24th Street Park

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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]