VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — While we don't know exactly when Something in the Water would return to Virginia Beach, a city councilman has confirmed that the festival could return in October of 2024.
A map shown in Tuesday's city council work session revealed the festival's stage locations, noting an October return. Councilman Michael Berlucchi later confirmed in a text message that the festival is slated for that time period.
"Staff has been working with the production team and we’re looking forward an announcement in the future," said Nancy Helman, Convention and Visitors Bureau Director.
The confirmation comes as the city works to host two new music festivals in the new year: a three-day Reggae Festival and another festival that would replace the dates previously held by Something in the Water.
The first is a pop, R&B, rap and contemporary music festival put on by Audacy Virginia.
"Knowing the demographics of the constituency coming down, we’re going to program the most appropriate genre to make sure that they have a great time," Shaun Buford, Audacy's Vice President of Sales.
It’s a three day festival from April 26th through 28th, the weekend previously held by Something in the Water. They say national acts will take the stage Friday and Saturday with a battle of the bands on Sunday. Audacy is asking for $750,000 dollars.
Virginia Beach had previously been in talks with Audacy to hold a pop and rock music festival this fall, but those plans fell through.
The second festival is a three day, two stage Reggae Festival May 31-June 2. IMGoing proposed making this an annual event in the city with a three-year contract. They're asking for $300,000 from Virginia Beach.
Each festival anticipates 15,000 concertgoers per day and each event will have different tier ticketing options.
Gary McCollum with the Virginia Beach NAACP branch voiced concerns during the formal meeting Tuesday night, saying he didn't understand why council was voting on new festivals before the newly approved Festival Task Force was even assembled.
Virginia Beach City Council voted to approve both festivals, with Councilwoman Sabrina Wooten abstaining due to a financial conflict of interest.
"I think what we’re proving is that the Oceanfront is a destination for multiple folks to come out. Something for everybody throughout the year. I think over the last year or two we’ve proven that it’s a safe place to come, a welcoming place for everybody," said Mayor Bobby Dyer.