September is a great time to plan a Sandbridge Beach vacation, and one of the biggest events of the season takes place just a short drive away at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The 52nd Annual Neptune Festival brings concerts, art, food, family activities, sports and plenty of coastal fun to Virginia Beach throughout September.
The celebration culminates with Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend, September 25–27, 2026, when more than 30 blocks of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront come alive with events and entertainment. More than 200 artisans participate in the festival's Art & Craft Show, while two stages feature more than 20 performances throughout the weekend.
If you're visiting Sandbridge this September, here are some of the Neptune Festival events worth adding to your vacation itinerary.
September 11–12, 2026
The 29th Annual Fall Wine Festival is a great way to kick off the Neptune Festival season. Taking place at 31st Street Park, the event brings together Virginia wineries, live entertainment and food for two days at the Oceanfront.
Guests can sample more than 60 wines and purchase their favorites to take home. Tickets are required, and the event is for guests ages 21 and older. Zero-proof options are also available, making it easy for everyone in your group to enjoy the atmosphere.
September 25–27, 2026
The main event arrives during Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend, when festivities stretch along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk from 1st through 35th streets.
If you only have one weekend to experience the Neptune Festival, this is the one. Expect live music, vendors, art, family activities, athletic competitions and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beach between events.
With so much happening along the Oceanfront, you can easily spend an entire day—or the whole weekend—exploring.
September 25–October 4, 2026
One of the most impressive Neptune Festival traditions is Neptune's International Sandsculpting Championship.
Professional sculptors from around the world transform ordinary sand into elaborate works of art during this annual competition. The 2026 event takes place between 7th and 8th streets on the beach and continues beyond Boardwalk Weekend through October 4.
The championship tent features 22 sculptures created by international artists, while free sand-sculpting clinics give visitors the opportunity to learn techniques from the professionals themselves.
Surfing and Virginia Beach go hand in hand, making Neptune's Surfing Classic a natural part of the festival.
Head to the beach during Boardwalk Weekend to watch surfers take on the waves and enjoy some of the area's best competitive surf action. It's an easy event to work into a beach day, especially if your family loves spending time on the water.
Traveling with a four-legged family member? Don't miss Dock Dogs during Neptune Festival weekend.
Talented dogs compete in exciting events including Big Air, Speed Retrieve, Extreme Vertical and Dueling Dogs. Even if your own pup isn't competing, it's an entertaining event for dog lovers of all ages.
It's also a particularly fun addition to the itinerary for families staying in one of Sandbridge Blue's dog-friendly vacation rentals.
Families with younger children will want to make a stop at Poseidon's Playground, a free family fun zone at 17th Street Park.
Kid-friendly activities take place throughout Boardwalk Weekend, giving families a place to play and recharge between exploring other Neptune Festival events.
Art lovers could easily spend hours browsing the Neptune Festival Art & Craft Show.
More than 200 artisans showcase their work along the Boardwalk from 25th through 35th streets. This juried show features paintings, photography, handcrafted jewelry, décor and other original pieces, making it a great place to find a unique souvenir from your Virginia Beach vacation.
Look offshore during Boardwalk Weekend and you may spot another Neptune Festival tradition in action.
Neptune's Atlantic Regatta brings sailors to the water for a day of competition along the Virginia Beach coastline. Whether you're a sailing enthusiast or simply enjoying the view from shore, the regatta adds even more action to an already busy weekend.
The competition continues on the sand during Neptune's Volleyball Tournament.
Beach volleyball matches take place during Boardwalk Weekend, making it easy to stop and watch a game while exploring the festival or enjoying a relaxing day by the Atlantic.
September 26, 2026
Want to do more than watch the action? Lace up your running shoes for Neptune's 8K Race on Saturday, September 26.
The annual race gives participants an active way to experience the Virginia Beach Oceanfront while taking part in one of the Neptune Festival's longstanding traditions.
September 26, 2026 | 3–5 p.m.
The Hometown Heroes Reception takes place Saturday afternoon at the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront.
The reception recognizes individuals and organizations that provide valuable services to the Virginia Beach community, adding a community-focused celebration to the festival weekend.
September 27, 2026
Young artists get their opportunity to shine during the Youth Art Show on Sunday, September 27.
This free, family-friendly event showcases the creativity of children and young artists and makes a great stop for families exploring the festival together.
Start your festival day with a little movement at Neptune's Healthy Haven.
Featuring free beach yoga and other fitness experiences, Healthy Haven combines wellness with one of the best parts of a September Virginia Beach getaway: spending a beautiful morning by the ocean.
The Young Collectors: Art Gallery for Kids introduces younger festivalgoers to the world of art in a fun, approachable way.
This free, family-friendly addition to Boardwalk Weekend is especially worth visiting if you're traveling with budding artists or children who enjoyed browsing the main Art & Craft Show.
If your kids love anything with wheels, make time for Touch-A-Truck.
This hands-on Neptune Festival event gives children the chance to get an up-close look at a variety of impressive vehicles, from emergency vehicles to construction equipment and other specialty trucks.
Kids can explore the vehicles, learn how they work and meet some of the people who operate them. It's an interactive break from walking the Boardwalk and a great option for younger festivalgoers.
Few events capture the spirit of Boardwalk Weekend quite like the Neptune Festival Grand Parade.
The annual parade is one of the festival's signature traditions, bringing the celebration to the streets of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Find a spot along the route and enjoy the festive atmosphere as the Neptune Festival celebrates another year of coastal fun.
Golfers can get in on the Neptune Festival action during the 31st Annual Neptune's Invitational Golf Tournament.
The tournament offers another way to participate in the festivities away from the Boardwalk and is a great addition to the itinerary for visitors who never mind squeezing a round of golf into their beach vacation.
Say goodbye to another Virginia Beach summer at the End of Summer Bay Bash.
This Neptune Festival celebration offers another opportunity to enjoy the coastal atmosphere, entertainment and community spirit that make September such a fun time to visit Virginia Beach.
One of the best things about staying in Sandbridge is having a peaceful beach retreat while still being close to all the excitement of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Spend your day exploring the Neptune Festival, then head back to Sandbridge for an evening by the pool, on the deck or walking along the beach.
September also brings warm beach days and a more relaxed pace after the peak summer season, making it a great time to plan a Sandbridge getaway.
Whether you're coming for the incredible sand sculptures, live entertainment, local art, family activities or athletic competitions, the 2026 Neptune Festival gives you another reason to visit Sandbridge this September.
Ready to plan your September beach vacation? Explore Sandbridge Blue vacation rentals and find the perfect home base for experiencing Sandbridge Beach, the Neptune Festival and everything Virginia Beach has to offer.
