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.
2010 events
2nd Street Festival
Saturday-Sunday, October 2-3
2nd Street in Jackson Ward
Free admission
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 thousands of 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, and dance in the streets and renew old friendships. For more information, call (804) 788-6466.
Richmond Folk Festival
Friday-Sunday, October 8-10
Downtown Richmond’s Riverfront from 2nd to 7th streets, including Brown’s Island and historic Tredegar
Free admission
The Richmond Folk Festival 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 six stages of continuous music and dance. World-class artisans, countless varieties of ethnic foods and a family area ensure there’s 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. Produced by Venture Richmond and the National Council for the Traditional Arts. For more information, visit www.richmondfolkfestival.com or call (804) 788-6466.
Richmond’s Eerie Canal Boat Rides
Sunday, October 31
6 to 9 p.m.
Canal Turning Basin - Dock and 14th streets
Free admission
Thought your Halloween couldn’t get any spookier? Imagine a canal boat ride with a historic narrator telling a daunting tale of Richmond’s past as you travel down the Kanawha Canal. Candy will be provided for the kids on the free 25 minute trip on Halloween night. Rides leave on the half hour. Produced by Venture Richmond. For more information, call (804) 788-6466.
Celebrate Illuminate
Friday, December 3
6 to 9 p.m.
Starts from 10th and E. Cary streets to the 17th Street Farmers Market
Free admission
The 26th Annual Grand Illumination at the James Center kicks off the evening at 6 p.m. when Santa and Lite 98 give the countdown to light the downtown office buildings and the James Center Tree and Reindeer! Experience the magic of the season with blocks of family entertainment that may include the Varina High School Marching Band, The Sugar Plum Fairy from the Richmond Ballet, the VCU Trombone Choir, Harpist Rickie Denton, Singer Patsy Butler, the Virginia Piedmont and Central HO Model Railroad Club and much more. Also enjoy free horse and carriage rides through the streets of the River District, or jump on a canal boat and see the bright lights from Richmond’s historic canal. Visit the Main Street Station Open House in all its glory or the 17th Street Farmers’ Market for your favorite holiday gifts.
Previous events
Previous events
Friday Cheers
May 7-June 25
6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Brown’s Island
$2, 13 years old and older
There are three entry points to Brown’s Island and payment will be taken at all. Cash, Visa and MasterCard are accepted.
Debit and credit cards are only taken at two entry points — the pedestrian bridge at 7th Street and the vehicular bridge past 5th Street. No pets allowed.
Celebrating 26 years of music! Thousands of people come to relax after the workweek on Brown’s Island to meet friends and hear some of the nation’s hottest touring acts and the region’s top bands. Produced by Venture Richmond. For more information, call (804) 788-6466.
May 7 
Lee Brice with Puddleduck
When Lee Brice first entered the country consciousness with the Top 30 hit “She Ain’t Right” in 2007, his voice carrying over FM radio waves like honey trickling through lines of melody etched in leather, his rugged sound and raw emotion spoke for a new generation of Nashville recording artists. “I love what I’m hearing on the radio today,” Brice said. “People aren’t trying to be perfect or slick anymore. It reminds me of records back in the day, when everything sounded like it was played live. I’d love it if someday people could look back on what I’m doing now too and say, ‘When Lee Brice came around, something changed in a positive way.’” As follow-up singles “Happy Endings,” “Upper Middle Class White Trash,” and “Love Like Crazy” have doggedly climbed the charts, Brice has continued to change the landscape of country with images inspired by the Carolina backcountry where he was raised.
May 21
Railroad Earth with 6 Day Bender
The members of Railroad Earth aren’t losing sleep about what "kind" of music they play - they just play it. When they started out in 2001, they were a bunch of guys interested in playing acoustic instruments together. As Railroad Earth violin/vocalist Tim Carbone recalls, "All of us had been playing in various projects for years, and many of us had played together in different projects. But this time, we found ourselves all available at the same time."
May 28
Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers
with William Walter & Co.
Look no further than the title track of their new Vanguard debut album The Bear to understand Stephen Kellogg and The Sixers. As the band sings passionately, “Sometimes you get the bear, sometimes the bear gets you. Sometimes you’re gonna win, sometimes you’re gonna lose…but you know in the end – there's no apologies!” “SK6ERS,” as they’re also affectionately known, have carved a determined, inspiring path since forming in Western Massachusetts in 2003. An exceptional live act given to high-energy showmanship, The Sixers are closing in on their 1000th show with a newfound grit and gratitude. Stephen and core Sixers – Kit “Goose” Karlson (keys, bass, tuba, accordion) and Brian “Boots” Factor (drums, mandolin, banjo) -- are friends who act like brothers and switch off on their instruments to keep it fresh; much in the tradition of their collective heroes, The Band. “We’ve all opted to approach our life in the same way – trying to put integrity ahead of ambitions of fame and fortune, though we’d like that too... at least the fortune part,” Stephen says with a laugh.
June 4
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe
with DJ Williams Projekt
From a pressure cooker of rhythm, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe brings forth the most delicious variety of grooves ever sampled by a listener’s feet. Led by Karl Denson, who over the past 15 years has collaborated with such luminaries as Lenny Kravitz and The Greyboy Allstars, the Tiny Universe creates a dynamic sound that defies categorization. The band members, Denson on vocals, tenor and alto sax and flute, guitarist Brian Jordan, bassist Chris Stillwell, keyboard player David Veith, trumpet player Chris Littlefield and drummer John Staten, have earned a reputation as kings of the unstoppable all-night show.
June 11
Emmitt-Nershi Band with A Good Natured Riot
The Emmitt-Nershi Band has fully realized its potential. With Drew Emmitt (Leftover Salmon) on mandolin & vocals and Bill Nershi (the String Cheese Incident) on acoustic guitar and vocals, ENB delivers a dynamic blend of bluegrass, newgrass, country and Americana that is sure to excite fans of all those genres and more. Featuring special guests Jason Carter (Del McCoury Band), Keith Moseley (String Cheese Incident) and others!
June 18
Deer Tick with Former Champions
Deer Tick is an American indie folk band from Providence, R.I., led by guitarist and singer-songwriter John McCauley. Deer Tick’s music has often been described as a combination of folk, blues and country with a strong grunge influence. McCauley is known for his distinct gruff-sounding voice. The band began as McCauley’s solo project in December 2004. Beginning his touring career with a lot of help from Brendon Massei (Viking Moses), McCauley had toured extensively across the U.S. by the age of 19. He released three tapes and numerous CD-Rs in this time period, and eventually settled into what is now known as Deer Tick. After almost one year of continuous touring, McCauley came home to Providence, R.I., with a new found confidence and a number of songs including “Dirty Dishes,” “Art Isn’t Real (City Of Sin)” and “Ashamed.” The group released its first studio album War Elephant on Sept. 4, 2007. War Elephant was re-released by Partisan Records on Nov. 11, 2008. In May 2009, the band was the first band profiled on BriTunes, the Web-only music interview program hosted by NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams. The band released their second album, Born on Flag Day, on June 23, 2009. The record was released by Partisan Records.
June 25
The Dynamites featuring Charles Walker
with Whirlybyrd
Walker deserves his due after decades as an unsung musical hero. He first became a professional entertainer in his native Nashville in the late 1950s, recording with hit producer Ted Jarrett and appearing nightly at the New Era Club, one of the South’s leading black nightclubs. Walker spent most of the 1960s and ‘70s in New York, performing frequently at the Apollo Theater and Small’s Paradise when the original funk scene coalesced. Fronting various bands, including the criminally underrated Little Charles & the Sidewinders, Walker released singles for Chess, Decca, and a number of smaller labels. The records failed to hit the big time but their quality endured and are now prized among collectors. After the recordings gained notice in Europe’s Northern Soul scene, Walker found steady solo work overseas, and he lived in England and Spain before returning to Music City in the 1990s.
Dominion Riverrock
Friday-Saturday May 14-15
Friday 4 to 9:30 p.m.; Saturday 1 to 10 p.m.
Brown’s Island
Free for spectators, fee for participants
Dominion Riverrock unites the community through a unique mix of sports, music and fun, set against the backdrop of Richmond’s downtown riverfront. The party begins on Friday with live music … a Mud Run ... and an acrobatic freestyle bike competition. Then, join in the fun Saturday as athletes from around the region square off in high-adrenaline activities both in and around the river — like the James River Scramble trail run, mountain biking, kayaking and much more. With additional musical performances, spectator water sports like the highflying Ultimate Air Dogs, food, exhibits and more, Dominion Riverrock is Richmond’s premier river event. Produced by Venture Richmond and the Sports Backers. Full event information including schedules and registration for individual events can be found at www.dominionriverrock.com or by calling (804) 285-9495.
Easter on Parade
Sunday, April 4
1 to 5 p.m.
Monument Avenue between Allen and Davis
Free admission
The beloved Richmond tradition that showcases attendees “parading” up and down scenic Monument Avenue continues this year on the blocks between Allen and Davis Avenues. The event is produced by Venture Richmond.
Each year more than 25,000 people converge upon the four-block site to celebrate the arrival of spring and the beauty of Monument Avenue, taking this once-a-year opportunity to stroll in the streets. Music, arts, crafts, children’s activities, food, balloon artistry, a petting zoo, and of course, people and pet watching are all part of the celebration. This is a parade of Richmonders. Admission is free.
The highlight of the event promises to be the ever-popular Pet Bonnet and People Bonnet Showcases, held at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively, on the Zayde R. Dotts Main Stage at Allen Avenue. Roving entertainment includes Jonathan Austin, More or Less Morris Dancers, a stilt walker and Peggy the Clown.
Scheduled performances/activities include:
Zayde R. Dotts Main Stage
- Debo Dabney and Friends (1 and 2 p.m.)
- Pet Bonnet Showcase (3 p.m.)
- People Bonnet Showcase (4 p.m.)
Roving Performers
- Jonathan Austin
- More or Less Morris Dancers
- Peggy the Clown
- Stilt Walking Clown
Activities
- Merchandise vendors
- Food vendors
- Children’s area
- Balloons by Extreme Balloon Artistry
- The Lambeth Petting Zoo
CAA Championship Fan Fest
Friday, March 5-Monday, March 8
Festival Park (adjacent to the Richmond Coliseum)
Free admission to the Fan Fest, varying ticket fees to the tournament
Stop by this year’s new Fan Fest outside the Richmond Coliseum before and after your CAA basketball game to meet up with friends, or meet new friends, watch the games on large-screen televisions, listen to music (including CAA school pep bands), play games, shop for CAA merchandise, and purchase snacks and beverages. Produced by Venture Richmond. For CAA details, visit www.caasports.com.