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Schedule

Saturday, September 28th
11:30am – 1:00pm

Location

Virginia Beach Oceanfront
16th – 32nd Streets on Atlantic Avenue

Sponsors

Band performer during Neptune Festival Grand Parade

A grand way to start the day!

Streets lined with people, colorful floats in all shapes and sizes, larger-than-life balloons, marching bands… all of which is just a small snapshot of Neptune’s Grand Parade on Saturday. Find yourself the best spot on the block as you enjoy the music and sights of our many parade units. Be sure to keep an eye out for King Neptune and his court! With a 16 block parade route, a bad spot is hard to find.

Make sure you get there early for front row seating, as many of the floats will have beads and other fun giveaways for the crowd. Come cheer your favorites as all roll down Atlantic Avenue starting on 16th Street at 11:30 AM. As a highlight of Neptune Festival, this free event is a must for all, young and old alike. So take a seat on the curb and watch the entertainment roll by.

This event is free and open to the public, and will take place rain or shine!

Double Wave Divider 

Parade Participation

Show us how much your company, cultural group, school, or other organization loves the beach by participating in the Grand Parade! Contact emma@neptunefestival.com for more information.

Marching Band ApplicationParade Unit Application
Double Wave Divider 

2023 Awards

FLOAT AWARDS

Neptune Award
Best Representation of the “BEACH VIBES” theme
Dominion Energy

Mayor’s Award
Best Representation of Virginia Beach
Family Fun Xperience Theatre

Cultural Award
Best Float by a Cultural or Non-Profit Group
National Alliance on Mental Illness Coastal Virginia Affiliate – NAMI

BAND AWARDS

First Place
Ocean Lakes Marching Dolphins
Band Director Katelyn Proffitt – Drum Majors Hannah Gericks and Ashani Warusavitharana

Second Place
Kingdom Education for Young Scholars of Virgina (KEYS of VA)
Band Director Aaron Cook

Third Place
Crimson Thunder Drumline from Katherine G. Johnson Elementary School
Band Director Tyrone Hodge

Marching / Dance Awards

First Place
Twinkle Toes Performing Arts Academy

Second Place
Caporales San Simon SUCRE

SHOWMANSHIP AWARDS

First Place
Ghostbusters Virginia

Second Place
Nightmare Mansion

Volunteer with us!

Ready to help out at the Grand Parade? If you decide to join us, you’ll receive a free Volunteer event t-shirt and guaranteed good times!

Volunteer with Us