Oct 18-19 2018About
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!
Oct 18-19 2018Public 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 Ivan Roque and Lori Pratico, to local heroes like Christopher Kozak and Scott Walker.
See The Art Map
Oct 18-19 2018Food &
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 Sanctuary, as well as from numerous food trucks throughout the district. And be sure to head over to the Plot’s Beer Garden or Bearded Bird Brewing for a cold one.
Oct 18-19 2018Entertainment
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!
Oct 18-19 2018Schedule
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8:00AM - 10:00PMZeke’s Beans & Bowls800 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.
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8:00AM - 8:00PMZeke’s Beans & Bowls800 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.
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11:00AM - 11:00PMSanctuary Norfolk109 Addison Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
If you find yourself lingering in front of paintings at museums, love the sound of a motorcycle engine, take great lengths to intake tacos, or enjoy a cold beer on a hot day, SANCTUARY is your saving grace. As a new addition to the NEON District, Sanctuary supports local artists and the things they love: good wine, beer, and cocktails, and a place to share them with friends. Whatever your MO, you can be sure of one thing: all of the tacos are made to order. Whatever you want–nothing more, nothing less.
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12:00PM - 1:00PMArtist Talk with Lori PraticoOld Dominion University 5115 Hampton Boulevard, Norfolk, Virginia 23529
The NEON Festival along with ODU’s departments of Art and Women’s Studies bring you a lecture by artist and community activist Lori Pratico. Pratico founded Girl Noticed, a community mural project. Girl Noticed makes the bold statement that it is a community’s responsibility to notice, and yield to the greatness in every girl. The artist hosts community workshops, mentors local artists on her processes and awards scholarships to individuals and organizations. Meet Lori on ODU’s campus Friday at noon.
Lecture will take place in ODU’s New Education Building, or ED2, on the northwest corner of Hampton Blvd and 43rd street, across from Ted Constant Center and the Fire Station. Best parking for visitors will be the 43rd Street or 45th Street garages.
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4:00PM - 10:00PMBearded Bird Brewing Company727 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.
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4:00PMJhane’s Sweet Lounge731 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.
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5:00PM - 10:00PMCommune759 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.
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5:00PMCulture814 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
NEON’s newest restaurant and bar, Culture is an eclectic and fun lounge with live music, dj’s and local artworks on display.
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5:00PM - 9:00PMImpression: A National Printmaking Exhibition Openingd'Art Center 740 Duke Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Impression is an exhibition that features the fine art of printmaking in traditional methods such as screen printing, letterpress, relief, lithography, and intaglio. The exhibition’s reception, the first night of the NEON Festival, hosts food trucks, a DJ, photo booth, printmaking make-and-takes, edition prints of exhibited work for sale, Smartmouth Brewery, and more. Exhibition awards announced at 7pm.
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5:00PM - 9:00PMNEON Festival Kick Off at the MuseumChrysler Museum of Art One Memorial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510
At the Chrysler Museum of Art, enjoy live music from Mosquito Cabaret, lawn games, and hands on NEON fun! Join Bhav Brigade for Glow Yoga on the lawn, listen to the Rhythm Project and grab a bite from one of the many food trucks. And don’t forget to stop by the cash bar! All FREE!
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5:00PM - 10:00PMSomething Beautiful Exhibition Opening NightCommune 759 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Join Commune and the Rutter Family Art Foundation for an opening party in honor of an exhibition curated by Jason Hawkes of Cardinal Skate Shop. Food and drinks all night and live entertainment starting at 5pm with DJ Ologist.
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5:00PM - 9:00PMStark & Legum’s Hat-toberStark & 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.
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5:15PM - 5:45PMAPA’s Great Places in America Award CeremonyHague Bridge Mowbray Arch, Norfolk, VA 23510
Bring a friend and find out why the American Planning Association designated Ghent as one of America’s Great Places. Join city leaders and Ghent community partners in unveiling a plaque marking the achievement on Thursday, October 18 at 5:15 p.m. Following the unveiling, the public is welcome to attend a small reception at the Chrysler Museum of Art and then stay for the fun of the NEON Festival.
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5:30PM - 9:00PMFree Improv Shows at the Push Comedy TheaterPush Comedy Theater 763 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
In honor of this amazing celebration, the Push will be hosting free improv shows all night long. Starting at 5:30 there will be free improv shows every half hour featuring The Pushers and some of the Push Comedy Theater’s funniest improvisers.
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5:30PM - 6:30PMMeet the Artist: Scott WalkerSanctuary 109 Addison Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Retail Alliance is proud to add a mural in the NEON District celebrating being a local business LOVEVA! Meet the artist Scott Walker and get a great view of the mural from the back deck of Sanctuary. It will be a great way to start your evening during the NEON Festival.
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5:30PM - 6:30PMThe Rhythm ProjectChrysler Museum of Art One Memorial Place, 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 fourth year to kick off the festival at the Chrysler Museum of Art outside on the museum lawn.
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5:45PM - 6:30PMDown the DrainChrysler Museum of Art One Memorial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510
Down the Drain is a choreographic editorial cartoon of sorts involving familiar porcelain fixtures. The performance is a humorous yet critical comment on how we treat our home planet. Performed by Old Dominion University dance professor Marilyn Marloff and ODU dance staff and students.
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6:00PM - 8:00PM#workingartistsstudiosDuke Grace Building 740 Duke Street, Suite 250, Norfolk, VA 23510
#workingartistsstudios is a new art collaborative in the Duke Grace Building comprised of award-winning artists Janice Gay Maker, Jeanne Goodman, Helen Jones, Anne May and Vonnie Whitworth. The new studio provides a home for the artists to work independently and supports interaction between all. Welcome them to their new space during the NEON Festival.
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6:00PM - 7:30PMBlacklight Yoga Party806 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Join Breathe Easy and Smile Yoga Co. for a donation-based blacklight NEON yoga party in the former Alchemy warehouse. Co-hosted by Bhav Brigade of Hampton Roads, this fun, 60 minute class includes glow jewelry and a face paint station. Class begins at 6:30 pm so be sure to arrive in time to get your glow on!
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6:00PM - 8:00PMCardinal Skate Shop Balance TrialsStarke Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Balance Trials is an open competition for skateboarders to exhibit their talents and up the ante. Dig in your bag of tricks to get prizes from Nike SB, Theories and more! The goal for Balance Trials is to merge the worlds of skateboarding and art together to recognize skateboarding’s impact in culture today. Obstacles will be painted by illustrator Hampton Boyer.
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6:00PM - 7:00PMChalk Art and Face Painting with GSAThe 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 children and families.
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6:00PM - 10:00PMCopeland Center Pop Up GalleryHurrah Players' Copeland Center 112 W. Wilson Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510
The Hurrah Players’ Copeland Center features a pop up gallery for NEON in the front lobby space, featuring artwork by local artists Ryan Lytle, Lorey Griffin, Paul Mozley, Mensah Bey, Jessica Vanier, Eric Kopack and Scott Walker, with a performance art piece by Johnny Shield on the outdoor patio.
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6:00PM - 10:00PMDCPG Photo BoothThe Plot 776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
DCPG is a full-service, family-owned photography company that specializes in personality through portraiture, photographing beautiful people in Hampton Roads and beyond since 2005. For this year’s NEON Festival they will be offering FREE customized photos at a pop up photo booth at the Plot.
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6:00PM - 8:00PMFear of Acceptance Exhibition723 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Fang Gang presents “Fear of Acceptance,” on Friday during NEON in a neighborhood pop up gallery. Please join the artist and curators for art and music featuring new works by Carl Floyd Medley III and live music by Clary Sage and Young Hierophant.
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6:00PM - 10:00PMFish Bowl Bike Polo Exhibition140 W. Olney Road, Norfolk, VA 23510
Norfolk Bike Polo takes over the Cofer lot with pick up bike polo matches, tasty snacks from Slide Thru #FAM, live music and art exhibits happening throughout Friday evening of NEON Festival. Polo fun begins at 6:00pm with local artists showcasing art in between fun pickup matches. The artists will be live tagging boards that make up the “fish bowl” court.
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6:00PM - 8:00PMFor All Handkind WorkshopZeke's Beans & Bowls 800 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Come get old school with For All Handkind! We’ll be making shrinky dink earrings, pendants and pins to show off your NEON love on the Zeke’s patio. FREE and FABULOUS!
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6:00PM - 8:30PMFor All Handkind WorkshopChrysler Museum of Art One Memorial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510
Come get old school with For All Handkind! We’ll be making shrinky dink earrings, pendants and pins to show off your NEON love in Huber Court during Chrysler Museum’s festival kick off. FREE and FABULOUS!
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6:00PM - 6:30PMGovernor’s School for the Arts Jazz ComboThe 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.
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6:00PM - 6:30PMGSA Vocal StudentsUrban Discovery Ministries 121 E. Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk, VA 23510
Governor’s School for the Arts’ classical singers perform from your favorite operas and musicals for the NEON Festival at Urban Discovery Ministries’ pop up gallery.
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6:00PM - 10:00PMHermitage 3D Printed Art Pop UpAmplified IT 812 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
The Hermitage Museum and Gardens is hosting an evening pop up gallery at Amplified IT during this year’s NEON Festival on Friday, October 19th. Stop by Amplified to view work by local artists Sandy Williams and Mensah Bey, who are utilizing 3D printing, enjoy 3D printing demos on a Makerbot Replicator+ printer, and try the 3Doodler Pen to create your own designs. This pop up is in conjunction with the Hermitage’s fall exhibition, 3D Printing the Smithsonian.
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6:00PM - 6:30PMHurrah Players Present AnnieHurrah Players' Copeland Center 112 W. Wilson Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510
Famed children’s theater troupe Hurrah Players light up the NEON Festival with highlights from the Broadway musical of tomorrow – Annie. A FREE musical treat for the entire family!
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6:00PM - 10:00PMiSheepthroughout the NEON District
iSheep is an interactive art project that focuses on the issue of consent. They love to play, you just have to ask the right way!
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6:00PM - 10:00PMLights of LoveMowbray Arch, Norfolk, VA 23510
Enjoy luminaria as the community comes together to decorate Lights of Love for the Hague. Decorate a lantern in the welcome tent at the city park by the Hague Bridge and enjoy the walking path lit by rows of soft, twinkling white lights as you walk to your favorite spot during the NEON Festival.
When you dedicate a luminary with a donation of any amount, 100% of the proceeds will help Hague Community Cleanup Weekends.
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6:00PM - 7:00PMNEON District Mural TourChrysler Museum Glass Studio 745 Duke 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 2018. Led by local artists and community leaders working on public art in the NEON. Thursday night the tour leaves from the steps of the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio.
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6:00PM - 7:00PMNEON District Mural TourThe 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 2018. Led by local artists and community leaders working on public art in the NEON. Friday night’s tours leave from The Plot at the Cementiscope sculpture.
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6:00PM - 10:00PMODU Community Art LabThe Plot 776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Old Dominion University professor Natalia Pilato and art education students bring to NEON Festival a community art project in anticipation of a large-scale mural in NEON for the spring of 2019. Large canvas panels will be available for anyone to paint by number at the Plot.
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6:00PM - 10:00PMPrince Ink NEON T-Shirt Pop UpThe 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.
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6:00PM - 10:00PMSPARK Poster Exhibition & Silent AuctionMagazine Lane, Norfolk, VA 23510
Celebrate art, design, and community with AIGA Hampton Roads. In contribution to this year’s NEON Festival, AIGA Hampton Roads is hosting the third annual SPARK Poster Show, 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.
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6:00PM - 10:00PMTCC @ NEONGlass Wheel Studio 128 W. Olney Road, Norfolk, VA 23510
For the first time, Tidewater Community College joins the festival to celebrate their future in the NEON District. Future home to TCC’s visual and culinary arts programs, Glass Wheel Studio will feature music by the Blue Moon Jazz Ensemble, culinary treats, displays of student artwork and demos of glassblowing and ceramics in the parking lot beer garden.
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6:00PM - 9:00PMThe Aethernautsd'Art Center 740 Duke Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Join the Aethernauts in a celestial celebration of creativity at NEON Festival 2018 with live painting and music flowing together at the d’Art Center.
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6:00PM - 7:30PMThe Muckrakes140 W. Olney Road, Norfolk, VA 23510
The Muckrakes perform rock-n-roll with bluegrass guts, ragtime legs, folk sensibilities, and a dash of indie for good measure this year at the NEON Festival as part of the festivities at Cofer for Norfolk Bike Polo’s Fishbowl Expo.
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6:00PM - 10:00PMThe Plot Beer GardenThe Plot 776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Meet up in the hub of the festival for games, food trucks, cold brews from O’Connor Brewing Company, live music and cultural performances on the main stage from NEON District arts partners.
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6:00PM - 10:00PMUDM Pop Up GalleryUrban Discovery Ministries 121 E. Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk, VA 23510
Urban Discovery Ministries features a pop up gallery for NEON in their community room, featuring artwork by local artists and a live musical performance by the GSA Vocal Students from 6 to 6:30.
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6:00PM - 10:00PMUhauledSlone Chiropractic Clinic 111 W. Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk, Virginia 23510
UHAULED brings together the works of several queer women artists displayed in a collection of U-Haul moving trucks. The works vary from large scale installation pieces to poetry with the common theme of being about the queer woman experience.
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6:00PM - 10:00PMViBe Art & Coffee Pop Up717 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
1701 Coworking is bringing the ViBe to the NEON Festival in an arts district crossover event! Enjoy a night of art and locally nano-roasted Fathom Coffee, straight from the heart of the ViBe District. This pop-up gallery will include works by 1701 Artists Evan Sokal, Susan Werby, Maple & Belmont, Tara McDaniel, Rebecca McCurdy, Courtney Chetister and Jenny Ditona.
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6:00PM - 10:00PMWHRO Curate Launch PartyBearded Bird Brewing 727 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
The CURATE series explores the thriving art scene in our own backyard and across America. Each week, the program features a Hampton Roads artist, along with artists from across the country, who work in a variety of mediums. Join the WHRO Emerging Leaders Board and CURATE as they showcase creative minds right here in Hampton Roads through a night of music, art and exploration. Featuring live performances by Narissa Bond, Skye Zentz and Billy Mercury.
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6:30PM - 9:00PMGSA Dance: 173Magazine Lane, Norfolk, VA 23510
Watch as Governor’s School for the Arts dance students perform pop up dances in art-filled Magazine Lane. At 6:30 and 7:15 dancers will perform at the north end of the alley, near Nils Westergard’s Kaiya with Finch mural and at 8 and 8:30 the dancers will move to the south end to perform in front of Richard Nickel’s New Energy of Norfolk.
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6:30PM - 7:00PMHunter Rhodes Live Magic ShowHurrah Players' Copeland Center 112 W. Wilson Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510
Ready to get “Magicish”?! Magician Hunter Rhodes brings a fresh dose of magic to the NEON Festival, performing on stage at the Copeland Center and making audiences realize how cool magic is. His innovative approach uses magic, comedy, and music creating a fun atmosphere for anyone.
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6:30PM - 7:00PMNEON and the Art of Bicycling!The Birch 1231 W. Olney Road, Norfolk, VA 23507
Social Cycling Norfolk is hosting a group ride to the NEON Festival! Social cyclers will begin at The Birch, departing at 6:45, and end up at Cofer lot in the NEON District via the Southern ERT. From there explore many different events, food trucks, and musicians around the district.
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6:45PM - 7:15PMKayce LaineThe Plot 776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Hometown singer Kayce Laine drops back into the 757 for a live performance from the Plot main stage. Currently based in Nashville and working on an indie-pop record, Kayce is a new face for the NEON Festival.
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7:00PM - 7:30PMBianca Jackson: Soprano with SoulHurrah Players' Copeland Center 112 W. Wilson Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510
Bianca Jackson is a classically trained lyric coloratura soprano, although equally at home in opera, art song, gospel, jazz, soul and R&B. A scholar as well as musician, Dr. Jackson currently is an Assistant Professor of Music. For the NEON Festival, Bianca takes the stage at the Copeland Center with Soprano with Soul: A Fusion of Styles from Spirituals to R&B.
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7:00PM - 9:00PMFretomologyExotic Home 819 Granby Street, 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.
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7:00PM - 8:00PMGlow Flow YogaChrysler 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. Flow along with local kirtan band Prana Mukti Bhakti. Glow in the dark paint, neon clothes and glow sticks are encouraged! All experience levels welcome.
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7:00PM - 8:00PMNEON District Mural TourChrysler Museum Glass Studio 745 Duke 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 2018. Led by local artists and community leaders working on public art in the NEON. Thursday night the tour leaves from the steps of the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio.
Learn more. -
7:00PM - 8:00PMNEON District Mural TourThe 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 2018. Led by local artists and community leaders working on public art in the NEON. Friday night’s tours leave from The Plot at the Cementiscope sculpture.
Learn more. -
7:00PM - 8:00PMShormeyChrysler Museum Glass Studio 745 Duke Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Outside the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio, check out local dj and musician Shormey spinning atmospheric tunes. Shormey accompanies the new neon sculpture unveiling at 7:45 on the Glass Studio’s rooftop created by the Glass Studio Assistants.
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7:15PM - 7:30PMDragonfly Tribal Belly Dance TroupeThe 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 third appearance at the NEON Festival.
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7:30PM - 8:30PMBJ Griffin and Jason BrownGlass Wheel Studio 128 W. Olney Road, Norfolk, VA 23510
As part of the TCC @ NEON celebration, dynamic duo BJ Griffin and Jason Brown take the stage inside Glass Wheel Studio amid student artwork and culinary displays. Glass Wheel Studio is open to the public all evening inside and out.
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7:30PM - 8:00PMLiving in the ResidueRetail Alliance 838 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
ODU dance professors Katie Iacono Thompson and Megan Thompson make the wall of Retail Alliance come alive during The NEON Festival 2018! Join them on Friday, October 19th at 7:30PM-8:00PM to see this haunting mural/performance.
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7:30PM - 8:30PMTeens with a Purpose & FortressesThe 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, backed by local musicians Fortresses.
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8:00PM - 9:00PM4th Annual NEON Poetry ReadingHurrah 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.
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8:00PM - 10:00PMKaraoke at the BirdBearded Bird Brewing 727 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Come take the stage at Bearded Bird Brewing for an unforgettable karaoke night during NEON Festival! Festival beer specials all night long.
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8:00PM - 9:00PMNEON District Mural TourThe 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 2018. Led by local artists and community leaders working on public art in the NEON. Friday night’s tours leave from The Plot at the Cementiscope sculpture.
Learn more. -
8:00PM - 10:00PMThird Thursday at the Glass StudioChrysler Museum Glass Studio 745 Duke St, Norfolk, VA 23510
At the Chrysler’s Perry Glass Studio, don’t miss a performance of “Doing the Plasma Two Step” by neon and glass artist Michael Flechtner with music by Sharkophagus. While there, check out the new neon sculpture on the Glass Studio’s rooftop created by the Glass Studio Assistants. FREE admission however advance tickets are required for the performance. Reserve tickets at www.chrysler.org.
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9:00PM - 10:00PMJim NewsomHurrah Players' Copeland Center 112 W. Wilson Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510
Jim Newsom plays a set of original music, featuring songs from “New Set of Dreams,” his new album set to release the third week of October, just in time for NEON. Onstage in the Copeland Center black box theater as part of the 2018 NEON Festival lineup.
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9:00PM - 10:00PMMOERThe Plot 776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Wrap up the 2018 NEON Festival with a dance party led by local music super group MOER. DJ Charles Rasputin leads up to the finale of NEON at The Plot Beer Garden. Come dance with us!
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9:00PM - 10:00PMThe Great Noise140 W. Olney Road, Norfolk, VA 23510
The Great Noise, a new four piece rock band from Virginia, puts on a passionate and energetic live performance at the Cofer Lot along Olney Road as part of the Norfolk Bike Polo Fishbowl Expo.
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Anytime#ILYNFKVA by Mallory JarrellMuseum Apartments 888 Magazine Lane, Norfolk, VA 23510
In Mallory Jarrell’s mural on the Museum Apartments, four sign language hands together spell out “I love you” and “N F K”, while the Mona Lisa gestures two up two down, representing VA.
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AnytimeA Bright Presence by Christopher KozakUrban Discovery Ministries 121 E. Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk, VA 23510
A dove encompassing the Earth serves to convey the empowering worldwide message delivered by the members of this ministry. This brightly colored project was completed in one day by enthusiastic young members of Urban Discovery Ministries and lead artist Christopher Kozak.
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AnytimeExtraVAganza by Scott WalkerRetail Alliance 838 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
ExtraVAganza is a tribute to the diversity of industries currently thriving within the local community. In the mind of artist Scott Walker, the key to a successfully functioning economy is synchronicity and transparency between all parties, so he created a seemingly-fractured canvas which is holistically tied together by the power of the ‘Love VA’ community. Given the nautical history tied to the area, he also used an octopus to help spread those local values across all four sides of the building.
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AnytimeFlo with the Go by Hank ForemanMagazine Lane, Norfolk, VA 23510
Young Governor’s School for the Arts visual artist Hank Foreman’s design was selected for a new mural on the site of the former neon piece created by GSA students, Wild Alley.
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AnytimeHome by Lookmai Rattana
As a part of NEON’s new neighborhood wayfinding system, the City of Norfolk allowed an artistic vinyl wrap around the intersection’s traffic signal box. Lookmai Rattana’s design addresses the recent rise in numbers of apartment buildings in downtown. The artist thinks of home as simply a place you can come back to, no matter what shape or size. Each
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side of the signal box reflects a different time of the day and season of the year, because a home is always there. -
AnytimeNEON Squared Sidewalk Murals by Governor’s School for the ArtsThroughout the NEON District
As a continuation of their work painting benches and streets in the NEON, Governor’s School for the Arts students now painted six concrete squares of sidewalks in the neighborhood. The City of Norfolk generously agreed to loan the sidewalks as a canvas for the student artists Rena Bridge, Gracie Burnham, Gabby Cantu, Naomy Cardoso, Hank Foreman, Madison Johnson, Brianna Josey, Kailey King and Layla Todd.
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AnytimeNEON Wayfinding Postersthroughout the NEON District
Local artists Andy Harris, Alyssa Strackbein, Amanda Rimmer and Chitra Sharma submitted their own creative designs to be inserted into custom-built steel wayfinding signs for the NEON District street. Their artwork will be on display until 2019, when four new local artists will be selected to share their designs.
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AnytimeNotice Me #13 by Lori Pratico749 Boush Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Girl Noticed is a community mural project ensuring a girl’s self-esteem won’t fade away. Artist Lori Pratico travels the globe to build and maintain a world better informed about the positive impact the simple act of “noticing” a girl has. Local organizations nominated four females to be depicted on a NEON wall, recognizing them in a unique and and compelling way.
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AnytimeThe Chase by Ryan Lytle150 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. Ryan Lytle returned to his piece and NEON in 2018, adding a new wolf fiber sculpture to the fox and hare.
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AnytimeThe Nature of Unity by Ivan RoqueJhane's Sweet Lounge 731 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
This mural’s vines and flowers are representative of different cultures, races and how they wrap with ease throughout each other, creating an abstracted but organic composition which blossoms into a natural way of being and unification. The design invites one to come and interact with the piece, leading the audience directly to the door of Jhane’s Sweet Lounge.
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Oct 18-19 2018FAQ
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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.
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Who can I contact for more information?
Please contact info@neonnfk.com for more information about the NEON District and the NEON Festival.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Is the the festival free and open to the public?
Yes, the NEON Festival’s events are free and open to all.
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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.
Oct 18-19 2018Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Producing Sponsors
Contributing Sponsors
Beer Sponsor
Friend Sponsor
Visit Norfolk
Slone Chiropractic Clinic
TowneBank
Hilton Norfolk The Main
Ann P. Stokes Landscape Architects
Mural Donor
Norfolk Southern Foundation
Botetourt Apartments
Jhane's Sweet Lounge
Retail Alliance
