To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the Neon Festival will unveil 10 new art projects next week when it takes over part of downtown Norfolk.
Held in the city’s Neon District, the free and immersive street festival is open to the public between 6 and 10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.
New works at the festival will include a double-sided skybridge mural by Mickael Broth on Voss Street, new mural projects by longtime Neon artists Andy Harris and Heidi Peelen, and a “Yarn Bomb” by the Fiber Art Society.
A 244-page hardcover book on the evolution of Neon District street art, “NEON at Ten: A History of Public Art in Norfolk’s Arts District,” will be available for purchase.
“Since the dawn of the NEON District and the Festival, we’ve witnessed the power local artists and performers have to invigorate a community,” Rachel McCall, the 2025 festival chairperson, said in a news release. “Year after year, NEON is transformed by the creative energy thousands of people make together. We are so proud that the spark from a decade ago continues to fuel our community.”
Highlights of the festival will include:
Thursday
The festival kickoff at the Chrysler Museum of Art and Perry Glass Studio, 6 p.m.
Music from the GSA Jazz Band and Strolling Silver Strings, plus dance performances from AMI Dance and The Governor’s School for the Arts
“It’s Electric!” A free dance concert at FavorNation Church, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Glass After Dark, featuring live glassmaking demonstrations in the museum’s hot shop, paired with live music from the Bread Collectors Band, 7-10 p.m.
Glow yoga with Bhav Brigade and Melodic Meditation
Community programming from Tidewater Community College, the Maury Photo Club and WHRO
Art Tour by Norfolk Tour Co. of the Neon District, leaving from Grace Street at 7 p.m.
Oct. 17
A district-wide celebration at The Plot public park and around Granby Street
Fresh Radio, Virginia Opera, Teens with a Purpose at The Plot beer garden with DJ sets from Selecta 720 and DJ Chef Dro, 776 Granby St., 6-10 p.m.
“Interdimensional” cosmic nightlife experience from The Doper Show and Foster Beauty Fashion Show with runway shows, live performances and surreal art installations at the Texaco building, 759 Granby St., 6-10 p.m.
757 Makerspace and House Revival Project’s house music and art installations at the Cofer Lot beer garden, 134 W. Olney Road
Rollbounce Rollout’s glowing runway and skate floor for all wheels and an immersive installation by artist Ashleigh Bagwell, Magazine Lane
Scenes from “The Addams Family” by The Hurrah Players and the Season 5 launch of “Truth Be Told: Virginia” by Heard Productions in the Hugh R. Copeland Center, 6:30 p.m.
“That’s Flee Vol. 8 (NEON Edition)” open-air vendor market on Wilson Avenue
Old Dominion University’s arts programs at bookstore Eleanor’s Norfolk, 801 Boush St.
“Lunatique” graveyard lounge inspired by Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris, and “Black Out,” a juried group exhibition showcasing work from more than 60 Hampton Roads artists, at Zeke’s, 800 Granby St.
A complete list of events and activities can be found at neonnfk.com.
Colin Warren-Hicks, 919-818-8138, colin.warrenhicks@virginiamedia.com
https://www.dailypress.com/2025/10/11/neon-festival-back-10th-year/
