THE NEON FESTIVAL
Oct 19-20 2017

About

The NEON Festival is a 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
Oct 19-20 2017

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 Matthew Geller and Jacob Eveland, to local heroes like Aimee Bruce and Mensah Bey, to the world-renowned Chrysler Museum of Art, come see the new energy of Norfolk on display.

 

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THE NEON FESTIVAL
Oct 19-20 2017

Food &
Spirits

There’ll be plenty to eat and drink on hand for the festival, including signature fare from NEON staples like Commune, 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
Oct 19-20 2017

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 The Plot for live DJ sets, the Push Comedy Theater for belly laughs, and the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio for live glassblowing performances!

THE NEON FESTIVAL
Oct 19-20 2017

Schedule

Thursday 10/19Friday 10/20
AllPublic ArtFood + SpiritsEntertainment
  • 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Zeke’s Beans & Bowls
    800 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    The one 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 - 8:00 pm
    Zeke’s Beans & Bowls
    800 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    The one 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.
  • 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 - 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 - 1:00 pm
    Noon Demo with Jason Chakravarty & Jennifer Caldwell
    Chrysler Museum Glass Studio
    745 Duke Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Join Chrysler Museum Glass Studio for a special noon demo featuring artists Jason Chakravarty and Jennifer Caldwell, in partnership with Glass Wheel Studio. All noon demos at the Perry Glass Studio are free and open to the public. See Worthy by Jennifer Caldwell & Jason Chakravarty is on view at Glass Wheel Studio through November 5th.

    Learn more.
  • 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm
    Bearded Bird Brewing Company
    727 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Bearded Bird Brewing is a small micro- brewery in the heart of Norfolk, Virginia’s NEON District. With ever growing taps the brewers have found a way to combine the enjoyment of craft beer with the creativity of homebrewing

    Learn more.
  • 4:00 pm
    Jhane’s Sweet Lounge
    731 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Jhane’s is a full service restaurant, bakery, and entertainment lounge in the NEON District. Come for the amazing house-made desserts and stay for the fun and diverse atmosphere.

    Learn more.
  • 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
    Commune
    759 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Commune is a sustainable eatery, bakery and cafe featuring local ingredients. Commune Norfolk also hosts live music and rotating art exhibitions with the Rutter Family Art Foundation.

    Learn more.
  • 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
    Commune
    759 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Commune is a sustainable eatery, bakery and cafe featuring local ingredients. Commune Norfolk also hosts live music and rotating art exhibitions with the Rutter Family Art Foundation.

    Learn more.
  • 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
    Compelling Images from Virginia Photographers
    d'Art Center
    d'Art Center, 740 Duke Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Compelling Images from Virginia Photographers celebrates professional, original photography with varied aesthetics from around the Commonwealth of Virginia. The juried exhibition was hand selected by Chrysler Museum of Art director and guest judge Erik Neil.

    Learn more.
  • 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
    d’Art Center Art Fair
    d'Art Center
    740 Duke Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Continue Third Thursday fun on west side of NEON with the outdoor d’Art Fair, featuring live music, beer from Smartmouth Brewing Company, a food truck, a make and take craft from the d’Art Center artists, and arts and crafts vendors! Head up to the parking deck behind d’Art for all the activity.

    Learn more.
  • 5:00 pm
    Galaxy Dynamite and Acoustic Set
    Commune
    759 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Commune celebrates this year’s NEON Festival with an acoustic “improv” set from 6 to 8 pm, then Galaxy Dynamite will be laying down tunes starting at 9 pm. Late night food menu and local beer, wine and cocktails on deck.

    Learn more.
  • 5:00 pm - 2:00 am
    Island Canteen
    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
    Stark & Legum’s Hat-tober
    Stark & Legum
    739 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Style is an art form at Stark and Legum, the longstanding mens’ fashion clothier in NEON. The haberdashery premiers its new tailored line, Alfa, with a trunk show, reception and sale with special guest acoustic guitar and harmonica player Michael Finster. Plus, model a Stark and Legum hat on your Facebook page.

    Learn more.
  • 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
    The Art of Dying Exhibition Opening Night
    Commune
    759 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Join Commune and the Rutter Family Art Foundation for an opening party in honor of The Art of Dying, an exhibition curated by John Wadsworth. Food and drinks all night and live entertainment starting at 8pm with a DJ set by curator John Wadsworth and a NEON Festival after-party performance by Black Blinds.

    Learn more.
  • 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
    The Rhythm Project
    140 W. Olney Road, 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 third year to kick off the ribbon cutting for Norfolk Arts’ new sculpture by artist Matthew Geller.

    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, enjoy live music, improv performances by Push Comedy Theater, lawn games, and hands on NEON fun! Join Bhav Brigade for Glow Yoga on the lawn, listen to the Governor’s School for the Arts Jazz Combo and grab a bite from one of the many food trucks. And don’t forget to stop by the cash bar! All FREE!

    Learn more.
  • 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
    Free Improv Shows at the Push Comedy Theater
    Push Comedy Theater
    763 Granby St., Norfolk, VA 23510

    In honor of this amazing celebration, the Push will be hosting free improv shows all night long. Starting at 6:30 there will be free improv shows every half hour featuring The Pushers and some of the Push Comedy Theater’s funniest improvisers.

    Learn more.
  • 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
    Public Art Dedication: Art & Rising Tides in the NEON
    140 W. Olney Road, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Norfolk Arts celebrates Visual Arts Month and the newest Public Art Commission in the NEON District, artist Matthew Geller’s sculpture funded by the National Endowment for the Arts Our Town grant. City officials will cut the ribbon and officially kick off the festival, with music provided by the Rhythm Project.

    Learn more.
  • 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
    Bearded Bird Pop Up Gallery
    Bearded Bird Brewing
    727 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Bearded Bird Pop Up Gallery features artwork by local artists Tommy Mitchell, Raytheon Dunn, David Scott, Henry Meredith, Jessica Cunbow, Chelsey Burch, Rachel Smith, and Danielle Feliciano. Plus Voodoo Pies serving up their famous pierogies.

    Learn more.
  • 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
    Chalk Art and Face Painting with GSA
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Students from the Visual Arts Department at Governor’s School for the Arts will be creating artwork with the community using chalk on the Plot ground area and painting faces for the kids.

    Learn more.
  • 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
    Community Art Lab with Cedric Douglas
    Hurrah Players' Copeland Center
    112 W. Wilson Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Boston-based street artist Cedric Douglas will have just completed a new, large-scale mural in the NEON District on the side of the Hurrah’s Copeland Center. Meet Cedric and learn how to make your own spray paint T-shirt work of art.

    Learn more.
  • 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
    Copeland Center Pop Up Gallery
    Hurrah Players' Copeland Center
    112 W. Wilson Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510

    The new Hurrah Players’ Copeland Center features a pop up gallery for NEON in the front lobby space, featuring artwork by local artists Todd Webb, Ilona Sklyarevsky, Adam Stanton, Sandra Alderman, Anita Kelly, Carianne Short, Andrew Adkison, Zak Varos, Amanda Paige Stephens and Parrish Majesty.

  • 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
    Cybernetic Kinetics: A Journey Into the Future
    Bearded Bird Brewing
    727 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Local artist and tech wizard James McDowell presents a new media art experience in Bearded Bird. Become entranced and amazed by robotic sculpture and holographic imagery!

  • 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
    Governor’s School for the Arts Jazz Combo
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    GSA’s amazing student musicians perform as the Jazz Combo, kicking off the Plot stage Friday evening with an exploration of jazz greats like Ellington, Brubeck and Coltrane.

    Learn more.
  • 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
    Hurrah Players Present The Lion King Experience
    Hurrah Players' Copeland Center
    112 W. Wilson Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Famed children’s theater troupe Hurrah Players present a special preview of their fall spectacular, Disney’s The Lion King Experience. Kick off a night of programming in the beautiful new Perry Family Theater with Simba, Rafiki, and an unforgettable cast of characters.

    Learn more.
  • 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
    Make & Take Printmaking with Artists Emily Bartelt and Navid Rahman
    Glass Wheel Studio
    Glass Wheel Studio, 128 W. Olney Road, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Join Glass Wheel Studio in the courtyard for a fun printmaking activity for all ages inspired by the Trains of Thought Exhibition! With live music from Oahu and cash bar inside the studio.

    Learn more.
  • 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
    Norfolk State Pop Up Gallery
    717 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    The property owners of 717 Granby Street graciously loaned the space for a pop up gallery during NEON that features artwork by Norfolk State University graduate students and faculty, Mensah Bey, Dañetta Evans, Sekou Frye, LaKaye Mbah, Donald Wilson and Solomon Isekeije.

    Learn more.
  • 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
    Prince Ink NEON T-Shirt Pop Up
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Famed printers and all-around good guys Prince Ink will be popping up at The Plot to serve up fresh screen-printed T-shirts with NEON logo designs. Watch the guys print on site and then buy your very own NEON shirt to sport around the Festival.

    Learn more.
  • 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
    See Worthy by Jennifer Caldwell and Jason Chakravarty
    Glass Wheel Studio
    Glass Wheel Studio, 128 W. Olney Road, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Jennifer Caldwell (Kingston, WA) and Jason Chakravarty (Phoenix, AZ) often work collaboratively while traveling for residencies and workshops. Recent trips to Japan, Cuba, Turkey, and Israel have spurned new bodies of work inspired by the objects, places, and people they meet along the way.

    Learn more.
  • 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
    SPARK Poster Exhibition & Silent Auction
    The Virginian-Pilot Fence
    723 Magazine Lane, Norfolk, VA 23510

    In contribution to this year’s NEON Festival, AIGA Hampton Roads is bringing back SPARK — a juried exhibition and silent auction of posters exploring the most pressing issues in our communities. Awards will be bestowed for Best In Show, People’s Choice, Emerging Designer, and Honorable Mentions. Top submissions are displayed in the exhibition along Magazine Lane during the festival.

    Learn more.
  • 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
    TBA Presents: Berries | Cyborg Justice | Flavored Water | Shormey
    Bearded Bird Brewing
    727 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Join TBA Productions at Bearded Bird Brewing as they take over the patio stage with live music from local bands: Berries (VB dream pop lovers), Cyborg Justice (NFK synthy indie darlin’s), Flavored Water (PVA synth pop sweethearts), & Shormey (CHESAPEAKE electronic hype master). All free and open to the public!

    Learn more.
  • 6:00 pm - 10:00 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.
  • 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
    Trains of Thought by Emily Bartelt and Navid Rahman
    Glass Wheel Studio
    Glass Wheel Studio, 128 W. Olney Road, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Trains of Thought is a new collaboration between Emily Bartelt and Navid Rahman. Navid creates an immersive pop-up book inspired two-dimensional city, while Emily casts 3-D large scale glass objects meant to live within Navid’s multi-layered landscape.

    Learn more.
  • 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
    VirginiaAF Pop Up Gallery
    848 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Virginia as F*ck Gallery is a one night gallery pop up centralizing black, brown, queer and radically political / artistic voices. It is a call to recalibrate – from straight / white as neutral – to an American identity that centralizes black, brown, and LGBQT people, asserting themselves as a fluid, intelligent, articulate, pioneering, dissenting culture relentlessly reinventing itself as it fights for freedom and justice. Presented in connection with #americanAF Festival.

    Learn more.
  • 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
    WHRO Emerging Leaders Board Digital Art Pop Up
    Amplified IT
    Amplified IT, 812 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    WHRO’s Emerging Leaders Board hosts a pop-up space for artists to create and display digital art, giving community members a platform to comment on how technology has impacted how they create and consume visual content.

    Learn more.
  • 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
    Yoga on the Green
    600 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    As a celebration of Norfolk Yoga Month, the local yoga studios are joining forces for a special class during NEON Festival. All five yoga studios of Norfolk, The Space Above, Hot House, Breathe, Beach Belly’s, and My Yoga Spirit will be co-teaching an all-levels class at the big grass lot on the corner of Granby Street and Brambleton Avenue. Bring your mat — but the grass there is super soft and the night is young!

    Learn more.
  • 6:00 pm - 12:00 am
    Zeke’s Pop Up Gallery
    Zeke's Beans & Bowls
    800 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Zeke’s Beans & Bowls hosts a pop up gallery featuring artwork by local artists Mallory Jarrell and Zorina Amen in the courtyard patio, with an art show inside by local artist Jeff Tarkenton.

  • 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
    Lumière Liquide by C.Main
    The Renova Center
    122 W. Wilson Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Lumiere Liquide brings the lush light shows of the 60s psychedelic era to the streets of Norfolk. This will be the largest and first outdoor exhibit by C.Main, incorporating and layering projections from multiple overhead and slide projectors to create unique moving works of art set to a music.

    Learn more.
  • 6:30 pm - 7:30 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 2017. Led by local artists and community leaders working on public art in the NEON.

  • 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
    Voices of Virginia
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Governor’s School for the Arts’ a cappella group Voices of Virginia serenades the NEON Festival, starting at the Plot and moving around the NEON District.

    Learn more.
  • 6:30 pm - 6:45 pm
    Wearable Art Parade and Fashion Show
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Students from the Visual Arts  Department from Governor’s School for the Arts will be creating wearable art in neon fashions,  modeled by students in the Visual Arts and Dance departments, and student dancers from Todd Rosenlieb Dance.

    Learn more.
  • 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
    WHRO Classical Open Mic at the NEON Festival
    Hurrah Players' Copeland Center
    112 W. Wilson Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Join WHRO for a fun, relaxed evening celebrating the vibrancy of our local classical music community, with host Chaz Stuart, the weekend announcer on WHRO-FM. Classical musicians of all ages are invited to perform a solo or chamber work.

    Learn more.
  • 7:00 pm - 7:15 pm
    Dragonfly Tribal Belly Dance Troupe
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Dragonfly Tribal is a local professional belly dance troupe from Hampton that strives to entertain and and educate audiences about dance and musical art forms from other cultures. This is their second appearance at the NEON Festival.

    Learn more.
  • 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
    Fretomology
    Slone Chiropractic Clinic
    111 W. Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Fretymology the band are seven guys, including NEON District chiropractor Lonnie Slone, who have a passion for music and have developed a close friendship bond. Come listen to Classic Rock, Americana, and Southern Rock at their pop up stage at the parking lot between Exotic Home and Slone Chiropractic.

    Learn more.
  • 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
    Glow Flow Yoga
    Chrysler Museum of Art
    One Memorial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Join the Bhav Brigade for the most colorful night of the year! Bring your friends, family, and your mat/blanket and let your light shine bright under the stars on the lawn of the Chrysler Museum. Brightly lit bangles will be provided by the Bhav crew, but feel free to go all out with any personal decor you see fit!

    Learn more.
  • 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
    Open Mic Night at Bearded Bird
    Bearded Bird Brewing
    727 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Come take the stage at Bearded Bird Brewing for an unforgettable open mic with musicians and performers from all over Hampton Roads. Hosted by Msesippi McQuown Henry and Billy England. All styles welcome! Get there early to sign up!

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

    Norfolk band 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. See them at the Copeland Center in their second NEON Festival appearance.

    Learn more.
  • 7:30 pm - 7:45 pm
    Enchanted Flow Artists
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Swirling vortexes of lights and magic! A duo out of the Hampton Roads area, performers Samantha and Kathryn dazzle crowds with their individual flow of LED hoop dance.

    Learn more.
  • 7:30 pm - 8:30 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 2017. Led by local artists and community leaders working on public art in the NEON.

  • 7:30 pm
    NEON Pop Up Dances
    The Plot
    The Plot, 776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Join ODU professors Natalia Schradle and Megan Thompson as they turn NEON District sidewalks into stages.

    Learn more.
  • 7:30 pm
    NEON Pop Up Dances: Parking Garage Edition
    d'Art Center
    d'Art Center, 740 Duke Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Join Natalia Schradle and Megan Thompson along with ODU faculty, alumni and students as they transform the d’Art Center parking garage; complete with a live band and NEON drumsticks!

    Learn more.
  • 7:45 pm - 8:00 pm
    Kick Start Art Gallery and the Captivating Cats
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Kick Start Art Gallery combines forces with local dance team Captivating Cats for a brand new performance piece entitled I AM, incorporating dance and art. Three artists will be live-painting while the Cats take the stage at the Plot.

  • 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
    3rd 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 and the Muse Writers Center bring together an eclectic group of dedicated Norfolk poets to share words and vibes.

    Learn more.
  • 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
    Hunter Rhodes Live Magic Show
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Ready to get “Magicish”?! Magician Hunter Rhodes brings a fresh dose of magic to the NEON Festival, roaming neighborhood streets and at The Plot to make audiences realize how cool magic is. His innovative approach uses magic, comedy, and music creating a fun atmosphere for anyone.

    Learn more.
  • 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
    Musing: A Performance Piece by Betty Gowans
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Musing is an ongoing sculptural performance by Betty Gowans focused on meditation, introspection, relationships, and environment. It intends to provoke thought in the audience, as well as the wearer of the piece, by its juxtaposition and role in the situations that it is performed. Watch the performers drift and interact with the crowd around The Plot.

    Learn more.
  • 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
    Teens with a Purpose: The Glow Up
    The Plot
    776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510

    Catch the glow up at the NEON Festival as Teens with a Purpose takes the stage for an original and electrifying musical, poetic and dance performance.

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

    At the Chrysler’s Perry Glass Studio, don’t miss a performance of”The Reclamation” by glass artist Rob Stern with music by the Russell Scarborough Trio. Stern and a procession of Studio actors will use small, hot, cast glass to brand a series of wood panels, creating a vague image of an architectural structure.


     

    Learn more.
  • Anytime
    A Series of Fortunate Events by Tamika Bright-Stubblefield
    800 Granby Street

    Local artist Tamika Bright-Stubblefield works in yarn, paint and collage, creating views she calls ‘beyond this place’. Her yarn mural is a long term installation designed to weather over time.

    Learn more.
  • Anytime
    Ajent of NEON by Mensah Bey
    746 Granby Street

    Ajent of NEON visualizes the thriving NEON District in Norfolk and its commitment to beautifying a growing city by the hands of artists and creators. The surrealistic painting is influenced by the dynamic cubism style of Jacob Lawrence with references to Michelangelo’s “The Creation of Adam.”

    Learn more.
  • Anytime
    Art and Rising Tides by Matthew Geller
    140 W. Olney Road, Norfolk, VA 23510

    In 2016, the City of Norfolk Public Art Commission received a National Endowment for the Arts Our Town grant to create public art addressing a community issue. Artist Matthew Geller created a large water-collecting swingset to bring awareness to Norfolk’s relationship with sea-level rise and flooding.

    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 fine art students.

    Learn more.
  • Anytime
    Daisies by Kelsey Witt
    129 W. Virginia Beach Boulevard
  • Anytime
    Mural by Cedric Douglas
    112 W. Wilson Avenue

    Boston-based muralist Cedric Douglas brings his combination of hyper realism and wild imagination to the Hurrah Players’ Copeland Center. The large scale mural dives into themes of Afrofuturism, fantasy and creativity within a street aesthetic.

    Learn more.
  • Anytime
    NEON Fiber Garden by Danielle Shaffer
    141 W Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23510

    The NEON Fiber Garden grew out of local crafter Hookdeedoo’s passion for all things yarn. Over months of knitting and crocheting a group of women spun a flowering botanical garden and then installed on a chainlink fence in NEON to beautify the area.

    Learn more.
  • Anytime
    OXOXO by Jacob Eveland
    111 W. Virginia Beach Boulevard

    Jacob Eveland is a Richmond based artist that makes work based on his life experiences. His mural in the NEON District is a nod to Slone Chiropractic clinic with skulls and spines interwoven into a graphic collage of human anatomy.

    Learn more.
  • Anytime
    Solidarity by Aimee Bruce
    141 W. Virginia Beach Boulevard

    Solidarity, inspired by George Orwell’s Animal Farm, relates to our overall political situation regarding the events and setbacks that have taken place. Similar to the animals banding together to support the shed, we the people must also combine efforts to transcend the boundaries that keep us from progressing to a viable future.

    Learn more.
  • Anytime
    The Chase by Ryan Lytle
    150 W. Brambleton Avenue

    The Chase is a temporary woven installation about the reversal of predator and prey, letting the artist experiment with translating the visual language into a medium that came be displayed outdoors in a public forum.

    Learn more.
THE NEON FESTIVAL
Oct 19-20 2017

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 and Glass Studio and d’Art Center. Friday at the Plot and along Granby Street the festival is 6 to 10 pm.
  5. Is the festival family-friendly?

    The NEON Festival is a great place to bring kids for early evening festivities. There will be live music, arts and crafts, and other fun activities for children.
  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
Oct 19-20 2017

Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Producing Sponsors

Contributing Sponsors

Beer Sponsor

Friend Sponsor

Visit Norfolk

Mural Donor

Norfolk Southern Foundation
Governor's School for the Arts
Robert Marcus
Slone Chiropractic Clinic
The Renova Center
Joseph T. Waldo

THE NEON FESTIVAL
Oct 19-20 2017

Contact

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