surrounding areas. The park's proximity to the Virginia Beach boardwalk provides a scenic walking route for visitors arriving from other parts of the Oceanfront. Ride-sharing services and taxis are also available in the area, offering convenient transportation options for those without personal vehicles.^[13]

Neighborhoods

24th Street Park is situated within the Oceanfront neighborhood of Virginia Beach, a vibrant area known for its beaches, entertainment venues, and commercial establishments. The surrounding blocks are characterized by a mix of residential properties, hotels, restaurants, and shops. The neighborhood's architecture reflects a blend of styles, ranging from historic Victorian homes to modern high-rise condominiums.

The Oceanfront neighborhood is a major tourist destination, attracting visitors from across the region and beyond. The park serves as a focal point for community life within the neighborhood, providing a gathering place for residents and visitors alike. Several other parks and recreational areas are located nearby, including Rudee Park and Mount Trashmore Park, offering additional opportunities for outdoor activities.^[14]