Fairs/Festivals
Virginia Beach Neptune Festival Art & Craft Show 2026
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Contact Information
Virginia Beach Events Unlimited t/a Virginia Beach Neptune Festival
Contact Email: artshow@neptunefestival.com
Contact Phone: 757-498-0215
Requirement Overview
- Eligible Applicant Types: Artist
- Submission Limit: 2
Media Requirements
- Images | Min: 6, Max: 6
- Total | Max: 6
Opportunity Summary
Often recognized by Sunshine Artist Magazine as one of the top 200 Art Shows in the country, the Neptune Festival Art and Craft Show is one of the many events during the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival signature Boardwalk Weekend. Artists and craftsmen of original work are eligible for the show, with acceptance based on a jury process.
No food products, pet products/items, candles, body care items, recorded music, commercially manufactured work, items with corporate or sports logos, production studio work, buy-sell, kits or imported items.
Drawing more than 400,000 people, the three-day Boardwalk Weekend along the oceanfront is the culminating event of the Neptune Festival --the non-profit official celebration of the City of Virginia Beach. The festival has been named one of the top 100 festivals in the US and is annually voted one of the top 10 festivals by the Southeast Tourism Society.
Show Director: Sharon Tanner, (757) 498-0215 or artshow@neptunefestival.com.
Cash awards totalling $2,600
We devote an area of the show to selected exhibitors who work with the highest degree of originality, handcrafting and excellence. Only these exhibitors are awards-eligible.
The festival (not the art show) includes a commercial section. If your work isn't eligible for or is not accepted for the art and craft show, you may wish to apply for a space in the Marketplace. Contact us at (757) 498-0215 or vendor@neptunefestival.com for more info.
No food products, pet products/items, candles, body care items, recorded music, commercially manufactured work, items with corporate or sports logos, production studio work, buy-sell, kits or imported items.
Drawing more than 400,000 people, the three-day Boardwalk Weekend along the oceanfront is the culminating event of the Neptune Festival --the non-profit official celebration of the City of Virginia Beach. The festival has been named one of the top 100 festivals in the US and is annually voted one of the top 10 festivals by the Southeast Tourism Society.
Show Director: Sharon Tanner, (757) 498-0215 or artshow@neptunefestival.com.
Cash awards totalling $2,600
We devote an area of the show to selected exhibitors who work with the highest degree of originality, handcrafting and excellence. Only these exhibitors are awards-eligible.
The festival (not the art show) includes a commercial section. If your work isn't eligible for or is not accepted for the art and craft show, you may wish to apply for a space in the Marketplace. Contact us at (757) 498-0215 or vendor@neptunefestival.com for more info.
Jump to
General Information
Modifications of our guidelines are rarely required by the city or the state in order for all of us to proceed safely and legally. In these cases, we will notify exhibitors immediately.
Show Hours & Dates
Friday, September 25, 2026 noon - 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 26, 2026 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday, September 27, 2026 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Application Deadline: May 31, 2026 (midnight PST)
Acceptance/Non-Acceptance Notification : the period of July 7-11, 2026
.
Invitation acceptance and booth payment deadline: August 16, 2026 (see Refund Policy.) However,
to be listed in our 85,000 festival programs, you must purchase your booth space by July 30, 2026.
Proof of liability insurance deadline: September 10, 2026. This is absolutely required. You may not register without providing this to us.
Application fee: $45. The application fee is non-refundable.
Booth fee: $435. If the entire festival is cancelled by festival organizers, space fee refund will be made by check (less Zapp and credit card fees already charged to us) within 30 days of cancellation. (See Event Cancellation Policy in Rules & Regulations section.)
Tents: You MUST use a properly weighted, properly installed tent for this show. It should be wind-rated for at least 60 mph, must be tied onto the boardwalk railing with rope or ratchet straps, and must have at least 50 lb of weight fastened securely to each leg (more is better). In inclement weather and wind, improperly installed tents pose a danger to you and anyone nearby. Tents, weights, tables and chairs are available through local rental companies (information to be provided to accepted applicants), but it is a good idea to call early. We will provide a tent safety and requirements document for those accepted artists bringing their own tents.
By September 10, 2026, accepted artists must provide proof of liability insurance naming
If you don't understand this, please be in touch well before 9/10/26 for an explanation.
Acceptance notification: Notification will be by email and artists' "invited" statuses will be on Zapp. Please do not call. Exhibitors who choose to accept our invitation must change their status from "invited" to "accepted" on Zapp. Booth spaces are assigned only after booth space payment is received. Every effort will be made to honor specific space requests, but first come, first served.
Parking: In this resort area there is no free parking unless you park at your hotel. We will attempt to find limited trailer and over-sized vehicle parking a few blocks from the show. There are metered spaces along many streets, municipal garages at 9th St., 25th St. and 31st & Pacific Ave. You may wish to visit the vb.gov site and find the section about parking.
Cash awards: First Place $750, Second Place $500, Third Place $350, and five $200 Awards of Merit. The judge for these awards will be an arts professional whose name will be announced prior to the show dates. An area of the boardwalk will be devoted to exhibitors bringing work of the highest degree of originality and handcrafting. Only these exhibitors will be eligible for the awards.
Security: 24-hour security will be provided during this event. However, the boardwalk is open to the public all hours, so if you leave items in your booth, it is at your own risk. Secure storage trailers (PODS) also will be provided for secure overnight storage of artwork.
Tax: Each exhibitor is responsible for collecting and paying the 6% sales tax. You are encouraged to pay online. See www.tax.va.gov and form ST-50.
Promotions: The Neptune Festival promotes itself and its components heavily in local print, broadcast and online. On Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest we have more than 40,000 followers. We will print and distribute 85,000 festival programs before and during the festival weekend.
Please direct all correspondence and inquiries to:
Art & Craft Show Director
Neptune Festival, Inc.
265 Kings Grant Rd., Ste. 102
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
-or- artshow@neptunefestival.com
-or- fax (757) 498-1355
-or- www.neptunefestival.com
Show Hours & Dates
Friday, September 25, 2026 noon - 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 26, 2026 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday, September 27, 2026 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Application Deadline: May 31, 2026 (midnight PST)
Acceptance/Non-Acceptance Notification : the period of July 7-11, 2026
.
Invitation acceptance and booth payment deadline: August 16, 2026 (see Refund Policy.) However,
to be listed in our 85,000 festival programs, you must purchase your booth space by July 30, 2026.
Proof of liability insurance deadline: September 10, 2026. This is absolutely required. You may not register without providing this to us.
Application fee: $45. The application fee is non-refundable.
Booth fee: $435. If the entire festival is cancelled by festival organizers, space fee refund will be made by check (less Zapp and credit card fees already charged to us) within 30 days of cancellation. (See Event Cancellation Policy in Rules & Regulations section.)
Tents: You MUST use a properly weighted, properly installed tent for this show. It should be wind-rated for at least 60 mph, must be tied onto the boardwalk railing with rope or ratchet straps, and must have at least 50 lb of weight fastened securely to each leg (more is better). In inclement weather and wind, improperly installed tents pose a danger to you and anyone nearby. Tents, weights, tables and chairs are available through local rental companies (information to be provided to accepted applicants), but it is a good idea to call early. We will provide a tent safety and requirements document for those accepted artists bringing their own tents.
By September 10, 2026, accepted artists must provide proof of liability insurance naming
1. Virginia Beach Neptune Festival
2. City of Virginia Beach
as additional insureds.
2. City of Virginia Beach
as additional insureds.
If you don't understand this, please be in touch well before 9/10/26 for an explanation.
Acceptance notification: Notification will be by email and artists' "invited" statuses will be on Zapp. Please do not call. Exhibitors who choose to accept our invitation must change their status from "invited" to "accepted" on Zapp. Booth spaces are assigned only after booth space payment is received. Every effort will be made to honor specific space requests, but first come, first served.
Parking: In this resort area there is no free parking unless you park at your hotel. We will attempt to find limited trailer and over-sized vehicle parking a few blocks from the show. There are metered spaces along many streets, municipal garages at 9th St., 25th St. and 31st & Pacific Ave. You may wish to visit the vb.gov site and find the section about parking.
Cash awards: First Place $750, Second Place $500, Third Place $350, and five $200 Awards of Merit. The judge for these awards will be an arts professional whose name will be announced prior to the show dates. An area of the boardwalk will be devoted to exhibitors bringing work of the highest degree of originality and handcrafting. Only these exhibitors will be eligible for the awards.
Security: 24-hour security will be provided during this event. However, the boardwalk is open to the public all hours, so if you leave items in your booth, it is at your own risk. Secure storage trailers (PODS) also will be provided for secure overnight storage of artwork.
Tax: Each exhibitor is responsible for collecting and paying the 6% sales tax. You are encouraged to pay online. See www.tax.va.gov and form ST-50.
Promotions: The Neptune Festival promotes itself and its components heavily in local print, broadcast and online. On Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest we have more than 40,000 followers. We will print and distribute 85,000 festival programs before and during the festival weekend.
Please direct all correspondence and inquiries to:
Art & Craft Show Director
Neptune Festival, Inc.
265 Kings Grant Rd., Ste. 102
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
-or- artshow@neptunefestival.com
-or- fax (757) 498-1355
-or- www.neptunefestival.com
Application Requirements
AWARDS-ELIGIBLE SECTION INFORMATION
In an effort to continue improving the art and craft show, a section of the show will be devoted to a group of exhibitors (fine art and fine craft) who undergo a more stringent jury process and who meet a high level of professionalism and originality. Only these exhibitors will be eligible for cash awards. Acceptance into this section is at the sole discretion of the Neptune Festival Art & Craft Show committee.
SHOW RULES
Submit SIX images for each application. Five images should be of individual works typifying all of the work you intend to display and sell, with the sixth image being of the booth with that same type of work displayed. If there is no booth image, a grouping of work showing consistency of style and medium, while not ideal, will suffice. THESE IMAGES ARE THE ONLY CHANCE YOU HAVE TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION ON THE JURORS. THIS IS A PROFESSIONAL SHOW AND YOU ARE STRONGLY URGED TO HAVE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS MADE OF YOUR WORK. Take note that any work shown in a booth image that is inconsistent in style and/or medium with that of the individual images will not be considered by the jury, nor will it be permitted in the show. Ours is a blind jury, so the images should not include your name (or your face).
Only the work of an individual artist or a two-person team collaborating creatively and producing the work together is permissible. Two artists creating separate bodies of work may not share a space. Whole-family, team efforts and production studio work are not permissible. In the case of a two-person collaborative creative team, both names must be on the application and an explanation of the collaborator's contribution should be given. Both the artist and the collaborator must appear at registration WITH PHOTO I.D. and both must appear at the show. Anyone who is a helper only may be named as an associate, but may not register or appear in place of the artist. During the course of the show, ID will be checked again.
You may apply in more than one media category. This will require separate applications (so separate jury fees) for each medium, but you are not required to purchase a separate space for each.
You may apply in more than one media category. This will require separate applications (so separate jury fees) for each medium, but you are not required to purchase a separate space for each.
General Show Standards & Rules: The intention of the Neptune Festival Art & Craft Show is to encourage and support the creation of original art and craft. However, it is permissible to bring reproductions of your own 2-d work, ceramics from molds, jewelry made from purchased beads and found items, stained glass and other items that employ the use of patterns, and items which are purchased, then embellished by you, including clothing.
Please read carefully about your media category. Listed below are the categories and definitions: Please email artshow@neptunefestival.com if you need clarification.
- Painting - In the awards-eligible section, limited edition reproductions of your original work may be displayed on one wall only only, and/or in bins. All reproductions must be labeled as such. Painting over prints/giclees or pre-existing images (regardless of the substrate) is not considered original. These are considered "altered reproductions".
- Drawing - In the awards-eligible section, limited edition reproductions of your original work may be displayed on one wall only only, or in bins. Reproductions must be labeled as such.
- Graphics/Printmaking - Multiple originals pulled by the artist's hand from his/her own plates, stones, blocks, or screens. May be on walls or in bins. Must be signed and numbered editions. No clothing in this category.
- Photography - In the awards-eligible section, limited to editions of no more than 250, signed and numbered. Extra inventory may be placed in a bin. In the non-awards eligible section, open editions are permissible. Edition size information must be made obvious to buyers.
- Ceramics - Hand-formed and signed by the artist.
- Glass - Hand-formed and signed by the artist.
- Wood - Original, hand-tooled, machine-worked, carved or turned. No kits. Must be signed by the artist.
- Fiber - Original basketry, beadwork, dyeing, felting, needlework, leather (does not include wearable accesories), paper art, weaving.
- Sculpture - Non-functional 3-D work in any material. Must be signed by the artist.
- Furniture - Original, hand-crafted of any material.
- Mixed Media - Original work incorporating two or more dissimilar materials or processes (painting on hand-pulled prints, assemblage, etc.) in each individual work. Must be signed by the artist.
- Jewelry - Original, hand-crafted. If assembled from purchased components, a high degree of originality should be apparent. No chains sold separately unless made by the artist.
- Digital art - Original work for which the original source material image is executed by the artist using a computer. AI is not permitted. Limited to editions of no more than 100, no matter the size. Must be signed, numbered and printed on archival quality materials.
- Clothing and/or Wearable Accessories - (If in doubt, please inquire.)
- Other/Craft - (If in doubt, please inquiire.)
All booths are visited by our staff during the show to ensure compliance with show rules, including but not limited to checking ID. It is our exclusive right and responsibility to require the removal of work that is not in compliance. Non-compliance can also result in expulsion from the show and/or ineligibility from future show participation. No booth refunds will be made in such cases. Only work in the style and medium stated and shown in the application may be exhibited. Only the applicant(s) may register (photo ID required). Artists must be in their booths all hours of the show, with exceptions for meals, etc. Boothsitters are available. The Neptune Festival reserves the right to remove any exhibitor for any reason.
PROHIBITED from the show are: items costing less than $10 (no two- or three-for-one items), food items, body care items, recorded music, candles, pet items/products, imports of any kind, buy-sell items, work created by anyone other than the applicant-exhibitor, AI, commercially manufactured work, production studio work, tee shirts or other items with pressed on decals, any work incorporating commercial decals/logos (including sports, military or college), items made from kits.. It is up to the applicant/exhibitor to understand and adhere to our policies, as those who violate them will be subject to expulsion from the show. Before applying, please ask showdirector for clarification regarding any questions you have before applying.
Your application and acceptance of invitation to participate will serve as your agreement to abide by the rules and regulations of this show. Your acceptance into the show is at the sole discretion of the Neptune Festival Art & Craft Show committee.
This show is a rain or shine event. Every reasonable effort will be made to conduct the Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend as scheduled. Festival management in coordination with municipal and weather officials and others will monitor the weather before and during events. If weather or other circumstances exist or develop which in the opinion of festival management would present serious hazards to life or property, festival events in whole or in part may be adjusted or cancelled at the sole discretion of festival management. In the event of cancellation of the entire festival, exhibitors will be refunded the booth fee, minus a 3% processing fee.
This show is a rain or shine event. Every reasonable effort will be made to conduct the Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend as scheduled. Festival management in coordination with municipal and weather officials and others will monitor the weather before and during events. If weather or other circumstances exist or develop which in the opinion of festival management would present serious hazards to life or property, festival events in whole or in part may be adjusted or cancelled at the sole discretion of festival management. In the event of cancellation of the entire festival, exhibitors will be refunded the booth fee, minus a 3% processing fee.
Jury Details
Average number of applications submitted each year
425
Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event
200
Booth Information
Booth Space: Each 10' wide x 10' deep space costs $435. A 10'x20' space costs $870.
THE SHOW WILL TAKE PLACE 25TH ST. - 35TH ST ON THE BOARDWALK AT THE OCEANFRONT. AWARDS ELIGIBLE SECTION WILL BE 25TH - 30TH.
Corner Spaces: There is a limited number of corner spaces available for an additional $150 each.
Corner spaces permit you to show on two sides, but do not gain you additonal exhibition or storage space. Any artist placing inventory or equipment in an empty space he/she has not paid for will immediately be required to pay $435 for that additional space. We often create corners by leaving an empty space between assigned spaces.
Booth spaces are placed side by side along 11 blocks of the boardwalk. Each space is defined by the upright posts of the rail of the boardwalk. For set-up, each space will be labeled with the space number and the name of the artist-exhibitor to whom it is assigned. Once set-up is completed, each exhibitor must display a booth placard (provided by us) with the name, hometown, media and space number on it. The booth placard must be easily visible to volunteers, festival officials and the public.
AWNINGS (approximately 2') MAY EXTEND SO THAT A VERTICAL DROP FROM THE FRONT/OUTER EDGE IS IN LINE WITH THE SEAM IN THE CONCRETE OF THE BOARDWALK .
NO INVENTORY MAY BE KEPT ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE BOARDWALK.
Your work/inventory must remain inside the 10 x 10 booth space.
Chairs may be set up across from the assigned booth space, but may not impede pedestrian traffic. Umbrellas should be moved as far back as possible. Inventory must be kept within your booth space area. We will also provide PODS at several convenient locations for daily and overnight storage of your work should you choose to use them.
If you wish to rent a tent, sidewalls, tables, chairs or weights for your tent, you may contact a local rental company. We will provide a list of those companies to accepted applicants. We do not provide these rentals ourselves. If you intend to rent a tent, we encourage you to call very early to reserve it.
Load-in/ Load-out: The Neptune Festival provides exhibitors the opportunity to sign up for a drive-on program to unload inventory and apparatus directly on the boardwalk at or near your booth space prior to the show. Artists are also allowed to drive onto the boardwalk at the end of the show to load out. Volunteers will be on-site to help direct the process. Details will be sent to accepted exhibitors.
THE SHOW WILL TAKE PLACE 25TH ST. - 35TH ST ON THE BOARDWALK AT THE OCEANFRONT. AWARDS ELIGIBLE SECTION WILL BE 25TH - 30TH.
Corner Spaces: There is a limited number of corner spaces available for an additional $150 each.
Corner spaces permit you to show on two sides, but do not gain you additonal exhibition or storage space. Any artist placing inventory or equipment in an empty space he/she has not paid for will immediately be required to pay $435 for that additional space. We often create corners by leaving an empty space between assigned spaces.
Booth spaces are placed side by side along 11 blocks of the boardwalk. Each space is defined by the upright posts of the rail of the boardwalk. For set-up, each space will be labeled with the space number and the name of the artist-exhibitor to whom it is assigned. Once set-up is completed, each exhibitor must display a booth placard (provided by us) with the name, hometown, media and space number on it. The booth placard must be easily visible to volunteers, festival officials and the public.
AWNINGS (approximately 2') MAY EXTEND SO THAT A VERTICAL DROP FROM THE FRONT/OUTER EDGE IS IN LINE WITH THE SEAM IN THE CONCRETE OF THE BOARDWALK .
NO INVENTORY MAY BE KEPT ON THE WEST SIDE OF THE BOARDWALK.
Your work/inventory must remain inside the 10 x 10 booth space.
Chairs may be set up across from the assigned booth space, but may not impede pedestrian traffic. Umbrellas should be moved as far back as possible. Inventory must be kept within your booth space area. We will also provide PODS at several convenient locations for daily and overnight storage of your work should you choose to use them.
If you wish to rent a tent, sidewalls, tables, chairs or weights for your tent, you may contact a local rental company. We will provide a list of those companies to accepted applicants. We do not provide these rentals ourselves. If you intend to rent a tent, we encourage you to call very early to reserve it.
Load-in/ Load-out: The Neptune Festival provides exhibitors the opportunity to sign up for a drive-on program to unload inventory and apparatus directly on the boardwalk at or near your booth space prior to the show. Artists are also allowed to drive onto the boardwalk at the end of the show to load out. Volunteers will be on-site to help direct the process. Details will be sent to accepted exhibitors.
Refund Policy
Application fee is non-refundable. Once you have purchased your booth space and until 8/16/2026, a 75% refund of the booth fee will be made upon notification to us that you cannot attend the show. After that date and until 8/23/2026, a 50% refund will be made. After 8/23/2025, no refunds will be made. For any questions regarding this policy, please contact the show director.
If you wish to be listed in our 85,000 printed programs, you must purchase your booth space by 8/1/2026 when the roster goes to the printer. It is not possible to add your name after that date.
If you wish to be listed in our 85,000 printed programs, you must purchase your booth space by 8/1/2026 when the roster goes to the printer. It is not possible to add your name after that date.
Additional Fees
10 x 20 booth space, as assigned: $870
10 x 10 booth space, as assigned: $435
Corner surcharge: $150
Terms to Apply