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!
Wander through the neighborhood and discover tiny art happenings, large-scale murals and pops of neon color and light. See works on walls by celebrated national artists like Esteban del Valle and Cedric Douglas, and local heroes like Clayton Singleton and Nicole Harp.
See The Art MapThere’ll be plenty to eat and drink on hand for the festival, including signature fare from NEON staples like CommuneXCROP, 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 Neon House for a cold one.
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!
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8:00AM - 8:00PMZeke’s NFK800 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 - 10:00PMZeke’s NFK800 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. 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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5:00PM - 8:00PMCafe Milo217 Grace Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
NEON’s newest breakfast, lunch and coffee nook keeps cozy company near Chrysler Museum. Cafe Milo is a clean, modern and delicious affair from restaurant biz veterans (an adorable husband and wife team with two tots in tow), with made-to-order dishes and locally roasted coffee. Open late during the NEON Festival for small bites to go and signature sandwiches for dinner. Beer and wine too!
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5:00PMCaior Bistro & Social727 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Granby Street’s newest bistro and social club has great food and an even better vibe. Open Wednesday 4pm-11pm, Thursday-Saturday 4-12am and Sunday 3-9pm.
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5:00PM - 10:00PMCommune X CROP759 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Commune is a farmer-owned sustainable restaurant using local ingredients to serve delicious and conscientious food and drink. The CROP Foundation, founded by chef Kip Poole, is a program devoted to mentoring students and young people interested in culinary careers. Together they form CommunexCROP, a restaurant that provides a commercial kitchen to serve as an educational facility and a source of funding for CROP.
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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 - 10:00PMLa Brioche765 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
La Brioche is the newest culinary delight to be found in NEON with authentic French delights baked fresh every day. Pick up a pain au chocolat, ham and cheese croisant, baguette, pie or sandwich and you’ll never regret it!
Their Friday evening pop-up shop features watercolors by Alice Liu and glass artworks by Kelsey Finnie.
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6:00PM - 8:00PMHummingbird Macarons & Desserts809 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Stay up late with Hummingbird’s singularly delicious macarons and desserts, only available in the NEON District.
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AnytimeAffinity by Layla ToddMagazine Lane, Norfolk, VA 23510
Young Governor’s School for the Arts visual artist Layla Todd’s design was selected for a new mural on the rotating art site in Magazine Lane. The goal of this project was to create a design that was simple but stylistically unique enough to make a recognizable and memorable piece. The shapes, line and color together build an abstract portrayal of concepts such as community and interconnectedness. The choice to use the styles found in the NEON District and street art in general as inspiration amplify that message. Her classmate Caelan Shaw assisted.
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AnytimeBella Bones by Aimee BruceZeke's Beans & Bowls 800 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510Learn more.
Aimee Bruce’s mural invites the viewer to take a selfie with Bella, Zeke’s wallflower t-rex. Surrounded by flora, this skeleton t-rex stands holding a peace offering to any individual who wishes to receive it. It was inspired by Roald Dahl’s quote, “And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” When visiting Zeke’s and the NEON District, individuals can find many surprises, such as Bella Bones, hiding around every corner. -
AnytimeBlack Lives More Than Matter by Clayton Singleton and Nicole Harprear of O.J. Wholesale Magazine Lane, Norfolk, VA 23510
Norfolk artists Nicole Harp and Clayton Singleton feel that they have a great responsibility as citizens and are honored to use visual arts in the fight for equality and all forms of justice; especially those affecting Black, indigenous, and people of color. No life matters until Black Lives Matter. As artists, they are compelled to reflect the times by speaking up, acting out and lifting people higher. Harp and Singleton hope their design resonates with the public as this fight for equal opportunity and equal representation under the law belongs to all of us. Black Lives Matter. In fact, Blacks lives more than matter, they are essential. With this mural, they are scaling the walls of art and justice inviting viewers to move on up and join the charge for social justice.
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AnytimeFlornamental by Patrick LoudCommonwealth Tattoo Gallery 804 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510Learn more.
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AnytimeJumbo-Wumbo Technico by Tommy FoxBrambleton Sculpture Park Brambleton Avenue and Yarmouth Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Jumbo-Wumbo Technico, a vibrant 32-foot sculpture by Richmond artist Tommy Fox, anchors a new sculpture park for the Chrysler Museum of Art’s entrance at the intersection of Brambleton Avenue and Yarmouth Street. The artist describes his work for the Chrysler as “a lofty whimsical tower” that uses color theory and visual contrast to create a design that is bright, accessible and pleasing to all.
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AnytimeLil Gallery on a Post: Tea TimeThe Plot 776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Jenn Kooiker, a 9th grade visual arts student at The Governor’s School for the Arts, created Tea Time for the Lil Gallery on a Post, a tiny freestanding gallery box found at the Plot. Jenn’s artwork is a mixed media piece constructed from acrylic paint, resin, canvas, wood and found objects and was inspired by the phrase “happy accidents.”
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AnytimeMoving Through History: NEON District Fence Galleryformer Greyhound Bus Station 701 Monticello Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510
The NEON District Fence Gallery is a temporary outdoor art exhibition surrounding the former Greyhound Bus Station in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. The gallery is comprised of twenty vinyl mesh panels printed with local and regional artists’ designs along the Granby Street and Brambleton Avenue sides of the site’s fence. Artists were asked to share artwork that reflects the constant change and history of cities and neighborhoods. The twenty artists selected for this project beautifully visualize themes of memory, history, time, future, community, evolution and creativity.
Featured Artists:
Benjamin Boshart
The BIGI Collective (Brandon and Gigi Vera)
Aimee Bruce
Carlos Burgess
Henry T. Chong (Hencho)
Kadija Corinaldi
D. Easter
Chris Warren Fuentes
David H. Gwaltney
Andy Harris
Will Jordan
Erik Leach
Dustin Lee
Fiona Marinaro
Robin Mercer Snead
Hailey Porth
Michael C. Ryan
Aaron Uzzle
Nickolai Walko
Valerie White
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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 are back, painting six new concrete squares of sidewalks in the neighborhood. The City of Norfolk generously agreed to loan the sidewalks as a canvas for the student artists.
The students also repainted the popular selfie spot in Magazine Lane, the “rug” between 801 Granby and Hurrah’s Copeland Center.
GSA students include:
Zahira Tirado
Kaya Washington
Alana Ballard
Sydney Osborne
Miles Barnes
Ellen Guercio
Abigail Elliot
Jamie Blanchard
Layla Todd
Ronan Breckenbridge
Caelan Shaw
Morgan Jones
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AnytimeNEON Wayfinding Signsthroughout the NEON District Olney Road and Grace Street, Norfolk, VA 23510Learn more.
Find the steel signs on Olney Road and Grace Street with attraction listings and windows displaying local artists’ work. The 2020-2021 signs feature work by Amanda Bradley, Clarissa David, Clayton Singleton and Ja’lisa Yates. -
AnytimeNor-Folk Quilt by Norfolk Public School Students801 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510Learn more.
This faux quilt was comprised of several paper squares that were designed by Norfolk Public School first grade students as they studied art’s influence on community. The student project compared the urban art of Norfolk to folk art of more rural communities. Each child chose a quilt square pattern and gathered inspiration from images of NEON’s murals. Students had been working virtually since March 2020, and this work comes together to create one collective artpiece. -
AnytimeSay Their Names by William PayneVirginia Furniture 745 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Artist William Payne’s mural unequivocally displays the hypocrisy that exists in America: innocent citizens, mainly minorities, killed by law enforcement with little to no repercussions. The imagery depicts an African-American man with his back to the viewer, barely holding onto a tattered American flag, flapping in the wind. The consummate symbol of America is ripped and torn, with the names of victims of policy brutality scrawled across the stripes of the flag. The piece is meant to evoke emotion and conversation: how can this be happening in the land of the free? There is far to go before there is equality and justice for everyone.
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AnytimeUntitled by Marco HyderCommonwealth Tattoo Gallery 804 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
After relocating to Norfolk from Germany and starting a business in the NEON District, the artist was motivated by the forward movement in Norfolk’s art community. Inspired by his love of Asian Art, the artist depicted a Japanese tiger, carrying the same traits attributed to the real animal – strength, courage and a long life. The tiger also wards off evil spirits, bad luck and disease. Find the mural on the second floor wall facing north.
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5:00PM - 8:00PMCloud Boards Interactive Art Installationfront lawn of the Chrysler Museum of Art 1 Memorial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510
Remember lying on your back and finding animals and rocketships in the shapes of the clouds? Scientists call that “pareidolia” – seeing familiar objects or patterns in otherwise random or unrelated objects or patterns. Do it again…and share what you see!
Artist Ashley Dobbs’ “Cloud Boards” lets everyone share what they see in the clouds and sky in the moment. Each Cloud Board is a clear polycarbonate, cloud-shaped board, in a free-standing mount, with colored dry-erase markers and erasers. People draw what they see moment-by-moment in the clouds.
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5:00PM - 9:00PMDynamic Exhibition Opening Partyd'Art Center 740 Boush Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Dynamic is d’Art Center’s first annual contemporary arts showcase exhibition from artists across the country. Dynamic features artworks produced only within the last two years, and is an opportunity for artists to showcase their current style, aesthetic, bodies of work, and signature styles regardless of artwork theme, medium, and content during Norfolk’s NEON Festival!
Festivities include live music, snacks, raffles, live art, make & take crafts and the award ceremony with exhibition juror Solomon Isekeije.
Catch the artistic waves at d’Art with Music Theory Studios Student DJs as they share their skills and get you excited to view Dynamic.
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5:00PM - 8:00PMLil Truck of ToolsChrysler Museum of Art 1 Memorial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510
Lil Truck of Tools is a transformable, portable, modular creative space that hits the road with workshops, arts and crafts, tool classes and more. During NEON Festival, the Truck’s teachers will help festival goers craft a DIY project: wooden beads strung on a glow necklace. Participants will use a chop saw to cut a slice of dowel, use a drill press to bore out the middle, use sandpaper to smooth, and have the option to paint (with glow paint, of course) or stain their bead, before stringing it onto a glow stick necklace! Students have the option to make up to 3 beads!
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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 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 - 10:00PMSacqrun X Bags to Riches Shopping EventSacqrun X Bags to Riches 767 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
In honor of NEON Festival, the ladies of Sacqrun X Bags to Riches are offering 30% storewide, plus music, fashion, treat bags, refreshments and the latest in women’s streetwear. Come thru!
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5:00PM - 9:00PMX Marks the Spot Exhibition Opening PartyCommune NFK 759 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Celebrating the NEON Festival and all things food, community, art, and music at CommuneXCROP! Join in for the opening of a new exhibition, X Marks the Spot: A Decade of the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio. Kick it with Music Theory Studios student DJs throughout the evening. Plus bites, beer, wine and cocktails available for purchase.
X Marks the Spot opens with a champagne toast from 5-6pm. Curated by Kelly A. Conway, Curator of American Glass, Corning Museum of Glass (2013-2019), Carolyn and Richard Barry Curator of Glass, Chrysler Museum of Art (2007-2013)
With Support from:
Robin Rogers
Kathryn Murphy
Jesse Neece
Janelle BurchfieldFeatured Artists:
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Ali Feeney
Benjamin Smith
Colin McKinnon
Emily Clair Potter
Christian Austin, Max Drapey, Julia Jeffs, Hannah Kirkpatrick
Heather Sutherland
James Akers
Joshua Solomon
Kathleen Little
Kayla Ohlmer
Kendall Frank
Kimberly McKinnis
Kwun Lan Wong
Maddie League
Matthew Jacob
Michael Mills
Pat Langley
Sarah Vaughn
Staci Katsias
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5:00PM - 9:00PMZooluminationChrysler Museum of Art 1 Memorial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510
The Virginia Zoo is launching a new exhibition, Zoolumination, which features 29 inflatable animal sculptures and tells their unique conservation story. The glowing larger-than-life-art pops up outside at the NEON Festival both evenings.
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5:30PM - 6:30PMThe Rhythm ProjectMary's Garden at Chrysler 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 sixth year to kick off the festival at the Chrysler Museum of Art outside in Mary’s Garden.
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6:00PM - 9:00PM757 Street Art BattleTCC Glass Wheel Arts Center 128 W. Olney Road, Norfolk, VA 23510
Join us at the NEON Festival for the 4th Round of the 757 Street Art Battle! Additional Programming at the Street Art Stage with a Music Showcase and Craft Workshop with the Lil Truck of Tools and 757 Creative Reuse Center. Taking place in the parking lot of TCC Glass Wheel Arts Center at 128 W. Olney Road.
Battle Judges: Clayton Singleton, Willie Cordie, Damon Samuels
Artists: Devyn Casey, Bashir Dixson, Corinna Sayward, Chase Beasley, Andre Jones
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6:00PM - 7:00PMBecStar and the BandHuber Court at Chrysler Museum of Art 1 Memorial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510
Local musician Rebecca Gilmore’s musical act includes a bit of yoga and performance on box cello with some singing and friends. Catch her inside Huber Court as the NEON Festival kicks off at Chrysler Museum.
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6:00PM - 10:00PMBlacklight BashZeke's NFK 800 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
NEON Festival guests are welcome to indulge in Zeke’s NFK’s terrifyingly tasteful menu while checking out a few local art vendors. A fun take away activity can be experienced on the back patio, where guests can create their own blacklight stenciled NEON Festival Mini-Posters!
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6:00PM - 10:00PMCELEBRATE: An Interactive Art CompetitionCofer Lot 134 W. Olney Road, Norfolk, VA 23510
The 757 Makerspace and Tidewater Burners bring an exciting, interactive art exhibit to NEON Festival in the Cofer Lot. All art in this exhibit is designed for the public to participate with it through touch, sound, movement and more! The exhibit opens at 6pm for the public to judge. Awards are announced at 9pm, then it’s a giant celebratory dance party featuring DJ Teresa Ann, and DJs J.Parrish, E-Bach and Glenjamin Buttonz of the Sunnyside Collective.
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6:00PM - 7:00PMChalk Art 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.
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6:00PM - 9:00PMCloud Boards Interactive Art InstallationThe Plot 776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Remember lying on your back and finding animals and rocketships in the shapes of the clouds? Scientists call that “pareidolia” – seeing familiar objects or patterns in otherwise random or unrelated objects or patterns. Do it again…and share what you see!
Artist Ashley Dobbs’ “Cloud Boards” lets everyone share what they see in the clouds and sky in the moment. Each Cloud Board is a clear polycarbonate, cloud-shaped board, in a free-standing mount, with colored dry-erase markers and erasers. People draw what they see moment-by-moment in the clouds.
Learn more. -
6:00PM - 10:00PMCopeland Center Community GalleryHurrah Players' Copeland Center 112 W. Wilson Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510
Gallery hop to the Hurrah Players’ Copeland Center during the NEON Festival for live music, a cash bar and featured art by local artists.
Performances:
6:00pm ~ Hurrah Players’ Present Moana
6:45pm ~ Being B.A.D., written and performed by Brittney S. Harris
8:00pm ~ ODU Writers in Community & The Muse Writers Center Poetry ReadingFeatured Artists:
The Education Center front room
Flowing Madness by Kelsey BroganPredation in the Bay and Roy the Rooster Versus Red Snake by Dave Livingston
Me vs The World by Ra’melle Marshall
Mother Nature and Passing By by Raytheon Dunn
From Street Art Battle:
Clarissa David, Art Battle #1
Danny Ocean, Art Battle #1
Khalil Riddick, Art Battle #1
Parrish Majestic, Art Battle #1
Patio
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Arches, a series of sculptures created by Norfolk Collegiate Lower School Students -
6:00PM - 9:30PMFree 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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6:00PM - 8:00PMFretomologySlone Chiropractic Clinic 111 W. Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk, VA 23510
Come on out and enjoy the sounds of Fretomology! As always, Dr. Slone and the classic rock band will be rocking out in the parking lot of Slone Chiropractic.
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6:00PM - 6:30PMGSA JazzThe Plot 776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
GSA Jazz is part of the Instrumental Music department at The Governor’s School for the Arts, the region’s premier fine and performing arts training program for high school students. This year’s performance features the GSA Advanced Combo, with Matt Miller on trumpet, Sam Handel on guitar, Makenzie Joyner-Cassanova on piano and Aniyah Ricks on bass, playing straight ahead jazz standards.
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6:00PM - 10:00PMLil Truck of ToolsGlass Wheel Arts Center parking lot 128 W. Olney Road, Norfolk, VA 23510
Lil Truck of Tools is a portable, modular creative space that hits the road with workshops, arts and crafts, tool classes and more. During NEON Festival, the Truck’s teachers will help festival goers craft a DIY project: wooden beads strung on a glow necklace. Participants will use a chop saw to cut a slice of dowel, use a drill press to bore out the middle, use sandpaper to smooth, and have the option to paint (with glow paint, of course) or stain their bead, before stringing it onto a glow stick necklace! Students have the option to make up to 3 beads!
Learn more. -
6:00PM - 8:00PMLive Painting by Parrish MajesticCofer Lot 134 W. Olney Road, Norfolk, VA 23510
Catch local muralist and painter Parrish Majestic working live at the Cofer Lot during the Makerspace art exhibition. Parrish has been featured in a number of local restaurants in NEON and participated in many NEON Festivals.
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6:00PM - 10:00PMLive Portraits by MiguelThe Neon House 819 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Have your portrait drawn on the spot by Miguel Dominado within minutes. They are hand-drawn in a choice of chalk pastel or sketched and stylized in black ink.
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6:00PM - 8:00PMMusic Theory Studios Artist SpotlightTCC Glass Wheel Arts Center parking lot 128 W. Olney Road, Norfolk, VA 23510
During the 757 Street Battle in Glass Wheel’s parking lot, Music Theory Studios will be showcasing some of Norfolk’s super talented music artists in an “Artist Spotlight” 6-8pm. Eleven of the 757’s most talented artists, DJ’s and emcees will each get a few minutes to shine.
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6:00PM - 7:30PMMusic Theory Studios Beat WorkshopThe Neon House 819 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Wanna Learn How 2 Make Beats? Join Music Theory Studios for a FREE test drive of their BEAT Classes. Learn about music production and get excited about creating music! Classes at 6 and 6:30, with MTS DJ’s spinning after in the Neon House.
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6:00PM - 10:00PMNeon House Community GalleryThe Neon House 813 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Live Performances, Visual Art, Beer/Wine sales and a great time for all! Friday October 22 at The Neon House, 813 Granby Street. The Neon House will have a cash bar and food available for purchase.
Performances:
6:00pm ~ Music Theory Studios BEAT Classes
7:30pm ~ Bay River Band
8:30pm ~ The Feral Showgirls Cabaret
9:00pm ~ Infinite FlavaLocal Artists Featured;
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* Live Portraits by Miguel
* ODU Student Pottery Sale
* Seize the Zines Zine Library with Richard Justis
* Sculpture by Ryan Lytle – The Veil
* Projection and performance art by Leslie Renn – Broken China/Tidying Up and The Length of Time My Son Can Be Without Me -
6:00PM - 10:00PMNorfolk Currents Pop UpThe Plot 776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Meet the team behind your favorite local media company and shop lots of local merch, including exclusive NEON Festival tees.
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6:00PM - 10:00PMODU Student Pottery SaleThe Neon House 813 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
The annual ODU Student Pottery Sale, led by ODU art professor Rick Nickel, donates proceeds to a local charity each year.
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6:00PM - 10:00PMOrigin: NSU NEON Gallery717 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Norfolk State University’s Department of Visual and Performing Arts, Division of Fine Arts, presents Origin: an exhibition by Fine Arts and Fashion design students. Student will display digital and traditional artworks, which highlight a broad range of skill. In addition to the exhibition, a fashion design show featuring an apparel line by Akin White, a freshman Fine Art-Fashion Design student will be showcased in the gallery during the exhibition.
The venue for Norfolk State University’s Fine Arts pop up gallery is 717 Granby Street, where they’ve been featured in past NEON Festivals. Participating students include: Tiffany Ebanks, Chloe Williams, Alexis Barnes, Asimov-Oluwa R. Aderin, Samantha Butler, and Jordan Jones, among others.
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6:00PM - 10:00PMSCREENDANCE: Communion & Alchemy at The NEON Festival739 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Communion is an experimental screendance created by Janessa Clark in response to the COVID-19 crisis. The full work includes twenty unique duets created from videos by two different dancers who are separated by cities, countries, and sometimes continents. Clark combines these videos to create virtual duets which are set to music donated by a composer also collaborating remotely. During a virtual residency in Fall 2020, Clark created Alchemy with dancers from Old Dominion University’s Dance Program which explored the compositional tools and the cinematic practices related to Communion.
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6:00PM - 8:30PMThe Human LibraryChrysler Museum of Art 1 Memorial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510
The Human Library® is, in the true sense of the word, a library of people. Their members host events where readers can borrow human beings serving as open books and have conversations they would not normally have access to. Every human book from our bookshelf, represents a group in our society that is often subjected to prejudice, stigmatization or discrimination because of their lifestyle, diagnosis, belief, disability, social status, ethnic origin etc.
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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 Smartmouth Brewing Company, live music and cultural performances on the main stage from NEON District arts partners.
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6:00PM - 10:00PMWindow Gallery739 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
View local art installations in the former Stark & Legum’s storefront windows at 731 Granby Street during NEON Festival.
Featuring:
Assumed, by Ross Brooks, house paint and multimedia, 2021
COMMUNION – an experimental screendance response to the isolation and uncertainty we are all facing as artists and humans in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis
Alchemy – a dance film featuring dancers from Old Dominion University’s Dance Program
Special thanks to Virginia Furniture Company and the Laibstain family for hosting the community gallery and providing a creative space for artists.
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6:00PM - 10:00PMZooluminationThe Plot 776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
The Virginia Zoo is launching a new exhibition, Zoolumination, which features 29 inflatable animal sculptures and tells their unique conservation story. The glowing larger-than-life-art pops up outside at the NEON Festival both evenings.
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6:30PM - 7:00PMGSA DanceAddison Street, Norfolk, VA, 23510
GSA Dance is part of the Dance department at The Governor’s School for the Arts, the region’s premier fine and performing arts training program for high school students. The students will perform two pop up dances on Addison Street, in front of the What We Can Create mural, at 6:30 and 6:50pm Friday, October 22.
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6:30PM - 8:30PMPoetry Society of VirginiaChrysler Museum of Art 1 Memorial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510
The Poetry Society of Virginia stages annual contests, holds local and regional events, publishes an anthology of prize-winning poems, and is instrumental in assisting the Governor of Virginia with the selection of Poet Laureate. They return to evening readings in the galleries at Chrysler Museum of Art for NEON Festival.
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6:30PM - 7:30PMPublic Art TourChrysler Museum Glass Studio 740 Duke Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Join tour guide and local history buff Joshua Weinstein of Norfolk Tour Company for a special festival art tour of the District, covering the latest murals and art projects completed in 2020 and 2021. The tour will begin at 6:30pm at the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio steps.
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6:30PM - 7:30PMPublic Art TourThe Plot 776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Join tour guide and local history buff Joshua Weinstein of Norfolk Tour Company for a special festival art tour of the District, covering the latest murals and art projects completed in 2020 and 2021. The tour will begin at 6:30pm at the Cementiscope sculpture at The Plot.
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6:40PM - 7:00PMTwinkle Toes Performing Arts CompanyThe Plot Main Stage 776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Watch Twinkle Toes’ volunteer company dancers SHINE in this short exhibition of contemporary, modern, jazz, and Broadway-style dance. Twinkle Toes brings the joy of dance to the Virginia Beach community and beyond, and are honored to perform in the NEON Festival!
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6:45PM - 7:00PMBeing B.A.D., written and performed by Brittney S. HarrisHurrah Players' Copeland Center 112 W. Wilson Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510
Recently performed at the National Women’s Theatre Festival and BorderLight International Virtual Fringe Festival, “Being B.A.D.” is about personal acceptance and redemption from the cycle of abuse. Embodying creative resistance against oppressive gender stereotypes and domestic violence, this one-person show explores the lengths to which one will go in order to take back power back after years of physical and emotional abuse at the hands of family and a romantic partner.
#1in4nomore #IPVawareness
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7:00PM - 8:00PMDJ Karee & DJ Rick GeezChrysler Museum Glass Studio 740 Duke Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Kick off Glass After Dark with Music Theory Studios pro DJs. Come hang out with DJ Karee and DJ Rick Geez of MTS Turntable Institute on the steps of the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio as they provide the soundtrack for opening night.
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7:00PM - 8:00PMGlow Flow YogaChrysler Museum of Art One Memorial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510
Join the Bhav Brigade and Prana Mukti Bhakti 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. Glow in the dark paint, neon clothes and glow sticks are encouraged! All experience levels welcome.
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7:00PM - 8:00PMTeens with a PurposeThe 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.
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7:00PM - 8:00PMTRDance and VBT Ensemble DanceHuber Court at Chrysler Museum of Art 1 Memorial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510
Dance takes over Huber Court during NEON Festival with a professionally choreographed and costumed number from the Todd Rosenlieb Dance Ensemble, Virginia Ballet Theatre Ensemble, TRDance Company and Mixed Abilities In Motion.
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7:00PM - 7:45PMTrio AtomicMary's Garden at Chrysler Museum of Art 1 Memorial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510
Trio Atomic is comprised of two members of the Virginia Symphony and the Director of Instrumental Music at Virginia Wesleyan University. Their sound is comprised of a mix of electronic and natural sounds with both the saxophone and bass using effects and loops to alter the instruments capabilities and produce a wide array of sonic possibilities.
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7:05PMHomegrown Presents Super Kidz Stories!The Plot 776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Homegrown presents…Super Kidz Stories! This interactive, play-along adventure will encourage your Super Kid to move, play, and have fun while learning self love and confidence.
(This is a 15 minute story adventure at the Plot main stage, we encourage participants to arrive on time for the full, fun experience!)
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7:30PM - 8:30PMBay River BandThe Neon House 819 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
BRB is a multi-genre band from the 757 ready to light up NEON Festival!
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7:30PM - 8:30PMSound Bath with Kayce LaineChrysler Museum of Art 1 Memorial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510
Leave behind the busyness of your day for a meditative experience and a soothing journey through sound. During the NEON Festival, the Chrysler Museum will host its first sound bath. Kayce Laine—a certified sound healer, crystal healer, and Reiki practitioner—will guide the group through gentle movement and a brief, relaxing meditation followed by a sound bath using crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, a gong, and theta chimes. The crystal singing bowls correlate with the body’s seven main chakras to realign the body and deeply relax the mind. Be sure to bring a yoga mat, blanket, or pillow to create a comfortable space for yourself.
$8 for members/ $10 for non-members
Registration is required. Capacity is limited to 20 participants.
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7:30PM - 8:00PMTeens with a Purpose: Everything is BeautifulThe Plot 776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Everything is Beautiful follows TWP’s chosen theme for 2021. The group is celebrating the beauty in every person, every situation and every single moment, in life through dance, song and poem. TWP takes the stage for an interactive experience at NEON Festival!
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7:40PM - 8:00PMNSU MusiciansHurrah Players' Copeland Center 112 W Wilson Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510
Norfolk State University musicians hit the NEON Festival stage for the first time inside the Copeland Center. Don’t miss them at 7:40pm.
From its earliest years NSU has recognized the importance of exposure to good music as one of the hallmarks of a well-educated individual. Cultivating the power of music studies has played a pivotal role in the development of artists, educators, and media professionals in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world.
Steeped in a rich heritage, traditions, and outreach, the Division of Music values its role in providing high-quality instruction in music education, music media, and music appreciation that empowers its diverse student body to achieve maximum competence in a rapidly changing global society.
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8:00PM - 9:00PMBTG CollectiveMary's Garden at Chrysler Museum of Art 1 Memorial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510
BTG Artist Collective makes its NEON Festival debut with the collective’s featured musicians Ground Level and The Hostile Animals playing Mary’s Garden.
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8:00PM - 10:00PMGlass After DarkChrysler Museum Glass Studio 745 Duke St, Norfolk, VA 23510
Hot glass and live music come together for memorable evenings during Glass After Dark. Each month, watch the Perry Glass Studio team take the molten material to exciting places and enjoy entertainment by local musicians. The series kicks off during the NEON Festival with a glass demonstration and music from psych-rock band Berries. In honor of the NEON Festival, reserve free tickets with the promo code NEON at checkout. Reserve tickets at www.chrysler.org.
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8:00PM - 9:00PMODU’s Writers in Community & the Muse Writers Center Poetry ReadingHurrah Players' Copeland Center 112 W Wilson Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510
Norfolk’s best and brightest poets take the stage in the Hugh R. Copeland Center for their annual reading at the NEON Festival.
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8:00PM - 9:00PMPublic Art TourChrysler Museum Glass Studio 740 Duke Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Join tour guide and local history buff Joshua Weinstein of Norfolk Tour Company for a special festival art tour of the District, covering the latest murals and art projects completed in 2020 and 2021. The tour will begin at 8:00pm at the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio steps.
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8:00PM - 9:00PMPublic Art TourThe Plot 776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Join tour guide and local history buff Joshua Weinstein of Norfolk Tour Company for a special festival art tour of the District, covering the latest murals and art projects completed in 2020 and 2021. The tour will begin at 6:30pm at the Cementiscope sculpture at The Plot.
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8:15PM - 8:30PMSeven Cities Dance and Mambo RoomThe Plot 776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Seven Cities Dance Studio and the Mambo Room bring you multicultural dance form for your enjoyment at the NEON Festival! Watch and join in their dance celebration on the main stage at the Plot.
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8:30PM - 9:00PMDariel ClarkTCC Glass Wheel Arts Center 128 W. Olney Road, Norfolk, VA 23510
With a vast array of influences from punk rock to bebop, Virginia Beach native Dariel Clark continues to cultivate a truly inimitable sound and presence. His 2020 release, The In-Between Times EP, is available on Bandcamp and all streaming services. Dariel performs on the Street Art Battle Stage in the parking lot of Glass Wheel Arts Center.
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8:30PMSocial Cycling Ride to NEONThe Plot 776 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Meet at Smartmouth Brewing Company for a casual night ride over to the festivities with your favorite cycling crew. Costumes and lights encouraged! Leaving Smartmouth at 8:30pm and arriving in NEON around 9pm.
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8:30PM - 9:00PMThe Feral ShowgirlsThe Neon House 813 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
The Feral Showgirls are a group of performers who love all things feathered, fun, and full of glitter. The girls combined their love for performing with creativity, costuming, theatrics, unexpected songs, props, and more. Members include belly dancers, burlesque performers, singers, musicians, comedians, and actors. See what they’ve got in store for NEON!
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9:00PM - 10:00PMInfinite Flava Band In ConcertThe Neon House 819 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
Infinite Flava is a self-contained band with a soulful funk and eclectic jazz sound.
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10:00PMSlowdive After-PartySlowdive Gallery 117 E Princess Anne Road, Norfolk, VA 23510
Keep the night going after hours just outside the district, over at Slowdive Gallery. Catch the Site-Seeing exhibition by Andy Harris on its closing weekend and groove to DJ Vega and the Perfect Play.
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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, Noel Gramlich at ngramlich@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. Friday at d’Art Center, 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.
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