Festivals and Events
Venture Richmond Events
From community forums to holiday parades to cultural celebrations, Venture Richmond is proud to host an eclectic mix of some of the city’s most exciting events.
2008 events
Friday Cheers
Presented by: 
May 9 - June 27
All shows are free, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
A great Richmond tradition entering its 24th season starts May 9 through June 27. Thousands of people come to relax after the work week on Brown’s Island to meet friends and hear some of the nation’s hottest touring acts and the region’s top bands for free.
2008 line-up:
May 9 – Easy Star All-Stars with Trumystic
May 16 – Carbon Leaf with Moossa
May 23 – Sam Bush with The Whiskey Rebellion
May 30 – Arrested Development with Crucial Elements
June 6 – Dr. Dog with The Palominos
June 13 – Dirty Dozen Brass Band with Southside Funk
June 20 – Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit with Mozely Rose
June 27 – Spam Allstars with Farm Vegas
View more information on the bands [PDF]
Easy parking
Thousands of spaces are available at Riverfront Towers and Riverside on the James parking decks. Take Byrd Street to 10th Street; go right on 10th for $5 spaces all within a block of Brown’s Island.
2nd Street Festival
Saturday, Oct 4.: noon – 10 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 5: noon – 6 p.m.
The hands of time are turned back to the past when 2nd Street was the heart and soul of Richmond’s African-American community. Each year approximately 45,000 people come to Richmond’s historic Jackson Ward to hear live music on four stages, enjoy children’s activities, taste delicious food, shop in the marketplace, dance in the streets and renew old friendships. There is free admission. For more information call (804) 788-6466 or visit www.venturerichmond.com.
Richmond Folk Festival
Friday through Sunday, October 10-12
Downtown Richmond’s Riverfront from 2nd to 7th Streets, including Brown’s Island and historic Tredegar come alive for the Richmond Folk Festival. The free event embraces the heritage and traditions of all Americans. Legendary masters and the next generation of dynamic young artists will celebrate the musical soul and cultural roots of America on many stages of continuous music and dance. World-class artisans, countless varieties of ethnic foods and a Family Area produced by the Children’s Museum of Richmond ensures there is something for every taste and every age. The Richmond Folk Festival will engage the entire community, bringing together diverse groups and drawing visitors from across the country. For more information call (804) 788-6466 or visit www.venturerichmond.com.
Previous events
Easter on Parade
Sunday, March 23: 1 – 5 p.m.
Easter on Parade, the beloved Richmond tradition of “parading” down scenic Monument Avenue, continues this year! Join more than 35,000 people as they converge upon the four-block site between Allen and Davis Street
to celebrate the arrival of spring. Music on every block, arts, crafts, children’s activities, food, people and dog watching are all part of the celebration. Two highlights of the annual event are the Pet Bonnet and People Bonnet Showcases on the Main Stage at Allen Avenue.
For more information call (804) 788-6466 or visit www.venturerichmond.com.