VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - The Neptune Festival's outdoor events for Boardwalk Weekend in Virginia Beach have been canceled, according to representatives with the event.
The cancellation comes as Hurricane Ian moves up the east coast and rapidly intensifies, nearing a Category 5 strength level. The team behind the festival says they are unable to guarantee a safe and enjoyable environment due to forecasted weather for the weekend.
"Especially the artists, with all of their wares, being in their tents, it’s just a little too dangerous – dangerous for their pieces and dangerous for them as well to be setting up in those conditions," explained Melanie Gazzolo, director of special events for the Neptune Festival.
She said it's just the second time it's been canceled in its 48-year history. The only other time was in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gazzolo said in 2015, it was partially moved indoors due to weather.
“While the Neptune Festival hosts more than 40 events each year, Boardwalk Weekend is our flagship celebration for which we literally plan all year long,” said Kit Chope, Neptune Festival CEO. “With the support of more than 900 dedicated volunteers, we welcome more than 400,000 visitors during the three-day event. Add to that 225 artists, 150 vendors and nonprofit partners, all event participants, and you have a lot of moving parts. This heartbreaking decision was not made lightly, but it’s the right one. The community’s safety is paramount.”
Virginia is expecting to experience remnants of the hurricane with cloudy skies, on and off showers, and storms beginning on Friday.
Event cancellations include:
- Neptune’s Art & Craft Show
- All Concerts at 24th and 31st Street Parks
- All Boardwalk vendors
- Neptune’s Healthy Haven
- Neptune’s 8k Race
- Poseidon’s Playground Family Fun Zone
- Neptune’s Touch-A-Truck Experience
- Neptune’s Grand Parade
- Neptune’s Surfing Classic (potential postponement)
- Atlantic Regatta
- Youth Art Show
- Chrysler Museum Mobile Glass Studio
- Sandsculpting Clinics
Regarding the idea of postponing the event, Gazzolo responded, "They’re coming from up and down the East Coast. All of our bands that are booked have gigs that are booked the next night, so we just can’t up and lift everything to the next weekend, unfortunately."
She said the International Sandsculpting Championship tent will still be open on Monday, October 3, 2022, through at least October 9, 2022, for visitor viewing. For more information, click here.
