September 2005 Events in Hampton Roads, Virginia

Festivals, parades, exhibitions, sports and more in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Williamsburg and the rest of Hampton Roads. Come out and play!

September 2 - 4
Prelude to Victory: Washington Prepares for Yorktown
This Labor Day weekend represents September 26, 27, and 28, 1781 - the last three days of the period when General Washington and Le Compte de Rochambeau, commander of French forces, were headquartered in Williamsburg prior to the siege at Yorktown. Advance units of Washington's army enter Colonial Williamsburg on Friday, signaling the beginning of the annual holiday reenactment. The weekend is filled with evidence of military prowess by the Continental Army troops to include artillery practice, musket drills, and dragoons (cavalry) who demonstrate horsemanship and field maneuvers. Following a full day of reenactment events on Sunday, General Washington addresses his troops and issues final marching orders as the army prepares to leave for Yorktown late Sunday afternoon. Colonial Williamsburg.

September 2 - 5
American Music Festival
12th Annual. The largest multi-day outdoor music festival on the east coast. 5th, 17th, 24th and 29th Street stages, Virginia Beach oceanfront.

September 4
Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon
World-class athletes, 14 stages, 20 bands, 16 cheerleader squads and 13.1 miles of a seaside course. Starts at the Pavilion Convention Center, runs through the resort area, through Camp Pendleton, rounds 37th Street and finishes on the Boardwalk where runners are treated to a post race party and a concert. Virginia Beach oceanfront.

September 9 - 11
Hampton Bay Days
23rd annual. Hampton's really big show celebrates life on the Chesapeake Bay with musical performances on five stages, a world-class fireworks display, carnival, Chesapeake Bay displays, sporting and water events, car and motorcycle show, art shows, children's activities, and succulent seafood. Expect 250,000 people to show up. Free. 10 city blocks in downtown Hampton.

September 9 - 11
Norfolk Seafood Sampler
Grab your family and friends and head to Town Point Park for crab pickin', oyster shuckin', shimp boilin', fish fryin', cold beer drinkin' good time down by the river. Southern beach music and the Virginia In-Water Boat Show too. Norfolk.

September 17 - 18
Chesapeake Fine Arts and Crafts Festival
3rd annual. Featuring the work of craft artisans in areas such as decorative arts, fiber art, soap-making, basket-weaving, candle making and more. There will be festival foods, entertainment and kids activities, as well as demonstrations from local crafters. Benefits Hope House. Lakeside Park, Chesapeake.

September 30 - October 2
Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend
32nd Annual. Includes the North American Sand Sculpting Championship, free outdoor music concerts, art show with 250 exhibitors, Zambelli fireworks, great food and the Grand Parade. This is big ($1.6 million annual budget) and about 400,000 people will be there. 2nd Street to 28th Street, Virginia Beach oceanfront.