This Weekend – The 2023 Virginia Beach Neptune Festival!

Save the Dates! Every year The Neptune Festival in Virginia Beach takes place over 30 blocks of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. This year make sure to head down to the beach for Boardwalk Weekend which will include the North American Sand Sculpting Championship, Atlantic Regatta, Youth Art Show, Neptune’s Grand Parade, Poseidon’s Playground, as well as music, food, and more.

When: Boardwalk weekend takes place September 29 – October 1, 2023.

• Friday 12-11pm
• Saturday 10am-11pm
• Sunday 10am-6pm

Where: 2nd to 33rd Street, Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Stages are located at 24th, and 31st Streets on the Boardwalk.

For a full list of events click HERE. Some of the highlights are:

The North American Sandsculpting Championship is back and is always impressive. A huge tent, almost as large as a football field, will house 22 sculptures created by 10 solo and 12 doubles teams! Sculptors will compete for the largest prize purse awarded in the country. If you head over to check out the sculptures in the “Land of Sand” keep in mind the admission fee: $7 per person (admission purchased on-site – cash only) Children ages 12 and under are free while accompanied by an adult, and no pets are allowed. The tent does have access for wheelchairs and strollers.

• Hours for this popular display are Friday, September 29: 9am – 11pm. Saturday, September 30: 9am – 11pm. Sunday, October 1: 9am – 9pm. Monday – Sunday: October 2 – 8: 10am – 6 pm.
• Sculptures can be viewed through October 8, 2023. A complete description of the Sandsculpting Event including admission rates and hours of the display can be found HERE.
• Don’t miss the Sand Clinics (Saturday, September 30 & Sunday, October 1) where you can learn about Sandsculpting from a Pro! Topics of the clinics include No Hassle Sand Castle, Dolphins and Sea Turtles, and King Neptune’s Face.

Neptune’s Grand Parade will take place Saturday morning, September 30, 2023, from 11:30am-1pm between 16th and 32nd Streets on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

• This event is FREE and open to the public and takes place rain or shine. Get there early for the best spots! Additional information on the parade can be found HERE.

Neptune Festival Arts & Crafts Show – The art show features over 250 artisans displaying handmade work from paintings and sculptures, to photography and glass-work. A great place to shop!

Poseidon’s Playground Free Family Fun Zone – 17th Street Park, Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Free and open to the public. Visit with Face Painters, Stilt Walkers, Magicians, and Balloon Artists. Test your skills with lawn games like cornhole, giant jenga, connect four, chess, checkers, and dance it out to the house DJ. Enjoy a Paint Party with The Mermaid Factory (check schedule for times)!

• Friday, Sept 29, 2023 5pm-9:30pm
• Saturday, Sept 30, 2023 10am-9:30pm
• Sunday, Oct 1, 2023 10am-4pm
• On Friday and Saturday, the Magic show begins at 6:45pm and the Movies begin at 7:30pm: Friday, September 29 – Encanto,  Saturday, September 30 – The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Touch-A-Truck – 14th to 16th Street, Virginia Beach Oceanfront

• Free and open to the public
• Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 10am – 6pm

For a Full List of Neptune Festival Activities Please Click Here.