Sep 15-18 2016
The Neon
Festival

THE NEON FESTIVAL
Sep 15-18 2016

About

The NEON Festival is a four day celebration of energy and light in Norfolk’s Arts District. From public art to live performances, come experience the neighborhood’s transformation into a true arts destination. Check out the schedule below for a listing of all the events set to spark, and don’t miss a mural, morsel or mic drop!

THE NEON FESTIVAL
Sep 15-18 2016

Public Art

Wander through the neighborhood and discover tiny art happenings, large-scale murals and pops of neon color and light. From works by celebrated visiting artists like Erik L. Peterson and Amelia Langford, to local heroes like Hampton Boyer and Heidi Peelen, to the world-renowned Chrysler Museum of Art, come see the new energy of Norfolk on display.

 

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THE NEON FESTIVAL
Sep 15-18 2016

Food &
Spirits

There’ll be plenty to eat and drink on hand for the festival, including signature fare from NEON staples like Granby Social Club, Zeke’s Beans and Bowls and Nouvelle, as well as from numerous food trucks throughout the district. And be sure to head over to the Plot’s Beer Garden for a cold one.

THE NEON FESTIVAL
Sep 15-18 2016

Entertainment

Some of Norfolk’s brightest musicians, comedians and performance artists will converge on the NEON to energize streets and stages throughout the district. Make sure to swing by Work | Release for live DJ sets, the Push Comedy Theater for belly laughs, and the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio for live glassblowing performances!

THE NEON FESTIVAL
Sep 15-18 2016

Schedule

Thursday 9/15Friday 9/16Saturday 9/17Sunday 9/18
AllPublic ArtFood + SpiritsEntertainment
  • 7:00 am - 11:00 am
    Hunter at Sunrise Radio Remote Broadcast Brunch
    Work Release
    759 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Let Hunter Hughes wake you up in the NEON as he broadcasts live from Work Release with a recap of the ETC Festival and acoustic sessions. Brunch fare and mimosas will be flowing along with great local music.

    Learn more.
  • 7:00 am - 2:00 pm
    Work Release
    759 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    An arts venue, exhibition and events space, Work Release also features an in-house kitchen and bar that allows guests to grab a bite to eat and a cocktail while they experience contemporary art exhibitions, live music and other creative programming.

    Learn more.
  • 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Zeke’s Beans & Bowls
    800 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    The only and only destination in the NEON for gourmet coffee, acai bowls and Zeke’s famous poke bowls! Also serving up smoothies, fresh juices and baked goods.

    Learn more.
  • 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Zeke’s Beans & Bowls
    800 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    The only and only destination in the NEON for gourmet coffee, acai bowls and Zeke’s famous poke bowls! Also serving up smoothies, fresh juices and baked goods.

    Learn more.
  • 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Wisteria at the Chrysler Museum of Art
    One Memorial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Chrysler Museum of Art’s newly renovated cafe, Wisteria features a full menu complete with fine wines and craft beers, and is managed by Cuisine & Company, a legendary catering institution in these parts.

    Learn more.
  • 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Nouvelle
    217 Grace Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    French flair without pretense. Bringing modern french food to the wonderful city of Norfolk in the NEON District, using local and sustainable ingredients.

    Learn more.
  • 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
    Tidewater Arts Outreach Brunch and Emerging Artist Showcase
    Work Release
    759 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Tidewater Arts Outreach teams up with the ETC and NEON festivals to bring a special morning of live music and brunch to Work Release as a special thank you to their artists, volunteers and supporters over the years. Enjoy a memorable morning of music, friends, eats and libations.

    Learn more.
  • 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Work Release NEON Festival Lunch Hour
    759 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Work | Release is open every Friday for lunch in the NEON District. It’s NEON Festival Weekend and you need a place to fuel up and hang out! This week we are open straight through from lunch through late night for NEON Festival. Happy hour until 7pm. Sarah Blood’s Between Further and Farther exhibition on display all day long.

    Learn more.
  • 12:00 pm
    Free Noon Demo Featuring Gabriel Greenlaw
    Chrysler Museum Glass Studio
    745 Duke St, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Spend your lunch break with the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio for a free demo featuring Glass Wheel Studio exhibition artist Gabriel Greenlaw. The glass studio team will work with Gabriel to create a live glass demonstration.

    Learn more.
  • 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
    Glass Gardens Flower Cart
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Glass Gardens brings the Flower Cart to NEON Family Day at the Plot for kids plant activities and make and take succulent mini workshops.

    Learn more.
  • 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
    Joshua Purnell
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Singer/songwriter Joshua Purnell is a soulful indie folk artist born and raised in Hampton Roads.

    Learn more.
  • 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
    NEON Family Day
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Sunday afternoon bring the family down to the Plot for a kid-centric day of puppetry, story telling, acoustic jams and treats from local food trucks.

    Learn more.
  • 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
    Nouvelle
    217 Grace Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    French flair without pretense. Bringing modern french food to the wonderful city of Norfolk in the NEON District, using local and sustainable ingredients.

    Learn more.
  • 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
    Stickwork Interactive Art with the Hermitage
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Join the Hermitage for an interactive art project inspired by the fall exhibition by sculptor Patrick Dougherty. Help create a large, colorful ‘stickwork’ sculpture that will stay up during the entirety of the festival. Afterwards, create your own mini stick art ornament to take home.

    Learn more.
  • 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
    Virginia Zoo Animal Ambassadors
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    The Virginia Zoo promotes education and crafts through its feathered and furry animal ambassadors. Stop by to meet Magnum the Common Boa, Ethyl the Leopard Tortoise and their friends in an educational experience you won’t forget!

    Learn more.
  • 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
    We Love Norfolk and the 757 by Troop 454
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Girl Scouts Troop 454 unifies Norfolk and the 757 area code with an interactive art project on canvas that will bring our community together through the power of art. Join the fun!

  • 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
    Wisteria at the Chrysler Museum of Art
    One Memorial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Chrysler Museum of Art’s newly renovated cafe, Wisteria features a full menu complete with fine wines and craft beers, and is managed by Cuisine & Company, a legendary catering institution in these parts.

    Learn more.
  • 12:30 pm
    Slover Storytime
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Gather round for story time brought to you by Slover Library at 12:30 and 1:30 during NEON Family Day. Visit our table to get crafty and for more information about all the awesome things Slover has to offer!

    Learn more.
  • 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
    Infinite Change Puppet Workshop
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    At Infinite Change Puppet Workshops participants of all ages are immersed in the art of puppetry. During NEON Family Day see a live puppet performance and then build a puppet of your own!

  • 2:00 pm
    NEON District Mural Tour
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Come along on a guided walking tour of NEON District murals and art works from the past several years and the latest additions for 2016. Led by local artists and community leaders working on public art in the NEON.

  • 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
    Who We Are Not
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Winner of the 2015 VEER Award for Emerging Artist, Who We Are Not brings their eclectic and fun songs to the Plot stage for a chill Sunday afternoon. Let their cosmic musical powers activate for your listening pleasure.

    Learn more.
  • 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm
    Analogue Photography Exhibition
    Granby Social Club
    765 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    The NEON’s cultural menu doesn’t start and finish with paint on canvas. Join Granby Social Club to experience a whole new world of artistic awesomeness at a blockbuster photography exhibition.

    Learn more.
  • 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
    The Hurrah Players Present School of Rock
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Catch a sneak peek at Hurrah’s upcoming Broadway musical based on the Jack Black movie featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Performed outside at the Plot’s stage for NEON Family Day.

    Learn more.
  • 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
    The Stowaways Take NFK
    Throughout the NEON District

    The Stowaways are back in town for a few days, so they are playing an acoustic set out on the streets of Norfolk! They will hang out around the NEON District and the Plot, and then eventually head downtown on Granby Street. Come out and here some fun covers as well as a few original songs by Luke as the Stowaways take NFK!

    Learn more.
  • 3:00 pm
    VEER Venues: Jae Sinnett Trio
    Granby Social Club
    765 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Produced by VEER Magazine and Norfolk Festevents, VEER Venues gives ETC fans the opportunity to embrace Norfolk’s arts and culture scene all over the city. The NEON hosts a VEER Venue at the Granby Social Club for an eclectic jazz performance by local musician and radio personality Jae Sinnett.

    Learn more.
  • 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm
    Renegade Storytime
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Renegade Storytime is an independent storytime umm…flash mob! Free and open to everyone, Renegade takes over the NEON with bubbles, stories, crafts, and song. Created by Ms. Dawn, Renegade Storytime is a way to interact with your child and other families in a safe, fun environment that celebrates the printed word.

    Learn more.
  • 3:30 pm
    Walking Tour of NEON District
    Chrysler Museum of Art
    One Memorial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Meet Seth Feman, Curator of Exhibitions at the Chrysler Museum of Art for a tour of In the Box: Brian Bress; walk through some of the public art projects in the NEON District; and join Cheryl White, Director of Glass Wheel Studio, for a tour of the latest exhibitions Gabriel Greenlaw and Emily MK. We cap off the tour at Work | Release to view the exhibition of the first “New Energy Artists Residency” featuring Sarah Blood. Free and open to the public.

    Learn more.
  • 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
    Artist Talk with Sarah Blood
    Work Release
    759 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    The “New Energy Artists Residency” (or NEAR) Program, hosted by Chrysler Museum Glass Studio, the Rutter Family Art Foundation and Glass Wheel Studio, features the work of an emerging glass or new media artist. The inaugural show of the NEAR Program, Between Further and Farther, features the exciting works of Sarah Blood. Hear her speak about her work and the program at Work Release.

    Learn more.
  • 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
    Mike Lawson
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Mike Lawson is an American singer-songwriter born and raised in New York’s Mohawk Valley region, and currently resides in Norfolk, Virginia. Lawson combines rich, and at times guttural, baritone vocals with lush musical textures that meld influences of folk, blues, country, and pop. Catch him for a NEON debut of his new album.

    Learn more.
  • 4:00 pm - 2:00 am
    Work Release
    759 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    An arts venue, exhibition and events space, Work Release also features an in-house kitchen and bar that allows guests to grab a bite to eat and a cocktail while they experience contemporary art exhibitions, live music and other creative programming.

    Learn more.
  • 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
    Bearded Bird Artist Village
    Bearded Bird Brewing
    727 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Take a sneak peak inside Bearded Bird Brewing before the official grand opening. The brewers opened up especially for NEON Festival as a pop up shop for local art, live demo area for artists at work on their craft and secondary acoustic venue for live music.

    Learn more.
  • 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
    Berlin…!
    Bearded Bird Brewing
    727 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    One-man VA rap duo Berlin… is hitting the NEON Festival. Eccentricity is a great thing to have in this age of copycats, and Berlin… has that in spades.

    Learn more.
  • 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
    Between Further and Farther Exhibition Opening
    Work Release
    759 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    The “New Energy Artists Residency” (or NEAR) Program, hosted by Chrysler Museum Glass Studio, the Rutter Family Art Foundation and Glass Wheel Studio, features the work of an emerging glass or new media artist. Celebrate the inaugural show of the NEAR Program at Work Release, Between Further and Farther, with the exciting works of Sarah Blood. Enjoy music by SOUP.

    Learn more.
  • 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm
    Brett Williams
    Bearded Bird Brewing
    727 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Brett Williams is a guitarist, singer and songwriter from Virginia playing everything from classical to alternative rock. He opens the artist village stage at the NEON Festival Saturday evening.

    Learn more.
  • 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
    d’Art Center at The NEON Festival
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    D’Art Center hosts The NEON Festival Saturday evening at the Plot. Join us and our partner ForKids for a night of art with d’Art Center studio artists, music with Joint Therapy Band, dog tattoos with Muddy Paws Downtown and tasty Smartmouth Beer!

    Learn more.
  • 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
    Glass Gardens and Friends
    717 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Glass Gardens pops up with a plant shop inside a NEON District storefront, joined by friends of the artist selling their wares.

    Learn more.
  • 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
    Governor’s School for the Arts Student Jazz Quartet
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    GSA brings out their student jazz talent to open the NEON Festival on the Plot stage.

    Learn more.
  • 5:00 pm - 2:00 am
    Granby Social Club
    765 Granby St., Norfolk, VA 23510

    Norfolk’s witty, stylish living room and loft lounge features a Mediterranean kitchen, skee ball, a pool table and chill vibes.

    Learn more.
  • 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
    Joint Therapy Band
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    D’Art Center brings Joint Therapy to rock their night at the Plot. Founded by Shawn Smith in the 757, jTb is known for melodic harmonies and a full sound with two on the acoustic side, and seven on the electric side.

    Learn more.
  • 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
    Musing: A Performance Piece by Betty Gowans
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Musing is a piece that meshes sculpture with performance. Created by Norfolk artist Betty Gowans, it intends to provoke thought of the audience, as well as the wearer of the piece, by its juxtaposition and role in the situations that it is performed.

    Learn more.
  • 5:00 pm - 12:00 am
    Special Sneak Preview of Between Further and Farther
    Work Release
    759 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Get a special sneak peek at the new art exhibition at Work Release, Sarah Blood’s Between Further and Farther. Happy hour specials and dinner starts at 5. Third Thursday afterparty with DJ Lord Mercy and 11:11.

    Learn more.
  • 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
    Stickwork Interactive Art with the Hermitage
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Join the Hermitage for an interactive art project inspired by the fall exhibition by sculptor Patrick Dougherty. Help create a large, colorful ‘stickwork’ sculpture that will stay up during the entirety of the festival. Afterwards, create your own mini stick art ornament to take home.

    Learn more.
  • 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm
    The Hurrah Players Present School of Rock
    Hurrah Players' Copeland Center
    112 W. Wilson Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Catch a sneak peek at Hurrah’s upcoming Broadway musical based on the Jack Black movie featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Join us in the new Hugh R. Copeland Center, the NEON’s premier destination for quality family entertainment.

    Learn more.
  • 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
    The Plot Beer Garden
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Meet up in the hub of the festival for games, food trucks, cold brews, live music and cultural performances from NEON District arts partners.

    Learn more.
  • 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
    Third Thursday: NEON Festival Kick-Off
    Chrysler Museum of Art
    One Memorial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510

    At the Museum, join us inside and out for live music by DJP and Mr T and guests, lawn games, food trucks, cash-bar concoctions, and more! At 6:30 PM, catch our special NEON talk with Brian Bress. Meet the Norfolk-born, Los Angeles-based artist afterward as we debut his newest exhibition of innovative video art in The Box. In honor of The NEON Festival 2016, this month’s admission to Third Thursday is free for everyone!

    Learn more.
  • 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
    Virginia Furniture Artist Village
    Virginia Furniture
    117 W. Olney Road, Norfolk, VA 23510

    NEON District mainstay Virginia Furniture hosts another artist village in the parking lot next to Magazine Lane. Exit Bearded Bird down the alley to check out booths for local art and live demo area for artists at work on their craft.

  • 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
    Wild Card Books & Art Pop Up Shop
    Zeke's Beans & Bowls
    800 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Grab a drink or a snack at Zeke’s and visit Wild Card Books & Art out back in the garden. The pop up shop will have lots of creativity-themed titles and new inventory to browse. Friday and Saturday nights from 5pm-until whenever the coffee finally wears off.

    Learn more.
  • 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
    The Rhythm Project
    Hurrah Players' Copeland Center
    112 W. Wilson Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510

    A community engagement program of the Virginia Arts Festival, The Rhythm Project is a world percussion ensemble. They are bringing their steel drums back to NEON for the second year to play inside the Hurrah Players’ new Copeland Center.

    Learn more.
  • 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
    Tidewater Turners Members Show
    d'Art Center
    740 Duke Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Discover the fascinating and exquisite work of the Tidewater Turners, a chapter of the American Association of Woodturners. Artists in their own rights, the Turners will be onhand at d’Art for the opening reception and live demonstrations.

    Learn more.
  • 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
    2nd Annual NEON Poetry Reading: Come Glow With Us
    Hurrah Players' Copeland Center
    112 W. Wilson Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Old Dominion University’s Writers in Community brings together an eclectic group of dedicated Norfolk poets to share words and vibes.

  • 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
    Daniel Neale
    Bearded Bird Brewing
    727 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Daniel Neale is a one-man band who plays a kick drum made from an old suitcase, an accordion and synthesizers all at once. He has been able to support himself from busking around Norfolk and the NEON District.

  • 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
    Jake McCoy
    Bearded Bird Brewing
    727 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Jake is an indie rock musician with a full length album being released soon. He takes the stage at NEON’s artist village Saturday evening.

    Learn more.
  • 6:00 pm
    NEON District Mural Tour
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Come along on a guided walking tour of NEON District murals and art works from the past several years and the latest additions for 2016. Led by local artists and community leaders working on public art in the NEON.

  • 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
    SPARK Poster Exhibition
    The Virginian-Pilot Fence
    723 Magazine Lane, Norfolk, VA 23510

    In contribution to the 2016 NEON Festival, Sway Creative Labs and AIGA Hampton Roads partnered to host SPARK, a juried exhibition and silent auction of posters celebrating the New Energy of Norfolk. Top submissions are displayed in the exhibition along Magazine Lane during the festival.

    Learn more.
  • 6:15 pm - 6:45 pm
    Virginia Stage Company Presents Meet Mark Twain
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Actor Ryan Clemens, descendant of Mark Twain (pen-name of writer Samuel L. Clemens) brings to life the celebrated American author and humorist in this theatrical, thirty minute performance. Clemens’ performance will show you why Twain’s wit and wisdom remain poignant and laugh-out-loud funny more than 100 years after his passing.

    Learn more.
  • 6:30 pm
    Artist Talk with Brian Bress
    Chrysler Museum of Art
    One Memorial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510

    At the Chrysler Museum of Art catch a very special NEON artist talk with Brian Bress. Born and raised in Norfolk and now based in Los Angeles, Brian Bress honed an early interest in art with classes at the Governor’s School for the Arts, the d’Art Center, and what’s known today as Virginia MOCA. Meet the artist afterward as we debut his newest exhibition of innovative video art in The Box.

    Learn more.
  • 6:30 pm
    The NEON Festival at the Push (FREE SHOW!!!)
    Push Comedy Theater
    763 Granby St., Norfolk, VA 23510

    The NEON Festival comes to the Push! This means FREE improv comedy shows starting at 6:30 every 15 minutes at The Push Comedy Theater! So stop on by and catch one or more of these totally FREE shows featuring The Pushers and some of the area’s top improv comedians. It’s going to be a party for sure!

    Learn more.
  • 6:45 pm
    NEON Dance Project
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    A pop-up contemporary dance ensemble comprised of local professional dancers and students created a brand new modern dance inspired by the new energy of Norfolk.

  • 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
    Gabriel Greenlaw and Emily MK Exhibition Opening
    Glass Wheel Studio
    128 W. Olney Road, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Glass Wheel Studio launches into the fall exhibition of two stunning glass artists, Gabriel Greenlaw and Emily MK with an opening reception during the NEON Festival.

    Learn more.
  • 7:00 pm
    NEON District Mural Tour
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Come along on a guided walking tour of NEON District murals and art works from the past several years and the latest additions for 2016. Led by local artists and community leaders working on public art in the NEON.

  • 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
    NEON Pop-Up Duets

    ODU dance professor Megan Thompson and Durham-based dance artist Natalie Teichmann will present a series of two-minute contemporary dance duets designed specifically for public spaces, turning NEON District sidewalks into stages.

    Learn more.
  • 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
    Skye Zentz
    Bearded Bird Brewing
    727 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Skye Zentz is a playful and sincere singer-songwriter from right here in Norfolk. A versatile artist, she spreads her music from concert halls to nursing homes and schools, from classrooms to coffeehouses. Skye took home the Veer Music Award for Best Acoustic/Folk in 2013, Best Busker in 2015 and received the 2016 Music Video of the Year Award. Catch her back at the NEON for year two!

    Learn more.
  • 7:00 pm
    ViBe Story Exchange and Tell Me More…Live Storytelling Night
    Push Comedy Theatre
    763 Granby St., Norfolk, VA 23510

    ViBe Story Exchange and Tell Me More…Live team up for a special storytelling night in the NEON District. Five artists will offer their interpretation of five stories written by Hampton Roads’ locals. The performances will include spoken word and visual elements.

    Learn more.
  • 7:00 pm - 7:45 pm
    Virginia Opera’s Tales From The Brothers Grimm
    Hurrah Players' Copeland Center
    112 W. Wilson Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Commissioned by the Virginia Opera in 2007, this original work by Dr. Glenn Winters contains three short comic operas featuring soprano, baritone, and pianist, drawn from the prolific collection of 19th century fairy tales by bothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm: Doctor Know-all, Rumpelstiltskin’s New Adventure, and Cat and Mouse Together.

    Learn more.
  • 7:00 pm
    Wearable Art Parade
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    The Governor’s School for the Arts shows off student creations worn by visual and dance students in a moveable fashion show.

    Learn more.
  • 7:15 pm - 7:45 pm
    Teens with a Purpose
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Teens with a Purpose return to NEON with FUSE (Focus on peace, Unity, Spirit and Edutainment) dedicated to those looking for the love, hope and that neon light in life. TWP celebrates the people living in the inner city who are most in need.

    Learn more.
  • 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
    Blackbird Pond
    Bearded Bird Brewing
    727 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Norfolk natives, Blackbird Pond takes semi-acoustic, indie-country-blues, and groove-based mood rock spiked with southern-stomp attitudes to produce scores of electrifying songs and performances. They recently had a song selected as The Washington Post Editor’s Pick.

    Learn more.
  • 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
    Glo-Flow Yoga
    Harrison Opera House
    160 E Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Come shine your light on the Harrison Opera House lawn with Bhav Brigade’s Glo-Flow Yoga class at the NEON Festival! Whether you are a new yogi or are a regular on the mat, this class is for you. Wear comfy clothes, bring a mat, and get ready to GLOW!

    Learn more.
  • 7:30 pm - 8:00 pm
    Hands Up Oya Power
    Hurrah Players' Copeland Center
    112 W. Wilson Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Hands Up Oyá Power is a dance piece inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and Oyá, the female warrior orisha/divinity of the Cuban Yoruba religion, who manifests as the wind, inspiring change, and manifesting as activist energy and action towards social justice. Choreographed by Ann Mazzocca.

  • 7:30 pm - 8:00 pm
    Seven Cities Dance
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Dragonfly Tribal is a bellydance troupe based out of Seven Cities Dance Studio in Hampton. Their style of dance is all improvised so every performance is unique and organic.

    Learn more.
  • 8:00 pm
    Cirque Musica
    Chrysler Hall
    215 St Pauls Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23510

    The circus and the symphony combine for a high-flying, fun-filled, edge-of-your-seat musical adventure. Cirque Musica features the best performers and music in the world, making for an awe-inspiring, gravity-defying, symphony of whimsy and mastery. Don’t miss this daring, mind-blowing concert experience that is sure to thrill audiences of all ages!

    Learn more.
  • 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
    New Music Norfolk
    Hurrah Players' Copeland Center
    112 W. Wilson Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510

    New Music Norfolk is an initiative of local performers and composers to share and promote contemporary art music for the benefit of Norfolk and surrounding communities.

    Learn more.
  • 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
    Pocket Vinyl
    Bearded Bird Brewing
    727 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Indie artists, musicians and cute couple Pocket Vinyl make their Hampton Roads debut for NEON. This is basically what the band is and is all about: Eric Stevenson slams on the piano and sings while Elizabeth Jancewicz paints on stage. The paintings are sold every night to the highest bidder.

    Learn more.
  • 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
    Tales from the Campfire: The Improvised Ghost Story
    Push Comedy Theater
    763 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    The Push presents a frightful night of comedy (or is it a hilarious night of frights). Tales from the Campfire has quickly become one of the Push’s biggest hits. With an audience suggestion, this talented group of improvisers will make up a gut-busting ghost story right before your eyes. Tickets are $5. I ain’t afraid of no ghost!

    Learn more.
  • 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
    The Charltones
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    The Charltones are based out of Hampton Roads and fronted by acoustic artist Charlton Phaneuf. The band brings their “foot-stompin’ indie folk” and a fun mix of cover tunes to the NEON Festival.

    Learn more.
  • 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
    Third Thursday at the Glass Studio: NEON Festival Kick-Off
    Chrysler Museum Glass Studio
    745 Duke St, Norfolk, VA 23510

    At the Chrysler’s Perry Glass Studio, our own Robin and Julia Rogers provide both the evening’s glass performance and the music. Explore divine cycles of life and matter through myths and deities in their Incarnation: A Karmic Opus. In honor of the NEON Festival, this month’s admission to Third Thursday is free for everyone. Due to standing-room-only Third Thursday crowds, admission tickets still are required for entrance to the Studio. Pick up yours at the Glass Studio starting at 6 PM on the night of the event or reserve your tickets in advance at reservations.chrysler.org.

    Learn more.
  • 9:00 pm
    Flip the Switch: Seep NFK
    801 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Seep NFK, a 90 foot-long pink neon sculpture, drips slowly down the brick façade of an historic warehouse in Norfolk’s NEON District. Be there when the lights are illuminated for the first time by artist Erik L. Peterson and his neon team. Brought to the NEON District by Business Consortium for Arts Support, Downtown Norfolk Council, Work Release and the 801 Condo Association.

    Learn more.
  • 9:00 pm - 2:00 am
    Naughty x Norfolk with DJ CanRock
    Work Release
    759 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Free Friday is an experiment in aesthetic, genre and community. This focus on creative community and verge culture is a game changer for our area. Naughty x Norfolk is back with music by Gabe Niles, CanRock, NADO and a special performance by Young Crazy.

    Learn more.
  • 9:00 pm - 2:00 am
    VEER Venues: Cheap Thrills
    Work Release
    759 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Produced by VEER Magazine and Norfolk Festevents, VEER Venues gives ETC fans the opportunity to embrace Norfolk’s arts and culture scene all over the city. The NEON hosts a VEER Venue at Work Release with Cheap Thrills.

    Learn more.
  • 10:00 pm - 11:30 pm
    TOO FAR: The Dirtiest, Most Inappropriate Comedy Show EVER!
    Push Comedy Theater
    763 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Are you ready to get dirty!?! Brad and Sean of the Pushers have assembled a twisted team of writers and actors to bring you the dirtiest, most offensive show Hampton Roads has ever seen. It’s a show we’re calling Too Far. WARNING: This show isn’t for everyone. If you’re not a fan of foul, sophomoric, potty humor…then this is not the show for you. Tickets are $10, it’s recommended you get your tickets in advance.

    Learn more.
  • Anytime
    757 Energy & Vibe by Jerrod Ray
    717 Boush Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    The mural’s vibrant colors reflect the current energy and vibe of Hampton Roads’ growing arts community. Ray collaborated with WKTR News 3, a large stakeholder in the NEON District.

    Learn more.
  • Anytime
    Art Benches by Governor’s School for the Arts
    Throughout the NEON District

    To provide public seating and creatively enhance the NEON, Governor’s School for the Arts students painted six benches for sidewalks in the neighborhood. The City of Norfolk generously donated vintage benches from Town Point Park that were refurbished and painted by students Jeanelle Estanislao, Bethany Barto, Caillyn Jeffery, Sierra Delamarter, Olivia Brassingram and Zoe Migliozzi.

    Learn more.
  • Anytime
    Fabulous Fiber Stew by Mixed Media Fiber Center at d’Art
    Moseley Lane, Norfolk, VA 23510

    D’Art Center artists Peggy Beardslee, Pamela Winslow and Heather Younger bring out their wild and woolly fabric sculpture for display on the fence along Moseley Lane’s new murals.

    Learn more.
  • Anytime
    Green Machine by Hampton Boyer
    795 Monticello Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510

    For his mural in the NEON, Hampton Boyer was inspired by his son’s love of monster trucks, but also the need to preserve the environment. His design features a solar-powered “Green Machine” and wagons promoting two aspects of the “green” movement, getting back to nature and recycling.

    Learn more.
  • Anytime
    Hats, Music and Technology by Clyde Santana
    Magazine Lane, Norfolk VA 23510

    Inspired by hat retailer Stark & Legum’s longstanding business in downtown Norfolk, artist Clyde Santana and Norfolk State University students created a mural that pays homage to the Harlem Renaissance, Cubism and men’s fashion throughout the twentieth century.

  • Anytime
    Have Heart by Alan Jelercic and Community
    114 Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510

    The result of a wheatpaste workshop led by artist Alan Jelercic and Governor’s School for the Arts, the collaborative temporary mural Have Heart is the work of Lisa Beckman, Heather Bryant, Elizabeth Cooke, Kyler Davis, Alex Drewry, Caitlin Edwards, Devyn Hoshour, Jeannine Owens, Jesse Scaccia, Will Sprueill and Heather Thurston. The participants created many small drawings that formed one cohesive image.

  • Anytime
    Out of the Chrysler into the NEON: Encore
    801 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    These wheatpasted figures are from the Chrysler Museum of Art’s permanent collection as part of the Outings Project, a global art project that seeks to bring images out of local museums into the streets. The images are wheat-pasted in an urban setting, facilitating potentially unexpected encounters between pedestrian and image. Created and installed by Old Dominion University professor Manuela Mourao.

    Learn more.
  • Anytime
    Push It Real Good by Heidi Peelen
    Push Comedy Theater
    763 Granby St., Norfolk, VA 23510

    Push Comedy Theater collaborated with Glass Wheel Studio artist Heidi Peelen to create a mural celebrating their fun aesthetic and historic Auto Row storefront.

    Learn more.
  • Anytime
    Reach by Heather Bryant
    117 W. Olney Road, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Reach promotes universal harmony between variant entities by depicting diverse characters with shared visual attributes that emphasize their common experience. Dots are scattered throughout the composition attempting to, and often, making contact. By connecting the dots we are woven into a patterned and interconnected existence. Sponsored by Virginia Furniture.

    Learn more.
  • Anytime
    Seep NFK by Erik L. Peterson
    801 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Chicago-based artist Erik L. Peterson is the creator of Seep NFK, a monumental pink neon ooze sculpture installed on the north side of 801 Granby Street. First seen in the inaugural exhibition at Work Release, Seep has been reconfigured for long term public view in Norfolk’s NEON District.

    Learn more.
  • Anytime
    Symbiotic Nuances by Solomon Isekeije
    806 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Artist and Norfolk State University professor Solomon Isekeije’s work is a dynamic collision of European and African motifs. This multi-figure composition draws inspiration from sources ranging from Nigerian textile patterns to traditional African masquerades with nods to the Cubist and Surrealist works of Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró.

    Learn more.
  • Anytime
    The Dance by Amelia Langford
    814 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Richmond visual artist Amelia Langford is known for her nature-inspired black and white compositions. For her mural in Norfolk’s NEON District, she utilized the existing pale yellow paint on the wall to add a warm undertone to her striking design work.

    Learn more.
  • Anytime
    Transparent Seas by Jason Levesque + Grow
    745 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Transparent Seas is an interactive mural that uses light and color to transform the artwork as its viewers pass by. Created in collaboration with renowned artist Jason Levesque, the 40’ installation is located in Norfolk’s NEON District, where color and light are brightening a once-overlooked neighborhood.

    Learn more.
THE NEON FESTIVAL
Sep 15-18 2016

FAQ

  1. What does NEON stand for?

    NEON is an acronym for New Energy Of Norfolk, which represents the energetic and creative community of Norfolk’s Arts District.
  2. Who can I contact for more information?

    Please contact info@neonnfk.com for more information about the NEON District and the NEON Festival.
  3. Can I volunteer?

    Yes! Please click here to sign up for volunteering or contact the festival’s volunteer coordinator, Kara Forbes at kforbes@downtownnorfolk.org.
  4. What are the festival hours?

    Thursday night the festival runs from 5 to 10 pm at the Chrysler Museum of Art. Friday and Saturday at the Plot the festival is 5 to 9 pm. Sunday at the Plot the festival is 12 to 5 pm.
  5. Is the festival family-friendly?

    The NEON Festival is a great place to bring kids for early evening festivities. There will be arts and crafts, a dance parade and other fun activities for children. And Sunday afternoon is all about kids in the NEON! The Plot will be home to storytelling, face painting, family-friendly music and puppet shows.
  6. Is the the festival free and open to the public?

    Yes, the NEON Festival’s events are free and open to all.

  7. Where is the best place to park?

    Parking is available at the Harrison Opera House lot, at the Chrysler Museum of Art and at the Cedar Grove lot on Monticello Avenue.
THE NEON FESTIVAL
Sep 15-18 2016

Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Producing Sponsors

Contributing Sponsors

Friend Sponsor

Kerneos Inc.

Mural Donor

Norfolk Southern Foundation
Paul Sharp
Rose & Womble Realty Company
Virginia Furniture
Push Comedy Theater
Governor's School for the Arts

THE NEON FESTIVAL
Sep 15-18 2016

Contact

Contact info@neonnfk.com for more information on the NEON Festival.