The Folk Fest returns in September. | Photo by RICtoday
The Richmond Folk Festival will return to the riverfront the weekend of Sept. 27-29 for its 20th year of music, food, crafts, and community. Organizers announced the second round of performers yesterday.
The festival’s six stages will feature over 30 performing groups from across the world, including right here in Virginia.
Click on each artist for a preview of what to expect.
Albert Lee | See the British rockabilly icon’s lightning-fast guitar picking for yourself.
Supaman | Christian Takes Gun Parrish — aka Supaman — is bringing his fusion of hip hop and Native American music all the way from the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana.
Wayne Henderson & Friends | This returning fan-favorite act features Appalachian fingerpicking from Rugby, VA’s finest luthier.
Tremé Brass Band | The NOLA Brass Band led by drummer Benny Jones, Sr. will be back in Richmond this fall.
The full array of music features Chicago blues, Ukrainian folk, Tuareg guitar, Cajun groups, bluegrass, salsa, and a whole lot more.
Want to help make this year’s festival the best one yet? Volunteer to join the bucket brigade, help backstage, or pour drinks.
In anticipation of the big weekend, VPM is playing its favorite performances from last year every Saturday afternoon. Listen on the radio or online.
Making History with LVA | Wednesday, Aug. 7 | 5:30-7:30 | Virtual | Free | Join a virtual volunteer session to learn how you can help make historical documents more accessible for researchers.
Thursday, Aug. 8
Houseplant Mounting Workshop | Thursday, Aug. 8 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | PlantHouse | $35 | Snag tickets to this workshop to flex your creativity and green thumb.
“Man on the Moon” | Thursday, Aug. 8 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $9 | This 1999 biopic stars Jim Carrey, Danny DeVito, and Paul Giamatti.
Friday, Aug. 9
Flying Squirrels vs. Hartford Yard Goats | Friday, Aug. 9 | 6:35 p.m. | The Diamond | $10-$25 | Get there early for your chance to score an Ardillas Voladoras wrestler bobblehead.
Saturday, Aug. 10
Richmond Habitat Annual Youth LEGO Build | Saturday, Aug. 10 | 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | The Faison Center Guzman Building | Free | Kids ages 5-12 will show off their building skills at this creative event.
Sunday, Aug. 11
Carytown Watermelon Festival | Sunday, Aug. 11 | 10 a.m. | Carytown | Free entry | This year’s fest will include 80 musicians, 100+ exhibitors, and plenty of refreshing fruit.
Curious about what the new baseball diamond will look like? Developers recently submitted updated renderings of the project to the city, providing a sneak peak at the Squirrels’ soon-to-be home. (Richmond BizSense)
Plan Ahead
Ahead of the NASCAR events coming to the Raceway this weekend, the Budweiser Clydesdales will make an appearance in Carytown. The iconic horses will show up at 5 p.m. tomorrow to make beer deliveries to Carytown stores. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Eat
Blue Bee Cider will host RVA Wing Wars on Saturday, Aug. 24. from 4 to 6 p.m. Enjoy a cider and sample a wide selection of chicken wings from several local eateries to help crown a champion. Tickets are $40.
State
In response to intense rainfall causing increased pollution in the James, the VA Dept. of Health is considering new septic tank regulations. Alternative septic systems more often used in rural areas may help account for rising sea and groundwater levels. (Virginia Mercury)
Biz
Christopher’s Runaway Gourmay — a fixture of our cheap lunches list — was just featured in Richmond Magazine. The food cart has been in business for nearly 40 years. After decades as a staffer, owner Patrick Nauth bought the company in 2020. (Richmond Magazine)
Environment
The health of the Chesapeake Bay’s underwater grasses improved in 2023. Underwater grasses have been called the Bay’s “canary in the coalmine,” and experts say the continued improvement over the past three years is indicative of recovery in the Bay’s overall health. (VPM)
Only about 50% of the eligible population has gotten the HPV vaccine. Hear from VPFW OB/GYN Dr. Garrett Wren, who answers FAQs about the HPV vaccine including timing, risks, and effectiveness — and why it’s equally important for boys and girls.*
Wellness
Focused on staying hydrated? Most hydration products contain more sodium than you need. Enter: Native Hydrate’s essential amino acids, branched-chain amino acids, and electrolytes for hydration and health.*
Explore the flood wall on foot or by wheels. | Photo by RICtoday
As Tropical Storm Debby marches north, it looks like we could be in for some heavy rainfall in the Richmond area. Though we’re far enough into the storm’s trip over land that winds are at a lower risk, localized flooding remains a concern.
Luckily, the Richmond flood wall has been waiting to protect Shockoe Bottom and Manchester from disaster since its completion in 1995.
🌊 Timeline
1972 | Hurricane Agnes brings record flooding to downtown Richmond — 28 feet above flood stage at the City Locks along Dock Street.
1986 | Congress passes the Water Resources Development Act of 1986, which authorized the project and shared the cost between the city and the Norfolk District of the Army Corps of Engineers.
1995 | The flood wall is completed.
1996 | The James reaches a crest of 23.8 feet during September’s Hurricane Fran.
2020 | The city closed flood wall gates for the first time in over two decades in anticipation of historic flooding.
If you, like me, are feeling fired up after watching two American men medal in the Olympic 1500m yesterday, then be sure to consult our guide to scenic routes before you lace up and hit the road.
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