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 | Jan. 20
Pole Green Park hosts the National Cross Country Championships this year along with a kids run and post-race festivities.
Winter Horrorland Film Festival | Jan. 27
Victims and Villains will lead screenings, discussions, and panel talks about your favorite horror movies and mental health in media.
Chocolate Fest | Feb. 10
Sample eight chocolate beers at Center of the Universe Brewing in Ashland and shop for your Valentine at the vendor market.
Richmond Beer Fest | Feb. 17
Get your tickets for this craft beer festival at Stone Brewing featuring 10 breweries.
Richmond Chocolate, Wine, and Whiskey Festival | Feb. 17
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 16
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 16-17
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 30
Enjoy an afternoon on the Carriage House Lawn at Maymont.
Easter on Parade | March 31
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 12-13
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 13
Diversity Richmond will host this free fest celebrating African American literature — including author talks, books signings, giveaways, and kids activities.
Chesterfield Outdoor Fest | April 13
The inaugural festival will include Earth Day races, touch-a-truck, adventure demos, a sustainability showcase, and food trucks.
Richmond Animation Festival | April 28
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 4-5
The 53rd annual arts and craft show is free to attend and features 350+ exhibitors at Byrd Park.
¿Qué Pasa? Festival | May 4
The yearly fest includes artisans, food vendors, and entertainment in celebration of Hispanic and Latin American cultures.
Church Hill Spring Fest & Market | May 11
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.
Asian American Celebration | May
This cultural fest features vendors and performances from a variety of groups at the convention center.
Riverrock | May 17-19
Rock out at one of the best outdoor sports and musical festivals in the country.
Lebanese Food Festival | May 17-19
Expect food, drinks, live music, and cultural performances at this longtime festival.
Richmond Greek Festival | May 30-June 2
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.
Cozy ol’ Brewgrass Festival | June 20
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.
Caribbean American Heritage Festival | June 29
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.
Carytown Watermelon Festival | August
Celebrate all things watermelon at this classic summer festival in Carytown.
804 Day | Aug. 2
The plans for the second official 804 Day are still in the works, but the party will be held on Aug. 2.
JamPacked Craft Beer & Music Festival | Aug. 10
Greensky Bluegrass will headline this year’s waste-free fest on Brown’s Island.
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 is part of the Festival of Arts and takes place at Dogwood Dell.
Festival of Virginia Fiddling | August
Enjoy informal morning jamming, workshops, concerts, and dancing as part of the Festival of Arts.
Pridefest | September
Put on by VA Pride, this festival takes Brown’s Island by storm each September.
Armenian Food Festival | September
Enjoy food and cultural performances at St. James Armenian Church.
Bier-Garden | September
This Oktoberfest celebration takes place at Maymont.
St. Benedict Oktoberfest | Sept. 20-22
Celebrate Oktoberfest in the Museum District with music, dancing, drinks, and plenty of German cuisine.
Iron Blossom Music Festival | Sept. 21-22
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 | Sept. 27-29
Enjoy performing groups from around the world as well as food, drinks, a marketplace, and more at this free festival.
Festival of India | Sept. 28-29
Enjoy food, art, crafts, entertainment, and more at this free festival at the convention center.
Richmond International Film Festival | Sept. 24-29
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.
2nd Street Festival | Oct. 5-6
This Jackson Ward street festival promises two days of performances, vendors, art, and markets.
Powhatan Festival of the Grape | Oct. 5
Tickets for this local fest in the historic Courthouse Village go on sale March 19.
Scott’s Addition Pumpkin Festival | October
This fall fest includes a costume contest, activities for kids, and drinks.
Richmond Oktoberfest | Oct. 18-19
Get tickets to celebrate Oktoberfest in style at Meadow Event Park.
Richmond Tattoo & Arts Festival | Oct. 18-20
This convention for all things ink takes place at DoubleTree Midlothian.
Mama J’s 15th Anniversary Block Party | Oct. 27
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.
Pocahontas Reframed Film Festival | November
Celebrate and honor indigenous languages, cultures, and communities through the appreciation of film and art.
GardenFest of Lights | November-January
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.