October 17 & 18, 2024
Downtown Norfolk Council and The NEON District are thrilled to announce the return of the NEON Festival for its ninth year, taking place on October 17 and 18. This year, the festival takes a bold step forward by inviting local event producers and art curators to lead the way in crafting unique experiences for the community. For the first time, individual producers will have the opportunity to design and implement their own programming under the festival’s umbrella, further solidifying the community’s role in driving the festival’s extensive offerings.
Programming grants, starting at $500 and up to $5000, will be available to support producers and curators. Grant awards will be determined based on the scope and impact of proposed activities, as well as the specific needs outlined in each proposal.
On Friday, October 18, producers can program spaces such as the Plot main stage, the secondary beer garden at the Cofer Lot, and multiple neighborhood businesses. Proposals are encouraged for pop-up galleries, vendor markets, curated art exhibitions, fashion shows, music showcases and other immersive experiences that are free and open to the public.
The request for proposals is available now until 11:59pm on Sunday, July 28, 2024. Applications can be submitted here. All applicants will be notified of invitation to participate by August 5, 2024. Questions can be directed to info@neonnfk.com.
Since its inception in 2015, the NEON Festival has been a community-driven celebration of art in all its forms. Hundreds of performers, artists, musicians, dancers and makers have presented their art on NEON Festival stages and gallery walls. This year, these community partners, local artists and performers are encouraged to join a creative roster which will be shared with festival producers. Interested artists and performers can submit here.
The NEON Festival will take place in the NEON District of Norfolk on October 17 and 18, from 6 to 10 pm. The free, two-evening festival is presented by Arts Alliance and produced by the Downtown Norfolk Council and the Chrysler Museum of Art with media sponsor Jpixx and beverages provided by Elation Brewing. More than 7,000 festival-goers visit the NEON District over the two nights of programming.
The 2024 NEON Festival will also include:
- Glass After Dark in the newly opened addition of the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio on Thursday
- VIVID exhibition opening at d’Art Center with refreshments, make & take, art for sale and DJ on Friday
- The Plot Beer Garden and main stage entertainment on Friday evening
- Public art tours led by Norfolk Tour Company both evenings
- Pop-up art and entertainment in NEON District businesses and venues
For festival sponsorship opportunities and programming inquiries, please contact Rachel McCall at the Downtown Norfolk Council or call 757-623-1757.