Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show: An October 9–11 Show Guide

Virginia Beach’s oceanfront becomes an open-air gallery when the 70th Annual Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show returns October 9–11, 2026. Produced by the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, the free, rain-or-shine event brings more than 160 juried artists to the boardwalk between 23rd and 33rd Streets.

For collectors, the appeal is the range: paintings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, glass, fiber and other contemporary craft, all presented by the artists who made the work. For first-time visitors, the setting makes the show especially approachable—you can browse at your own pace with the Atlantic Ocean beside you.

At a glance

Dates: Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11, 2026
Hours: Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Location: Virginia Beach Boardwalk, 23rd–33rd Streets, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Admission: Free; separate charges may apply to beer-garden purchases or special activities
Artists: More than 160 juried artists from around the country
Weather: The outdoor show is scheduled rain or shine

Check the official Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show page before leaving for the latest schedules, maps and policies. You can also browse our Upcoming Art Shows calendar for more fall events.

Why this show stands out

Virginia MOCA’s roots reach back to a local art show launched in 1952, and the 2026 festival marks the Boardwalk Art Show’s 70th edition. It remains unusual among outdoor festivals because it is produced by an accredited art museum. The competitive selection process draws hundreds of applicants, while a $10,000 Best in Show award underscores the caliber of work visitors can expect.

The 10-block footprint gives the show room to breathe. Rather than treating the day as a race, choose two or three sections to explore carefully, pause for the ocean view, then return to the artists whose work stays with you.

Plan your boardwalk route

Morning is the easiest time for focused conversations and close looking. Start near either end of the show, note booth numbers or photograph the artist’s sign with permission, and keep a short list of pieces you want to revisit. Comfortable shoes, sunscreen and a refillable water bottle are useful even in October.

New to outdoor festivals? Our first art show visitor guide explains how to pace a visit. If a work catches your attention, use our guide to talking with artists at art shows for easy conversation starters. Ask about materials, process, care and what inspired a particular series—the answers often make a purchase more meaningful.

Family programming and the Art Park

The Virginia MOCA ART Park at 31st Street Park adds hands-on programming to the weekend. Organizers list artist demonstrations, performances, art making, lawn games and family activities from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Sunday. Families can use the park as a planned reset between stretches of booth browsing; our art show with kids guide has more ideas for keeping the experience relaxed.

Adults looking for a later stop can check the Commonwealth Brewing Co. Liquid Art Beer Garden at 24th Street Park, scheduled for Friday 5–8 p.m., Saturday 2–8 p.m. and Sunday 2–6 p.m. Confirm hours and purchase details with the organizer because programming can change.

Meet the artists—and buy thoughtfully

Artist statements are required in participating booths, so take a moment to read them before asking questions. Featured artist Mark Butts created Boardwalk Seventy, the artwork selected for the 2026 commemorative poster. Across the show, expect both established names and discoveries.

If you are considering a purchase, our guide to buying original art at an art show covers practical questions about dimensions, payment, shipping and display. For photography, always ask first; the etiquette in our guide to photographing art at art shows protects artists while helping you remember what you loved.

Visitors who need step-free routes, seating or other accommodations should review the organizer’s latest access information before arrival and use our accessible art show visit guide as a planning checklist.

Before you go

Weather on the oceanfront can shift quickly, so check the forecast and the official event page on the morning of your visit. Build in extra time for parking and walking to the boardwalk. Most important, leave space in your schedule for a second look: the work that draws you back is often the work worth discussing—or taking home.

Planning note: This advance guide is based on official organizer information available September 28, 2026. Dates, hours, locations and policies may change. The header is an original conceptual editorial image and does not document the event. Its festival badge is an original Art Show Magazine editorial treatment—not Virginia MOCA’s official logo.