Festivals and Events
Downtown Events
Previous events
July 2008
River District Canal Cruises
Summer season June 11- Aug. 31
Wednesday-Saturday, noon-7 p.m., Sunday, noon-5 p.m.
Canal Turning Basin - Dock and 14th Streets, $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 the River District’s Canal Walk. Tour begins every hour on the hour. Private charters also available. For more information call (804) 649-2800 or visit www.venturerichmond.com/experiences/canalcruises.html.
Thursday Fresh Market
17th Street Farmers’ Market, free admission, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
From farm to 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.
Fridays at Sunset®
Kanawha Plaza (9th and Canal Streets), 6-10 p.m.
Fridays at Sunset is pleased to bring high caliber performances that offer wonderful entertainment, good food, a patron-friendly atmosphere and an overall enjoyable experience. For more information, event prices or to see the schedule of performers visit www.fridaysatsunset.com.
Saturday Bohemian Market
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 all free spirits doing some weekend wandering in Shockoe Bottom. Free parking. For more information call (804) 646-0477 or visit www.17thstreetfarmersmarket.com.
Sunday Vintage Market
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. Free parking. For more information call (804) 646-0477 or visit www.17thstreetfarmersmarket.com.
“Liberty or Death” Reenactments
Sundays through Aug. 31
St. John’s Church (2401 E. Broad St.)
Donations are appreciated, 1 p.m. tickets are distributed, 1:30 p.m. patriotic musical program begins and at 2 p.m. the reenactment begins.
The Patrick Henry Committee invites you to join the historical reenactments of the Second Virginia Convention of March 1775. In the presence of Washington, Jefferson and other notable Virginians, Patrick Henry delivered his passionate call for liberty, uttering the immortal words “give me liberty or give me death!” For more information call (804) 649-7938 or visit www.historicstjohnschurch.org.
Poe Goes Pop: Poe in Comics
The exhibit will run through October 31
Edgar Allan Poe Museum (1914 E. Main Street)
Museum admission is $6 for adults, $5 for students, seniors, AAA members and members of the armed forces. Explore Poe’s world as seen through the eyes of comic book artists. Includes rare early adaptations of Poe’s work through to contemporary interpretations. For more information visit www.poemuseum.org or call (804) 648-5523.
Special events in July
Village of Faith Family Reunion
Saturday, July 12
Brown’s Island, free admission, noon-6 p.m.
Scheduled artists to perform: Myron Butler and Levi, Daniel Austin, 7 Sons of Soul, Kiss N Tell, VOFM Mass Choir. There will be children activities, food and merchandise vendors on site. For more information, visit www.myvofm.org or call (804) 652-2005.
Canal Boats and Cobblestones Walking Tour
Saturday, July 12
Meet your guide at the James Center Clock Tower at 10th and Cary Streets, $10 fee, $9 in advance, $5 for History Center members, 6-7:30 p.m.
This walking tour focuses on the history, architecture and preservation efforts of the canal area. Come explore the historic and architectural treasures of Shockoe Slip, and see the work that is being done in the River District along the James River, the Great Basin and Richmond’s canals. For more information, call (804) 649-0711, option 4.
80’s Was the Greatest - Old Skool Concert
Friday, July 18
Gates open at 4 p.m. and the show runs from 6:30-10:30 p.m.
Scheduled artists: MC Lyte, Doug E Fresh, KRS-1, EU Band, DJ Kool Hosted by Dee Dee Renee. Food and merchandise vendors will be on site. Purchase tickets at Ticketmaster.com or by calling (804) 262-8100 or Richmond Landmark at (804) 646-0546. For more information, visit www.carleenpresents.com.
Shockoe Chef Showdown
Saturday, July 19
17th Street Farmers’ Market, free admission
Calling all culinary masters in Shockoe Valley from the Slip to the Bottom and beyond! So, you think you have what it takes to compete for title of Top Chef in Richmond’s Shockoe Districts? This event will pit the savory-savvy gurus from Shockoe Slip against the flavor-chic experts of Shockoe Bottom, with some local homegrown culinary talent thrown into the pot to spice things up a bit! Competition will be hot with three dish categories to enter: Meat-based dish, vegetarian-based dish and dessert! But you know what they say... “If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen...” and get down to the 17th Street Farmers’ Market for the very first Shockoe Chef Showdown! For more information call (804) 646-0310.
19 Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Duck Race
Saturday, July 26
Brown’s Island, free admission, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
A premier family event! Pay for a duck or 10 and we will send them all down the canal at Brown’s Island. As the waterway narrows, the ducks feed one by one across the finish line. The first ducks to pass through win prizes for you! First prize is a 2008 Mercedes Benz C300; 2nd prize: 50’ Samsung HDTV; 3rd prize: $1,000 Wal-Mart Gift card. Attendees will be able to enjoy vendor displays, great food and drinks along with plenty of family entertainment. For more information call (804) 346-5722 or visit www.bigbrobigsis.com.
* Schedule subject to change.