70th Annual Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show 2026

The Annual Virginia MOCA Boardwalk Art Show is one of the only outdoor art shows produced by an accredited museum, held on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. This three-day festival (October 9–11, 2026) welcomes approximately 160+ juried artists from across the country and features fine art and contemporary craft across several media. The show is consistently ranked as one of the top 75 Fine Art and Design shows in the country by Sunshine Artist magazine.

This is a juried show with each artist selected by jurors from an average pool of over 350 applications. All 2025 winners will be exempt from jurying in 2026 and will receive a coupon code to bypass the jury fee. Five digital images are required for each application: four of individual pieces and one overall display showing continuity and presentation. Artists may submit up to three applications for work in different media categories or separate bodies of work within one category.

Applications are available December 8, 2025. The early bird deadline is January 15, 2026, with the final application deadline of April 30, 2026 (a $10 late fee applies for applications received on or after May 1, 2026). The late application deadline is May 31, 2026. Decision emails will be sent June 22, 2026. The last day to accept invitation and pay booth fees is August 1, 2026; no refunds are available after August 2, 2026. Judging for cash prizes takes place on the first and potentially second day of the show. The Best-in-Show prize is $10,000 in 2026, with approximately $20,000 total awarded. Artists are required to show proof of liability insurance naming Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art and The City of Virginia Beach as additional insured. All proceeds directly support Virginia MOCA, a non-profit contemporary art museum.