Festivals and Events
Downtown Events
Previous events
April 2008
River District Canal Cruises
Spring season: April 4 –June 8
Canal Turning Basin - Dock and 14th streets
Friday and Saturday, noon–7 p.m., Sunday, noon–5 p.m., $5 adults, $4 seniors and children (5 to 12), age 4 and under free.
Take a 40-minute historically narrated tour of the James River and Kanawha Canal along Richmond’s Historic Canal Walk. Tour begins every hour on the hour. Private charters also available. For more information call (804) 649-2800.
Thursday Fresh Market
Opens April 17
17th Street Farmers’ Market, free admission, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
From the farm to the market – it’s that fresh! It’s locally grown organic and homegrown produce straight from the region’s farms to your home, along with the finest quality homemade and handcrafted items made by highly artistic Richmonders. Free parking. For more information call (804) 646-0477 or visit www.17thstreetfarmersmarket.com.
Saturday Bohemian Market
Opens April 19
17th Street Farmers’ Market, free admission, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
An eclectic mix of farm fresh, homegrown produce blended with the highest quality handmade and homemade products, accented with a few vintage classics for those doing some weekend wandering in Shockoe Bottom. Free parking is available. For more information call (804) 646-0477 or visit www.17thstreetfarmersmarket.com.
Sunday Vintage Market
Opens April 20
17th Street Farmers’ Market, free admission, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
It’s not old, it’s retro! Sundays bring out the best mix of vendors in Shockoe Bottom: antiques, collectibles, jewelry and the finest arts and crafts made by local Richmonders. There is free parking. For more information call (804) 646-0477 or visit www.17thstreetfarmersmarket.com.
Special events in April
Downtown Loft Tour
Saturday, April 5
Purchase tickets at LaDifference (125 S. 14th Street) or purchase online at www.richmond.com.
Seeing is believing! Buy a one day “all access pass” to tour Downtown’s most exclusive, private residences. Tickets are $20 in advance. Venture down for the first annual tour of 13 lofts and condos in Shockoe Slip, Shockoe Bottom, Manchester, Broad Street and Jackson Ward. For more information call (804) 788-6466.
Civil War Day at Historic Tredegar
Saturday, April 5
The American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar (500 Tredegar Street), 10 a.m.-5 p.m., free admission
Cannon firing and period music are just a few of the highlights of the 11th annual Civil War Day at Historic Tredegar Ironworks. Living history demonstrations are scheduled throughout the day. Young people can play 19th century children’s games and learn to drill like Civil War soldiers from the North and South. Learn more about U.S. Colored Troops, and talk one-on-one with living history interpreters and “roving reporters” as they tour the campus. Buz and Ned’s Barbeque will be serving lunch. For more information call (804) 780-1985, ext. 10 or visit www.civilwarcenter.com.
Martinis for Mutts
Thursday, April 10
Element Lounge, 119 N. 18th Street, $10 donation, 6-9 p.m.
Cheap martinis all night, light buffet, a raffle and silent auction. Great music, mingling and merriment all for a good cause! A $10 donation at the door benefits the Animal Adoption Rescue Foundation. For more information call (804) 327-9948 or visit www.aarf.org .
Earth Day Celebration and James River Fish Festival
Saturday, April 19
South side of the Mayo Bridge (14th Street) at the James River and Flood Wall, free admission, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Peace, Love and Planet Earth – this year’s event encourages Richmonders to make every day Earth Day. Enjoy food, art, dance, environmental exhibits, earth-friendly goods, plenty of kid’s activities and live music! The health of the Earth is within everyone’s mission! There will be free parking at Plant Zero and Art Works (4th and Hull St.). For more information call (804) 291-1400 or visit www.earthdayrichmond.org.
9th Annual James River Outdoor Coalition Gear and Equipment Swap
Saturday, April 26
17th Street Farmers’ Market, free admission, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Get great deals on gently used kayaks, canoes, tents, bicycles, hiking and climbing gear. A silent auction will be held with gift certificates from local restaurants, vendors and more! Proceeds will benefit JROC’s effort to maintain and improve the James River. For more information call (804) 320-6131.