Something in the Water 2023 Return

Something in the Water 2023 Return is a cultural and historical event that has redefined Virginia Beach’s identity as a hub for music, art, and community engagement. The festival, which originated in 2016 as a tribute to the city’s vibrant music scene, returned in 2023 after a two-year hiatus due to the global pandemic. Organized by the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, the event drew over 100,000 attendees, featuring performances by internationally renowned artists such as H.E.R., The Weeknd, and Brandi Carlile. The festival’s return marked a significant milestone in the city’s post-pandemic recovery, highlighting its resilience and commitment to fostering creative expression. The event took place at the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, a historic site that has long served as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. The 2023 iteration of the festival expanded its programming to include workshops, art installations, and sustainability initiatives, reflecting Virginia Beach’s growing emphasis on environmental responsibility and community-driven innovation. This revival of the festival not only reinvigorated the local economy but also reinforced the city’s reputation as a premier destination for cultural events in the southeastern United States.

The festival’s return in 2023 was celebrated as a testament to Virginia Beach’s ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity. Local businesses reported a 35% increase in revenue during the event, with restaurants, hotels, and retail stores benefiting from the influx of visitors. The city’s tourism board emphasized the festival’s role in promoting Virginia Beach as a year-round destination, not just a summer retreat. Additionally, the event featured a “Green Stage” initiative, which showcased eco-friendly practices such as solar-powered lighting and waste reduction programs. This focus on sustainability aligned with the city’s broader environmental goals, including its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2035. The festival also included a “Community Stage” where local musicians and artists performed, underscoring the importance of supporting grassroots talent. By blending global and local elements, the 2023 return of Something in the Water reinforced Virginia Beach’s position as a dynamic and inclusive cultural center.

History

Virginia Beach’s history as a cultural and recreational hub dates back to the early 20th century, when the city’s natural beauty and strategic location along the Atlantic coast made it a popular destination for vacationers. The establishment of the Virginia Beach Boardwalk in 1901 marked a pivotal moment in the city’s development, transforming the area into a focal point for entertainment and commerce. Over the decades, the boardwalk evolved from a simple wooden structure into a sprawling complex featuring amusement parks, restaurants, and live music venues. The 2016 launch of Something in the Water was a direct response to the city’s rich musical heritage, which includes the rise of local bands such as The All-American Rejects and the presence of the Virginia Beach Symphony Orchestra. The festival’s founders, including musician and entrepreneur John K. Smith, aimed to create an event that would celebrate both the city’s past and its future as a leader in the arts.

The 2023 return of the festival was not only a celebration of music but also a reflection of Virginia Beach’s broader historical narrative. The city has long been a melting pot of cultures, with its population shaped by waves of immigration and migration. From the early 20th century’s influx of European immigrants to the post-World War II migration of African Americans and other minority groups, Virginia Beach’s demographics have contributed to its diverse cultural landscape. The festival’s programming in 2023 included panels and discussions on the city’s history, with a particular focus on the contributions of underrepresented communities. For example, a panel titled “Voices of the Boardwalk” featured local historians and activists who highlighted the role of African American entrepreneurs in shaping the boardwalk’s early development. These efforts underscored the festival’s commitment to honoring the city’s past while fostering inclusivity in its future.

Geography

Virginia Beach is situated along the southeastern coast of Virginia, where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. The city’s geography is defined by its extensive coastline, which stretches over 15 miles and includes barrier islands such as the Virginia Beach Peninsula and the Tangier and Smith Islands. This unique topography has made the city a popular destination for both recreational activities and natural conservation efforts. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk, located on the city’s central peninsula, is among the most iconic landmarks in the area. Built on a narrow strip of land between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, the boardwalk has become a symbol of the city’s resilience against coastal erosion and rising sea levels. The city’s proximity to the ocean has also influenced its economic and cultural development, with tourism and maritime industries playing a significant role in its history.

The city’s geography has also shaped its approach to environmental sustainability. Virginia Beach is part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and its coastal location has made it a focal point for efforts to combat climate change and protect marine ecosystems. The city has implemented a number of initiatives, including the “Virginia Beach Coastal Resilience Plan,” which aims to mitigate the impacts of sea-level rise and storm surges. This plan includes the construction of living shorelines, which use natural materials such as oyster reefs and wetlands to stabilize the coastline. Additionally, the city has invested in renewable energy projects, such as the installation of solar panels on public buildings and the expansion of electric vehicle charging stations. These efforts reflect Virginia Beach’s commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship, a theme that was prominently featured in the 2023 return of Something in the Water.

Culture

Virginia Beach’s cultural landscape is a vibrant tapestry woven from its history, geography, and the diverse communities that call the city home. The city’s cultural identity is deeply rooted in its coastal heritage, which has influenced everything from its cuisine to its artistic traditions. Local cuisine, for example, reflects the region’s maritime history, with dishes such as seafood boils, crab cakes, and oyster stew being staples in restaurants along the boardwalk and throughout the city. The annual Virginia Beach Food & Wine Festival, which takes place in the spring, further highlights the city’s culinary scene, featuring local chefs and international food vendors. Beyond food, Virginia Beach has a thriving arts community, with galleries, theaters, and music venues scattered throughout the city. The Virginia Beach Museum of Art, located on the campus of Old Dominion University, is a major cultural institution that showcases both regional and international artists.

The city’s cultural vibrancy is also evident in its festivals and events, which celebrate everything from music to the arts. In addition to Something in the Water, Virginia Beach hosts a variety of annual events, including the Virginia Beach Comedy Festival, the Virginia Beach International Boat Show, and the Virginia Beach Jazz Festival. These events attract visitors from across the country and contribute to the city’s reputation as a cultural destination. The 2023 return of Something in the水 was particularly significant in this regard, as it brought together a diverse array of performers and attendees, reflecting the city’s commitment to inclusivity and artistic expression. The festival also featured a “Cultural Heritage Stage,” which highlighted the contributions of local artists and musicians from different backgrounds. This emphasis on cultural diversity was a key aspect of the event, reinforcing Virginia Beach’s role as a hub for creative and collaborative endeavors.

Attractions

Virginia Beach is home to a wide array of attractions that cater to visitors of all ages and interests. Among the most iconic is the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, a 3.5-mile-long promenade that offers a mix of entertainment, dining, and shopping. The boardwalk is lined with historic buildings, amusement parks, and live music venues, making it a year-round destination for both residents and tourists. One of the boardwalk’s most popular attractions is the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, which features exhibits on marine life, interactive programs for children, and a 360-degree underwater tunnel that allows visitors to walk alongside sharks and rays. The aquarium is a major draw for families and has been recognized as one of the top attractions in the southeastern United States.

In addition to the boardwalk, Virginia Beach offers a variety of other attractions that highlight its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The city is home to several state parks, including First Landing State Park, which is located on the site of the first permanent English settlement in the United States. The park features hiking trails, camping facilities, and historical exhibits that provide insight into the region’s colonial past. Another popular destination is the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, a stretch of sandy beaches that is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The area is also home to the Virginia Beach Convention Center, a major venue that hosts conferences, trade shows, and other large events. These attractions, combined with the city’s rich cultural offerings, make Virginia Beach a destination that appeals to a wide range of visitors.

Getting There

Virginia Beach is easily accessible by air, rail, and road, making it a convenient destination for travelers from across the country and around the world. The city is served by Norfolk International Airport (ORF), which is located approximately 25 miles inland from the coast. The airport offers non-stop flights to major domestic and international destinations, including cities such as New York, Chicago, and London. For those traveling by train, Virginia Beach is accessible via Amtrak’s Northeast Regional and Carolinian services, which connect the city to Washington, D.C., Richmond, and other points along the East Coast. The city’s extensive highway system, including Interstate 264 and U.S. Route 13, provides easy access to surrounding areas and facilitates travel to and from the city.

In addition to traditional transportation options, Virginia Beach has invested in improving its infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of visitors. The city has expanded its public transportation network, including the Virginia Beach Transit system, which operates buses that connect the city’s neighborhoods to major attractions such as the boardwalk and the aquarium. The city also has a number of bike-friendly routes, including the Virginia Beach Bike Trail, which runs along the Intracoastal Waterway and offers scenic views of the city’s coastline. For those arriving by sea, the city’s marinas and boat ramps provide access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, making it a popular destination for boating enthusiasts. These transportation options, combined with the city’s proximity to other major cities, make Virginia Beach a highly accessible and convenient destination for travelers.

Neighborhoods

Virginia Beach is composed of a diverse array of neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and appeal. The city’s neighborhoods range from the bustling commercial districts of the