Richmond is pretty great in most seasons, but festival season? That’s really where we shine! There’s little the River City loves more than the combo of outdoors+live music+friends+food trucks+celebration, and of course, adult beverages.
Here are a few of my favorites, kicking off in March!
March 5-12- Richmond Black Restaurant Experience. Less of a festival, and more of a weeklong celebration of our black owned restaurants. I’m a foodie, so this one definitely counts!
March 11- Shamrock the Block moves to Leigh Street this year! Shamrock The Block is a FREE street festival in its 17th year and the kickoff to festival season!
Image credit: Shamrock the Block
March 25-26- Church Hill Irish Festival. This one has the best to offer the 21+ crowd as well as the younger set. It’s a party for everyone, and a great way to get a taste of Ireland in RVA.
March 30-April 2- French Film Festival. Widely recognized as the best French Film Festival in the country, this event is held at the Byrd Theatre in Carytown, and is in its 29th year this year. A great way to pick up a little culture for a weekend.
April 22- Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k. Touted as “Richmond’s Biggest Block Party,” that’s a pretty accurate assessment. You can run. You can walk. You can do a bit of both. or you can just come down to cheer and party. Whatever you do, it’s F U N for all ages.
April 29- Herbs Galore & More at Maymont. Great plants- far beyond herbs, live music, food trucks, and more! This is a great way to learn while enjoying a day out, AND getting some great new plants for home.
May 6-7- Arts in the Park. Surely one of the best things Richmond is known for is our passion for the arts, and all of the wonderful artists that call RVA home. Arts in the Park is a wonderful celebration of this. This free event is one of the largest outdoor events in Richmond, and a nationally rated juried arts and craft show. Also, just one of the best ways to get out and celebrate spring at Byrd Park.
May 19-21- Dominion RiverRock– So much to do and see at this one, and it combines all our loves- the James River, getting outdoors, art, food, drink, and music! Seriously fun for the whole family, and always something new to see!
Image Credit: Richmond.com
June 1-4- Richmond Greek Festival– Celebrate Greek culture with music, dancing, vendors, and absolutely delicious food! (Fun fact- when my son was a baby, he wouldn’t touch green beans until he had the ones from the Greek Festival, so I got the recipe and made them all through the toddler years!) Grab some friends, a couple of bottles of greek wine, and spend the day. It’s a true Richmond tradition!
July 14-15- Hanover Tomato Festival – Even those of us who don’t live in Hanover claim the almighty Hanover tomato, and for good reason. They really are the absolute best. (I even know someone who moved far away but took a truckload of Hanover soil and plants to try to take them with her!) This is a celebration of the tomato, with lots of fun for the whole family (pet friendly, too!)
July 29- Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ Festival– The 14th annual, and need I say more? There’s music, tastings of all your favorite “B’s” and lots of vendors, too. At the Meadow Event Park in Doswell.
August 12- Jam Packed Craft Beer and Music Festival– Just what it sounds like. This festival starts at 3:30 on Saturday, and
Image credit- Carytown Watermelon Festival
August 13- Carytown Watermelon Festival– Food, music, vendors, fun, and of course, watermelon! (I mean, SO MUCH WATERMELON!) Super family friendly, lots of fun, and free!
Obviously this list is not exhaustive, and there are PLENTY of other smaller events on Brown’s Island and around town to learn more about RVA, our rich culture, and try great food and drink, enjoy music, and just have FUN.
Where will you be going??