By: Lynnae Bloom
The sounds the ’80s set a mood like nothing else—it’s everything from chaotic rock bands to lush, moody duos playing romantic tunes. If you are nostalgic for the 1980s or carry a special appreciation for that 80s sound, Virginia has a concert, a beach party, or a musical event waiting just for you.
Elmwood Park Amphitheater in Roanoke
At the top of our 1980s not-to-be-missed concert list, Elmwood Park Amphitheater in Roanoke has a wide selection of musical choices. With a full 2025 schedule of 80s music, you will find your favorite sound and style in the house. The I Want My 80s tour featuring Rick Springfield, John Waite, Wayne Chung, Paul Young, and John Cafferty is on the 2025 slate for early summer. Later, the Lost 80s tour with A Flock of Seagulls, The Vapors, China Crisis, General Public, and more will hit the stage in late summer 2025. Pull your studded jeans and glam metal tees out of the closet and head to the Elmwood Park Amphitheater for concerts you won’t want to miss!
1980s on The Boardwalk in Virginia Beach
If you want to dive into the 1980s with all your energy, head to Virginia Beach for a vacation of pure fun. Virginia Beach hosts many 1980s parties and themed nightclub events throughout the year—coming up in 2025 is a 1980s party at Peabody’s Nightclub featuring The Deloreans, an ’80s tribute band. Also around Virginia Beach’s nightclubs and themed beach events, you’ll be able to see the Radio 80s, Suburban Key Party, and other awesome bands.
Virginia Beach, with a vibrant atmosphere and a beautiful three-mile-long boardwalk, is the perfect place to stay for a weekend or summer getaway. Try resorts like the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club or the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort for a luxury getaway. For a more moderate budget, consider the Hyatt Place Virginia Beach or Hilton Garden Inn. Traveling with family? Most of the hotels and resorts in Virginia Beach offer amenities like beach towels and sand toys, and the front desk staff will tell you where to find the best seafood on the boardwalk. Plan on staying at least a few nights to explore the area fully.
Leesburg Loves “The 80s Time of Your Life”
With an event tagline like “The 80s Time of Your Life,” you know you’ll find the sounds you crave in Leesburg. Celebrate 80s Night at the Tally Ho Theater this March with ’80s tribute band The Reagan Years. Dig your bedazzled jacket out of the back of your closet, find those acid-washed jeans, and prepare for the pure enjoyment of the 80s sounds.
Can’t make it in March? Host your own party and add some of the popular party fare of the 1980s, like sloppy joes, stuffed peppers, and French bread pizza, and you’re all set.
Richmond Holds Onto the Punk Rock Scene
In the 1980s, Richmond became one of the first cities in the US to adopt a hardcore punk rock scene. Authorities often shut down the raucous concerts, which were hotspots for wild antics and overenthusiastic fans—like Iggy Pop’s Halloween 1981 show, which was shut down at 1:00 in the morning after only a half-hour of playing. Today, the love for music-with-edges remains in Richmond. You’ll find popular local bands and well-known 1980s groups still playing their punk rock and subgenres—check out the Bopcats if you’re a rockabilly fan.
Whether you look for 1980s music in Roanoke, Alexandria or Virginia Beach, the lively state of Virginia holds the musical answers to your memories of those years or your dreams of musical years ahead.
About the Author
Lynnae Bloom loves to travel when she is not behind her computer desk in her day job. Her favorite destinations are hot springs, especially in winter where she can finally find time to read her long list of books. She loves the pause nature gives her and the quiet stillness.
Featured image by Bruno Guerrero on Unsplash
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