Neptune Festival’s International Sandsculpting Championship
Photo Courtesy of the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival/Photo By Jessica Shea Photography
There’s no need to pack away your beach gear just yet. Hold on to those warm summer vibes and celebrate beach life at the 50th Annual Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend happening the last weekend of September at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. This iconic festival, which launched in 1974 and has grown into a beloved, family-friendly tradition of the City, draws hundreds of thousands of attendees each year. Here’s what you should know to start making plans to attend this festival’s milestone celebration—50 years and going strong!
1st – 33rd Streets at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Friday, Sept. 27 : 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 28 : 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 29 : 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Throughout the weekend, the Neptune Festival will fill the oceanfront’s boardwalk and stages with so much to see and do, including artwork from over 200 artisans and more than 20 performances by local, regional and national artists. Look forward to live music daily at a variety of free concerts held on the stages at 24th and 31st Streets. Don’t miss these incredible headlining performances including:
Friday, Sept. 27
Bruce Hornsby and The Noisemakers
31st Street Park, 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 28
Jimmie’s Chicken Shack
24th Street Park, 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 28
Marcy Playground
24th Street Park, 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 28
Everclear
24th Street Park, 7:45 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 28
Color Me Badd
31st Street Park, 9:30 p.m.
For the full music entertainment lineup click here.
Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend’s entertainment will reach far beyond its stages, with the International Sandsculpting Championship as one of the event’s top attractions. Set up in an expansive tent on the beach between 6th to 8th Streets, this signature event of the festival is a must-see for the entire family. Featuring sandsculptures created by talented sculptors from around the world, admission is $7 per person and tickets must be purchased on-site and ticket sales are cash only. Children ages 12 and under are free while accompanied by an adult. Click here for more details.
The festival includes family-friendly fun for all ages. Other great events happening during Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend include: Dock Dogs, Hometown Heroes: Neptune’s Final Toast, Neptune Festival Art & Craft Show, Neptune Festival Grand Parade, Neptune’s Healthy Haven, Neptune’s Surfing Classic, Neptune’s Volleyball Tournament, Neptune’s 8K Race, Neptune’s Atlantic Regatta, Poseidon’s Playground, Touch-A-Truck and Youth Art Show.
Click here for full event details.