By Tim Ryan
We’re all about weaving the stories of visionaries who turn bold ideas into reality—and few events capture that spirit like the NEON Festival. As it marks its 10th anniversary on October 16 and 17, 2025, in Downtown Norfolk’s NEON District, this free, immersive celebration isn’t just a party; it’s a turbo-boost for our region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Imagine streets alive with art, music, and collaborations that inspire your next startup pitch or creative venture. Whether you’re a tech founder, artist-entrepreneur, or business leader hungry for fresh energy, this festival shows how Hampton Roads is evolving into a hub where creativity drives economic growth and community impact.
Let’s rewind a bit for context—because every great innovation story has roots. Back in 2015, the NEON District (short for New Energy of Norfolk) emerged from a gritty automotive sales area into Hampton Roads’ first official arts district, thanks to visionaries from the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio, AltDaily, and Downtown Norfolk Council. What started as a pop-up event in a neglected stretch has blossomed into a vibrant neighborhood anchored by cultural giants like the Chrysler Museum and Harrison Opera House. Over the decade, it’s attracted hundreds of artists, thousands of visitors, and over 120 permanent public art pieces, transforming urban spaces into canvases for collaboration. This progress mirrors our own mission at Innovate Hampton Roads: fostering ecosystems where entrepreneurs connect, resources flow, and ideas ignite. From shipbuilding heritage to today’s tech and startup surge, NEON exemplifies how reinvention fuels the 757’s economy—think job creation in creative industries, tourism boosts, and inspiration for ventures blending art with business.
This year’s milestone edition, presented by Arts Alliance and PRA Group, cranks up the excitement with 10 new art projects honoring a decade of creativity (#10for10). Kick off on Thursday, October 16, at the Chrysler Museum and Perry Glass Studio for a west-side glow-up. Picture live glassmaking demos at Glass After Dark, paired with tunes from the Bread Collectors Band; a 10th Anniversary Toast in the Meredith Hot Shop; jazz from the GSA Band and dance performances by AMI Dance; Glow Yoga with Bhav Brigade; and community vibes from TCC, Maury Photo Club, and WHRO. Don’t miss the Norfolk Tour Company Art Tour or the free “It’s Electric!” dance concert at Favor Nation Church—perfect for unwinding after a day of hustling on your startup.
Friday, October 17, shifts east to The Plot and Granby Street for district-wide magic. Groove to DJ sets from Selecta 720 and DJ Chef Dro at The Plot Beer Garden, alongside Virginia Opera and Teens with a Purpose. Dive into “Interdimensional,” a cosmic nightlife collab by The Doper Show and Foster Beauty Fashion Show in the Texaco Building—think runway struts, surreal installations, and live performances that scream innovative storytelling. Hit up 757 Makerspace’s house music and art at Cofer Lot, Rollbounce Rollout’s glowing skate runway in Magazine Lane, or interactive spots like DoodleFest, the 757 Quilting Guild, and ODU’s arts programs at Eleanor’s NFK. Vendor markets like That’s Flee Vol. 8, juried exhibitions at Zeke’s NFK, and hands-on experiences from Norfolk State University and d’Art Center round out the lineup. Thirteen local event producers are curating their zones, showcasing the entrepreneurial grit of our community—from underground music journeys to community art competitions with cash prizes.
But here’s why this matters to you: NEON Festival is more than eye candy—it’s a launchpad for connections. Network with artists turning murals into brands, performers building immersive experiences, and producers scaling events into enterprises. Past festivals have sparked collaborations that led to new businesses, like artist studios doubling as co-working spaces or tech-art fusions attracting investment. As we amplify opportunities in the 757, events like this empower you to blend creativity with commerce, drawing from NEON’s evolution to fuel your own. Plus, snag a copy of “NEON at Ten: A History of Public Art in Norfolk’s Arts District”—a 244-page hardcover packed with essays and photos documenting this journey, available for pre-order or purchase on-site.
With beverages from Elation Brewing and Crunchy Hydration, and support from sponsors like Fusion at NEON, Glass Light Hotel, and the City of Norfolk, this festival is produced by Downtown Norfolk Council and the Chrysler Museum—true partners in our innovation narrative. Check the full schedule at neonnfk.com/neon-festival, and join us from 6-10pm both nights. Free entry means no excuses—come recharge, collaborate, and celebrate the New Energy that’s propelling Hampton Roads forward. Who’s ready to light up the future? See you in NEON!
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