The 10th Annual NEON Festival Hampton Roads, set to light up Norfolk’s arts district from October 16-17, 2025, is creating a buzz at Innovate Hampton Roads. Presented by Arts Alliance and PRA Group, this milestone event offers opportunities for event producers and artists to contribute to the region’s vibrant creative community. The Downtown Norfolk Council and the NEON District are calling for event proposals for pop-up galleries, art exhibitions, music showcases, and more, with programming grants ranging from $500 to $2,500. Artists are also invited to create murals for the new Fusion at NEON residential building, reflecting the festival’s decade of transformation. The NEON Festival Hampton Roads has grown into a hub for over 100 public artworks since 2015, providing a platform for creative entrepreneurs in the region to shine, connect, and innovate.
By Tim Ryan
The 10th Annual NEON Festival Hampton Roads lights up Norfolk’s arts district, bringing creativity and community together in October 2025!
The NEON Festival Hampton Roads 10th Anniversary
At Innovate Hampton Roads, we’re buzzing with excitement as the NEON Festival Hampton Roads marks its 10th anniversary in Norfolk’s vibrant arts district! Set for October 16-17, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, this milestone event, presented by Arts Alliance and PRA Group, is a celebration of creativity that’s opening doors for our region’s entrepreneurs and artists. Here’s how you can be part of this game-changing moment in Hampton Roads.
Opportunities for Event Producers and Artists
The Downtown Norfolk Council (DNC) and the NEON District are rolling out two incredible opportunities. First, a Request for Proposals (RFP) invites event producers and curators to activate spaces on October 17 with pop-up galleries, vendor markets, art exhibitions, music showcases, or immersive experiences—free for the public. Programming grants from $500 to $2,500 are up for grabs, based on your project’s scope and impact. Apply by July 6, 2025, at the DNC’s submission link, and bring your vision to life in a district that’s nurtured creativity since its inception in 2015.
Second, artists can answer an open call to create 13 murals at the new Fusion at NEON residential building on 225 W. Ольney Road. The theme, “Fusion,” explores synthesis, energy, and connection, reflecting NEON Festival Hampton Roads’ decade of transformation. Artists can design and paint 5’ x 10’ panels, earning a $1,000 stipend per panel (up to two panels per artist). Submissions are due by June 22, 2025, with murals to be completed by September 30. This project, in partnership with Fusion’s ownership, is a chance to leave a lasting mark on Norfolk’s skyline.
The Impact of NEON Festival Hampton Roads
“These opportunities invite artists to create alongside us and keep the momentum going,” said Rachel McCall, DNC Vice President. Since 2015, NEON Festival Hampton Roads has grown into a hub for over 100 public artworks, supporting makers and performers alongside anchors like the Chrysler Museum. For Hampton Roads’ creative entrepreneurs, this is your moment to shine, connect, and innovate. Get involved, visit www.neonnfk.com, and let’s make the 10th NEON Festival Hampton Roads a testament to our region’s unstoppable energy!
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Question & Answer
Q: When is the 10th Annual NEON Festival Hampton Roads taking place?
A: The 10th Annual NEON Festival Hampton Roads is set to take place on October 16-17, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Q: What opportunities are available for event producers and artists at the NEON Festival Hampton Roads?
A: Event producers can apply to activate spaces with pop-up galleries, vendor markets, art exhibitions, music showcases, or immersive experiences with programming grants ranging from $500 to $2,500. Artists can also create murals at the new Fusion at NEON residential building, with a $1,000 stipend per panel.
Q: How many public artworks has the NEON Festival Hampton Roads supported since 2015?
A: The NEON Festival Hampton Roads has grown into a hub for over 100 public artworks since 2015, providing a platform for creative entrepreneurs in the region to shine, connect, and innovate.
