The 9th Annual NEON Festival

• 6:00pm - 10:00pm Visit the NEON Festival info booth, VisitNorfolk's mobile visitors center, Metronet, Hangry's food truck and more
• 6:00pm - 10:00pm Interactive art making with Norfolk Zinefest, Hermitage Museum & Gardens and Tidewater Community College. Polaroid Lift Portraits by Maury High School Photo Club. Jpixx crew roaming with a mobile interactive photo shoot.
• 6:15pm - 6:45pm Meditation with Marysa Ada
• 6:00pm - 7:00pm Public Art Chats every 15 minutes outside
• 7:00pm - 8:00pm Norfolk Tour Company Art Tour leaving from Grace Street
• 7:00pm Past Poet Laureate Tim Seibles
• 7:15pm - 8:00pm Bay River Band
• 8:00pm - 8:45pm Glow Yoga with Bhav Brigade
• 8:30pm & 9:40pm “Sombras”- An Animated Silent Film by Marc Sanchez projected on the Museum wall

"Sombras” is a breathtaking short film directed, animated, and produced by Marc “GIVE.ME.MÁS” Sánchez. The story follows Kino and Juana, two individuals on a journey to reach the American dream. As they traverse the harsh Sonoran desert, the beauty of the landscape is showcased by the vibrant hues of purples, reds, and yellows during dawn and dusk. Along the way, they are watched over by two coyotes who seem to be guiding them towards their destination. However, their journey becomes increasingly challenging as they are faced with a tough decision about their hopes and dreams. Distributed through Latino Public Broadcasting & AvendiaTV.

• 8:45pm - 9:30pm Infinite Flava

Experience the brand-new wing of the Perry Glass Studio expansion for the first time at NEON Festival. Hot glass and live music will come together for a memorable festival evening. Use code NEON for free admission to Glass After Dark. Tickets have limited availability for a reserved seat on the Hot Shop floor. Registration recommended for Glass After Dark. All other activities are free and open to the public.

• 6:00pm - 6:30pm The Governor's School for the Arts Jazz Band
• 6:00pm - 10:00pm Neon art exhibition and Norfolk Collegiate Lower School art installation in the lobby
• 6:00pm - 9:30pm Storybook Studios photobooth on the second floor
• 6:00pm - 9:30pm Flicc photobooth on the second floor
• 6:00pm - 9:30pm Tote Bag Screen-printing with Austin D. Morris in the Mold Room
• 6:00pm - 9:30pm Creative Remedy, CG Paints and NeuroSpace art activity in the 2nd floor classroom
• 6:30pm - 7:30pm Glass Demo in the Hot Shop Theater accompanied by Peep the DJ
• 7:15pm - 8:00pm Tony Rivera's pop musical interlude on the terrace overlook
• 8:00pm AMI Dance kicks off the Glass Demo in the Hot Shop Theater
• 8:00pm - 10:00pm Glass After Dark
• 8:15pm - 9:00pm Tony Rivera classical guitar on the terrace overlook

• 4:00pm - 6:30pm The Hague School Open House
• 6:30pm - 7:30pm Community Dance Concert with performances from Twinkle Toes Performing Arts Company, Beverly Moody, Ashlyn Works and Ballet Virginia

• 6:30pm - 7:00pm Teens with a Purpose presents Planet Hope

TWP Shows the world what hope, resilience, bravery, and beauty looks like coming from our youth! The performance features spoken word poetry, dance, original music, all created by the young people. Don't just watch, GET INTO IT!

• 6:00pm - 10:00pm JAM Entertainment presents POWERHOUSE

POWERHOUSE is a tribute to the roots of house music in Black queer culture. Immerse yourself in a space where art meets high-energy performances, celebrating Chicago's underground scene, where freedom and acceptance reigned. Expect live DJ sets, surprise performances, and a rich history experience that brings the movement to life. Emceed by Hot 91 DJ Jay Jay Mayo.

6:00pm - 10:00pm History Experience Presented with Hampton Roads Pride

6:00pm - 8:00pm DJ Anlez

6:30pm - 6:50pm Teens with a Purpose

6:50pm - 6:55pm Vivian Valentine

6:55pm - 7:00pm House of Prodigy

7:00pm - 8:00pm Scott Free

8:00pm - 9:00pm DJ Phillie

9:00pm - 9:05pm Vivian Valentine

9:05pm - 9:10pm House of Prodigy

9:00pm - 10:00pm DJ Chef Dro

• 6:00pm - 10:00pm Beer Garden with Elation Brewing, Voyager Coffee, Water's Edge Winery, OG Pickles food truck, Hampton Roads Pride, MetroNet and VisitNorfolk
• 6:00pm - 10:00pm Jpixx interactive photo booth. Jpixx is a local video agency with international reach and recognition that provides captivating execution, dramatic imaging, inspired design and effective creative solutions that deliver successful results. Visit their booth and participate in this year’s highlight video!
• 6:00pm - 7:00pm Chalk art and body paint with The Governor's School for the Arts visual art students
• 7:00pm - 8:00pm Norfolk Tour Company Art Tour leaving from Cementiscope sculpture at the Plot

• 6:00pm - 10:00pm Festival beer garden with Elation Brewing, Water's Edge Winery and Cups Up
• 6:00pm - 10:00 pm Live painting with Poetry Jackson and pop-up exhibition featuring 757 Street Art Battle artist prints and paintings
• 6:00pm - 10:00pm Fish 'N Grits

Aspire to Inspire, Feed Your Soul and VA Natural Gas present Fish ‘N Grits. Fish ‘N Grits blends southern cuisine with music from the 90s/2000s. Soundtrack by Chef Dro and food by Cups Up food truck with yard games, tables games and laid-back vibes for the ultimate evening cookout.

• 7:00pm - 10:00pm The Traptastic presents "Grand Finale"

Traptastic collaborated with Dathan Kane (DKANE) on SHAPES IN THE LOT, a signature black & white mural on the ground of the Cofer Lot as part of their activation for NEON Festival.

6:00pm - 7:10pm DJ Chef Dro

7:10pm - 7:40pm DJ Wise

7:40pm - 8:10pm Jo Froxi

8:10pm - 8:40pm Gabe Niles

8:40pm - 9:10pm DJ Flood

9:45pm Xchange raffle winner announcement

9:10pm - 10:00pm Vega

• 6:30pm - 7:00pm Hurrah Players Present performances by Babes on Broadway and excerpts from Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella
• 7:00pm - 10:00pm Utopia Feni Open Mic Night

Join Utopia Feni as they take their monthly open mics to Norfolk for this one-of-a-kind experience. Artists of every kind welcome on stage and in the art market on Wilson Avenue. For this special occasion, entry into the Open Mic is FREE! 20 spots available to participate, on a first come, first serve basis, so show up early to grab a spot! Performances will commence 7:30pm. DJ Vinny del Sol accompanies the night.

• 6:00pm - 10:00pm Cornhole Tournament with Heidi Peelen
• 6:00pm - 10:00pm Utopia Feni Market with The Cookie Bar, DyesByKaleb, PHRE STONES, House B, Telly's Crystal Corner, Chained & Charmed Jewelry Co., Cooking with Greens, Beloved and vibin.resin.
• 6:00pm - 10:00pm Literature & Libations Luxury Mobile Bookstore

Literature and Libations Mobile Bookstore is bringing a unique blend of culture and community to the NEON Festival, featuring a curated selection of books amplifying often silenced voices and stories. Stop by to discover diverse, impactful literature and connect with fellow festival-goers while exploring underrepresented narratives.

• 5:00pm - 9:00pm VIVID Exhibition Opening with live still life painting with Janice Gay Maker, fairy hair, beverages and snacks
• 5:00pm - 8:00pm Interactive botanical installation in the artist lounge
• 5:30pm - 8:30pm Block printing and embellishing art activity
• 6:00pm VIVID award announcements
• 6:30pm - 7:30pm Musical Chair collaborative canvases

• 6:00pm - 10:00pm Skate Deck Art Competition inside Cardinal Skate Shop

Join the 757 Makerspace and Cardinal Skate Shop for this year's NEON Festival! Festivities include a skate deck art competition/auction and a disco-themed dance party and skate jam in Cardinal's indoor skatepark and outside in Magazine Lane! Vote for your favorite deck and purchase a deck through our silent auction. Proceeds are split 50/50 with the artist and Cardinal Skate Shop to help them during the construction on Granby Street.

6:00pm - 7:00pm DJ John Parrish with Sunnyside Collective

7:00pm - 8:30pm Elijah 3W0

8:30pm - 10:00pm DJ John Parrish

9:30pm Skate Deck Art Exhibition winners announced

10:00pm - 11:00pm Sub0ptimal

• 6:00pm - 10:00pm Skate Jam in Magazine Lane

The back entrance of Cardinal will come alive with a Disco Dance Party and Skate Jam! Bring your roller skates and boards and boogie on the recently paved Magazine Lane! With music by John Parrish with Sunnyside Collective, DJ 3W0, DJ Zaii and video projection inside and outside by Zaii Perez and Ludi Moreira, it will be a special night you won't want to miss! Dress to impress on the disco theme to get a ticket to a swagbag raffle!

6:00pm - 7:00pm DJ Juice Box

7:00pm - 8:30pm DJ Zaii

8:30pm - 10:00pm Don Fuego

• 6:00pm - 10:00pm imPRESSions Exhibition Opening

ImPRESSions is an exhibition being held at Commune, in conjunction with the NEON Festival, focusing on Printmaking and Photography. This show was organized and curated by Studio Shift Exhibition Committee Chair John Runner and Exhibition Committee Member Clay McGlamory. Studio Shift is a non-profit organization created by Sarah Glaser to promote, exhibit and educate the public about printmaking. There will be works in the exhibition that utilize screenprint, relief print, gelatin silver photography, cyanotype, mixed media print, and multi-panel installation. Featuring artists Cate Currier, Sam Hundley, Eloise Shelton-Mayo, Clay McGlamory, John Runner, Art Toulinov.

• 7:00pm, 8:00pm, 9:00pm Drum Roller Block Printing in front of Commune on Granby

Printmaking goes big! Watch a 3,000lb drum roller make giant prints in the street at the 9th Annual NEON Festival! Featuring the printing of 3 unique 3 x 4 ft blocks designed and hand carved by guest artists, Afro Spectrum Art and Supercomp Studios. Presented by Studio Shift & HERC Rentals.

• 6:00pm - 10:00pm OPEN HOUSE @ NEON

Coffee Black, Social Supply, Foster Beauty, and Studio Shift are bringing a dynamic and cumulative celebration of multi-disciplinary art to Commune NFK. Expect live music, artistic performances, fashion displays, large scale block prints and more. Hosted by Brenten J. and KELO.

6:00pm DJ set by TOMII
6:30pm Foster Beauty Runway Showcase + Design Demo
6:40pm DJ set by GIAA and live performance by CAY
7:10pm Live performance by Special Guest
7:20pm DJ set by NAZZERATII
7:30pm Foster Beauty Runway Showcase + Design Demo
7:45pm Final performance by Special Guests
8:30pm Foster Beauty Fashion Show Walk
9:30pm Foster Beauty Fashion Show Finale Walk

• 8:00pm - 10:00pm Social Supply

Social Supply VA will be recording a new episode of The Living Room called "Work Release," featuring DJ's Fake Uzumi and Babyoil. The episode pays homage to the roots of the venue that was a hub for creatives in our area in the early days of the NEON District.

8:00pm DJ set by BABYOIL
9:00pm DJ set by FAKE UZUMI

• 6:00pm - 9:00pm Potter’s wheel demonstrations with 23 Beans Ceramics in the Fusion Art Studio

Ceramic artist Rachel Jaffe will be hosting live demonstrations on the potter's wheel, showcasing her clay-crafting skills. Stop by to watch the transformation of clay and bring your creative suggestions for what she should make!

• 6:00pm - 9:00pm NSU Fine Arts Presents Foreign Equations

Foreign Equations: This exhibition ignites a renewed conversation on contemporary issues, reshaping both the arts scene and our world. Art has the power to reflect and challenge the world around us, so we invited artists to use their work as a platform for commentary on today’s most pressing concerns.

• 6:00pm - 9:00pm ODU Student Art Show and Pottery Sale

Student Pottery Sale and Fundraiser for 757 Community Fridges and ODU Student Art exhibition featuring artists Saisha Boone, Ken Boyd, Jim Cazares, Kaitlyn Compton, Nina Doerr, Zane Fischer, Kyani Garces, Odelia Handy, Avery Keys, Noah Marano, Teresa Mitchell, Tahjah McGlorn, Jalina Montoya, Jordan Philips, Tracie Pouncie, Shae, Kylei Smith and Maddie Sznoluch

• 7:00pm - 8:00pm ODU Writers in Community Poetry Reading in the courtyard

• 6:00pm - 10:00pm Zeke's NFK Juried Group Exhibition
• 9:30pm Winners Announcement

People of all ages are welcome to stop by Zeke's NFK during NEON Festival, October 17-18, to vote for their favorite artworks. Top 3 artists will win awards based on the people's vote! Bring your friends and fam!

Featured Artists: Alyssia Velez, Amanda Nguyen, Amy Twisdale, Anthony Moscati, Corinna Sayward, Duf Franco, Elliott Fisher, Gina Renzi, Jaida Garrison, Jason Brown Jr., Juli McKendree, Kandace Kennedy, Kaye Ellen Trautman, Lauren Osborne, Mallory Yoder, Matt Jacob, Matt Hassan, Melchisedek Shabazz, Neil Dion, Rhiannon Smith, Richard Justis, Sabrina Taguba, Savannah Kerrick, SuperComp Studios

On display at Zeke's the entire month of October.

• 6:30pm - 9:30pm Free Improv Shows every 30 minutes featuring The Pushers and some of the Push Comedy Theater's funniest improvisers. Totally FREE!
  • 6:30pm Improv Riot
  • 7:00pm Improv Tales
  • 7:30pm The Jam with Lemon Pepper and Sazon
  • 8:00pm GirlProv
  • 8:30pm Tales from the Campfire
  • 9:00pm Date Night

• 6:00pm - 9:00pm Game Night with a DJ, shopping and video game consoles free to play

• 6:00pm - 8:00pm Celebrate the 10th Annual Hat-tober and Stark & Legum's 100th Anniversary

• 6:00pm - 9:30pm Tender Heart stays open late for NEON customers!

• 6:00pm - 10:00pm Grab a taco or marg from NEON's classic dive bar

Adjacent to the 2016 mural 757 Energy & Vibe by Jerrod Ray on WTKR property in the NEON District, the project is a collaboration with both the property owner, local television studio WTKR, and PRA Group, the presenting sponsor.

Dathan Kane's bold black and white shapes finally make their way into the District with this ground mural commissioned by event producers The Traptastic as part of their program for the 9th Annual NEON Festival.

At its completion, the community mural will be comprised of 333 granny squares (83,916 double crochet), stretching over twenty feet wide and five feet tall. Following the end of the festival, the mural will be disassembled into four blankets and donated to the YWCA of South Hampton Roads.

The NEON District and the condo owners of the Gray Building partner on providing a rotating window gallery space for young and emerging artists. In the fall 0f 2024, featured young artists representing Solstice Hybrid Academy are on display.

NEON is an acronym for New Energy of Norfolk, which represents the energetic and creative community of Norfolk’s arts district.

Please contact info@neonnfk.com for more information about the NEON District and the NEON Festival.

You can also reach festival organizers at the Downtown Norfolk Council at 757-623-1757.

Yes! We will need volunteers on Friday, October 18, 2024. We need beer pourers, festival guides and more! Register for a shift this September.

Thursday, October 17 the festival runs from 6pm-10pm on The Chrysler Museum's front lawn and inside and outside the newly reopened Chrysler Museum Glass Studio. Friday, October 18 the festival runs from 6pm-10pm on Granby Street, Wilson Avenue and at The Plot.

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 kids and families.

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

Great question! This year, a few big changes are happening. On Thursday evening, the focus of the festival has shifted almost entirely to the newly reopened Chrysler Museum Glass Studio. This means that the inside of the Museum will not be open to guests so that everyone can spend time exploring all the new inside and outside spaces of the Glass Studio.

On Friday evening, the big change is festivities will now include the street! Granby Street in front of the Plot and W. Wilson Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic so that festival visitors can enjoy activities, shop, wander and drink an adult beverage throughout the street closure. It adds so much more space for vendors, visitors and lots more fun.

A LOT! Festival attendees can visit one of the NEON District eateries or find a snack at one of the food trucks or vendors around the festival.

Thursday evening at Chrysler try Hangry's food truck or visit TASTE inside the Glass Studio.

Friday evening over on Granby Street, OG Pickles and Avocargo will be in front of the Plot and Cups Up will be stationed at the Cofer Lot.

You can also try one of the NEON businesses staying open late like Zeke's NFK, Commune or Sanctuary.

Yes! Both evenings of the festival offer many indoor activities in a variety of venues. In the advent of serious inclement weather, some outdoor programming may be moved indoors. Please follow @neonnfk or visit the festival page for updates.