VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Mt. Trashmore Summer Carnival, a staple for decades at the famed Virginia Beach park, will not return in 2026, a city spokesperson confirmed to WTKR News 3 reporter John Hood Monday.
The city spokesperson did not give a reason, but said the park will have a "full schedule of events planned throughout the summer."
The beloved carnival was cut short just three days into the 2025 season after the city cited staffing shortages and public safety concerns.
Watch previous coverage: Carnival company owner was still hopeful in 2025 to reach an agreement with the city
Increasing security became a focus for the event that drew thousands each year following the 2024 shooting death of a 15-year-old girl in the event parking lot.
Jeyani Upshur was shot and killed on May 25, 2024 just outside the carnival. Cell phone video from the scene showed a fight break out in a large group.
Watch previous coverage: Jeyani's mom recalls final moments before her daughter was shot and killed
Markal Cook, a senior at Lake Taylor High School at the time of the shooting, was charged with second-degree murder in Upshur's death; he's currently awaiting trial.
Joel Caldwell, whose company, National Event Management, operated the carnival — in addition to other local events like the Suffolk Peanut Festival — also passed away in January, according to an obit.
After the 2025 abrupt closure, Mayor Bobby Dyer defended the decision.
“We’re sorry that we had to close down a business that wanted to do business in Virginia Beach,” Dyer said. “But you know, sometimes it’s better to err on the side of caution, because if we don’t have the resources to make sure people are safe there, that responsibility is on us.”
Some visitors at Mount Trashmore on Monday said they were not disappointed the event was canceled.
“I’m not sad that it’s canceled,” said Bryana Mullins, a Virginia Beach resident. “I didn’t plan on returning after not going over the last couple of years since the shooting that happened.”
Others said they were hoping to attend the event this summer.
“This is the first year I would have brought my daughter,” said Kate Mugno, also of Virginia Beach. “She just turned a year old. Now she’s walking and everything. But I understand why maybe they aren’t bringing it back. With everything going on at the Oceanfront, I get the public safety concerns.”
Watch previous coverage: Dyer defends decision to close carnival
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