NORFOLK, Va. — The ninth annual NEON Festival is taking place again Oct. 17-18 in Downtown Norfolk’s NEON (New Energy of Norfolk) District.
The event, which is free and open to the public, will close down streets in order to expand its footprint this year, which organizers say will allow for more community engagement, larger installations, and more immersive experiences.
New this year, on Thursday evening, the focus has shifted to the newly reopened Chrysler Museum Glass Studio, so the inside of the museum will not be open to guests so that everyone can explore the new indoor and outdoor spaces of the studio.
On Friday evening, Granby Street in front of the Plot and West Wilson Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic so that festival visitors can enjoy more space and more activities in that rea.
Thursday programming and entertainment includes the Bay River Band, Infinite Flava, Jpixx, and more. A public art tour showcasing recently completed murals and art projects will take place at 7 p.m. Glass After Dark at the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio will happen from 8 to 10 p.m. The Hague School open house and community dance concert with Twinkle Toes Performing Arts Company, Beverly Moody, Ashlyn Works, and Ballet Virginia will also entertain visitors.
Friday will include beer gardens with Elation Brewing, Voyager Coffee, and Water’s Edge Winery at The Plot and Cofer Lot.
The main stage entertainment will present POWERHOUSE, a tribute to the roots of house music in Black queer culture. It will feature DJ Phillie, DJ Chef Dro, Vivian Valentine, Teens With A Purpose, House of Prodigy, Hampton Roads Pride, and more.
Other activities will include live painting, a pop-up exhibition, printmaking, a disco dance party, and more.
Make sure to visit the festival's website for a complete listing of all the offerings.
