End of Summer Activities in Hampton

The end of summer and back to school can bring mixed feelings for the whole family. Whether you’re excited to get back to a routine, trying to savor time with your young ones or simply not ready for warm-weather activities to end, we’ve got 7 ideas to help you make the most of these last summer days in Hampton. 

Enjoy live music for free (or cheap)

  • Hampton History Museum’s ‘front porch series’ happens the 3rd Wednesday of each month, and the next show is Aug. 17 featuring blues artist Bobby BlackHat and his band. The show from 6-8 p.m. is free to museum members or $5 to non-members. 
  • The final Sundown Concert Series is free and will feature jazz bassist Julian Vaugh at Mill Point Park, Aug. 20 at 5:30 PM. Vaugh will perform from 6:30-8, and recorded smooth jazz will play before and after. 
  • Groovin’ by the Bay concerts will continue Sunday evenings from 5-8 p.m. at Mill Point Park for free, with the final shows on Aug. 21 and 28. These shows will feature local artists Wonderland and Jocelyn Best.
  • The Downtown Hampton Live Concert Series will continue through the end of September on most Fridays from 6-9:30 p.m. at Mill Point Park, for free. Click to view the schedule. 

Beat the heat at Hampton’s newest ice cream joint, Sommer Freeze

Just a few blocks up from the sand at Buckroe Beach, the neighborhood has just gotten its first ice cream shop called Sommer Freeze. The shop has vanilla soft serve and different flavors of Bluebell ice cream each week, offers popcorn refills on theme-park buckets and sells bags of ice. Sommer Freeze is located at 308 A Buckroe Ave. 

Marvel at the new S.P.A.C.E. exhibit at the Air & Space Center

Bring your early learners to the Air & Space Center downtown for a fascinating experience at the new S.P.A.C.E. exhibit, which stands for Smile, Play, Achieve, Create and Explore. Everyone in the family can join in on interactive learning and imagination. Find tickets to the museum here.

Take a wild ride on the water with Great White Water Sports

Buckroe Beach’s new water sports vendor, Great White Water Sports, offers rental equipment for all thrill-levels. You can get an entirely different beach day experience by taking a jet ski for a spin or paddling into the bay on kayaks or paddle boards. Visit their website to arrange rentals and view prices.

Catch a sundown speed race at Langley Speedway

Don’t try this one at home or on your neighborhood streets! Enjoy some outdoor entertainment and impressive racing as the sun goes down at Langley Speedway. Find tickets below for the next few weekends’ races: 

Toast the Coast and celebrate Virginia Craft Beer Month

August is Virginia Craft Beer Month! Use this occasion to cross some spots off your list along the Coastal Virginia Beer, Shine and Wine Trail. Here’s where to #ToastTheCoast in Hampton:

Taste fresh seafood at the Crabtown Seafood Festival

Don’t miss the fresh catch Sept. 3 at the annual Crabtown Seafood Festival! From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., vendors and attractions will line the river walkway from Mill Point Park to the downtown docks. The festival features seafood vendors, fishing boats, educational exhibits, live music and nautical art. There will be games and activities for kids, and furry friends are welcome.