(Over 250 artists will feature their work during the Neptune Festival Art and Craft Show during Boardwalk Weekend.)

By Pam Catindig
The annual Virginia Beach Neptune Festival Art and Craft Show isn’t only the best-loved art show among locals, it ranks 3rd in the nation! The highly acclaimed show, one of the highlights of the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival Boardwalk weekend, ranked third out of the top 200 art shows nationally in the Fine Art and Design category in the 2018 200 Best Issue ofSunshine Artist Magazine.
“I believe King Neptune is beaming with pride,” said, Nancy Creech, President and CEO of the Neptune Festival. “We are so pleased to be recognized as having one of the premier art shows in the country. Featuring the works of over 250 talented artists, along an oceanfront boardwalk, in the middle of Virginia’s biggest annual party, surrounded by music, food and fun—it’s easy to understand why it’s so well-loved. We hope everyone will come out and enjoy the Boardwalk Weekend and the Art and Craft Show, September 28th through 30th, during our 45th year celebration. We want to congratulate our Art Show Director, Sharon Tanner, on this accomplishment. In the 4 years since she took over as the Neptune Festival Art & Craft Show Director, we’ve seen marked improvement in the quality of artwork, happiness of artists, and number of attendees. We are excited to produce another wonderful show for Virginia Beach citizens and visitors alike!”
Running the length of the Virginia Beach boardwalk between 18th and 29th streets, this juried Art and Craft Show has cash awards which draw artists from near and far. From exquisite original artwork and photography, to the finest handcrafted sculptures and glasswork, this highly anticipated show features for sale the works of hundreds of creative artisans. For people who crave inspiration, enjoy fine art, want to support the art community, or just want to pick up a memento to remember a great weekend, this is an event not to be missed. Admission is free.
Patrons can support tomorrow’s great artists at the Youth Art Show Sunday, September 30th. Local high school artists will exhibit traditional art, as well as contemporary mixed-media works. This is also a juried art show with prizes and artwork available for purchase. Show time is 10AM-5PM and is located between 27th-28th streets.
The Boardwalk Festival Art and Craft Show is part of 32 blocks of rousing summer entertainment and fun. The art show hours are Friday 12PM-7PM, Saturday 10 AM -7PM, and Sunday 10AM -6PM. However, the free entertainment lasts into the night, with live music on festival stages at 17th, 24th, and 31st streets until 11PM Friday and Saturday and 6PM on Sunday.