HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpring 2026 Military Appreciation EventSpring 2026 Military Appreciation Event
Amanda C. Jarratt, Deputy City Manager
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January 13, 2026
Purpose
•Inform City Council of the exciting partnership to create an
opportunity to honor and recognize our military community and
celebrate our nation's history here in Virginia Beach.
•Provide an overview of marketing strategies for the Spring 2026
Military Appreciation event.
•Provide an overview of the communications strategies for the 2026
Good Vibes Behavior and Expectations Campaign.
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Event Overview and Programming
Stars, Stripes and Spurs: Virginia Beach Military Appreciation Weekend
Stars, Stripes and Spurs: Virginia Beach Military Appreciation Weekend
April 24-26, 2026
Sponsored by USO, Visit Virginia Beach, and Beachevents
Kicking off Virginia Beach's celebration of VA250,
250 years of the American Military
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Presented by Beachevents
Witness some of the best bull riders and
barrel racers in the country competing
for the "Best of Beach" buckle.
Features the mini bull riders and beach
rodeo clowns.
The Virginia Beach Bulls and Barrels
Beach Rodeo is officially sanctioned by
the Southern Extreme Bull Riding
Association (SEBRA).
Bulls and Barrels Beach rodeo is a paid,
ticketed event.
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Bulls and Barrels Beach Rodeo
Stars, Stripes and Spurs: Virginia Beach Military Appreciation Weekend
Military Equipment Features
USA HMMWV, USA LMTV, USA M977 HEMTT,
USA M747 60-ton Low Boy, USA MRAP,USMC
AAVP-7, USCG Defender Class RB-S
with tow vehicle (F450),USN Special Boat
Team ,Combat Craft Assault (CCA),USN LCAC
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USO Experience Virginia Beach Displays
Stars, Stripes and Spurs: Virginia Beach Military Appreciation Weekend
Vendor and Artist Features
USO will provide space for local Military owned
businesses and artists to participate.
Free event
Weekend Event Schedule
Stars, Stripes and Spurs: Virginia Beach Military Appreciation Weekend
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3rd Street Beach
Friday 4:00 p.m. Running of the Bulls
Saturday 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 4H and Vendor Village / 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Rodeo
Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 4H and Vendor Village / 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Rodeo
17th Street Park
Friday 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. USO Dinner and Nashville Singer/Songwriter Event
Friday 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Beach Events Nightly DJ Entertainment
Saturday 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Beach Events Nightly LIVE Entertainment
24th Street Park (MAINSTAGE)
Friday 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Beach Events Concert Headliner
Saturday 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Beach Events Concert Headliner
31st Street Park
Friday 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Beach Events LIVE Entertainment
Saturday 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Beach Events LIVE Entertainment
Atlantic Avenue between 17th and 21st Streets
Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. USO activations featuring military displays, vendors, public safety displays
Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. USO activations featuring military displays, vendors, public safety displays
Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. USO activations featuring military displays, vendors, public safety displays
19th & 23rd Streets (CLOSED STREETS)
Friday 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Beach Events LIVE Nightly Entertainment
Saturday 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Beach Events LIVE Nightly Entertainment
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Road Closures
Stars, Stripes and Spurs: Virginia Beach Military Appreciation Weekend
Road Closures
Atlantic Avenue between 17th and 21st Streets
CVB and Sports Tourism Facilities Activities
during Stars, Stripes and Spurs: Virginia Beach Military Appreciation Weekend
Convention Center and Sports Tourism Weekend Events
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Marketing and Public Relations
•The event is being marketed by a landing page on
VisitVirginiaBeach.com that will lead to the organization's perspective
sites. A social media campaign, organic and paid media placements
targeting drive markets.
•Sales team will share event information with travel agencies.
•Media FAM: Travel South International Showcase pre-fam tour will
coincide with Stars, Stripes and Spurs event. Virginia Beach will co-host a
group of international writers in partnership with Virginia Tourism
Corporation (VTC).
•Press Release: April event round-up, distributed regionally and
nationally in January to leisure travel and consumer outlets as well as
niche (i.e., military, country western, etc.) outlets.
•Amplify City Communications messaging.
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2026 Behavior and Expectations Campaign
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•Reinforce safety and quality of life in Virginia Beach
•Sets clear expectations during peak season
•Strengthens trust and visibility of law enforcement
•Protects Virginia Beach’s family-friendly brand
Continuing and expanding on Good Vibes Only, along with blending the Spring Event
Campaign,positions the City to proactively manage peak-season challenges,
reinforce quality-of-life expectations, and strengthen public trust while maintaining
Virginia Beach’s identity as a welcoming, family-friendly destination.
Combined efforts let us:
In Conclusion
•City looks forward to the 2026 Resort season with many exciting
events that begin in the next few weeks.
•Excited to be working with our partners in the USO and Beachevents.
•Intend to implement an annual event honoring the men and women
of our military community.
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Thank You
Questions and Discussion
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