Venture Richmond Events
2008 previous events
Celebrate Illuminate
James Center’s Grand Illumination
Friday, Dec. 5
10th and E. Cary Streets, free admission, 6-7 p.m.
Come down to see Santa Claus and Snow Queen!
The night begins at 6 p.m. with a live countdown to turn on the outline lighting for the downtown office buildings. The VMI Marching Band will perform holiday favorites leading up to the lighting of the holiday reindeer at 6:25 p.m. This year’s theme is A Soulful Christmas and both Bak N Da Day and NYCE will perform around the James Center’s reindeer lights from 6:30-7 p.m. The Sugar Plum Fairy from the Richmond Ballet will make a magical appearance too! Come see Tuba Christmas, Harpist Rickie Denton, Shore Leave, the Virginia Piedmont Model Railroad Club and much more while Radio Disney entertains children with activities. This event is provided by James Center Property LLC. For more information call (804) 344-3232.
Holiday Market
Friday, Dec. 5
17th Street Farmers Market, free admission, 5-9 p.m.
Avoid the mall rush! This annual holiday shopping extravaganza features holiday wreaths, fresh cut mistletoe, gourmet desserts, handcrafted jewelry, hand-carved wooden toys, handmade ornaments, vintage collectibles, one-of-a-kind gifts and so much more! Enjoy the sounds of the season while you shop! Henrico Pops Chorus will be performing live at 6:15 p.m. and will be followed by a Tuba Christmas at 7:45 p.m. Coinciding with the Grand Illumination; this last evening of the market season is the perfect destination for finding unique gifts for the holidays! For more information call (804) 646-0477 or visit www.17thstreetfarmersmarket.com.
Free Glow Necklaces for Children
Friday, Dec. 5
Shockoe Slip, 6:30 p.m. while supplies last
In the spirit of Celebrate Illuminate, Venture Richmond staff will be distributing red and green glow necklaces to all children. For more information call (804) 788-6466 or visit www.venturerichmond.com.
Free Horse and Carriage Rides
Friday-Saturday, Dec. 5-6
Rides start and end in Shockoe Slip at the 13th and E. Cary Street fountain, 6-10 p.m.
The holidays are here in Richmond’s historic River District with the sound of horses’ hooves on the cobblestones and jingle bells ringing on the holiday decorated 12-passenger wagons. One round trip ride per person please. Sponsored by Venture Richmond. Call Roger at (804) 769-4010 with questions.
Canal Boat Rides at the Turning Basin
Friday, Dec. 5
14th and Dock Streets, $2 per person (children 4 and under free), 6-9 p.m.
Celebrate the Season on Richmond’s historic canal by enjoying a 25 minute boat tour on the James River and Kanawha Canal in one of our covered boats. Lite 98 is hosting a live radio show from the Turning Basin to ring in the holidays. Santa will join you for a ride between 6:30-7:30 p.m. For more information call (804) 788-6466.
Giant Holiday Cards on Display Downtown
Friday, Dec. 5–Wednesday, Dec. 31
The James Center (10th and E. Cary) and Richmond Public Library (2nd and E. Main), free admission, check the hours of operation at each location
This year’s 6th annual exhibition of art cards will be a display of vintage holiday cards from students in metro Richmond area during the month of December. The giant cards, each created from wooden doors, are creatively designed and painted by art classes and clubs in schools from the city of Richmond, Henrico and Chesterfield counties, and private schools. Sponsored by Siewers Lumber and Venture Richmond. For more information call (804) 788-6466 or visit www.venturerichmond.com.
Main Street Station Holiday Open House
Friday, Dec. 5
Main Street Station and the Plaza at Main Street Station, 1500 E. Main Street, free admission, 5-9 p.m.
The city of Richmond welcomes all for a Holiday Open House with a Polar Express theme, free kids train rides, hot chocolate and cookies, decorations, tree lighting and live entertainment. Enjoy the gorgeous restored glory of Main Street Station and explore the lighted Cathedral Walk at the Main Street Station plaza to celebrate the holiday season. Sgt. Santa will roll into town from 6-8 p.m. and don’t forget to bring a small toy donation or book to benefit Sgt. Santa’s workshop. This year’s event will focus on literacy and professional storytellers will be on hand to read to children as they enjoy cookies and cocoa by the fireplace. Come early, the Richmond Public Library will also donate books to the first 300 children! Event parking is only $2 and will be available on the west side of the station using the Franklin Street entrance and within the Plaza using the Main and Cary streets entrance. For more information call (804) 646-5665.
Capitol Square Tree Lighting
Friday, Dec. 5
Capitol Square, free admission, 5-7 p.m.
Be there for the lighting of the state Christmas tree in its holiday finest on Capitol Hill. For more information call (804) 371-2642.
Governor’s Executive Mansion Open House
Saturday, Dec. 6
Capitol Square, free admission, 1-4 p.m.
Come tour Virginia’s Governor’s Mansion in its holiday finest on Capitol Hill. For more information call (804) 371-2642.
3rd Annual Holiday Happenings at Historic Tredegar
Sunday, Dec. 7
490 Tredegar Street, reduced admission fees, 1-5 p.m.
There will be light refreshments, children’s activities and tree decorating while period musicians perform. For more information call (804) 780-1865, ext. 10 or visit www.tredegar.org.
Home for the Holidays, Richmond Philharmonic
Monday, Dec. 8
James Center Atrium (10th and E. Cary Streets), free admission, 7 p.m.
Popular holiday songs and carols, and seasonal light classics, are sure to entertain everyone in the family at the Richmond Philharmonic Orchestra’s annual Family Holiday Concert in the James Center Atrium. Robert Mirakian, RPO Music Director, invites all to a celebratory program, “Home for the Holidays,” including: Tchaikovsky, Selections from The Nutcracker; Vaughan Williams, Fantasia on “Greensleeves;” Leroy Anderson, Sleighride and Christmas Festival; Bach, “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring;” Selections from A Charlie Brown Christmas; and Songs of the season with Aaron Ellerbrock, baritone. For more information call (804) 344-3232.
Horse and Carriage Rides
Friday-Sunday, Dec. 12-13, 19-20
Pick up area at 10th and E. Cary Streets (James Center), $12 a person (children 4 and under are free but they must sit in a lap), 6-10 p.m.
The holidays are here in Richmond’s historic River District with the sound of horses’ hooves on the cobblestones and jingle bells ringing on the holiday decorated 12-passenger wagons. We hope you and your family will join the Triple “R” Horse and Carriage for this traditional holiday treat.Each ride is scheduled on the half-hour and is approximately 15 minutes. You must reserve your seat by calling Roger Poteat at (804) 769-4010.
Church Hill Vespers and Candlelight Walk
Friday, Dec. 12
St. John’s Church (25th and E. Broad Streets), free admission, 7 p.m.
Holiday carols start at St. John’s Church and then a candlelight walk through the streets of historic Church Hill follows the traditional vespers service. Participants are given candles to carry and are lead by bagpipers through the neighborhood to Libby Hill Park. For more information call (804) 814-1066.
16th Annual James River Parade of Lights
Saturday, Dec. 13
Libby Hill Park, corner of 28th and E. Franklin Streets, live entertainment at 4:30 p.m., parade viewing at 6 p.m.
Intermediate Terminal Dock, at Dock and Water Streets, parade viewing at 6 p.m.
This year’s parade features festively decorated boats with the theme “Saluting our Military on the Historic James,” chosen to honor the many men and women serving our country. The boats cruise the parade course from Richmond to Chesterfield and Henrico counties with spectators from throughout the region that gather at several official viewing locations. The event has become a cherished holiday tradition. Sponsored by the James River Advisory Council. For more information call (804) 748-1567 or visit www.jamesriveradvisorycouncil.com.
22nd Annual Court End Christmas
Sunday, Dec. 14
Valentine Richmond History Center, John Marshall House, the Virginia State Capitol, the Museum and White House of the Confederacy, Monumental Church, the Egyptian Building, the Beers House, Hunton Student Center, and St. John’s Church; free admission; noon-5 p.m.
A Richmond tradition celebrates the season in 19th century style with reenactments, children’s activities, refreshments, carriage rides, music, special guest appearances, and free admission and tours of nine historic downtown sites. This year, the event welcomes Klezm’Or’Ami’m, klezmer musicians from Congregation Or Ami, who will play live at the Valentine Richmond History Center at 1 p.m. Free shuttle service provided from 12:30-4:45 p.m. with stops at each site every 15-20 minutes. For more information call (804) 649-0711 ext. 322 or visit www.richmondhistorycenter.com/courtendchristmas.htm.
Church Hill House Tour
Sunday, Dec. 14
Church Hill Neighborhood, advance tickets: $15, day of the tour: $20, noon-5 p.m.
Don’t miss your chance to visit the beautiful homes and other venues of historic Church Hill. Fourteen houses and historic buildings are open and decorated for the holidays. Free carriage rides and roving carolers are also on the hill. There will be local shuttles, as well as a shuttle to and from the Court End Christmas at the Valentine History Center. For more information about tickets contact Meagan or Lisa at (804) 200-8020 or e-mail contact@omnifariousva.com.
The 2008-09 Downtown Development Forum
Thursday, Dec. 4
Seeing is believing...
Come hear snapshot updates straight from the developers with more than 20 presenters — some from out of town — give the latest news on their projects.
The National * Richmond CenterStage * Spottswood W. Robinson III and Robert R. Merhige, Jr. United States Courthouse * UR Downtown * Hilton Garden Hotel and Miller & Rhoads Condominiums * Richmond Marriott purchase and renovation * Apple REIT Headquarters * Vistas on the James * Afton Chemical Corp. Research and Development Facility Expansion * MeadWestvaco Corporate Headquarters * New Federal Reserve Parking Deck * Armada Hoffler Development/Williams Mullen Building * River Lofts at Tobacco Row Lucky Strike Building * The Garage at Lucky Strike * Emrick Flats * EcoFlats * 110 S. 15th Street * Sisson Building * The Reserve * The Power Plant at Lucky Strike * The Paper Company * Manchester Post Office * Dill Factory * Haxall View * The Upper Lofts at Canal Walk * 12th Street Flats * Manchester Proper * State of Virginia * Marshall Street Bakery Condos * Washington Plaza Senior Apartments * Jackson Commons * 212 E. Clay * 516 * Old Manchester Plaza * Bio-Tech 8 * VCU/VCU Health Systems Projects * Rocketts Landing * and a number of other projects as well as a few surprises.
This event has become so popular that we’ll offer it twice in one day!
Please join The City of Richmond, The National and Venture Richmond on Thursday, Dec. 4, at The National, located at 708 E. Broad Street, Richmond, Va.
Thursday, Dec. 4
- Morning edition: 7:30-9 a.m.
- Optional tour of The National: 9-9:30 a.m.
- Evening edition: 6-7:30 p.m.
- Optional tour of The National: 7:30-8 p.m.
The event is free, but reservations are needed. Please register online.
To receive follow up information on the downtown development projects sign up online.
Parking
Venture Richmond is providing free parking at the Coliseum Garage, located at 501 N. 7th Street across from the Coliseum. Participants will receive a parking pass at the event, which you will give the parking attendee when you leave.
For problems registering or for additional information, please e-mail contactus@venturerichmond.com or call (804) 788-6466.
A special thanks to our marketing partners including the City of Richmond: Department of Community Development, Department of Economic Development, Office of Minority Business Development, Office of the Press Secretary, CenterStage, Greater Richmond Chamber, Greater Richmond Partnership, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Metro Richmond, Metropolitan Business League, Opus, Retail Merchants Association, Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce.
Richmond’s Eerie Canal Boat Rides
Friday, Oct. 31: 6-10 p.m.
Canal Turning Basin at Dock and 14th streets
Free admission
Thought your Halloween couldn’t get any spookier? Imagine a canal boat ride with a Haunts of Richmond narrator telling a daunting tale of Richmond’s past as you travel down the historic Kanawha Canal on a free 30-minute trip on Halloween night, sponsored by Toad’s Place of Richmond! Candy is provided for the kids. For more information call (804) 788-6466 or visit www.venturerichmond.com.
Don’t let your evening end there! Toad’s Place of Richmond and Highwater Restaurant will be hosting events for ghouls and ghosts of all ages. At Toad’s Place, local favorites and national touring sensation Carbon Leaf will be performing. Wear your best costume and join in the contests to win great prizes. Highwater Restaurant will be open for the younger children where The P’s & Q’s will be playing Halloween music.
With costume contests, candy and fun activities, the Canal Walk is the one stop place for your Halloween evening! For more information call (804) 648-TOAD or visit www.ToadsPlaceRVA.com.
Richmond Folk Festival
Friday, Oct. 10: 6-10:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 11: noon-10:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 12: noon-6 p.m.
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.richmondfolkfestival.org.
2nd Street Festival
Presented by: 
Sponsored by:
Media partners:
Friday, Oct. 3: 6-9 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 4: noon–10 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 5: 1-5 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.
Artist’s Row (2nd and Clay streets)
Larry “Poncho” Brown - Featured guest artist
Purchanse the limited edition 2nd Street poster created and designed by this nationally renowned artist. Brown’s tent is located on the corner of 2nd and Clay streets.
Other invited artists: Randy Walters, James E. Murphy Jr., Greg Paige, Kelvin Henderson
Capital One Kidz Zone (Jackson Center Lot on 2nd Street between Clay and Leigh streets)
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.
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.