Why the Neptune Festival Is Virginia Beach’s Unmissable Celebration

What’s the one event that brings together locals, visitors, artists, athletes, and families in Virginia Beach every year?

The answer is the Neptune Festival of Virginia Beach, one of the East Coast’s most celebrated festivals and a tradition that’s been part of the community for over 50 years. Every September, this festival transforms the Virginia Beach oceanfront into a destination for art, music, food, sports, and family fun.

This year, as a proud sponsor, we’re excited to share why the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival is so special, what makes it stand apart from other Virginia Beach festivals, and why it’s one of the top things to do at VA Beach this weekend if you’re planning a visit at the end of September.

The Story Behind the Neptune Festival

The Neptune Festival of Virginia Beach began in 1974 as an idea to bring residents together while showcasing the city’s culture and heritage. What started as a single weekend event has now grown into more than 40 annual events that draw hundreds of thousands of attendees.

From the very beginning, the mission was simple: celebrate the beach lifestyle and create traditions that connect the community. All these years later, that mission hasn’t changed—if anything, it has only grown stronger.

Compared to many other Virginia Beach festivals, the Neptune Festival has a unique balance: it blends art, sports, entertainment, and philanthropy while welcoming visitors from all over the country.

The Boardwalk Weekend: Festival at Its Peak

The highlight of the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival is Boardwalk Weekend. Each September, the oceanfront boardwalk transforms into a lively hub of music, food, and entertainment. Stretching across 30 blocks, it is the ultimate festival experience.

• Sand Sculpting Championship: Artists from around the globe create towering works of art from sand. It’s one of the largest competitions of its kind and a true symbol of the festival’s creativity.
• Concerts on the Beach: Free live music across multiple stages makes the boardwalk a nonstop party with genres for every taste.
• Art & Craft Show: More than 250 artisans display and sell their work, turning the boardwalk into an open-air gallery.
• Grand Parade: Floats, marching bands, and community groups line the streets in a celebration that locals look forward to all year.

If you’re looking for things to do at VA Beach this weekend, few experiences rival walking along the boardwalk during the Neptune Festival, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and a vibrant celebration on the other.

More Than a Weekend: A Season of Events

One of the reasons the Neptune Festival of Virginia Beach stands out among Virginia Beach festivals is that it’s not limited to just one weekend. Leading up to Boardwalk Weekend, the city comes alive with events for every age and interest.

• Athletics: From an 8K race to volleyball and golf tournaments, sports enthusiasts find plenty of action.
• Food & Drink: Wine tastings and culinary events highlight local flavors while giving visitors a taste of coastal Virginia.
• Community Events: Fundraisers, art exhibitions, and smaller concerts help the festival give back to the city that supports it.

This variety ensures that no matter what you enjoy—sports, art, music, or simply walking the beach—you’ll find something that feels like it was designed just for you.

Impact Beyond Entertainment

The Virginia Beach Neptune Festival is a vital part of the local economy and community.

• The festival generates over $26 million in total economic impact annually.
• More than 400,000 attendees visit during Boardwalk Weekend, with over half traveling from outside Virginia Beach.
• Local nonprofits benefit from fundraising opportunities, with more than $50,000 raised annually through festival partnerships.

This dual role, celebrating the community while supporting it sets the Neptune Festival apart. Among Virginia Beach festivals, it’s not only the largest but also the most impactful for both residents and businesses.

Why This Year Is Special

Every year, the Neptune Festival grows bigger, but 2025 brings something especially exciting. This year, we’re not just cheering from the sidelines, we’re on the boardwalk with you. As proud sponsors, we’ve partnered with one of the most beloved traditions of the festival: the Symphony by the Sea concert series.

These concerts, already lighting up the oceanfront since August, bring together the best of live music with the unbeatable backdrop of the Virginia Beach shoreline. For us, sponsoring Symphony by the Sea is more than a partnership, it’s a way to celebrate the same values we stand for every day: community, joy, and creating experiences that last.

So whether you’re strolling down the boardwalk for the art show, marveling at the sand sculptures, or swaying to the music under the stars, you’ll see us there—sharing in the celebration and giving back to the community we’re proud to serve.

Planning Your Visit

If you’re adding the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival to your calendar, here are some tips to make the most of your trip:

• When: The festival runs through September, with Boardwalk Weekend as the grand finale.
• Where: Virginia Beach Oceanfront, stretching across 30 blocks of the boardwalk.
• Admission: Most events, including concerts and the parade, are free. Specialty events like wine tastings may require tickets.
• Where to Stay: Hotels and vacation rentals fill up quickly, so it’s best to book early.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime fan of Virginia Beach festivals, the Neptune Festival is one event you won’t want to miss.

A Festival You’ll Never Forget

If you’re looking for unforgettable things to do at VA Beach this weekend, the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival should be at the very top of your list. This September, join us on the boardwalk for the Neptune Festival. Celebrate with your family, enjoy world-class entertainment, and be part of a tradition that brings joy to hundreds of thousands every year.

And when you’re ready to return home, remember—we’ll keep your home just as comfortable as your festival experience was exciting.

At One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, we know what it means to show up on time, every time. That’s why we’re proud to support the Neptune Festival of Virginia Beach this year, it reflects the same values we hold: community, reliability, and creating experiences that last.

Ready to make the most of festival season and your home comfort? Contact us today to schedule your appointment or learn more about our services.