A Guide to the Neptune Festival in Virginia Beach
The Neptune Festival in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is the seaside resort’s pride and joy. Over the course of the entire year, the fest hosts more than 40 events, from sand sculpting competitions to wine sampling events. Read our guide to find all the info you need to know about some of the most popular events and attractions.
Things to know about the Boardwalk Weekend
This year, Virginia Beach is celebrating the 46th anniversary of Neptune Festival’s Boardwalk Weekend. This free event features 32 blocks of activities and attractions on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. The boardwalk comes alive with concerts and art exhibits, and visitors swarm the oceanfront to see what all the buzz is about. Along with the boardwalk extravaganza, a number of other events take place throughout the weekend.
- Neptune’s 8K: Occurs September 28, from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m, but the run starts at 8 a.m. The run begins and finishes at 31st Street.
- Grand Parade: Runs from 16th to 32nd Street on September 28, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Volleyball Tournament: Takes place September 28-29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 32nd to 36th Streets.
- Youth Art Show: Sets up from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on September 29 on 27th to 28th Streets.
- Atlantic Regatta: Boats sail from Cape Henry to Rudee Inlet on September 28, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Neptune’s Final Toast: Happens on September 29, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Reserve tickets in advance to celebrate the city’s Hometown Heroes during brunch.
Things to know about the International Sand Sculpting Championship
Neptune’s International Sand Sculpting Championship is no child’s play. This signature event is considered one of the best contests of its kind, as it invites 32 sculptors from 11 countries to participate in the grand competition. For three days, 12 solo and ten double teams build 22 masterpieces out of sand.
Venture into the massive tent—set up on 6th and 8th Street—and marvel at the intricate sculptures. Take photos, meet the sculptors, and even take part in one of the sand clinics to learn the art of sand sculpting. This exhibit occurs during the Boardwalk Weekend and continues for several days afterward.
Things to know about the Wine Fest
Come sample some of Virginia’s finest wines! At the Neptune Wine Festival, you can sip wine in the sunshine with a front-row view of the beach. This grape fest sets up shop right along the boardwalk at Neptune Street and Atlantic Avenue.
This year marks the 23rd annual event, in which you can spend all day tasting 70 different wines, ciders, and mead. You’ll find 17 different participating wineries, from Bright Meadows Farm and Cobbler Mountain Cider to Pearmund Cellars and Rebec Vineyards.
The festival also has live entertainment on both days. On Saturday, The Gold Sauce will play from noon to 2 p.m., followed by Borderline Crazy from 2:30-5 p.m. On Sunday at noon, Mike Proffitt Duo will take the stage, and BJ Griffin & Galaxy Groove will close out the festival from 2:30-5 p.m.
Note: The Wine Fest does not take place at the same time as the Boardwalk Weekend.
When you purchase admission, your ticket comes with a commemorative wine glass and wine tastings. Your ticket will only admit you into one day of the event, so you can choose between a Saturday or Sunday ticket.
Take advantage of the early bird tickets, which are available through July 31, or the advance tickets, which you snag until September 8. Tickers are still available from September 9 onward until they sell out, but they’ll be $10 more.
Looking to up the ante? For $50, you can purchase a Saturday VIP ticket in advance, which gets you exclusive early access an hour before the event begins. Other upgraded perks include tables and chalets for rent. Table purchases include eight tickets, while the chalet includes 20 VIP tickets.
Tickets are only available for guests 21 years of age and older.
Obviously, there will be wine! In addition to wine, the event is hosting two food trucks: Capt’n Crabby and The Boardroom. Capt’n Crabby serves up their own versions of Maryland crabcake sandwiches along with Greek cuisine and a number of other kinds of sandwiches. As for The Boardroom, it has Virginia craft beer, wine, and cheeseboard selections.
You’re welcome to pack your own lunch, bringing in outside food and non-alcoholic drinks. Keep in mind that your bags are subject to search.
Virginia Beach tips
Visiting from out of town? You can book flights to Virginia Beach and arrive at Norfolk International Airport. The airport is roughly 25 miles west of Neptune’s Park Virginia Beach.
As for hotels in Virginia Beach hotels, you have your fair share to choose from. Keep in mind that rooms may fill up fast during these big events, so book early to snag a good one!
- Hotels near the oceanfront are located closest the events and all the boardwalk entertainment. You’ll also find yourself just steps from the sand and sea. Though it will be busy, this is the prime place to be for the Neptune events.
- The Great Neck neighborhood is slightly west of the waterfront, but still just a 5- to 10-minute drive from both the ocean and Chesapeake Bay.
Check out these amazing attractions during the Neptune Festival in Virginia Beach, but don’t miss the other events that occur throughout the year.
Header image via Jeff Futo/Flickr
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