History of the Chesapeake Jubilee

Happy Birthday Chesapeake! That was the idea in 1982 when the idea for the first Jubilee was hatched. The City was turning 20 years old, and the Chesapeake Chamber of Commerce was looking for a way to celebrate in style. At a retreat, former mayor Marian Whitehurst said the city needed a way to celebrate. She became our first chairman. The Jubilee was held at Greenbrier Mall in May of 1983. One of the highlights was a huge birthday cake built by Chesapeake’s firefighters. The candles were lit by gas. Fire Chief Buddy Bagley made arrangements for fireworks and has been in charge of them ever since. The Chesapeake 4-H livestock show and sale have always been an integral part of the Jubilee. The youth of Chesapeake have been well served by the educational experience of the 4-H.

Buddy Bagley

The event could not have taken place without the help of volunteers, community groups, city staff, and police, fire and sheriff’s departments. That tradition continues. After three years, the Jubilee was moved to its present location at City Park. In 2003, the Buddy Bagley stage was dedicated and its beauty is a source of pride. This stage was made possible through the donations and workmanship of local businesses. After 20 years, renting stages is history! The Chesapeake Jubilee has a long history of top entertainers including Willie Nelson, Trace Adkins, Chuck Berry, The Commodores, Conway Twitty, Travis Tritt, .38 Special, Four Tops, Kansas, Charley Pride and Eddie Money.

The objective of the Jubilee is to celebrate the city’s anniversary, but also to build community spirit and cohesiveness. We offer events that we hope will appeal to all citizens of Chesapeake, as well as all our neighbors. Come on out!

The 2023 Chesapeake Jubilee. We are actively seeking sponsors, vendors, crafters and musical acts to fill the 2023 lineup. With 39 years under our belt, the Chesapeake Jubilee is more than a carnival, it’s a family tradition experienced by more than 35,000 patrons annually.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of an amazing community event while gaining exposure for your brand, band, or business!

Schedule of Events:

May 18, 2023

4:30 pm - 7:00 pm: Kiwanis Shrimp Feast

The Kiwanis Club of Chesapeake will again hold its Annual Shrimp Feast at the Chesapeake Jubilee. Bring the family out and enjoy great food, great music, and great company. The Kiwanis Shrimp Feast menu includes Spiced Shrimp, BBQ, Cole Slaw, Baked Beans, Hush Puppies, Ice Cold Beer, Wine and More!

6:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Amusement Rides & Games:

Amusements of America
Amusements of America is one of the nation's premier carnival operators. They are listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest traveling amusement park in the world. Take a thrilling ride on the Wild Mouse or get a majestic view of Chesapeake City Park on our fabulous Ferris wheel.

Armed Forces & Non-Profit Groups
The Jubilee features displays and exhibits from community and non-profit groups, and our armed forces. The Chesapeake Jubilee believes in community involvement and allows non-profit groups to spread their message.

Arts & Crafts Tent
Be sure to check out the Chesapeake Jubilee Arts & Crafts Tent. Our tent features unique hand made crafts from some of the regions most talented and skilled artisans.

May 19, 2023

Music & Entertainment

6:00pm - 7:30pm: School of Rock at Main Stage
8:00pm - 9:30pm: Exploding Sun at Main Stage
6:30pm - 8:00pm: Hot Dog Pig Racing   
7:30pm - 8:30pm: World of Wonder

May 20, 2023

Music & Entertainment

1:00pm - 2:00pm: Unk-Al at Main Stage
2:15pm - 3:30pm: Tornado Bait at Main Stage
3:45pm - 5:00pm: Magg Dylan at Main Stage
5:30pm - 9:00pm: DJ at Main Stage
3pm - 5pm - 7pm: Hot Dog Pig Racing   
4pm - 6pm - 8pm: Worlds of Wonder

Zambelli Fireworks

The Chesapeake Jubilee goes "all out" with our annual fireworks extravaganza. Our celebration is widely acknowledged as one of the region's most spectacular fireworks displays. The explosive force behind our fireworks is world-renowned Zambelli Fireworks Internationale. Each year, our fireworks display reaches new creative heights, with exciting visual effects and breathtaking pyrotechnics, all choreographed to stirring music.

Don't miss the fireworks! 9:00pm: Fireworks

May 21, 2023

Music & Entertainment

Noon - 12:45pm: The Funky Blues Kings at Main Stage
1:30pm - 3:00pm: Just Standing at Main Stage
3:30pm - 6:00pm: The American Lynyrd Skynyrd Show at Main Stage
1pm - 3pm - 5pm: Hot Dog Pig Racing   
2pm - 4pm - 5:30pm: Word of Wonder

Buy Tickets

Date: May 18-21, 2023

Timing:

May 18, 2023 from 4:30pm to 10:00pm
May 19, 2023 from 5:00pm to 10:00pm
May 20, 2023 from 10:00am to 10:00pm
May 21, 2023 from 12:00pm to 10:00pm

Location: Chesapeake City Park, 900 City Park Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23320

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