JUNE
21st Annual Richmond Shakespeare Festival
June 6 – August 4, 2019
Agecroft Hall
Hosted by the Quill Theatre, the annual Richmond Shakespeare Festival has become one of the city’s most treasured celebrations of the classics. Experience ‘Shakespeare Under the Stars’ in the courtyard of Agecroft Hall – an authentic 15th century Tudor home. Shows are held every weekend from June 6 through August 4 with special preview shows on select Thursdays. Click here to see the complete schedule or to get tickets!
The grounds open at 6pm for pre-show picnickers. Feel free to bring a blanket and a picnic dinner, and enjoy the beautiful gardens surrounding Agecroft, as well as the spectacular view from the Bluff. As you dine, members of Lord Moxley’s Players, the Festival Young Company, will stroll the grounds and entertain you with Shakespearean monologues, sonnets, and songs. The museum is not open for tours at this time. Please note: Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the grounds.
This year’s festival will feature The Tempest (June 6 – June 30) , The Taming of the Shrew (July 11 – August 4), and a special one-night only performance of The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (July 6).
Location: 4305 Sulgrave Rd, Richmond, VA 23221
Cost: Regular Admission Tickets – Adults – $30 ($35 at the door); Seniors (65+) – $25 ($30 at the door); RVATA (Must show card) – $20 ($25 at the door); Students (Must show ID) – $20; Groups (10+)* – $25.
Dogwood Dell Festival of Arts
June 3 – August 19, 2018
Dogwood Dell @ Byrd Park
Since 1956, the Festival of Arts has been a treasured Richmond tradition. Every summer from June through August, the festival presents live performances at the Dogwood Dell outdoor amphitheater. Performances include classical music and dance; drama, comedy, and musical theatre; and reggae, pop, swing, rhythm and blues, rock, jazz and contemporary music concerts. There will also be a children’s series with performances at the nearby Ha’ Penny stage. Children’s programs include music, theatre, juggling, story-telling and more. See the complete Festival of Arts performance schedule here.
Ideal for families, friends, and anyone who loves live performance, Festival of Arts brings Richmond musicians, actors, performers, and supporters of the arts together for a magical summertime series. For more information or to check on weather cancellations, call (804) 646-1437, call the Dell hotline at (804) 646-DELL, or follow the festival on Facebook.
Location: Dogwood Dell @ Byrd Park, 600 South Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220
Cost: Free
Richmond Symphony’s Festival of the River
June 8, 2018 from 6pm – 9:30pm
June 9, 2018 from 2pm – 9pm
June 10, 2018 from 11am – 3pm
Brown’s Island
This special three-day festival showcases the best of the James River, Chesapeake Bay, and the Richmond Region. Festival highlights will include contemporary art installations, performances under the Symphony’s “Big Tent,” cleanups along and around the River and family-friendly environmental education activities including Back to the Bay in celebration of Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week.
The festival begins with a Friday Cheers performance featuring Rhiannon Giddens and No BS! Brass band performing with the Richmond Symphony at 6pm. Then on Saturday, come out for river clean-ups, performance art, “big tent” events including the Richmond Symphony and tap-dancing phenomenon Savion Glover, and walking tours. The festival wraps up on Sunday with Host of Sparrows Aerial Circus with Glass Twin in the morning, a mid-day picnic and community quilt making event, and a family concert with the Richmond Symphony in the afternoon.
Location: Brown’s Island, Downtown Richmond at the bottom of 12th Street. Find directions here.
Cost: Some events are free, but may require reservation tickets or offer pay-what-you-can structures. Click here to purchase/reserve daily tickets.
Richmond Bacon Festival
June 9, 2019 from 12pm – 5pm
17th Street Market
Bacon lovers unite! The Richmond Bacon Festival is a celebration of all things bacon. Bring lawn chairs and once you’ve had your fill of bacon-themed treats, kick back under the tent for live music. Furry friends are welcome as long as they are well socialized and on a leash. This is a rain or shine event! A variety of craft beer will be provided by the event sponsor, Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company. Your attendance supports Enrichmond’s mission to enhance Richmond parks and activate its public spaces.
Location: 100 N 17th Street, Richmond, VA 23219
Cost: $1 suggested entry donation to Enrichmond
Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ Festival
June 9, 2018 from 12pm – 6pm
Richmond Raceway Complex
For an ol’ fashioned good time, head to the Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ Festival for a day of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’ and barbeque eatin’. Admission includes a sampling glass that is good for all-you-care-to-taste samplings of 60 different beers and 40 bourbons – of course, we don’t recommend you try them all! Plus, you’ll have access to some of the best BBQ in the country – all on site. Be sure to stop in for seminars with master distillers, brewmasters, and pit masters from the deep South and, of course, stomp your feet to live music all day long.
Location: Richmond Raceway Complex, 600 E Laburnum Ave, Richmond, VA 23222
Cost: VIP Whole Hog Session (VIP): $59 Advance Only; Regular Saturday Session: $45 On-Site / $39 Advance; Designated Driver Ticket: $29 (Only available on-site); Kids 12 and under are free although the event is not specifically designed for kids; military discounts available.
Taste of India Festival
June 9 – 10, 2018 from 12:30pm – 8:30pm
Cultural Center of India
Taste of India is one of the largest two-day festivals in the Central Virginia area. This colorful festival of culture is organized by the Cultural Center of India Virginia to bring the community together under one roof and share the beauty of Indian traditions. The theme for 2018 is Classical To Modern Bollywood and features an amazing line-up of talented groups.
Bring your friends and family to enjoy delicious food, power-packed cultural programs, dance competitions, and lots of shopping! Admission and parking are free.
Location: Cultural Center of India, 6641 Ironbridge Parkway, Chester, VA 23831
Cost: Free
Juicy Brews Summer Invitational
June 10, 2018 from 11am – 5pm
Triple Crossing Brewing – Fulton Location
Get your summer started right! Head to Triple Crossing Brewing’s Fulton location for the Juicy Brews Summer Invitational. You’ll have the chance to meet brewers, try unlimited pours from more than 30 of the country’s best breweries, eat, listen to music, relax, and have an all-around good time. And, for this, the 7th and biggest festival yet, there will be exclusive merch and glassware from designer Sam Taylor.
All attendees must be at least 21 years old with a valid ID. Please, no children or strollers.
Location: Triple Crossing Brewing – Fulton, 5203 Hatcher Street, Richmond, VA 23231
Cost: $62.50/ General Admission; $20/Designated Driver (includes an entrée for DD)
*applicable taxes and fees may apply
Juneteenth, A Freedom Celebration
June 15 – 17, 2018
Various Locations Throughout Downtown Richmond
Juneteenth, A Freedom Celebration observes Juneteenth National Freedom Day, the oldest nationally celebrated emancipation commemoration holiday. Hosted by the Elegba Folklore Society, this three-day family-friendly event intertwines history with activities, events, and speakers. Highlights of the celebration include:
- The Symposium on Friday, June 15 with keynote speaker, Professor Kaba Hiawatha Kamene aka Booker T. Coleman, a staple Hidden Colors scholar and documentarian, cultural education consultant and curriculum writer. Elegba Folklore Society’s performers will also appear and The Freedom Market will be open all night.
- Independence Our Way on Saturday, June 16 at 3pm at the Manchester Dock and along the Trail of Enslaved Africans. Includes music, heritage crafts for kids, African dance and drum workshops, shopping in The Freedom Market, and much more.
- Homage to the Ancestors on Sunday, June 17 at the African Burial Ground at 3pm to conclude the Juneteenth observance. This event includes West African spirit rituals and ceremonies, drumming, and song. Attendees may bring an offering for the altar. White or African attire is requested.
Location(s): Click here for event details and locations.
Cost: Most events are free. The Symposium is $12/person; $22/couple; $5/youth 12 -18; children 12 and under are free.
Ashland Strawberry Faire
June 16, 2016 from 10am – 5pm
Randolph-Macon College Campus
Since it began in 1982, this festival has been a favorite for locals and out-of-towners alike. The Faire offers an old-fashioned, traditional celebration that not only promotes community but celebrates the strawberry harvest. Every year, the quaint town of Ashland fills with strawberry treats and more than 300 booths featuring food, antiques, arts and crafts, and local businesses, as well as nonprofits and churches raising funds for their missions.
Younger kids will love the Kids’ Zone packed with games, face painting, a bounce house and more. In the meantime, the whole family will enjoy live entertainment featuring local bands, a strawberry pageant, a pet pageant, and much more! The proceeds from the Faire provide scholarships and grants to local non-profit groups.
Location: Randolph-Macon College, 114 College Ave, Ashland, VA 23005
Cost: Free
Jam Sandwich RVA
June 16th, 2018 from 12pm-10pm
Mayo Island
Hailed as Richmond’s best one-day music festival, Jam Sandwich is back for another day of fun in 2018. Enjoy a full day of music, food, drinks, crafts, and JAM – all for only $30. Music line-up includes Camp Howard, Kendall Street Company, Super Doppler, CBDB, Love Canon, Perpetual Groove, and The Motet.
Location: Mayo Island, 501 S 14th St, Richmond, VA 23219
Cost: $30 advance tickets; $45 day of; Children under 8 years old are free with a paid ticket
KingsFest
June 21- June 23, 2018
Kings Dominion Theme Park
Join the 20th Anniversary KingsFest celebration at Kings Dominion. This three-day festival features Christian rock and pop artists, as well as entertainers like comedian John Crist. The cost of park admission is included with festival tickets. Be sure to see the full music and entertainment line-up, then bring the family out for three days of family, fellowship, and FUN!
Location: Kings Dominion, 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047
Cost: $44 – $145. See the ticket pricing here.
Honeybee Festival
June 23, 2018 from 10am – 2pm
Rockwood Park Nature Center
Learn how to “Bee Friendly” to honeybees at the 8th annual Honeybee Festival presented by the Rockwood Park Backyard Beekeepers. This one-day festival features live music, local honey, local artisans and vendors, food trucks, face painting, games, children’s activities, educational talks, hive equipment, an observation hive, bee-friendly plants, and more! With fun for the whole family, you’ll want to “bee” sure to make this fun-filled festival!
Location: Rockwood Park Nature Center, 3401 Courthouse Road, N. Chesterfield, VA 23236
Cost: Free
Richmond Bacon Festival
June 23, 2018 from 11am – 4pm
17th Street Farmers Market
Not only will you have the chance to see the newly revitalized 17th Street Farmers Market, but…BACON. That’s really all that needs to be said. But if you need convincing, then know that there will be a variety of vendors offering $4 plates (don’t worry, vegetarian options will be available!), Virginia craft beer, live music, and more. This is the seventh annual Bacon Festival hosted by Enrichmond, a local 501(c)(3) public charity whose mission is to enhance Richmond parks and activate its public spaces. Beer tickets can be purchased with cash or credit, but you may want to have cash on hand for food vendors.
Location: 17th Street Farmers Market,
Cost: $1 suggested entry fee to help Enrichmond continue their work (and keep the Bacon Festival coming back every year!)
Richmond Vegetarian Festival
June 23, 2018 from 12pm – 6pm
Azalea Gardens @ Bryan Park
It may or may not be a coincidence that this festival is happening at the same time as the Bacon Festival, but regardless, they’re both awesome opportunities to come together as a community, enjoy great food, live music, local vendors, and more. At the Vegetarian Festival, vegetarian, vegans, and meat-eaters alike will love the incredible vegetarian and vegan fare. This event is filled with family-friendly activities, well-behaved pets on leashes are welcome, and best of all, admission is free!
*Rain Date: Saturday, June 30 – Noon to 6:00 pm
Location: Bryan Park, 4308 Hermitage Rd, Richmond, VA 23227
Cost: Free
Hanover Maters, Corks & Kegs Festival
June 23, 2018 from 11am – 6pm
Hanover Vegetable Farm
Find out what makes Hanover Vegetable Farm FAMOUS! (Hint: It’s the tomatoes!) Celebrate the famous Hanover tomato with a one-day festival event featuring live music, BBQ, Fried Green Tomatoes, BLHanoverT’s, seafood, burgers, local brews, eight great wineries, 60+ vendors, and more! You can even bring your best Hanover Tomato Pie to enter the Tomato Pie Contest, or step up and judge the Best BBQ of Festival Contest. There will be activities for all ages, so be sure to bring the whole family. Kids will love the pony rides, face painting, corn slingshots, and more. Plus, pets are welcome, too! Just be sure to keep them on a leash and clean up after them.
A portion of all tickets sales will benefit Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society.
Location: Hanover Vegetable Farm, 13580 Ashland Road, Ashland, VA 23005
Cost: $8 advance purchase; $14 at the gate; $10 at the gate for military, police, fireman, and EMS with ID; Children 10 and under are free. Click here to learn about private family or corporate tents.
JULY
JoyFest
July 14, 2018 from 10am – 10:30 (park hours)
Kings Dominion Theme Park
JoyFest celebrates gospel music at Kings Dominion. This North Carolina-based festival is one of the year’s most highly anticipated events, drawing thousands of gospel and soul fans each year. And because it is at Kings Dominion, you’ll not only experience the thrill of the performances, but you can experience the thrill of all your favorite KD rides, as well! See the full music line-up here.
Location: Kings Dominion, 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047
Cost: $30 – $112. See ticket pricing here.
Buy tickets online here
*Early bird special: $20 off tickets purchased before June 15, 2018.
40th Annual Hanover Tomato Festival and Tomato-Palooza
July 13, 2018 (Tomato-Palooza) from 5:30pm – 8pm
July 14, 2018 (Tomato Festival) from 9am – 4pm
Pole Green Park
After 40 years, there’s really nothing else to call this festival but a tradition! As the largest outdoor festival in Hanover County, it draws hundreds of loyal fans, as well as countless newcomers every year. On Friday, July 13, get things started with Tomato-Palooza featuring tomato-tastings, live music, vendors, contests, the Papa John’s 4K Pizza Run & Relay, food trucks, and more.
On Saturday, July 14, get ready for the main event! This free, family-friendly festival offers all-day live music, tomato-themed cuisine, 150+ artisans and business vendors, the MaterFUN zone (for kids 12 and under), Bow-Wow Beach (a special cooling station for pets), and, naturally, Hanover Tomatoes! For question or to get more information, call (804) 365-7150 or (804) 365-4695.
Location: Pole Green Park, 8996 Pole Green Park Ln, Mechanicsville, VA 23116
Cost: Free
Richmond International Dragon Boat Festival
August 11, 2018 (final schedule TBD)
Rocketts Landing
Gather your co-workers, friends, and family for Richmond’s greatest water sports event – the annual Dragon Boat Race! Teams of 20 synchronized paddlers and one steersperson will pull to the beat of their team’s drummer, racing 500 meters up the James River in 40-foot canoes decked out in full Chinese dragon heads and tails. Not only will team members compete, but they will build a sense of togetherness and teamwork with every stroke. Open to all skill levels, this is one race you won’t want to miss!
Location: Rocketts Landing, 5000 Old Osborne Turnpike, Richmond, VA
Cost: Ranges from $1,095 to $1,595 per team – but being a spectator is free!
Click here for registration details.
AUGUST
BBQ and Brew Fest
August 4 – 19, 2018
Kings Dominion Theme Park
Every Saturday and Sunday, August 4 – 19, Kings Dominion will be presenting their fourth annual BBQ and Brew Fest. In addition to all of your favorite KD rides and events, you’ll enjoy mouthwatering BBQ, live entertainment, and a shaded beer garden featuring the best local craft beers in Virginia. You’ll find all this and more at Candy Apple Grove. Don’t miss it!
Location: Kings Dominion, 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047
Cost: The Festival is included in park admission, but food and beverages are sold separately. See park admission pricing here.
Richmond Jazz Festival
August 9 – 12, 2018
Maymont
Get ready for one of the biggest events of the year – not to mention one of the largest music festivals on the East Coast! The Richmond Jazz Festival is a powerful celebration of jazz, funk, soul, and R&B set amongst the tranquil beauty of Maymont Park and Gardens. Combining music and culture, the festival attracts both national and international artists, as well as thousands of fans. The festival kicks off with preview events throughout Richmond on August 9 and 10. Then on Saturday and Sunday, the main event promises a musical experience like no other. This is one festival you won’t want to sit out!
Location: Maymont, 1700 Hampton Street, Richmond, VA, 23220
Cost: $30 – $147. See detailed pricing information here.
Filipino Festival
August 10, 2018 from 5pm – 10pm
August 11, 2018 from 10am – 8pm
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
Virginia’s largest Filipino Festival rolls into town with lumpia, lechon, pancit, empanda, turon, kebobs, and a million smiles. Enjoy these tasty treats along with other delicious, authentic dishes at the 13th annual Filipino Festival held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. You’ll also enjoy your favorite craft beers and Virginia wines – and you may even want to treat yourself to the King of Desserts – “Halo-Halo”!
Throughout this two-day event, enjoy lively and colorful entertainment including dances from the indigenous tribes of the Mindanao region, live dance bands, hands-on-crafts and games for kids, specialty vendors, health screenings, and more. And be prepared, there will be plenty of popular line-dancing and audience participation is a must!
Proceeds benefit local charities.
Location: Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 8200 Woodman Road
Henrico, VA 23228
Cost: Free
Carytown Watermelon Festival
August 12, 2018 from 10am – 6pm
Carytown
When it comes to festivals, it doesn’t get much better than the Carytown Watermelon Festival. Watch as the quaint shops and beloved eateries of Carytown are transformed by five outdoor stages filled with bands, jugglers, folk acts and more. And of course, you won’t want to miss the Shriners as they slice through hundreds – even thousands – of juicy watermelons to hand out to guests. In fact, last year they hit a record of nearly 3,000 melons!
With nearly 50 performances scheduled and more than 100 street vendors, this year promises to be the best Watermelon Festival yet.
Location: Parking is available at City Stadium, 3201 Maplewood Ave, Richmond, VA 23221, as well as on side streets near Carytown.
Cost: Free
SEPTEMBER
B’Dam Brew Jam Craft Beer Festival
September 8, 2018 from 12pm – 6pm
Beaverdam Ruritan Club
Enjoy all your favorite craft beers from local brewers and beyond. But just because there’s beer doesn’t mean you can’t bring the whole family for a day filled with fun! Enjoy local live music, vendors, food and much more. See the complete line-up of beer and cider breweries here.
Location: Beaverdam Ruritan Club, 18002 Teman Road, Beaverdam, VA 23015
Cost: $10 entry (tastings for additional fee); 12 and under free
Stone’s Throw Down in RVA
September 8, 2018 from 1pm – 10pm
Brown’s Island
Stone Brewing is back for another year of the Stone’s Throw Down in RVA Festival! Celebrating their second year of the festival, they aren’t holding back. The event will be hosted on Brown’s Island and features an outstanding line-up of music including Drive-By Truckers, Anitbalas, No BS! Brass Band, and more. Celebrate with specially brewed craft beers, food, and fun with family and friends. All ages are welcome! Proceeds will benefit the James River Association, Neighborhood Resource Center of Greater Fulton, Virginia Capital Trail Foundation, and Venture Richmond.
Location: Brown’s Island, Downtown Richmond at the bottom of 12th Street. Find directions here.
Cost: $10 advance purchase; $15 at the door; Kids 11 and under are free
South African Food and Wine Festival
September 23-24, 2018
Grayhaven Winery (Gum Spring)
Located just 30 minutes west of Richmond, Grahaven Winery is home to the annual South African Food and Wine Festival – a celebration of all things South African. This fun two-day event features the unique cuisine, wine, music, art, and culture of South Africa set against the picturesque backdrop of Grayhaven’s 50-acre farm. Enjoy tastings, food, music, and fun with your friends and family and experience an authentic taste of South Africa – without ever leaving Virginia.
Location: Grayhaven Winery, 4675 Grey Fox Rd, Gum Spring, VA 23065
Cost: Before June 15 – General Admission $13 and Wine Taster $18; Before September 20 – General Admission $20 and Wine Taster $25; At the Gate – General Admission $30 and Wine Taster $35; Kids 17 and under are free.
And here are a few more Virginia festivals that might just be worth the drive!
Lakefest Virginia Lake Festival
July 19-21, 2018
Clarksville
Named one of top 20 festivals in the Southeast, the Virginia Lake Festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors with helicopter rides, a juried arts and crafts show, sand sculptors, food vendors, an antique auto show, kids’ activities, live music and dancing, and a fireworks finale on Buggs Island Lake. Best of all, admission is free!
Location: Clarksville, VA
Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival
July 19-21, 2018
Norfolk
Now in its 36th year, the Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival is Hampton Roads’ longest running outdoor Jazz Festival. Sit by the water on a breezy summer night and listen to the legendary sounds of top national Smooth Jazz and R & B recording artists. The festival features a variety of seating and ticket options, fine foods and beverages, plus a festival marketplace with crafts, retail items, and more.
Location: Town Point Park, 113 Waterside Dr, Norfolk, VA 23510
Pork, Peanut & Pine Festival
July 21-22, 2018
Surry
Celebrate some of Virginia’s most famous foods – pork and peanuts! This fun-filled festival is held at Chippokes Plantation State Park, one of America’s oldest continually farmed plantations. Bring the whole family for a taste of the ham, bacon, barbeque, and, of course, peanuts that made Surry famous. There will be activities for all ages, including a parade, a petting zoo, rock climbing, slides, face painting, pony rides, and more; as well as Virginia ham, peanuts, BBQ, live music, and more than 100 craft vendors.
Location: Chippokes Plantation State Park, 695 Chippokes Park Rd., Surry, VA 23883
World Famous Pony Swim, Auction, and Volunteer Fireman’s Carnival
July 25 – 26, 2018
Chincoteague Island
Few things in Virginia are more well-known than the wild ponies of Chincoteague, so while this event may not have the word “festival” in the title, it more than deserves a place on our list. Join thousands of spectators as the ponies make their famous annual swim from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island. The first foal to arrive on the shore will be named King or Queen Neptune and given away in a raffle drawing at the Chincoteague Fairgrounds later in the day. From June 28 – July 29, the Volunteer Fireman’s Carnival will be taking place with rides, games, and lots of good food. Carnival events begin at 7pm. Click here to learn more and get a complete schedule of events.
Location: Chincoteague Island Fairgrounds, 6501 Davis St, Chincoteague Island, VA 23336
Virginia Highlands Festival
July 27 – August 5, 2018
Abingdon
Founded in 1948 by Robert Porterfield (who founded the Barter Theatre), the Virginia Highlands Festival is like no other. This ten-day cultural extravaganza highlights the unique arts and crafts of Appalachia and is one of the top events in the state. There will be food, live music, a juried arts and crafts show, historical re-enactments, home and garden tours, antiques, guided hikes, and workshops for every art form imaginable. Admission is free, but some events have a cost. Click here to learn more.
Location: Various locations throughout Abingdon, VA. See events to learn more.
Flying Circus Hot Air Balloon Festival
August 18-19, 2018
Bealeton
Watch as the air fills with color and hot air balloons rise gracefully into the sky. If you’ve ever dreamed of riding in a hot air balloon, or are just fascinated by watching them float through the air, then this is the festival for you. Click here to get complete details, find out ride pricing, and more!
Location: The Flying Circus Aerodrome, 5114 Ritchie Rd, Bealeton, VA 22712
Don’t forget to check back often for updates and be sure to let us know about your favorite summer festivals in Richmond – and beyond!
