Virginia Beach Pickleball Festival 2025: Pickleball Virginia Beach will celebrate the sport’s 60th anniversary with a free three-day festival from Friday, August 8 to Sunday, August 10. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at the Pickleball Virginia Beach facility on 928 South Birdneck Road. Visitors can enjoy free lessons, food trucks, face painting, and other activities.
Celebrating the Sport and Its Players
Carlos Rodriguez, ranked ninth in the world in the 50+ singles pro division, will join the festivities.
“I love getting out here and running around, throwing my body around,”
he said. Known as the “Pickleball Pastor,” Rodriguez also serves as a Presbyterian church pastor and uses the sport to connect with others.
“People have questions about life and everything, and people know who I am and what I do, so this is a great opportunity for me to talk about God on the pickleball court,” he said.
Co-owner Jim Aldrich described the sport as,
“tennis light, ping pong standing on the table, or badminton on a low net.”
He also shared a popular theory behind the sport’s name:
“The most popular is that it was named after the family dog. The dog would chase the ball, and they would say, ‘Oh, that’s Pickle’s ball now.’”
A Look Back at Pickleball’s Origins
Pickleball began in 1965 in Washington state when a group of vacationing families improvised a game using ping pong paddles, a wiffle ball, and a badminton court. Over time, it evolved into the fast-growing sport it is today, now featuring professional tours and star names like Andre Agassi and Tom Brady.
Rodriguez said pickleball’s appeal lies in its inclusivity.
“It’s the only sport I know of in the world where a 73-year-old can be out on the court with a 13-year-old, and they can have fun together,” he said.
Building Community Through the Game
Pickleball Virginia Beach aims to promote family, fun, and fitness through this celebration. Organizers hope the event will encourage both beginners and seasoned players to enjoy the sport, learn new skills, and connect with others.
News in Brief: Virginia Beach Pickleball Festival 2025
Pickleball Virginia Beach will host a free festival August 8–10 from 9 a.m.–9 p.m. at 928 South Birdneck Road to mark the sport’s 60th anniversary. The event includes free lessons, food trucks, face painting, and open court play, welcoming players of all ages and skill levels.