Neptune Festival Grand Parade 2024 in Virginia

Das Neptune Festival ist eine der charakteristischen Feierlichkeiten von Virginia Beach, die den ganzen Sommer über anzieht Hunderttausende von Menschen. Zweiunddreißig Blöcke des Virginia Beach Boardwalk bieten endlose Unterhaltungsmöglichkeiten: Bands, leckere Snacks, Kunst und Kunsthandwerk. Die Neptune Festival Grand Parade, die Ende September stattfindet, ist eines der wichtigsten Höhepunkte des Festivals, das Sommer Strandsaison mit Grand Finale Wochenende schließt. Die Neptune Festival Grand Parade bietet über 100 Einträge und findet zwischen der 16. und 32. Straße an der Atlantic Avenue statt.

Tausende von Menschen säumen die Straßen, um bunte Schwimmer, größere Ballons als das Leben und kostümierte Charaktere zu sehen. Viele Piraten und König Neptun XLIV mit seinem Königlichen Gericht marschieren durch 16 Stadtblöcke. Viele marschierende Bands und Musik sowie Giveaways für die Menge sorgen dafür, dass jeder Spaß hat.

Der Grand Parade folgt ein spektakuläres Feuerwerk am Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Die Show wird jedes Jahr größer und bietet Tausende von brillanten bunten Spritzern über den Atlantik.

Thousands of spectators line the streets to witness the colorful floats, larger-than-life balloons, and costumed characters. Among the parade participants are numerous pirates and King Neptune XLIV with his Royal Court, who march through the 16 city blocks from 11:30 am to 1 pm. The parade also boasts numerous marching bands and music, ensuring a festive and engaging experience for all attendees. Additionally, there are plenty of giveaways for the crowd, adding to the fun.

Another festival's standout event is the sandsculpting championship, where magnificent sand sculptures crafted by world-renowned sculptors will be on display. The competition is housed in a large tent to protect the artwork from the elements and provide an optimal viewing experience. The tent will be open to the public on Friday, September 27 – Saturday, September 28, from 9 am to 11 pm, Sunday, September 29, from 9 am to 9 pm, and Monday, September 30th – Sunday, October 6, from 10 am to 6 pm.

Admission is $7 per person, cash only, with children 12 and under admitted free. Additionally, free sand clinics will be offered on the beach at 6th Street on September 28 and 29, providing hands-on learning experiences with master sculptors.

Visitors can also look forward to the Art & Craft Fair, which will feature over 200 artisans showcasing their handmade creations. Neptune & Namaste, located on the beach at 5th Street, offers a healthy haven for visitors. Start your day with a free yoga session on the beach or join family-friendly fitness events like Free Boardwalk Barre, Beach Bootcamp, HIIT, and dance classes instructed by locals. Other activities include Neptune's 8k Race, a Volleyball Tournament, the Atlantic Regatta, Neptune’s Surfing Classic, DockDogs competition, and a Youth Art Show.

The ultimate kids' zone, free and open to the public, offers non-stop fun for the whole family. Located at Virginia Beach Oceanfront's 17th Street Park, this vibrant area features a plethora of activities suitable for kids of all ages. Families can enjoy a variety of games, including cornhole, giant Jenga, connect four, chess, and checkers. Additionally, there are opportunities to unleash creativity with painting sessions at The Mermaid Factory and enjoy entertainment from magicians, face painters, balloon artists, and more throughout the weekend.

The Neptune Festival is mostly free to the public, with certain events like the International Sandsculpting Championship and Neptune’s Surfing Classic requiring an entrance fee.

The Virginia Beach Neptune Festival takes place along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, spanning from 1st to 33rd Streets on the boardwalk. Virginia Beach is easily accessible from major cities in the region, including Norfolk and Chesapeake, both of which are less than 30 minutes away by car. The festival's location on the picturesque Atlantic coastline also offers visitors the opportunity to explore nearby attractions such as the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and First Landing State Park.

The Neptune Festival was founded in 1974, making 2024 its 50th anniversary. Over the past five decades, the festival has grown significantly in size and scope, evolving from a local celebration to a nationally recognized event. Each year, it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to enjoy the festivities. The festival has been honored with numerous accolades, such as being named one of the top 100 festivals in the United States and one of the top 10 festivals by the Southeast Tourism Society.