Neptune Festival Announces Closure of International Sandsculpting Championship Gallery

Boardwalk Weekend continues with scheduled events and activities throughout the Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Virginia Beach Convention Center

Sept. 26, 2026 – Virginia Beach, Va. – In consultation with City of Virginia Beach officials, emergency management personnel, and tent experts, the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival has determined that it is unable to safely open the International Sandsculpting Championship gallery to the public this year.

Crews are in the process of safely removing the gallery structure and sculptures from the beach. For the safety of the public and crews working in the area, visitors are asked to keep a wide perimeter around the site throughout the removal process.

“We understand and share in the disappointment of everyone who was looking forward to experiencing the International Sandsculpting Championship this year,” said Kit Chope, president and CEO of the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival. “This is one of our most beloved traditions, and this was not a decision we made lightly. The safety of our guests, artists, volunteers and crews must come first. We are grateful for everyone’s patience and support as our teams work through this process.”

Guests are encouraged to check NeptuneFestival.com and the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival’s Facebook and Instagram pages (@NeptuneFestival) before traveling for the latest schedule information and event updates.

 

BOARDWALK WEEKEND CONTINUES

The 52nd Annual Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend continues through Sunday, Sept. 27, with the following events and entertainment scheduled:

 

SATURDAY, SEPT. 26

Virginia Beach Convention Center

  • Neptune Festival Art & Craft Show | 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
  • Touch-A-Truck | 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
  • Young Collectors Art Gallery & Art Making Studio for Kids | 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Poseidon’s Playground | Free family activities, including The Mermaid Factory Paint Parties, face painting, balloon artists, and fairy hair

31st Street Park

    • Allen Hudson & the Halfmoons | 3–4 p.m.
    • Rocky 7 | 4:30–5:30 p.m.
    • KT Tunstall | 6-7:15 p.m.
    • Gavin DeGraw | 7:30–9 p.m.

24th Street Park

    • Alec Edmonds | 3–4 p.m.
    • Ben Phelps Project | 4:30–5:30p.m.
    • Bennett Walker Wales Band | 6-7 p.m.
    • Soul Asylum | 7:30–9 p.m.

 

SUNDAY, SEPT. 27

Virginia Beach Convention Center

  • Neptune Festival Art & Craft Show | 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
  • Touch-A-Truck | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
  • Young Collectors Art Gallery & Art Making Studio for Kids | 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • Poseidon’s Playground | Free family activities, including The Mermaid Factory Paint Parties, face painting, balloon artists and fairy hair
  • Youth Art Show

 

31st Street Park

  • Intangible Cats | 1–3 p.m.
  • Strictly Bizzness | 3:30–6 p.m.

24th Street Park

  • Nate Sacks and the Lifehacks | 1–3 p.m.
  • Grateful Jed | 3:30–6 p.m.

 

The Neptune Festival Commemorative Poster and official Neptune Festival T-shirts will be available at the Virginia Beach Convention Center throughout the weekend.

 

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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 celebrating the spirit of Virginia Beach through authentic experiences that foster joy, community and connection for all. 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.