---
title: Virginia Beach Neptune Festival Art & Craft Show 2026
description: Annual juried art & craft festival on the Virginia Beach boardwalk, Sep 25–27, 2026. Cash awards totaling $2,600. $45 jury fee + $435 booth fee.
url: https://www.artsume.com/programs/24ea9dd8-832a-489f-b3f3-960524cc5c0c
type: program
status: closed
createdAt: "2026-05-28"
updatedAt: "2026-09-30"
programType: Festival/fair
organization: Neptune Festival
organizationUrl: https://www.artsume.com/o/neptune-festival
deadline: "2026-05-31"
entryFee: 45 USD
location: Virginia Beach Boardwalk (25th–35th Street blocks), Virginia Beach, VA, United States
isOnline: false
compensationRange: "Cash awards totaling $2,600: First Place $750, Second Place $500, Third Place $350, and five $200 Awards of Merit"
disciplines:
  - painting
  - drawing
  - photography
  - sculpture
  - ceramics
  - printmaking
  - mixed media
  - textile
  - jewelry
  - glass
  - woodworking
---

# Virginia Beach Neptune Festival Art & Craft Show 2026

**Hosted by:** Neptune Festival

**Type:** Festival/fair | **Location:** Virginia Beach Boardwalk (25th–35th Street blocks), Virginia Beach, VA, United States | **Deadline:** May 31, 2026 | **Entry fee:** $45

## About This Program

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.

## Eligibility & Requirements

- **Geographic Eligibility:** National
- **Disciplines:** painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, mixed media, textile, jewelry, glass, woodworking
- **Note:** Only individual artists or two-person teams collaborating creatively are permitted. 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.

### Additional Requirements

Submit six images for each application: five of individual works and one booth shot (or grouping of work showing consistency). Images should not include your name or face. Application fee is $45 (non-refundable). Booth fee is $435. Proof of liability insurance naming Virginia Beach Neptune Festival and City of Virginia Beach as additional insureds is required by September 10, 2026. Tents must be wind-rated for at least 60 mph, tied to the boardwalk railing, and have at least 50 lb of weight secured to each leg.

## Compensation & Benefits

Cash awards totaling $2,600: First Place $750, Second Place $500, Third Place $350, and five $200 Awards of Merit

**Includes:** Prize

Only exhibitors in the awards-eligible section demonstrating the highest degree of originality and handcrafting are eligible for awards. Total prize pool: $2,600.

## Timeline

- **Opens:** May 28, 2026
- **Deadline:** May 31, 2026
- **Program Start:** September 25, 2026
- **Program End:** September 27, 2026

## Contact

**Contact:** Sharon Tanner

**Phone:** (757) 498-0215

## How to Apply

Apply at: https://www.zapplication.org/event-info.php?ID=14348