Annual Events in Richmond Virginia include cultural festivals, outdoor competitions, art shows, music, food, races, and holiday traditions. Downtown Richmond, the James River, Carytown, Jackson Ward, and surrounding neighborhoods host major celebrations throughout the year.
The Church Hill Irish Festival celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with music, food, vendors, and community activities. The tradition began in 1985 around North 25th and East Broad streets.
Arts in the Park brings hundreds of artists to Byrd Park each spring. Visitors can browse paintings, pottery, jewelry, sculpture, photography, textiles, and other handmade works.
Dominion Energy Riverrock celebrates Richmond’s outdoor culture along the James River. Trail running, mountain biking, paddling, fishing, demonstrations, and music are central to the festival.
The Richmond Greek Festival celebrates Greek culture at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Traditional food, pastries, music, dancing, and cultural activities highlight the annual gathering.
Elegba Folklore Society presents Richmond’s longstanding Juneteenth observance. Programs include cultural performances, reflection, children’s activities, and the Torch Lit Walk along the Trail of Enslaved Africans.
Richmond Jazz and Music Festival brings nationally recognized performers to Maymont each summer. The multi-stage weekend combines jazz, soul, R&B, hip-hop, and other musical styles.
The Carytown Watermelon Festival turns Cary Street into a large summer street celebration. Live music, exhibitors, food, children’s activities, shopping, and plenty of watermelon fill the neighborhood.
Down Home Family Reunion celebrates African American folklife in historic Jackson Ward. World music, dance, food, heritage activities, vendors, and children’s programming gather at Abner Clay Park.
Festival of India brings Indian food, music, dance, arts, crafts, and cultural programs to the Greater Richmond Convention Center. The annual Richmond tradition began in 1981.
The Richmond International Film Festival presents films, live music, panels, premieres, and special events. Additionally, filmmakers from many countries participate in screenings across Richmond venues.
The 2nd Street Festival celebrates the history and culture of Jackson Ward. Multiple stages, food vendors, artists, children’s activities, and local businesses fill the historic neighborhood each fall.
The Richmond Folk Festival is a free three-day celebration along the downtown riverfront. Music, dance, traditional crafts, storytelling, and food represent cultural traditions from across the country and world.
The Richmond Marathon brings runners through historic neighborhoods and along the James River each November. The weekend also includes a half marathon and 8K.
The Dominion Energy Christmas Parade begins Richmond’s holiday season along Broad Street. Floats, giant balloons, marching bands, performers, and Santa fill the annual procession.
GardenFest of Lights transforms Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden during the holiday season. More than half a million lights join botanical decorations, model trains, and seasonal displays.
Capital City Kwanzaa Festival closes the year with performances, workshops, children’s programs, food, and an African Market. Elegba Folklore Society first presented the festival in 1990.
Richmond offers annual events during every season. Music, art, history, outdoor recreation, cultural traditions, and holiday celebrations create a varied local calendar.
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