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
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.
Easter on Parade
Sunday, April 4
1 to 5 p.m.
Monument Avenue between Allen and Davis
Free admission
Easter on Parade, the beloved Richmond tradition of “parading” down scenic Monument Avenue continues this year! Join thousands of people as they converge upon the four-block site to celebrate the arrival of spring. Music fills the air with art and jewelry vendors, fun for children, food vendors, people and dog watching, all part of the holiday celebration. The two main highlights of the annual event are the Pet Bonnet and People Bonnet Showcases on the Main Stage at Allen Avenue. Be sure to enter your beloved pet or your beautiful bonnet. Produced by Venture Richmond. For more information, call (804) 788-6466.
Friday Cheers
May 7-June 25
6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Brown’s Island
Free admission
Celebrating 26 years of free 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 for free. Produced by Venture Richmond. For more information, call (804) 788-6466.
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.
2nd Street Festival
Saturday-Sunday, October 2-3
Saturday Noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday 1 to 6 p.m.
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.