2026 Neptune Festival Commemorative Poster is Unveiled
Read more about this announcement on WAVY.com
Since the first Festival in 1974, a local artist has created an original work of art for our Commemorative Poster.
The process of selecting an artist to create our Commemorative Poster falls under the banner of our Poster Committee – chaired by Laura Fulton, Laura Lascara, and Elissa Frantz. This role involves identifying a local artist and guiding them through the creation of a truly unique piece of art to represent that year’s Neptune Festival celebrations.
This year’s poster artist is Allison Swan. Allison, a Virginia Beach native, is inspired by the beauty in nature and paints in an Expressive style in oil. At Virginia Tech, Allison focused on design and merchandising but came home to run her mother’s small gallery after a mystery illness made it difficult for Allison to retain new information. Allison battled Lyme disease since her initial infection in college, and by 2010, she lost the ability to paint. She had dementia and could not mix colors, draw, or plan a painting. After treating Lyme for five years, Allison again picked up a brush. She had to learn to paint again. She continues her self-directed study in workshops and classes across the country.
In 2018, Allison committed to becoming a full-time professional artist. In January of 2022, Allison founded the Tidewater Art Club and opened The Studio to host resident artists and teach weekly classes. Allison’s work is infused with a love of the Virginia Tidewater and the Eastern Shore where sandy beaches of the Atlantic and Chesapeake Bay, creeks, rivers, forests, marshes, and mudflats that were the playground of her youth are now her peace and the restoration of her life today. Allison paints “en plein air” wherever she travels.
The 2026 Neptune Festival Commemorative Poster can be purchased online or at the Poster and Merch tent on 24th Street during the 52nd Annual Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend – September 25-27, 2026.
ABOUT VIRGINIA BEACH NEPTUNE FESTIVAL
Founded in 1974, the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that produces more than 40 events each year. These events generate tens of millions of dollars for the local economy while contributing to the cultural, educational and recreational development of Hampton Roads. The Festival’s flagship event, Boardwalk Weekend, has an economic impact of $26.1 million, attendance of more than 405,000 and recognition as one of North America’s Top 100 Events. The 2026 Boardwalk Weekend will take place Sept. 25-27. For more information, visit NeptuneFestival.com or call 757.498.0215.