24th Street Park: Difference between revisions

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Automated improvements: Flagged critical issues: article is incomplete (cut off mid-sentence), both citations are duplicate generic links with a future access-date error, History section contains unsourced vague claims, no dedicated Events or Amenities section despite 24th Street Stage being the park's primary feature, and multiple E-E-A-T gaps including absence of specific dates, measurable facts, and a Last Click Test failure. Expansion opportunities identified for the 24th Street Stage, Oc...
Automated improvements: Flagged critical incomplete sentence in Geography section (article cannot be published as-is); identified missing Bobby Melatti stage dedication fact from research; flagged two non-specific duplicate citations failing E-E-A-T standards; identified need for Events/Programming and 24th Street Stage dedicated sections based on recent confirmed performances; noted address omission; flagged generic filler language in History section; suggested TIP funding mechanism from com...
 
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```mediawiki
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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|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.
{{Infobox park
| name = 24th Street Park
| alt_name = Robert "Bobby" Melatti 24th Street Stage
| photo =
| photo_caption =
| type = Public park
| location = [[Oceanfront, Virginia Beach|Oceanfront]], [[Virginia Beach, Virginia]]
| address = 2405 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451
| nearest_city = [[Virginia Beach, Virginia]]
| area =
| opened =
| operator = City of Virginia Beach Department of Parks and Recreation
| website = https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/parks-recreation
}}
 
24th Street Park is a public recreational area located in the Oceanfront neighborhood of [[Virginia Beach]], Virginia, at 2405 Atlantic Avenue. The park serves as a central gathering place for residents and out-of-town visitors, offering a range of amenities and hosting numerous free and ticketed events throughout the year. Its location provides easy access to the [[Virginia Beach Boardwalk|Virginia Beach boardwalk]], the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding commercial district. The park is anchored by the Robert "Bobby" Melatti 24th Street Stage, an outdoor performance venue that hosts concerts, festivals, and community events as part of the city's annual Oceanfront event programming.


== History ==
== 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Parks and Recreation |url=https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/parks-recreation |work=City of Virginia Beach |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref>
The development of 24th Street Park reflects the broader growth of the Oceanfront area of Virginia Beach. The land originally occupied a relatively undeveloped section of the city, transitioning from a primarily rural landscape to a resort destination during the early to mid-20th century. The park's creation was part of a city-led effort to improve public spaces and attract visitors to the Oceanfront. Early versions of the park were modest in scope, focused on basic recreational facilities such as open green spaces and playgrounds.<ref>{{cite web |title=Parks and Recreation |url=https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/parks-recreation |work=City of Virginia Beach |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref>


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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Parks and Recreation |url=https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/parks-recreation |work=City of Virginia Beach |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref>
Over the following decades, 24th Street Park underwent several renovations and expansions to meet changing community needs. These changes included the addition of a dedicated outdoor performance stage, upgraded playground equipment, and enhanced landscaping. Through these changes, the park became a cultural anchor at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, hosting concerts, festivals, and community events that draw both local residents and visitors from across the region.<ref>{{cite web |title=Parks and Recreation |url=https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/parks-recreation |work=City of Virginia Beach |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref> Improvements to the Atlantic Avenue corridor and the surrounding Oceanfront district, which encompasses 24th Street Park, have historically been funded in part through the Tourism Improvement Program (TIP), a special tax assessed on tourism activity rather than the city's general fund.
 
The outdoor stage at the park was formally dedicated to Robert "Bobby" Melatti in a ceremony hosted by the City of Virginia Beach. The dedication recognized Melatti's significance to the Virginia Beach community and renamed the venue the Robert "Bobby" Melatti 24th Street Stage.<ref>{{cite web |title=24th Street Stage Dedication Ceremony - Robert "Bobby" Melatti Stage |url=https://virginiabeach.gov/connect/events/24th-street-stage-dedication-ceremony-robert-bobby-melatti-stage |work=City of Virginia Beach |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref>


== Geography ==
== 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.
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 physical abilities. Its design incorporates a mix of open grassy areas, shaded trees, and paved walkways, providing a variety of settings for recreational activities. Prevailing sea breezes from the nearby Atlantic Ocean influence the park's microclimate, offering some relief during warmer months.
 
The park's landscaping features native plants and trees, contributing to the area's overall aesthetic and ecological character. Drainage systems are designed to manage stormwater and reduce flood risk. The park's position within a dense urban resort environment requires ongoing maintenance and active management to preserve its function as a public green space within the Oceanfront district.<ref>{{cite web |title=Parks and Recreation |url=https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/parks-recreation |work=City of Virginia Beach |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref>
 
== The Robert "Bobby" Melatti 24th Street Stage ==


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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Parks and Recreation |url=https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/parks-recreation |work=City of Virginia Beach |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref>
The park's primary anchor is the Robert "Bobby" Melatti 24th Street Stage, an outdoor performance venue equipped with professional sound and lighting systems capable of hosting large-scale concerts as well as smaller community events. The stage faces a wide open lawn that functions 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=24th Street Stage/Park |url=https://www.facebook.com/24thStreetStage/ |work=Facebook |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref>
 
The stage was formally dedicated to Robert "Bobby" Melatti in a ceremony organized by the City of Virginia Beach, honoring his contributions to the local community.<ref>{{cite web |title=24th Street Stage Dedication Ceremony - Robert "Bobby" Melatti Stage |url=https://virginiabeach.gov/connect/events/24th-street-stage-dedication-ceremony-robert-bobby-melatti-stage |work=City of Virginia Beach |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref> It now bears his name officially and serves as the centerpiece of the city's annual Oceanfront concert programming.


== Attractions ==
== Attractions ==
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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.
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.<ref>{{cite web |title=24th Street Stage/Park |url=https://www.facebook.com/24thStreetStage/ |work=Facebook |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref>
The park's location places it directly adjacent to the [[Virginia Beach Boardwalk|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.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Virginian-Pilot |url=https://www.pilotonline.com |work=''The Virginian-Pilot'' |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref>


The park's location places it directly adjacent to the [[Virginia Beach Boardwalk|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.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Virginian-Pilot |url=https://www.pilotonline.com |work=''The Virginian-Pilot'' |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref>
== Events and Programming ==
 
The Robert "Bobby" Melatti 24th Street Stage serves 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 as its centerpiece.<ref>{{cite web |title=In a mere few weeks, the 2026 Oceanfront Event Season kicks off |url=https://www.facebook.com/CityofVaBeach/posts/in-a-mere-few-weeks-the-2026-oceanfront-event-season-kicks-off-for-the-city-of-v/1367496128751346/ |work=City of Virginia Beach |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref>
 
=== Oceanfront Concert Series ===
 
The Oceanfront Concert Series is a recurring free event held at the park each summer, bringing regional and national touring acts to the 24th Street Stage at no cost to attendees. The series draws a wide range of musical genres. The 2026 season featured 13 nights of free live music, with performers including reggae legends The Wailers, hip-hop artist MC Lyte, and country singer-songwriter Alana Springsteen.<ref>{{cite web |title=Oceanfront Concert Series: 13 nights of free live music, including The Wailers and MC Lyte |url=https://www.pilotonline.com/2026/04/23/oceanfront-concert-series-13-nights-of-free-live-music-including-the-wailers-and-mc-lyte/ |work=''The Virginian-Pilot'' |date=2026-04-23 |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Free Oceanfront concerts: The Wailers, MC Lyte, Alana Springsteen set to perform |url=https://www.wtkr.com/news/in-the-community/virginia-beach/free-oceanfront-concerts-the-wailers-mc-lyte-alana-springsteen-set-to-perform |work=WTKR |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref> Jam band acts Eggy and Dogs In a Pile were also announced for a July 15 date in the 2026 series,<ref>{{cite web |title=Don't miss Eggy and Dogs In a Pile coming to 24th Street |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DU3u-qmkcwZ/ |work=Virginia Beach Events (Instagram) |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref> and Holy Roller has performed at the series as well.<ref>{{cite web |title=Catch us at the Oceanfront Concert Series in VA Beach |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DWZHOM8jpMV/ |work=holyrollerrva (Instagram) |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref> All concerts in the series are free and open to the public.<ref>{{cite web |title=A perfect night out for everyone: Alana Springsteen and Holy Roller at 24th Street Park |url=https://www.facebook.com/937bobfm/posts/a-perfect-night-out-for-everyone-enjoy-live-music-with-alana-springsteen-and-hol/1548069510654471/ |work=93.7 BOB FM (Facebook) |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref>
 
=== Virginia Beach Bulls and Barrels Beach Rodeo ===


== Events ==
The Virginia Beach Bulls and Barrels Beach Rodeo is a ticketed annual event held in late April that uses 24th Street Park and the 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bulls and Barrels Beach Rodeo returns to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront on April 25-26 |url=https://www.militarynews.com/norfolk-navy-flagship/community/bulls-and-barrels-beach-rodeo-returns-to-the-virginia-beach-oceanfront-on-april-25-26/article_a7c9b8f5-d289-4e2a-925b-2056d19ea37b.html |work=''MilitaryNews.com'' |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=4th Annual Bulls & Barrels Beach Rodeo |url=https://www.facebook.com/96XWROX/videos/-dont-miss-the-4th-annual-bulls-barrels-beach-rodeoapril-2526-virginia-beach-oce/2040728553455042/ |work=96X (Facebook) |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref> Country artist Chayce Beckham has been featured as part of the rodeo's live music programming.<ref>{{cite web |title=The 4th annual Virginia Beach Bulls and Barrels Beach Rodeo |url=https://www.facebook.com/beacheventsvb/posts/the-4th-annual-virginia-beach-bulls-and-barrels-beach-rodeo-happening-april-25-a/897879072989030/ |work=Virginia Beach Events (Facebook) |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref>


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.<ref>{{cite web |title=In a mere few weeks, the 2026 Oceanfront Event Season kicks off |url=https://www.facebook.com/CityofVaBeach/posts/in-a-mere-few-weeks-the-2026-oceanfront-event-season-kicks-off-for-the-city-of-v/1367496128751346/ |work=City of Virginia Beach |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref>
=== Liquid Art Beer Fest ===


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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Don't miss Eggy and Dogs In a Pile coming to 24th Street |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DU3u-qmkcwZ/ |work=Virginia Beach Events (Instagram) |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Catch us at the Oceanfront Concert Series in VA Beach |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DWZHOM8jpMV/ |work=holyrollerrva (Instagram) |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=The 4th annual Virginia Beach Bulls and Barrels Beach Rodeo |url=https://www.facebook.com/beacheventsvb/posts/the-4th-annual-virginia-beach-bulls-and-barrels-beach-rodeo-happening-april-25-a/897879072989030/ |work=Virginia Beach Events (Facebook) |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref>
The park also hosts 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Press Releases |url=https://www.beachstreet-usa.com/news/press-releases |work=Beach Street USA |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref>


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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bulls and Barrels Beach Rodeo returns to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront on April 25–26 |url=https://www.militarynews.com/norfolk-navy-flagship/community/bulls-and-barrels-beach-rodeo-returns-to-the-virginia-beach-oceanfront-on-april-25-26/article_a7c9b8f5-d289-4e2a-925b-2056d19ea37b.html |work=''MilitaryNews.com'' |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=4th Annual Bulls & Barrels Beach Rodeo |url=https://www.facebook.com/96XWROX/videos/-dont-miss-the-4th-annual-bulls-barrels-beach-rodeoapril-2526-virginia-beach-oce/2040728553455042/ |work=96X (Facebook) |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref>
=== Memorial Day Weekend Programming ===


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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Press Releases |url=https://www.beachstreet-usa.com/news/press-releases |work=Beach Street USA |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref>
Each Memorial Day Weekend, the park hosts patriotic and entertainment programming as part of the Oceanfront's seasonal event calendar. The city and its event partners use the 24th Street Stage as a central hub for holiday weekend activities that draw large crowds to the Oceanfront district.<ref>{{cite web |title=Join us Memorial Day Weekend for the ultimate Salute |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DYSp779Nkz_/ |work=Virginia Beach Events (Instagram) |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref>


== Getting There ==
== 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.
24th Street Park is accessible by a variety of transportation methods. Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhoods, though it's often limited during peak season and special events. Several public parking garages are located within walking distance of the park, offering additional options for visitors arriving by car. 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Parks and Recreation |url=https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/parks-recreation |work=City of Virginia Beach |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref>
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 are also widely available in the area.<ref>{{cite web |title=Parks and Recreation |url=https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/parks-recreation |work=City of Virginia Beach |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref>


== Neighborhoods ==
== Surrounding Neighborhood ==


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.
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 feature 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Virginian-Pilot |url=https://www.pilotonline.com |work=''The Virginian-Pilot'' |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref>
The Oceanfront neighborhood is a major tourist destination, attracting visitors from across the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. The park serves as a focal point for community life within the neighborhood, providing a year-round gathering place. Several other parks and recreational areas are located nearby, including [[Rudee Park]] and [[Mount Trashmore Park]], offering additional opportunities for outdoor activities.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Virginian-Pilot |url=https://www.pilotonline.com |work=''The Virginian-Pilot'' |access-date=2025-07-10}}</ref>


== See Also ==
== See Also ==

Latest revision as of 03:44, 17 May 2026

```mediawiki Template:Infobox park

24th Street Park is a public recreational area located in the Oceanfront neighborhood of Virginia Beach, Virginia, at 2405 Atlantic Avenue. The park serves as a central gathering place for residents and out-of-town visitors, offering a range of amenities and hosting numerous free and ticketed events throughout the year. Its location provides easy access to the Virginia Beach boardwalk, the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding commercial district. The park is anchored by the Robert "Bobby" Melatti 24th Street Stage, an outdoor performance venue that hosts concerts, festivals, and community events as part of the city's annual Oceanfront event programming.

History

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

Over the following decades, 24th Street Park underwent several renovations and expansions to meet changing community needs. These changes included the addition of a dedicated outdoor performance stage, upgraded playground equipment, and enhanced landscaping. Through these changes, the park became a cultural anchor at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, hosting concerts, festivals, and community events that draw both local residents and visitors from across the region.[2] Improvements to the Atlantic Avenue corridor and the surrounding Oceanfront district, which encompasses 24th Street Park, have historically been funded in part through the Tourism Improvement Program (TIP), a special tax assessed on tourism activity rather than the city's general fund.

The outdoor stage at the park was formally dedicated to Robert "Bobby" Melatti in a ceremony hosted by the City of Virginia Beach. The dedication recognized Melatti's significance to the Virginia Beach community and renamed the venue the Robert "Bobby" Melatti 24th Street Stage.[3]

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 physical abilities. Its design incorporates a mix of open grassy areas, shaded trees, and paved walkways, providing a variety of settings for recreational activities. Prevailing sea breezes from the nearby Atlantic Ocean influence the park's microclimate, offering some relief during warmer months.

The park's landscaping features native plants and trees, contributing to the area's overall aesthetic and ecological character. Drainage systems are designed to manage stormwater and reduce flood risk. The park's position within a dense urban resort environment requires ongoing maintenance and active management to preserve its function as a public green space within the Oceanfront district.[4]

The Robert "Bobby" Melatti 24th Street Stage

The park's primary anchor is the Robert "Bobby" Melatti 24th Street Stage, an outdoor performance venue equipped with professional sound and lighting systems capable of hosting large-scale concerts as well as smaller community events. The stage faces a wide open lawn that functions 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.[5]

The stage was formally dedicated to Robert "Bobby" Melatti in a ceremony organized by the City of Virginia Beach, honoring his contributions to the local community.[6] It now bears his name officially and serves as the centerpiece of the city's annual Oceanfront concert programming.

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 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.[7]

Events and Programming

The Robert "Bobby" Melatti 24th Street Stage serves 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 as its centerpiece.[8]

Oceanfront Concert Series

The Oceanfront Concert Series is a recurring free event held at the park each summer, bringing regional and national touring acts to the 24th Street Stage at no cost to attendees. The series draws a wide range of musical genres. The 2026 season featured 13 nights of free live music, with performers including reggae legends The Wailers, hip-hop artist MC Lyte, and country singer-songwriter Alana Springsteen.[9][10] Jam band acts Eggy and Dogs In a Pile were also announced for a July 15 date in the 2026 series,[11] and Holy Roller has performed at the series as well.[12] All concerts in the series are free and open to the public.[13]

Virginia Beach Bulls and Barrels Beach Rodeo

The Virginia Beach Bulls and Barrels Beach Rodeo is a ticketed annual event held in late April that uses 24th Street Park and the 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.[14][15] Country artist Chayce Beckham has been featured as part of the rodeo's live music programming.[16]

Liquid Art Beer Fest

The park also hosts 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.[17]

Memorial Day Weekend Programming

Each Memorial Day Weekend, the park hosts patriotic and entertainment programming as part of the Oceanfront's seasonal event calendar. The city and its event partners use the 24th Street Stage as a central hub for holiday weekend activities that draw large crowds to the Oceanfront district.[18]

Getting There

24th Street Park is accessible by a variety of transportation methods. Street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhoods, though it's often limited during peak season and special events. Several public parking garages are located within walking distance of the park, offering additional options for visitors arriving by car. 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 are also widely available in the area.[19]

Surrounding Neighborhood

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 feature 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 Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. The park serves as a focal point for community life within the neighborhood, providing a year-round gathering place. Several other parks and recreational areas are located nearby, including Rudee Park and Mount Trashmore Park, offering additional opportunities for outdoor activities.[20]

See Also

```