Downtown Norfolk Council and the NEON District have announced the return of the NEON Festival for its tenth year. This event, presented by Arts Alliance and PRA Group, will take place on October 16 and 17, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm in Norfolk’s first official arts district.
The festival offers two major opportunities for Hampton Roads’ creative community. The first is a Request for Proposals (RFP) for qualified event producers and curators to program spaces on October 17. Grants ranging from $500 to $2,500 are available for proposals such as pop-up galleries, vendor markets, art exhibitions, music showcases, or other public experiences. The deadline for proposals is July 6, 2025.
The second opportunity is an open call for artists to create murals on panels at the Fusion at NEON residential building. Artists will design panels based on the theme “Fusion,” with a stipend of $1,000 per panel. Submissions are due by June 22, with completion expected by September 30.
Rachel McCall of Downtown Norfolk Council stated, “As we approach the 10th anniversary of the NEON Festival, we’re incredibly excited to share these opportunities with our talented community.”
For more information on sponsorships or programming inquiries, contact Emily Shield at Downtown Norfolk Council.
Downtown Norfolk Council is a not-for-profit organization focused on enhancing Downtown Norfolk’s appeal and prosperity. It manages the Downtown Norfolk Improvement District and supports events through resources found at www.DowntownNorfolk.org.
NEON District connects cultural institutions with local artists and businesses. It includes artist studios and over 100 works of public art. Managed by Downtown Norfolk Council, it plays a significant role in Norfolk’s arts scene. More information can be found at www.neonnfk.com.
