September is one of the best times to experience Sandbridge. The crowds of summer begin to thin, the temperatures become more comfortable, and the calendar is still packed with things to do. From Labor Day weekend and the annual Sandbridge Pig Pickin' to the massive Neptune Festival at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, there are plenty of reasons to plan a September beach getaway.
Whether you're looking to spend your days relaxing on the beach, exploring local events, enjoying live music, or taking advantage of the slower pace of the season, September in Sandbridge offers a little bit of everything.
One of the biggest perks of visiting Sandbridge in September is the weather. Summer temperatures begin to ease, but the beach is still warm enough for swimming, sunbathing and enjoying time outdoors.
September temperatures in the Virginia Beach area typically start in the low 80s and gradually cool toward the mid-70s as the month progresses. Overnight temperatures also become more comfortable, making evenings on the deck, walks on the beach and outdoor dining especially enjoyable.
The Atlantic Ocean also remains warm in September, so there's still plenty of time to enjoy a swim in the ocean. It's a great month to spend a morning on the beach, head out for an afternoon adventure and finish the day with dinner or live music.
As with any beach destination, it's a good idea to keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared for the possibility of rain or changing weather. September is also still within hurricane season, so travelers should monitor the forecast as their trip approaches.
Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, but that doesn't mean the fun stops in Virginia Beach.
In 2026, Labor Day falls on Monday, September 7, giving visitors a three-day weekend to enjoy the beach. The Virginia Beach Oceanfront will host its annual Labor Day Weekend Concert Series from September 4–6, with free live music at the 17th, 24th and 31st Street parks.
For Sandbridge visitors, Labor Day is a great opportunity to enjoy one last classic summer beach weekend before the season begins to wind down. Spend the day on the beach, grab dinner near Sandbridge and head toward the Oceanfront for an evening of live entertainment.
And if you're looking for a reason to extend your trip beyond the holiday weekend, September has plenty more in store.
One of Sandbridge's biggest community traditions returns on September 12, 2026, with the annual Sandbridge Pig Pickin' at Little Island Park.
The event takes place from 1–5 p.m. and benefits the Sandbridge Volunteer Rescue Squad, which provides emergency services to the Sandbridge community.
Guests can enjoy all-you-can-eat food and drinks, live music, local art and family-friendly activities, including a bouncy house for kids. It's a fun way to experience the close-knit community that makes Sandbridge special while supporting an important local organization.
If you're visiting Sandbridge in September, this is one local event worth adding to your calendar.
One of the biggest events of the September calendar takes place just a short drive from Sandbridge at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The 52nd Annual Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend takes over more than 30 blocks of the Oceanfront from September 25–27, 2026.
The festival celebrates all things beach life with free concerts, art, food, family activities and athletic competitions. More than 200 artisans participate in the Art & Craft Show, while the festival's two stages feature more than 20 performances throughout the weekend.
Here are some of the Neptune Festival events to check out during your September stay:
The 29th Annual Fall Wine Festival is a great way to kick off your September event calendar. Taking place at 31st Street Park on September 11–12, the event features tastings from Virginia vineyards, live entertainment and food.
Guests can sample more than 60 wines and purchase their favorites to take home. Tickets are required, and the event is for guests 21 and older. Zero-proof options are also available.
The main Neptune Festival celebration runs September 25–27 along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk from 1st through 35th streets.
This is the weekend to visit if you want to experience the festival at its biggest, with live music, vendors, art, family activities, athletic competitions and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beach.
One of the most impressive Neptune Festival traditions is the International Sandsculpting Championship.
Professional sculptors from around the world transform sand into elaborate works of art during this competition. The 2026 event runs September 25 through October 4 between 7th and 8th streets on the beach.
The championship tent features 22 sculptures created by international artists, and free sand-sculpting clinics give visitors a chance to learn from the professionals themselves.
Surfing is a natural part of life at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, and the Neptune's Surfing Classic brings surfers together during Boardwalk Weekend.
Head to the beach to watch competitors take on the waves and enjoy some of the area's best surf action.
Traveling with your dog? Don't miss Dock Dogs during Neptune Festival weekend.
Dogs compete in exciting events including Big Air, Speed Retrieve, Extreme Vertical and Dueling Dogs. The competition takes place along the Oceanfront throughout Boardwalk Weekend.
It's a particularly fun event for dog-loving families staying in one of Sandbridge Blue's dog-friendly vacation homes.
Families with children can head to Poseidon's Playground, a free family fun zone located at 17th Street Park.
With kid-friendly activities taking place throughout Boardwalk Weekend, it's an easy addition to a day spent exploring the Neptune Festival.
Art lovers will want to spend some time browsing the Neptune Festival Art & Craft Show, where more than 200 artisans showcase handmade work along the Boardwalk.
The juried show stretches from 25th through 35th streets and offers everything from paintings and photography to handcrafted jewelry, décor and other original works.
Head to the water for the Neptune's Atlantic Regatta, where you can watch sailors compete offshore during Boardwalk Weekend.
It's another great way to experience the active side of the Neptune Festival while enjoying the scenery of the Virginia Beach coastline.
Beach volleyball takes center stage during Neptune's Volleyball Tournament.
Matches take place on the beach during Boardwalk Weekend, making it easy to combine watching the competition with a relaxing day by the water.
If you're looking for an active way to experience the festival, sign up for Neptune's 8K Race on Saturday, September 26.
The race gives participants the chance to run along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront while taking part in one of the festival's annual traditions.
The Hometown Heroes Reception takes place Saturday, September 26, from 3–5 p.m. at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
The Neptune Festival uses the reception to recognize people and organizations that provide valuable services to the Virginia Beach community.
Young artists get their own opportunity to shine during the Youth Art Show on Sunday, September 27.
The free, family-friendly event gives children and young artists a chance to display their creativity during Neptune Festival weekend.
Take a break from the festival crowds and start your day with Neptune's Healthy Haven, featuring free beach yoga and fitness experiences.
The event is a great way to combine wellness with the beach and take advantage of the cooler September mornings.
The Young Collectors: Art Gallery for Kids gives children an opportunity to explore art and participate in the creative side of the Neptune Festival.
It's a free, family-friendly addition to Boardwalk Weekend and a fun stop for families traveling with young artists.
Families with kids can get up close to their favorite trucks and vehicles during Touch-A-Truck, a hands-on Neptune Festival event that gives children the chance to explore a variety of vehicles. From emergency vehicles to construction equipment and other specialty vehicles, kids can climb aboard, see how they work and meet some of the people who operate them.
It’s a fun, interactive addition to a day at the Neptune Festival and a great option for younger visitors who love trucks, cars and big equipment.
Take a break from the festival crowds and start your day with Neptune's Healthy Haven, featuring free beach yoga and fitness experiences.
The event is a great way to combine wellness with the beach and take advantage of the cooler September mornings.
The Young Collectors: Art Gallery for Kids gives children an opportunity to explore art and participate in the creative side of the Neptune Festival.
It's a free, family-friendly addition to Boardwalk Weekend and a fun stop for families traveling with young artists.
Families with kids can get up close to their favorite trucks and vehicles during Touch-A-Truck, a hands-on Neptune Festival event that gives children the chance to explore a variety of vehicles. From emergency vehicles to construction equipment and other specialty vehicles, kids can climb aboard, see how they work and meet some of the people who operate them.
It’s a fun, interactive addition to a day at the Neptune Festival and a great option for younger visitors who love trucks, cars and big equipment.
September may signal the end of peak summer, but there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy live entertainment close to your Sandbridge vacation rental.
Baja Restaurant Sandbridge is a longtime favorite for food, drinks and live entertainment. The restaurant features live music throughout the summer and into the fall, making it an easy place to add some entertainment to your evening.
Enjoy a meal, grab a drink and listen to live music without having to leave Sandbridge.
For another local option, head to Sandbridge Island Restaurant for food, drinks and opportunities to enjoy live entertainment and trivia nights.
Check the restaurant's current schedule before your visit, as entertainment and trivia nights can vary throughout the month.
Located near the Sandbridge area in Pungo, Blue Pete's is another popular spot for live music, food and drinks.
The restaurant regularly hosts live entertainment, including its annual Locals' Takeover Night. In 2026, the event takes place September 11 from 4–10 p.m., featuring live music from The Hookz Band from 7–10 p.m.
September brings a different kind of energy to Sandbridge. The weather is still warm enough for beach days, the crowds begin to thin out, and the event calendar remains full of things to see and do.
Whether you're planning a long Labor Day weekend, coming to town for the Sandbridge Pig Pickin', or timing your trip around the Neptune Festival, September is a great time to enjoy a Sandbridge beach vacation.
Ready to experience September at the beach? Browse Sandbridge Blue's vacation rentals and find your next Sandbridge getaway.
