VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Sources close to Pharrell Williams have confirmed the dates for this year's Something in the Water Festival.
13News Now obtained a letter sent to area community partners stating the festival will return to Virginia Beach with concerts on October 12 and 13.
Thursday evening, festival organizers released a video tease on social media, publicly announcing the festival dates and giving a first glimpse at the visual theme of the event.
The festival will be combined with the World Premiere of Pharrell’s new movie "Piece By Piece," the source said. The movie, an animated LEGO-style film that chronicles Pharrell’s childhood in Virginia and Virginia Beach, is set to release on Friday, October 11.
Then, there will be concerts on the beach Saturday and Sunday.
In addition, there will be "activations along the Oceanfront, Oceanfront parks, and in other areas of the city," the source told 13News Now.
Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer said Thursday that the city hasn’t gotten any firm confirmation on dates. Still, he called the festival a tremendous asset to the community and said he’s looking forward to its return.
Festival organizers are expected to release an official statement soon, along with more details about ticketing.
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Back in December, a map was shown during a city council work session revealing the festival's stage locations, and noted an October return. Councilman Michael Berlucchi later confirmed in a text message that the festival is slated for that time-period.
At the time, Nancy Helman, the city's Convention and Visitors Bureau Director, said, "Staff has been working with the production team and we’re looking forward to an announcement in the future."
In September, members of Virginia Beach's Resort and Advisory Committee met and discussed when the festival would return and what improvements could be made based on feedback about the 2023 festival given by external and internal stakeholders and partners.
At the time, some Oceanfront business owners told 13News Now they wanted the festival to remain in April as an economic boom to kick off the summer season in the resort city.
On Wednesday, Haim Marko, the owner of Scrambled, a Mediterranean restaurant near the festival site, emphasized that sentiment.
"In the offseason, to get people here, you need to be really unique," Marko said. "Something in the Water in October? I don’t want to be in the water. It’s cold."
However, the festival's creator, Pharrell Williams, had previously stated he would like to see the date moved after last April's festival was impacted by heavy rains that kept some festival goers from enjoying the full experience.
13News Now spoke with beachgoers on Wednesday who said they're open to the change, explaining, "[October is] probably better to be honest. It wouldn’t be as hot, it’s probably more comfortable weather."
There have also been concerns about what SITW's fencing will look like at this year's festival. Some festival-goers said the limited re-entry policy in 2023 kept many people from exploring the rest of the Oceanfront's businesses.
George Kotarides, the owner of Dough Boys and founder of the Atlantic Avenue Association, told 13News Now earlier this year that he hoped Oceanfront businesses would be able to participate more in the festivities that come with Something in the Water 2024.
Meanwhile, Travis Trawick, a longtime Virginia Beach resident, said he is optimistic about the festival's return.
"I am proud to have the festival here," Trawick said. "I think having big events and bringing big-name artists to the beach is so cool and fantastic."
Trawick added the two film biopic projects should be seen as a boost for the area.
"Any eyes that we can bring to the city in a positive light to increase tourism and revenue, I think why not?"
