A Decade of Hope: The Transformative Legacy of SonRise Ministries’ Music Festival
As the Atlantic Ocean greets the shoreline of Virginia Beach with its rhythmic waves, so too has SonRise Ministries’ Music Festival been greeting souls with the transformative power of the Gospel for the past decade. Ten years—a milestone earned through steadfast faith, passion for unity, and a vision to ignite revival among Christians across the globe—this festival stands as a beacon of hope, a platform for worship, and a catalyst for global connection.
The Humble Beginnings
Founded in 2014, SonRise Ministries launched this festival with a simple yet powerful purpose: to gather believers from all walks of life and unite them through music, worship, and community outreach AllEventsComing Soon Jesus. What began as a regional event has grown steadily in both scale and spirit. By its sixth year, in 2019, the festival boasted headline acts like Anthem Lights, Sanctus Real, Colton Dixon, and Sean Curran—powerful performers who drew crowds into spirited worship by the sea CCM Magazine.
Building Momentum, Elevating Experience
By 2023, the festival had become one of Coastal Virginia’s largest Christian music celebrations. Led by SonRise Ministries in partnership with Regent University’s Worship & Music Institute, that year’s lineup featured marquee names such as Tauren Wells, Jeremy Rosado, and Kate Stanford alongside beloved local choirs and worship groups 13 News NowAmericanTownsComing Soon Jesus. Laughter mingled with worship as attendees—families, youth, seasoned believers—engaged in facepainting, volleyball on the sand, contests, giveaways, and the vibrant hum of fellowship 13 News NowAmericanTowns.
A Spirited Decade in Review
Over the span of ten years, this festival has consistently delivered:
- Inspiring performances—from national Christian stars to local worship artists.
- Fun and fellowship—through creatively themed tents, kids’ activities, sports like volleyball, and lively giveaways Visit Virginia BeachAllEventsAmericanTowns.
- Heartopening outreach, encouraging attendees to bring nonperishable items, clothing, or toiletries, exemplifying the festival’s commitment to serve the community 13 News Now.
- A culminating worship experience: on Sunday mornings, the festival culminates in a free, opentoall worship service that transforms the oceanfront into a sanctuary of praise Visit Virginia BeachiTicketsAllEvents.
Each year reaffirms the festival’s core mission: to connect hearts through music, worship, and community AllEvents.
The Ten-Year Legacy: Why It Matters
What elevates this event from a mere gathering to a transformational movement are its intentional roots and global reach.
1. A FaithPowered Foundation. Born out of a calling to “equip the saints to be ambassadors of Christ” Sonrisa Mi , SonRise Ministries has consistently emphasized spiritual empowerment—using the festival as both a tool of outreach and an ignition for believers to step into their mission.
2. Bridging Generations and Cultures. Attendees span generations—from energetic youth to seasoned elders—and come from varied cultural backgrounds. This festival bridges divides through worship, reminding believers that their shared faith is stronger than any differences.
3. A Global Call to Worship. More than a regional event, this gathering invites Christians from all corners of the globe. Each year, pilgrims arrive eager to connect, uplift, and unite under one soaring anthem of faith. The Atlantic waves echo their worship—bold, united, and overflowing with gratitude.
4. Kingdom-Focused Outreach. The festival isn't just about entertainment—it’s a launchpad for compassion. Encouraging charitable giving and outreach fosters a festival culture that lifts communities as much as it lifts spirits 13 News Now.
5. Annual Renewal of Purpose. Every September, hearts are renewed. From the joyous laughter of children to the gentle prayer during Sunday worship, the festival becomes a sacred checkpoint—a year’s spiritual waypoint, reminding believers why they stand firm in their faith.
2025 and Beyond: A New Chapter
Now, in its tenth year, the SonRise Music Festival stands on the cusp of a new chapter. Scheduled for September 13–14, 2025, at the iconic 24th Street Park, the oceanfront venue awaits another chapter of high-energy worship, powerful messages, and boundless community experiences. Visit Virginia BeachAllEventsBandsintowniTickets.
With a lineup including Grammy and Dovenominated artists like Ryan Ellis and Kate Stanford, a dynamic speaker in Sean Rodriguez, and the energy of local favorites and dance companies, the stage is set for something remarkable iTicketsAllEventsBandsintown.
A Clarion Call to Global Believers
To every Christian reading this: imagine standing under the open sky, the ocean breeze at your back, singing with thousands who share in your faith. Imagine moments of worship, laughter with family, frontrow encounters and simple beachside communion—all infused with purpose and the power of Jesus. This is not just a festival—it’s a pilgrimage of the heart.
Whether you’ve journeyed from near or far, whether this is your first festival or your tenth, the call remains the same: come alive in community, worship as one body, and let your spirit soar on the tide of shared faith.
Closing Reflection
In a world scrambling for hope, SonRise Ministries’ Music Festival stands as a testament to what emerges when believers unite: joy, renewal, outreach, and the ever-abiding presence of God’s love. With ten years behind us and countless more ahead, this event invites us all—not as spectators, but as participants in a spiritual experience that continues to transform lives and expand the kingdom.