Events
Lighthouse Day 2026
ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE REQUIRED
On August 7th, 1789, the 9th act of Congress was signed, the Lighthouse Act, celebrate National Lighthouse day with us. Climb the Old and New Cape Henry Lighthouses for a once in a lifetime opportunity!
Join local organizations in participating in crafts and activities. Learn more about maritime life from nearby museums. Enjoy delicious lunch from food trucks. This is an event you won’t want to miss! Tickets for Lighthouse Day 2026 must be purchased in advance. Tickets include a tower climb for both the old and new Cape Henry Lighthouses. Guests will be able to choose between two arrival time blocks. Arrive to the parking lot within the time block stated on your ticket. Once at the event, guests are able to stay until the event closes.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Cape Henry Lighthouse is surrounded by the Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story (JEBFS). Due to the high security of JEBFS, all visitors aged 18 or older without base access must complete and submit SECNAV Form 5512 and purchase a Lighthouse Day 2026 ticket in order to visit the base. Please review the guidelines below before your visit.
Purchase Tickets Here
BASE ACCESS REQUIREMENTS:
Background check requirement:
– All visitors 18 years of age or older MUST complete and submit SECNAV Form 5512, Base Fort Story security form, accessed via a secure link upon ticket purchase confirmation. The link will redirect you to a secure page managed solely by the JEBFS.
– Personally Identifiable Information is required to perform mandatory background checks and identity verification before base access is approved. Information that will be REQUIRED in the security application form include, but is not limited to, social security numbers, driver’s license or passport numbers, date of birth, email addresses, home phone numbers, home addresses, and other identifying information. None of this information is stored on the Preservation Virginia nor Fare Harbor ticketing website.
– Form 5512 must be filled out no more than 30 days but at least 5 days in advance of 8/7/2026.
– JEBFS will alert Preservation Virginia if you have been denied access to the base. Those who do not pass the security requirements will receive a refund for the entire party’s reservation.
– Per JEBFS policy, foreign nationals that do not have US Department of War security passes are not allowed on base and are therefore restricted from visiting the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse.
ID Requirement:
In addition to a passed background check, a valid REAL ID or passport for all visitors over the age of 18 is required for entry.
Parking and Shuttle Arrangement:
Visitors must park and ride a shuttle from the base gate to the lighthouse. Parking will be available at the Virginia Beach Sports Center located at 1045 19th St, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. Shuttles will run from the Sports Center parking lot to the Cape Henry Lighthouse. Arrive to the parking lot within the time block stated on your ticket. Once at the event, guests are able to stay until the event closes. Visitors can access the base as a pedestrian or on bicycle with a valid REAL ID or Passport and upon the submission and passing of SECNAV Form 5512 and with the purchase of a Lighthouse Day 2026 ticket.
Military ID, DoW card, CAC or base pass holders:
Only visitors with an authorized Military ID, DoW card, CAC, or base pass are permitted to drive directly to Cape Henry Lighthouse and park nearby for Lighthouse Day 2026. The ID, card and pass holders listed are exempt from completing the background check form. Timed Lighthouse Day 2026 tickets must be purchased in advance.
Please note: During the summer months, the temperature at the top of the tower can reach extreme levels. Cape Henry Lighthouse will close the tower when the heat index inside reaches 115°. We also close the tower during thunderstorms and when lightning has been spotted. Winter weather advisories also may affect the opening of the tower.
Questions? Call 757-422-9421 or email us at capehenry@preservationvirginia.org.