Whether you are new to Richmond or have been in the area your whole life, you are sure to know that Richmond festivals are one of the highlights of living here. Whether it’s local festivals throughout the Greater Richmond area, or larger festivals happening in the hearts of the city, festival season pretty much goes on year round.
And while many summer festivals have already come and gone, we know that you’re probably like us and can’t quite admit that summer is nearing its end. Well, we have good news, kids may be headed back to school in a month or so and summer vacations might be drawing to a close, but festivals are still happening! With plenty of family-friendly events on the books from now until the end of September, we want to make sure that you don’t miss your chance to make the most of Richmond’s many incredible festivals.
From festivals that have been happening all summer long, to special one-time events through the end of September, the following list will make sure that you don’t miss a moment of the summer fun.
Festivals Still Happening
Pocahontas Premieres
Select Dates, May – September 2019
Pocahontas State Park, Heritage Amphitheater
Pocahontas Premieres is a music series with something for everyone. From oldies and Motown to classic rock and current country, the series brings big-arena experiences to Virginia’s most visited state park. All shows are held at the Heritage Amphitheater. Click here for a complete schedule.
Cost: Tickets are available at the park office or through www.ticketstobuy.com. Discounted tickets are available at the gate for overnight guests. Call 804-796-4255 for details.
Location: 10301 State Park Rd, Chesterfield, VA 23832
Dogwood Dell Festival of Arts
Select Dates, June – August, 2019
Dogwood Dell at Byrd Park
Back for its 63rd season, Festival of the Arts brings music, theater, and dance to the Richmond community. Every year, this free summer festival presents live performances from a wide variety of genres at the Dogwood Dell amphitheater, including a select number of children’s performances on the Ha’Penny Stage. Click here to see a complete Festival of the Arts 2019 schedule.
Cost: Free
Location: 1300 Blanton Avenue, Richmond, VA 23221
AUGUST
Sounds Like Summer Festival
Friday, August 2, 2019
River Road Baptist Church
Families, friends, and neighbors, bring your blankets and beach chairs, sit back, relax, and enjoy and a summer night on the Plaza! The Jangling Reinharts will be jamming on the Plaza with their mix popular cover songs from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s (along with the occasional TV theme song…just to see who’s listening) for all to enjoy. Plus, RVA’s favorite, Gelati Celesti Ice Cream, is bringing their food truck and selling eight flavors of gelato as well as gluten-, nut-, and dairy-free varieties. You can also enjoy Curbside Creations Food Truck, specializing in Cajun influenced seafood and American festival foods.
Time: 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Cost: Free
Location: 8000 River Rd, Richmond, VA 23229. There is free parking in front of the church and behind the church. Recommended parking is in the parking lot on River Road across from the Church and the Plaza.
Richmond International Dragon Boat Festival
Saturday, August 3, 2019
Rockett’s Landing
Bring your family and friends out for Richmond’s biggest spectacle on water – dragon boating! Led by the rhythmic beat of a drum, teams of 20 synchronized paddlers, one drummer and one steersperson, competitors will race 500 meters up the river in 40-foot canoes rigged with decorative Chinese dragon heads and tails. The sport brings social groups and businesses alike down to the water to bond and compete, building a stronger sense of “team” with every stroke. From vets to newbies, anyone can have a good time with plenty of time to kick back (or throw down!) between races.
Time: 7:30am – 4pm
Cost: Free to watch, competitive team entry costs can be found here.
Location: 5000 Old Osborne Turnpike, Richmond, VA
BrewHaHa Craft Beer Festival
Saturday, August 3, 2019
Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Take a sip of history at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture’s third annual BrewHaHa craft beer festival on Saturday, August 3. In the spirit of Virginia Craft Beer Month, the event will feature beer selections from many of your favorite Virginia breweries, live music, and food providers, as well as the popular VIP portion of the event, Battle of the Brews, that showcases Virginia breweries’ renditions of a historic beer recipe from the museum’s collections. Please note, all attendees must be 21 years of age or older.
Time: 4:30pm – 9pm
Cost: $10 – $40. Click here for ticket information or to purchase online.
Location: 428 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220
2nd Annual Summer Breeze
Sunday, August 4, 2019
Main Street Station
The 423 Fund will be hosting its 2nd Annual Summer Breeze on Main Street. This charity event benefits our scholarships and youth development programs for the Greater Richmond community. Guests will hear from members of the foundation while enjoying food and live jazz by renowned violinist, Daniel D. There is a $75 tax deductible donation for admission.
Time: 2pm – 5pm
Cost: $75 – Please note, tickets will not be sold at the door, so get your tickets as soon as possible here.
Location: 1500 E Main St, Richmond, Virginia 23219
Richmond Jazz Festival
Thursday – Sunday, August 8 – 11, 2019
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 8 and 9. Then on Saturday and Sunday, the main event promises a musical experience like no other.
Time: Showtimes vary. See the complete schedule here.
Cost: 45 – $140. See detailed pricing information or purchase tickets here.
Location: 1700 Hampton Street, Richmond, VA, 23220
Filipino Festival
Friday and Saturday, August 9-10, 2019
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, a kid’s one-mile fun run, 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.
Time: Friday, 5pm -10pm; Saturday, 10am – 10pm
Cost: Free
Location: 8200 Woodman Road, Henrico, VA 23228
Summer Hope Music Festival
Saturday, August 10, 2019
New Kent Winery
Join us at New Kent Winery for a day of music, food, and fun to benefit and celebrate The Doorways – a home away from home for thousands of children and adults who travel to our community to access critical or specialized medical care at area hospitals and treatment programs. Nonstop music and festivities from noon until 8 pm with two stages, food trucks, vendors, three local breweries on tap, and New Kent Winery wines. Performances include Nashville recording artist Mary Moore, Richmond favorite “The Articles”, award-winning bluegrass from Old Dogs New Tricks, and more local area favorite entertainers.
Time: 12pm – 8pm
Cost: $17; children 12 and under are free. Find tickets online here.
Location: 8400 Old Church Road, New Kent, VA 23124
Carytown Watermelon Festival
Sunday, August 11, 2019
Carytown
When it comes to festivals, it doesn’t get much better than the Carytown Watermelon Festival – and this year, they’re back for their 36th year. 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 for only $1 a bowl. Plus, little ones will LOVE the DPU Kids’ Zone – one of the largest on the East Coast.
Time: 10am – 5pm
Cost: Free. Please note, there is a cost for concessions and some activities.
Location: Parking is available at City Stadium, 3201 Maplewood Ave, Richmond, VA 23221, as well as on side streets near Carytown.
29th Annual Down Home Family Reunion, A Celebration of African American Folklife
Saturday, August 17, 2019
Abner Clay Park
Down Home Family Reunion, A Celebration of African American Folklife is a downtown weekend festival that celebrates African American folklife with world music and dance, the Heritage Market, special children’s events, interactive site demonstrations and delicious down home food. It is designed to show aspects of West African cultural traditions that are African American and that have been absorbed by the American South. This is one of the Elegba Folklore Society’s original programs, created in 1990.
Time: 4pm – 11pm
Cost: Free
Location: Brook Rd. & West Clay, Richmond, VA 23219. Parking will be available in the lots at Belvidere and Leigh Streets, Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church, and the lots across from the church. Signage will help direct patrons to these locations.
Chesterfield County Fair
Friday – Saturday, August 23 – 31, 2019
Chesterfield County Fairgrounds
The Chesterfield County Fair has been a Chesterfield County tradition for more than a century. The Fair features the Main Grandstand where you can relax and enjoy some of music’s hottest acts. The Midway is full of the rides you look forward too every year, as well as some new additions! Admission includes access to all daily concerts, special acts and events, the giant midway and kiddy land area (all ride tickets and games separate), all agricultural events and shows, exhibits and displays, and much, much more!
Time: Click here for hours and a complete schedule of events.
Cost:Adults (13-59) – $10; Seniors (60+) – $7; Children (4-12) – $5; Children 3 and under – Free; Rides require 1 to 5 tickets; Single Tickets – $1; Book of 25 Tickets – $20; Wristbands are available on the Midway for $25 good for the day of purchase only.
Location: 10300 Courthouse Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832
Forever Summer Fest
Saturday, August 24, 2019
The Overlook at Childsavers
Veil Brewing Company presents the Fourth Annual Forever Summer Festival! This year they’re celebrating the “The Best Of” and donating all the proceeds to Richmond’s own nonprofit, ChildSavers. The festival will take place outside at Childsaver’s beautiful home, The Overlook. The event will include three, three-hour sessions from 11am-9pm, each with only 200 guests per session to ensure an intimate, enjoyable time. Breweries from around the country and world will be joining, offering 3oz guaranteed pours of each beer. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to ChildSavers after event costs. The Veil Brewing Co. makes nothing on ticket sales
Time: Session A: 11:00am-2:00pm; Session B: 2:30pm-5:30pm; Session C: 6:00pm-9:00pm
Cost: $145
Location: 200 North 22nd Street, Richmond, VA 23223
End of Summer Festival at Bryan Park
Saturday, August 31, 2019
Bryan Park
Enjoy live music, food, animals, and many more great activities at Bryan Park’s End of Summer Festival! Here you can learn all about Bryan Park, current projects, and aspirations. Meet local businesses and government officials to find out who is contributing to your community, plus learn how you can make an impact with the Friends of Bryan Park.
Time: 4pm – 8pm
Cost: Free, but you can register to attend here.
Location: 4308 Hermitage Road, Richmond , VA 23227
SEPTEMBER
Harvest Wine and Oyster Festival
Sunday, September 1, 2019
James River Cellars Winery
Bring the family out to listen to live music, taste wine from four different wineries, shop local vendors, and browse the Food Truck Court – featuring plenty of fresh oysters, of course! Wineries features include James River Cellars, Upper Shirley Vineyards, Williambsurg Winery, and Saude Creek Vineyards. There will be live music from The Dirty Runaways.
Time: 12pm – 5pm
Cost: $20 – $30. Click here for ticket options or to purchase online.
Location: 11008 Washington Highway, Glen Allen, VA, 23059
World Heritage Festival & Festival of Kites
Saturday, September 7, 2019
Brown’s Island
The World Heritage Festival is bigger and better in 2019 and coming for the first time to Brown’s Island in Richmond! Also new this year is the Festival of Kites! You are more than welcome to bring your own kite to fly, but there will also be a limited number of kites for sale at the event. During the event, you’ll enjoy food vendors showcasing ethnic food, fresh smoothies, and traditional beverages. Enjoy a cultural performance show with folk dances from Bolivia, Brazil, Egypt, Hungary, India, Japan, Lebanon, Romania, Turkey and much more! Plus, you will have an array of vendors to choose from with more than 60 artists displaying everything from fine art to jewelry, ceramics to crafts, and every creative item in between. Other vendors include area nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurs, and local businesses. Last but not least, kids will love the Kids Zone featuring activities and games throughout the day.
Time: 11am – 6pm
Cost: Free
Location: Brown’s Island, Downtown Richmond at the bottom of 12th Street. Find directions here.
B’Dam Brew Jam Craft Beer Festival
September 14, 2019
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.
Time: 12pm – 6pm
Cost: $10 entry; 12 and under free; $1 tastings; $5 full pour
Location: 18002 Teman Road, Beaverdam, VA 23015
Three Chopt Festival
Saturday, September 14, 2019
Bandy Field Nature Park
The Three Chopt Festival is an inclusive community celebration highlighting the diverse neighborhoods and unique quality of Richmond’s West End. Proceeds from the festival will be used to support and enhance music education in Richmond Public Schools: West End and Community High School. Performances by the Richmond Symphony and many more will take place during this weekend neighborhood festival devoted to the arts. Other activities include a variety of performances by local artists and schools, kids zone, food trucks, beer garden and vendor booths. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the music! Festival admittance is FREE and open to the public!
Time: 1pm – 7:30pm
Cost: Free
Location: 6800 Block of Three Chopt Rd., Richmond, VA 23226
South African Food and Wine Festival
September 14 – 15, 2019
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.
Time: 11am – 6pm
Cost: $13 – $35; Kids 17 and under are free. Click here for more ticket pricing information or to order tickets online.
Location: 4675 Grey Fox Rd, Gum Spring, VA 23065
St. Benedict Oktoberfest
Friday – Sunday, September 20 – 22, 2019
St. Benedict Catholic Church
Join in the fun at St. Benedict’s Oktoberfest festival – one of the largest Oktoberfest events in Virginia. The event features over 50 craft and German beers. In addition to beer, traditional German cuisine, desserts and wines will be available. Enjoy German music and dance, as well as the wildly popular “steinholding” contests, a children’s area and the “Christkindlmarkt (a unique German street market).
Time: Friday, 4pm-11pm; Saturday, 11am-11pm; Sunday, 12pm-6pm
Cost: Free
Location: 300 N. Sheppard Street, Richmond, VA 23221
Richmond Bluegrass Festival
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery – Richmond
Join your family and friends for an afternoon of bluegrass at Hardywood! This year;s event features Nobody’s Business, Ragged Mountain String Band, Gallatin Canyon, Slack Family Bluegrass Band, Hogweed, and The Hot Seats!
Time: 1pm – 10pm
Cost: Free
Location: 2408-2410 Ownby Ln, Richmond, Virginia 23220
Saturday and Sunday, September 21 – 22, 2019
Greater Richmond Convention Center
The Festival of India brings people from all over Virginia to the Greater Richmond Convention Center for two fun-filled days of music, dance, food, and culture. The Festival offers a unique opportunity to celebrate and explore India’s diverse culture and traditions, including authentic regional food, arts, crafts, and entertainment. Enjoy a renowned cultural program, consisting of classical and modern Indian live performances, as well as East-West fusion dance and music. This year the theme for the Festival Of India is “Villages of India.”
Time: Saturday and Sunday, 11am – 9pm
Cost: Free
Location: 403 N 3rd St, Richmond, VA 23219
Stone’s Throw Down in RVA
September 21, 2019
Brown’s Island
Stone Brewing is back for another year of the Stone’s Throw Down in RVA Festival! Celebrating their third 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 Richmond’s own, J Roddy Walston and The Business. 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.
Time: 3pm – 10pm
Cost: $10 advance purchase (through July 31); $15 online (Aug 1 – Sept 12); $20 online (Sept 13 until day of the event); Kids 11 and under are free. Find out more about tickets or purchase online here.
Location: Brown’s Island, Downtown Richmond at the bottom of 12th Street. Find directions here.
Alexander Paley Music Festival
Friday – Sunday, September 27 – 29, 2019
St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church
Alexander Paley is a world-renowned pianist who has garnered acclaim for his expansive repertoire of concerti and solo piano works, his incredible technical prowess, and his convincing personal interpretations. The 2019 Festival will celebrate French chamber music with two incredible Blüthner pianos and a beautiful 1690 Goffredo Cappa violin! See a full schedule of events here.
Time: Friday and Saturday, programs start at 7:30pm; Sunday, program starts at 3pm
Cost: Free
Location: 7757 Chippenham Parkway Richmond, VA 23225
VA Pride Fest
Saturday, September 28, 2019
Brown’s Island
VA PrideFest is the largest annual celebration of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Trangender (LGBTQ+) community in the Commonwealth. Planned and implemented by Virginia Pride, this FREE, family-friendly day of festivities feature a variety of vendors, local eats, activities, and entertainment for a day of fun in the sun!
Time: 12pm – 8pm
Cost: Free
Location: Brown’s Island, Downtown Richmond at the bottom of 12th Street. Find directions here.
Know of any great Richmond festivals that we might have left off the list? Let us know! Send us the festival information to [email protected] and we’ll add it to the list!
