See who’s performing at this summer’s Festival of Arts

Gather your lawn chairs, dust off your dancing shoes, and stock up on bug spray — the Festival of Arts is back for a full summer of free concerts, dances, and new events at Dogwood Dell. The city released the full schedule for the summer series this week.

This year’s Festival of Arts at the Dell will take place from late May through September. The schedule includes local bands, holiday celebrations, and two theatrical productions.

It all kicks off with the Cody Christian Band on Friday, May 24 at 8 p.m.

⭐️ Our picks

We’ve got our eye on these events at the Dell. All events begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Festivals

• Multicultural Festival | June 8 | 1 p.m.
• Jubilation in June | June 14 + 16
• Gospel Music Fest with The Belle | July 7 | 5 p.m.
• Afro Festival | Aug. 31 | 12 p.m.

Music

• Plunky & Oneness | June 22 | Spend the evening with the jazz legend
• KOS | June 29 | The local favorites play beach, Motown, and hits from the seventies to today
• The English Channel | July 6 | Get ready for a British invasion of pop, rock, and prog hits
• An Evening with Prince – Tribute | Sept. 7 | Don’t forget your raspberry beret for this show

Photo by RICtoday

Theater and special events

• A Midsummer Night’s Slam | June 21 | Shakespeare meets spoken word at this night of poetry
• Silent Movies | July 12 + September 21 | 9 p.m. | Look out for movie announcements closer to the event
• SPARC Presents “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown” | Aug. 16-17 | 7 p.m.
• “Firebringer: A New Stone Age Musical” | Aug. 23-25

🚨 Before you go

Here are a few reminders for attending the festival:

• Bring lawn chairs and blankets for events at Dogwood Dell
• Animals are not allowed (exception for service animals)
• Since Richmond summers can get rainy, be mindful of the weather. Check social media for delays or cancellations — the announcement may not come until closer to showtime.