Virginia Beach City Council to vote on expanded Oceanfront curfew

Proposed 9 p.m. curfew for all ages on Friday and Saturday nights through April

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:24pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, moody painting of a deserted boardwalk at night, with the ocean and distant buildings visible in the background, conveying a sense of solitude and unease.The Virginia Beach Oceanfront, once a vibrant hub of activity, now stands eerily empty under the weight of a proposed curfew aimed at curbing recent violence.Virginia Beach Today

The Virginia Beach City Council will hold a special formal session on Thursday to consider expanding curfew rules at the Oceanfront to all visitors. During the session, council members are expected to vote on a proposed 9 p.m. curfew for all ages on Friday and Saturday nights through the end of April.

Why it matters

The proposed curfew expansion comes in the wake of two recent shootings at the Oceanfront that injured a total of 14 people, raising concerns about public safety in the popular tourist area.

The details

If approved, the curfew would apply to the Oceanfront area between Pacific Avenue and the Boardwalk, from Rudee Loop to 31st Street. Officials say the existing 7 p.m. curfew for unaccompanied minors will remain in effect. Several exemptions would still apply, including emergencies, travel to and from work, and attendance at religious services or protected First Amendment activities.

  • The special formal session is scheduled for 4 p.m. on April 16.
  • The proposed curfew would be in effect on Friday and Saturday nights through the end of April.

The players

Virginia Beach City Council

The governing body of the city of Virginia Beach, Virginia, which is expected to vote on the proposed curfew expansion.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

If the proposed curfew is approved, it will go into effect immediately on Friday and Saturday nights through the end of April.

The takeaway

The proposed curfew expansion is a direct response to recent shootings at the Oceanfront, highlighting the city's efforts to address public safety concerns and maintain order in this popular tourist destination.