Festivals and Events
Downtown Events
Previous events
June 2008
River District Canal Cruises
Spring season through June 8
Friday and Saturday, noon-7 p.m., Sunday, noon-5 p.m.
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.
Friday Cheers
Fridays, May 9 - June 27
Brown’s Island, free admission, 6-9:30 p.m.
Venture Richmond’s free signature Friday night summer concert series is back on Brown’s Island for its 24th season and promises to feature some of the nation’s hottest touring acts, along with some regional favorites. Again this year Friday Cheers will offer eight concerts and is focused on a variety of performers that may only be in the region once this summer. Presented by Coors Light and Yuengling; sponsored by Mix 103.7, 96.5 The Planet, K95, Y101, Style Weekly, Plan 9 Music, BlackFinn, Pepsi, James River Cellars, Crowne Plaza; produced by Venture Richmond. For more information call (804) 788-6466 or visit www.venturerichmond.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 June
8th Annual Music Seen Festival
Friday-Saturday, June 6-June 7
The Canal Club in Shockoe Bottom, free admission, doors open at 7 p.m., all ages welcome.
Friday line up includes: Harrison Deane Band, Blue Line Highway, Sarah White, Jim Waive and the Young Divorcees. Saturday line up includes: Chicago Cy Band, Steve Carter Connection, Glows in the Dark, Tulsa Drone and Modern Groove Syndicate. Production funding is provided in part by Plan 9 Music and the members of Community Idea Stations. For more information visit www.ideastations.org/musicseen.
Animalia
Saturday, June 7
17th Street Farmers’ Market, free admission, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Animalia is a celebration in honor of pets and their human companions. Bring your pet (leashed or in carriers and with current shots) and join in the fun of this 9th Annual Pet Fete! Activities include the “Greyest Muzzle” for canines and for those unusual, super special pets we will host the “Niftiest Pet” contest. Reverend David Keill will lead a Blessing of the Animals on the Market, followed by the traditional “Parade of Pets.” Enjoy a petting zoo and a themed Children’s Animal Art Activity. For more information call (804) 646-0310 or visit www.17thstreetfarmersmarket.com.
James River Adventure Games
Saturday-Sunday, June 14-15
Brown’s Island, Belle Isle, Robious Landing and Rocketts Landing, free for most events with fees for some, Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Get ready, get set for two days filled with fun and adventure on the James! The James River Adventure Games will feature athletes competing in many different outdoor sports. Spectators will flock to catch the races and participate in activities. Live music, Seal Team Raft Rides, Riverside Outfitters Sport Tree Climbing, YeRen Outdoor Outfitters Bicycle Area, Sports Backers Sit-on-top Kayak Corral, and XTERRA Kids Zone Challenge Stations. There will be a fireworks display on Saturday night. It’s the ultimate outdoor sports party in the heart of Richmond you won’t want to miss! For more information call (804) 285-9495 or visit www.sportsbackers.org.
Hanover Community Band Concert
Thursday, June 19
Virginia War Memorial (621 S. Belvidere St.), free admission, 6:30 p.m.
A patriotic concert for all! Bring your lawn chairs. For more information call (804) 786-2060 or visit www.vawarmemorial.org.
From Ironfronts to the High Rise Walking Tour
Sunday, June 22
Meet your walking guide at the corner of Main and 14th streets, $10 fee, $9 in advance, $5 for History Center members, 2-4 p.m.
Nineteenth century Ironfronts share Richmond’s financial district with 20th century glass and steel high rises, contributing to a unique cityscape. Examine a variety of commercial and residential properties built during the past 200 years, and learn about renovations, excavations and efforts to honor the past while anticipating the future. For more information call (804) 649-0711, option 4.
Canal Boats and Cobblestones Walking Tour
Saturday, June 28
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.
Night Walk on the Slave Trail
Saturday, June 28
Meet at Ancarrow’s Landing (end of Maury St.), $5 for adults, $3 for children, 8:30-11 p.m.
Follow the silent torchlight path through the forest, from the stone docks to the slave jails. An emotional two-mile one way journey. Buses will bring people back. Carry water, a small flashlight and wear good walking shoes. For more information call (804) 646-8911 or visit www.jamesriverpark.org.
* Schedule subject to change.