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From our blog and art opportunities, to press on the district and our monthly newsletter — get caught up on all things NEON.
Expert’s Guide to Parking in the NEON
Unlike many of the neighborhoods in Hampton Roads, which have been built from scratch in the last handful of decades, the NEON District is an evolving adaptation of a historic neighborhood. Horses and carriages used to travel these same pathways, as did early iterations of the cars we drive today. Being part of an adapted … Expert’s Guide to Parking in the NEON
View PostReasons to Be Excited for the Bright Future of the NEON District
Three Reasons to Be Excited for the Bright Future of the NEON District This October brings with it the seventh NEON Festival, marking seven years of murals, performances, new local businesses, and creative people being creative in the neighborhood that will go down as the first arts district in Hampton Roads. More than half a … Reasons to Be Excited for the Bright Future of the NEON District
View PostUncovering Hampton Roads: The Canvas
The NEON District owes its earliest roots to a group of ambitious art advocates who asked a simple question of local property owners…Mind if we paint on your boarded up windows? In the early 2010s, murals projects in Richmond, Virginia and arts districts like Wynwoods Walls in Miami were experiencing the early and positive impact … Uncovering Hampton Roads: The Canvas
View PostSeptember 2022
Only a few short weeks away, the 7th Annual NEON Festival is the NEON District’s yearly coming out party. You can expect live music, dance, pop up galleries, food trucks and more on Thursday October 20 and Friday, October 21. Presented by Arts Alliance and Old Dominion University, the festival brings more than 5,000 visitors to the neighborhood for can’t miss entertainment.
View PostAugust 2022
Before the 7th Annual Festival descends upon the district this October, art and mural making is taking front and center. This September, watch for familiar faces and new friends as the 2022 selection of artists commence projects around NEON. We can’t wait to unveil the new murals and more to you this October 20 and 21!
View PostWander around NEON and Mermaids in this East Coast Waterfront City
Some people think about Norfolk and imagine the largest naval base in the world stationed here. Others think about mermaids. After all, you could actually scavenge or happily bump into mermaid statues everywhere you go in the city. The Virginia town, sitting on a bay surrounded by water, has a full range of maritime associations. But you’ll also find a bustling waterfront, historic districts, a burgeoning foodie scene, and a stimulating arts neighborhood…
View PostNorfolk, Chrysler Plan to Purchase EVMS Building
Smith-Rogers Hall has attracted a pair of buyers. The city of Norfolk and the Chrysler Museum of Art joined forces to purchase the four-story building for $3.2 million for use as an expansion location for the art museum…
View PostJuly 2022
Join NEON under the lights when The 7th Annual NEON Festival returns this October 20 and 21, 2022. Way back in 2015, the district was just getting started with a new name, new branding, a few small art pieces here and there and a couple of new businesses just starting to offer shopping and dining. With the NEON District evolving each year since, the festival provides a perfect opportunity to dial in. Visitors can attend walking mural tours, catch live music and comedy performances, snack on delectable local food, and see plenty more from Norfolk’s creative community. Click here to watch a preview of the festivities presented by Downtown Norfolk Council, the Chrysler Museum of Art and Arts Alliance.
View Post7 Fantastic Restaurants To Try In Norfolk
Norfolk is a great town for foodies. Downtown and the adjacent neighborhoods offer a wide variety of cuisine from Italian to Greek, and of course, seafood. I always like to do pre-trip research – for this trip I made a list of restaurants with good wine lists.
View Post9th Annual NEON Festival
The 9th annual NEON Festival returned to NFK October 18 & 19, 2024. The nights were lit with performances, music, murals, art and more! Stay tuned for 2025's tenth anniversary celebration!
Learn MoreCall For Artists
Hundreds of artists have passed through NEON walls over the years. Big or small, international or your next door neighbor, high school student or college professor - artists of all kinds and skill levels are welcome to contribute to the NEON District's public art collection. Apply for project-based open calls throughout the year to join the club.
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