The Neptune Festival Art and Craft Show is recognized by Sunshine Artist Magazine as one of the top 200 art shows in the country. It takes place along the Virginia Beach boardwalk (25th-35th Street blocks) during the Boardwalk Weekend, which draws more than 400,000 people. The Neptune Festival is the non-profit official celebration of the City of Virginia Beach and has been named one of the top 100 festivals in the US.
Artists and craftsmen of original work are eligible for the show, with acceptance based on a jury process. Prohibited items include food products, pet products, candles, body care items, recorded music, commercially manufactured work, items with corporate or sports logos, production studio work, buy-sell items, kits, and imported items. Only individual artists or two-person teams collaborating creatively are permitted.
Cash awards total $2,600, with First Place $750, Second Place $500, Third Place $350, and five $200 Awards of Merit. Only exhibitors in the awards-eligible section demonstrating the highest degree of originality and handcrafting are eligible for awards.