I don’t think there’s a word for a person or group of people who are obsessed with festivals, but if there was it would perfectly describe Richmond. Where else can you hit up 6 festivals in one weekend? Not to mention all the other amazing stuff there is to do in Richmond.
So, put on your festival shoes and hit up these family-friendly festivals this month.
Looking for halloween-themed events? Here are some things to scream about!
Hogtober– October 5- Beer: check. BBQ: check. Bands: check. Church Hill is partying with a family-friendly fest complete with face painting, balloon animals, a ring toss and Miss. Hot Sauce (oh my!). They thought of everything for this one, even vegan brisket for those who don’t want to go whole hog. Entry is free, but tasting tickets are available for $5 which scores you a one-ounce sample from each of the RVA barbecue legends.
Hanover Ruritan Bluegrass Festival– October 5- Love a little bluegrass? How about a whole lot of bluegrass? On October 5th you can get yourself a drink some food, check out some Hanover and Virginia made crafts and listen to bluegrass from noon ’till 9:45pm. Tickets are $12 and children under 11 are free.
International Food Festival– October 5- Can’t decide on Latin Caribbean or Eastern European for dinner? Good news: you don’t have to. Purchase and use tickets to taste authentic cuisine from all around the world. $2 Food samples and $5 full portions. Wine, beer and soda will also be available.
Oystober Festival– October 5- If you haven’t had an oyster po’ boy, now is your chance… or slurp down a dozen raw or steamy oysters and a newcastle brown ale. The Oystober Festival has a kids zone to keep the little ones occupied while you satisfy your glutton-side with Rappahannock River Oysters which have been featured on Huffington Post/AOL. $2 suggested donation for entry. $5 for Kids Zone $13 for a dozen steamy delicious oysters.
2nd Street Festival– October 5-6- The 25th annual 2nd Street Festival celebrates the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood once called the “Harlem of the South”. There will be four stages of musical entertainment, food vendors, a marketplace, and a Kidz Zone programmed by the Children’s Museum of Richmond and Admission is free.
Carytown Food & Wine Festival– October 6- Your ticket gets you a souvenir glass, food from one of 6 participating Carytown restaurants, and tastings from 15 Virginia Wineries. Tickets are $20 in advance / $30 at the door. A $15 designated driver ticket includes complimentary soft drinks and food. Children under 12 are welcome and free of charge.
The Richmond Folk Festival – October 11-13 – Probably the festival of the season, the Richmond Folk Festival is a three-day event that boasts over 30 performers on seven stages, kids activities, a folk art marketplace and of course, food. Check out the website for a full line up of a packed weekend schedule. Admission is Free
Harvest Festival– October 19- Hop on over to Henrico for the Harvest Festival where kids can pet a sheep, ride a pony, hand press apple cider and more. Kids ages 3-12 can pick out their very own pumpkin to take home! Admission is free.
Central Virginia Celtic Festival and Highland Games– October 19-20- Swordplay, hurling, bagpipes, dancing, rugby and whiskey… all these things and more will give you a taste (literally) of the highlands right here in Richmond. Whiskey tastings start at 10:30 am, so you know they mean business. $15/Day, $25/2 Day in advance. $20/Day, $30/ 2 Day at Gates. Children under 12 are free.
Boulevard Pumpkin Festival- October 26- Haven’t heard of this one before? That’s because it’s the very first one! With pumpkin games (we’re waiting to find out exactly what that means) a costume contest, plenty of food (of the pumpkin spice variety) beer and beautiful October weather, we’re sure this festival is going to be a blast! Admission is free.
Boo-Bash -October 26- It’s the 21st Annual Spooky Saturday “BOO-BASH” y’all! Ride a mechanical bull, a tractor barrel train and participate in the Spooky Olympics but watch out, we’ve been training for the sack race competition for weeks! Get $5 worth of free tickets if you buy a bundle of tickets for $20
Note: You can also check out this link for more seasonal and faith-based festivals: FaithinRichmond.com
