Virginia Beach Neptune Festival
1st-33rd Street, Virginia Beach Oceanfront
- Date: 9/26/2025
The Neptune Festival is a long-time annual tradition in Virginia Beach, celebrating the city's coastal heritage and vibrant community spirit since its inception in 1974. Over the years, the festival has grown into a series of over 40 events held throughout the year, culminating in the grand Boardwalk Weekend, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
September 26-28, 2025
Boardwalk Weekend Highlights:
- Live Music: Enjoy daily concerts across multiple festival stages featuring more than 20 performances by local, regional, and national artists.
- Food and Shopping: 200 food and shopping vendors fill 33 blocks of the boardwalk, so you can eat and shop till your heart's content!
- Art & Craft Show: Stroll along the boardwalk to explore the works of over 200 artisans showcasing handmade creations, from paintings to jewelry.
- International Sandsculpting Championship: Marvel at 22 intricate sand sculptures crafted by world-renowned sculptors, transforming the beach into an open-air gallery.
- Sporting Events: Participate in or cheer on athletes during the Neptune’s 8k Race, volleyball tournaments, and the Atlantic Regatta.
- Parade: Experience the festive Grand Parade, featuring floats, marching bands, and performers that capture the essence of Virginia Beach's community spirit.
The King Neptune statue, a 34-foot bronze sculpture that stands at the entrance of Neptune Park on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk at 31st Street, has long been associated with the festival, and is a must-see. Unveiled in 2005, this iconic statue serves as a symbol of the city's connection to the sea and is a popular photo opp spot for visitors to Virginia Beach.
Plan Your Visit
For those planning a visit to Virginia Beach during the Neptune Festival, we highly recommend that you secure accommodations in advance. Staying in a vacation rental with Sandbridge Blue offers the comfort and convenience of a home away from home, and a quiet place to return back to after enjoying the festivities.
Whether you're drawn to the arts, music, sports, or simply the lively atmosphere around town, the Neptune Festival offers something for everyone, making it a highlight of Virginia Beach's annual event calendar.
