Some Neptune Festival events canceled, changed due to weather

Virginia Beach, Va. - The Virginia Beach Neptune Festival has changed or canceled several of the events scheduled for the weekend due to severe weather that is forecast for the area.

The forecast indicates that winds at the Oceanfront could reach 40 mph by Saturday, accompanied by heavy rain, strong surf and beach erosion. The current wind conditions are also making it difficult for crews to set up for the weekend's events.

Organizers say high winds will make the festival too dangerous because the tents required could topple.

Three of the bands scheduled to headline the festival -- Erica Lindell, Marshall Tucker Band, and Dumpstaphunk -- have moved to the Virginia Beach Convention Center and will play on Saturday night beginning at 5:00 p.m.

You can find up to the minute information on the Festival’s Facebook page –  www.facebook.com/NeptuneFestival

The following events of the festival are scheduled to continue:

1. The festival’s signature event, Neptune’s International Sandsculpting Championship is currently underway and protected in a large 300’ tent.  Judging will be Thursday and the Neptune’s Land of Sand will be open, conditions permitting, beginning Friday morning at 9 am.  It will be open throughout the weekend and then daily through October 4^th. Admissions is $5 per person with children 12 and under are free.
   1. Weekend Hours are Friday, 9 am – 11 pm, Saturday 9 am – 11 pm, Sunday, 9 am – 9 pm
   2. Monday-Sunday, September 28-October 4, 10am-6pm daily

2. Neptune Art and Craft Show is moving to the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Over 240 artists from around the country are expected to participate. The show will be free and open to the public. King Neptune XVII and the royal court will be at the Art and Craft Show on Saturday, September 26 at 11 am.
   1. Show hours will be Friday 12 pm – 7 pm, Saturday 10am – 7 pm, Sunday, 10 am – 6pm.

3. Neptune Festival 8K final decision has not yet been reached.

Events that are cancelled are as follows:

1. All music at 17th, 24th, and 31st Street  Stages, Friday through Sunday
2. Neptune’s Sailing Regatta on Saturday
3. Neptune’s Grand Parade on Saturday
4. Neptune’s Fireworks on Saturday night
5. All food and exhibitors along the boardwalk, Friday through Sunday
6. Neptune’s Youth Art Show on Sunday morning
7. Neptune’s Volleyball Tournament on Saturday and Sunday
8. Heart of Ghent race postponed  to Saturday, October 10th.