Get Involved
Artists
For attendees at our annual Neptune Festival Art & Craft Show, there is nothing quite like the thrill of discovering a new artist or being inspired by new works from an old favorite. It is an incredible experience to be surrounded by talented, passionate artists sharing their talents.
Let Your Art Shine
Often recognized by Sunshine Artist Magazine in the top 10 of 200 Art Shows in the country, the Neptune Festival Art and Craft Show features approximately 200 artists. Neptune Festival itself has been named one of the top 100 festivals in the US and is annually voted one of the top 10 festivals by the Southeast Tourism Society. The crowd estimate for the weekend is 400,000+.
For more information about the Neptune Festival Art and Craft Show, please visit our ZAPP page below. Please read ZAPP content thoroughly before submitting your application.
Art Show Hours
Friday, September 26
12pm-7pm
Saturday, September 27
10am-7pm
Sunday, September 28
10am-6pm
Art Show Location
Tents will be set up from 21st through 31st Street on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Application Deadline
June 1, 2025
Artwork Eligibility
Artists and craftsmen of original work in all media are eligible for the show, with acceptance based on a jury process. In all cases, the spirit of our guidelines intends that the work depend heavily on the “handmade” aspect of art and craft.
Note that food products, body care, recorded music, commercially manufactured, production studio work, buy-sell, kits, or imported items are not accepted. We reserve the right to remove work from the show that violates our policies and guidelines.
This juried art show requires pre-registration to participate, but viewing is free and open to the public.
We will devote an area of the boardwalk to selected exhibitors who display work with the highest degree of originality, handcrafting and excellence. It will be only these exhibitors who are eligible for the cash awards. The decision of the show committee is final.
The Festival includes a commercial section that is not part of this Art and Craft Show. If your work is not eligible for the Art & Craft Show, you may wish to apply for a space in it. Click here to apply to be a commercial vendor in the Marketplace.
Artist Highlights
- Application Deadline: June 1, 2025
- Acceptance/Non-Acceptance Notification: July 1-9, 2025
- Application Fee: $40 for first application in one media category. One additional application in a second media category will cost $20. Application fee is non-refundable.
You must use coupon code 2ndmedium for any additional media category you wish to apply for. - Booth Fee: Each 10′ wide x 10′ deep space costs $435. A 10’x20′ space costs $870, to be paid upon notification of acceptance.
If the entire festival is cancelled by festival organizers, full space fee refund will be made within 30 days of cancellation, less processing fee. - Artists may purchase more than one space. A limited number of corner spaces is available for an additional $150 each. Corner spaces permit showing on two sides, but exhibition space is limited to 10′ wide x 10′ deep.
- Cash awards totaling $2,600 will be made based on standards of quality, professionalism, and originality.
For more information about the Neptune Festival Art and Craft Show, please visit our ZAPP page below. Please read ZAPP content thoroughly before submitting your application.
If you have questions, please email Sharon Tanner here or call the Neptune Festival office at (757) 498-0215.