In the River City, you can find a party for every season and interest thanks to our lively festival scene. Here’s our guide to when the biggest events are coming to town in 2024.
Bookmark this page so you don’t miss out on your favorite fest — we’ll keep updating with exact dates and more info as the year goes on.
Pro tip: For festivals that do not have exact dates yet, the month the festival is typically held is listed. Check with festival organizers for precise information.
January-March
Richmond XC Festival | January
Pole Green Park hosts the National Cross Country Championships this year along with a kids run and post-race festivities.
Winter Horrorland Film Festival | January
Victims and Villains will lead screenings, discussions, and panel talks about your favorite horror movies and mental health in media.
Chocolate Fest | February
Sample eight chocolate beers at Center of the Universe Brewing in Ashland and shop for your Valentine at the vendor market.
Richmond Beer Fest | February
Get your tickets for this craft beer festival at Stone Brewing featuring 10 breweries.
Richmond Chocolate, Wine, and Whiskey Festival | February
Tantalize your taste buds with samples of artisan sweet treats, wines, and spirits at Main Street Station — snag tickets early.
RVA Environmental Film Festival | March
This free film festival showcases films about nature, environmentalism, and more.
Shamrock The Block | March
This street fest claims to start the outdoor festival season in Richmond. The party starts at noon on Leigh Street between Movieland and the Bon Secours Training Facility.
The Irish Festival | March
The Church Hill fest includes an opening parade and a 5K on Sunday morning. $5 entry fee collected at the gate, food and refreshments available.
Dominion Energy Family Easter | March
Enjoy an afternoon on the Carriage House Lawn at Maymont.
Easter on Parade | March
Families and furry friends are welcome at this lively spring festival featuring music, crafts, vendors, and plenty of bonnets.
April-June
Indie artist Snail Mail performed at Friday Cheers in 2023.
Photo by Raph_PH
Richmond Poetry Fest | April
Enjoy free classes, workshops, and a special event honoring Richmond’s first Poet Laureate, Roscoe Burnems, plus an introduction to the new poet in the position.
African American Book Festival | April
Diversity Richmond will host this free fest celebrating African American literature — including author talks, books signings, giveaways, and kids activities.
Chesterfield Outdoor Fest | April
The inaugural festival will include Earth Day races, touch-a-truck, adventure demos, a sustainability showcase, and food trucks.
Richmond Animation Festival | April
Get tickets to see a shorts program and a special program by Robert Beatty at the Byrd Theatre, followed by an after party at New York Deli.
Arts in the Park | May
The 53rd annual arts and craft show is free to attend and features 350+ exhibitors at Byrd Park.
¿Qué Pasa? Festival | May
The yearly fest includes artisans, food vendors, and entertainment in celebration of Hispanic and Latin American cultures.
Asian American Celebration | May
This cultural fest features vendors and performances from a variety of groups at the convention center.
Church Hill Spring Fest & Market | May
Head to Libby Hill Park for this neighborhood celebration featuring local vendors, nonprofits, food, drinks, music, and children’s activities.
Fan Arts Stroll | May
Explore blocks of local art and enjoy live music and tasty eats from food trucks.
Riverrock | May
Rock out at one of the best outdoor sports and musical festivals in the country.
Lebanese Food Festival | May
Expect food, drinks, live music, and cultural performances at this longtime festival.
Indian & Sri Lankan Food Festival | May
Enjoy a variety of dishes including biryani, kothu roti, samosas, and kathi rolls in Glen Allen.
Richmond Greek Festival | May-June
Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral host this Richmond tradition, celebrating Greek culture and cuisine for 40+ years.
Friday Cheers| Fridays May-June
This concert series gets the summer started on the right note at Brown’s Island.
Summer Kickoff Festival | June
Maymont will host Full Moon Fever and Three Sheets to the Wind on Friday, followed by five groups throughout the day on Saturday.
Spring Plant Sale & Pollinator Festival | June
Head to Deep Run Park to chat with Henrico Master Gardeners, learn from educational displays, and grow your garden — plus, live music and eats from Sandtopia Food Truck.
Cozy ol’ Brewgrass Festival | June
This environmental fest raises funds for Keep Virginia Cozy. Enjoy live music, food, craft brews, and a vendor market at Riverside Outfitters on 14th Street.
Sunflower Festival | June
Pick your own sunflowers at Alvis Farms, plus don’t miss the Thursday night kickoff concert with Slate River Quintet or Saturday’s 5K Dairy Fun Run.
Caribbean American Heritage Festival | June
Head to Dorey Park for a celebration with music, food, art exhibits, and traditional crafts.
Shakespeare Festival | June-July
Richmond Shakespeare will put on “Much Ado About Nothing” and “Doctor Faustus” at Agecroft Hall this summer.
July-September
Festival of Arts
Held each summer over several months, the city’s Festival of Arts features free concerts and events on most weekends. Most events are held at Dogwood Dell.
804 Day | August
The first 804 Day block party took place in 2023. This summer’s follow-up promises more local music, nonprofits, food, and hometown celebrations.
JamPacked Craft Beer & Music Festival | August
Greensky Bluegrass will headline this year’s waste-free fest on Brown’s Island.
Carytown Watermelon Festival | August
Celebrate all things watermelon at this classic summer festival in Carytown.
Richmond Jazz and Music Festival | August
This weekend of music returned to Maymont last year after a hiatus.
Latin Jazz and Salsa Show Festival | August
This cultural celebration will take place at 17th St. Market.
James River EcoFest | September
Head to the River Education Center for family fun, tree giveaways, educational activities, and a raffle.
Pridefest | September
Put on by VA Pride, this festival takes the Bon Secours Training Center by storm each September.
Bier-Garden | September
This Oktoberfest celebration takes place at Maymont.
St. Benedict Oktoberfest | September
Celebrate Oktoberfest in the Museum District with music, dancing, drinks, and plenty of German cuisine.
RVA East End Festival | September
Enjoy music at Chimborazo Park from the Richmond Symphony and other acts to support RPS.
Iron Blossom Music Festival | September
This music festival kicked off last year with headliners Hozier and Noah Kahan at the Leigh Street Training Facility.
Afrikana Film Festival | September
This film festival celebrates Black creative expression across the diaspora.
Richmond Folk Festival | September
Enjoy performing groups from around the world as well as food, drinks, a marketplace, and more at this free festival.
Festival of India | September
Enjoy food, art, crafts, entertainment, and more at this free festival at the convention center.
Richmond International Film Festival | September
Get festival passes or individual tickets to see films from around the globe.
October-December
Richmond Veg Fest | October
Get your fill of vegetarian food, music, speakers, and family fun.
Mozart Festival | October
Classical Revolution RVA hosts this free, day-long festival that aims to bring fresh perspectives to Mozart’s music and legacy.
Armenian Food Festival | OOctober
Enjoy food and cultural performances at St. James Armenian Church.
2nd Street Festival | October
This Jackson Ward street festival promises two days of performances, vendors, art, and markets.
Powhatan Festival of the Grape | OctoberOctober
Tickets for this local fest in the historic Courthouse Village go on sale March 19.
Scott’s Addition Pumpkin Festival | Oct. 19
This fall fest includes a costume contest, activities for kids, and drinks.
Richmond Oktoberfest | October
Get tickets to celebrate Oktoberfest in style at Meadow Event Park.
Richmond Tattoo & Arts Festival | October
This convention for all things ink takes place at DoubleTree Midlothian.
Virginia Adaptive Sports Fest | October - postponed
Head to the Henrico Sports and Events Center to experience and play a variety of sports including wheelchair rugby, archery, cycling, and more.
Mama J’s 15th Anniversary Block Party | October
The restaurant will take over 1st Street to celebrate 15 years with live music, kids activities, and tons of food.
Garden Glow | October-November
Wander through light displays and enjoy food and drinks at Maymont.
Hardywood Bluegrass Festival | Nov. 2
Enjoy an afternoon and evening of bluegrass grooving with local acts at the Richmond location of the brewery.
Pocahontas Reframed Film Festival | Nov. 22-24
Celebrate and honor indigenous languages, cultures, and communities through the appreciation of film and art.
Richmond Fitness Festival | Nov. 23
Get out and about at this Byrd Park fest with a 2-mile jog, shoe demo, yoga class, breakfast pizza, bagels, coffee, and more.
GardenFest of Lights | Nov. 18-Jan. 5
Walk among millions of twinkling lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.
Capital City Kwanzaa Festival | December
Elegba Folklore Society typically hosts this festival at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.
Ongoing
Shop from local artisans in Manchester at First Fridays.
Photo via @manchestermanifest
RVA First Fridays
The Arts District lineup typically includes special events, gallery shows, and specials — it changes each month.
Manchester Manifest First Fridays
Head to Southside for a community block party on the first Friday of the month, April-October.
Know a great festival that’s not featured here? Let us know and we might add it to the list.