The 17th Annual Virginia Beach Surf Art Expo will take place from May 23 to May 25, 2026, along the boardwalk at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The event features over 90 regional artists from Maine to Florida, showcasing surf-themed art in various mediums including painting, photography, jewelry, sculpture, and ceramics. The expo is partnered with the Coastal Edge Steel Pier Classic surfing competition, which includes a WSL World Tour Longboard event and a professional shortboard competition with over 300 athletes from more than a dozen countries and a $16,000 prize purse.
This expo matters because it serves as the official kick-off to the summer season at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and is billed as the largest surf art show on the East Coast. It highlights the intersection of visual art and surf culture, bringing together artists, athletes, and the community in a celebration of coastal life. The event also incorporates patriotic themes in alignment with America's 250th birthday, adding a layer of national significance to the local cultural tradition.