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All the July 2015 festivals right here in one guide

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and last updated

Ah July, the ways we love thee. This month our hearts thump loudly for tomatoes, humidity, baseball, music, comics, wine, pets, and beer.

JULY 10- 12

Halifax Jazz and Blues Festival (now to be called the Petersburg Music Festival)

Don’t miss the9th Annual Halifax Jazz and Blues Festival, a community event showcasing amazing local talents. Over 3,000 guests participated last year, and the turnout is expected to be greater this year.

The festival takes place at the historic Halifax Triangle, formed by Halifax Street, South Avenue — also known as The Avenue — and Harrison Street.

The Triangle and the venues around it have played host to such legendary talents as James Brown, Tina Turner, and Otis Reading.

Friday performances consist of the amazing talents of Rick Elliott, Sharron, G-Factor, and the Evolution Band & Show.
Saturday’s lineup includes Touch of Charm, Marlow and son, Soul Mello Band & Show; and the new artist showcase.
Festivities conclude on Sunday afternoon with a praise block party, with soulful gospel performers, Bibleway Men’s Choir, Karen Barber, Raymon Bessix and Nu Direction. The complete line-up is available on the PCD website at http://www.petgctr4dev.com.

July 10, 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
July 11, 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
July 12, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Halifax Street at South Avenue intersection
Petersburg, Va.

JULY 11 & 12

The Big Gospel Weekend

In its third year, this one is a big draw with multiple events and two big gospel performances. Confirmed to perform on Sat. are Alexis Spight, Peggy Britt & Unison , Almeta Ingram, Lisa Winn, Chiquita Cross, AsOne, Half Mile Home, Donte’ McCutchen, Dr. Larry Reid, Zion’s Voice, Mel Holder, and Kim Robinson.

Sat. 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sun.  5 p.m. at Dogwood Dell
1415 West Cary Street, Richmond and Dogwood Dell on Sunday
Free

JULY 11

3rd Smoke and Vine Festival at James River Winery

This is a wine and cigar festival with music that raises money for children with disabilities and special needs. There will be a beer truck as well as delicious foods and specialty vendors.
ADVANCE TICKETS $25 (wine glass sold separately)
VIP TICKETS $35 (includes glass and special VIP seating)
Band, DJ & 5 wine tastings are included in ticket price.

4pm – 10pm at
James River Cellars Winery
1100 Washington Hwy, Glen Allen, VA

8th Annual Latin Jazz & Salsa Festival

Featured performers in this year’s festival will be Carlos Mojica (Sonido Criminal), David Gonzalez (El Príncipe Del Timbal), Wito Rodriguez, Herbie Martinez & the Mid-Atlantic Salsa Orchestra, Kevin Davis and Ban Caribe, and DJ Eddy Mayorga. Join your host, from The Latin Jazz Show & Salsa Show, Luis “Sweet Lou.”

3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Dogwood Dell at Byrd Park, Richmond
Free

Hanover Tomato Festival
This will mark the 37th year of the festival. The tomato takes center stage. Held annually on the second Saturday in July, the Hanover Tomato Festival is a free, family-oriented event with live musical entertainment, rides, games, a petting zoo, over 200 vendors, delicious tomato dishes, the crowning of Little Miss and Tiny Miss Tomato, Hanover Tomatoes and much more.

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pole Green Park
8996 Pole Green Park Lane
Mechanicsville, VA 23005

Pet Expo

The Richmond Pet Expo is a woofing, chirping, and meowing good time for the whole family! Four-legged friends can receive “spa treatments” from local groomers, sample delicious treats, and try on the latest in furry fashions; their humans will enjoy interacting with top trainers and learning pet-care tips from animal welfare organizations.

Rounding out the list of activities is an agility demonstration, pet talent and costume shows, and an exciting pet/owner look-alike contest!

Adoptable animals are showcased by area non-profit rescue groups; who knows, you may just come home with a new family member.

Sat: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Richmond Raceway Complex – 600 East Laburnum Avenue, Richmond,
Free

JULY 16 – JULY 18

Capital Ale National Beer Expo

Maybe call it Hops City instead of River City for the three days of celebrating artisan-made American Craft beer that lie ahead.

From July 16-18 breweries from across the country will gather in Richmond to showcase over 170+ of today’s best craft beers.   There will be a collection of events happening in and around Richmond.

Attendees can purchase tickets to individual events, or select from various ticket combo packages allowing for the purchase of tickets to multiple events while saving money. Don’t miss the Taco Throwdown on Friday.

The main event will be the Walk-Around Grand Tasting, which will feature over 170 craft beers from around the country. That will be held July 18. from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Click for complete schedule and pricing.

Greater Richmond Convention Center
403 North Third Street
Richmond, VA 23219

Mineral Bluegrass Festival

The 32st annual festival promises lot of music over three days. The festival is co-sponsored by the Mineral Fire Department.

There will be hot food concessions and camping. Music is rain or shine.

July 16, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
July 18, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
July 19, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

One day ticket, advance/$25, or at the gate/$30
Three-day pass, advance/$65, or at the gate/$75

Walton Park
301 East Sixth Street
Mineral, Virginia 23117

JULY 18-19

Summer Moon Festival at COTU

Center of the Universe Brewing Company will be hosting the Summer Moon Music Festival to celebrate the day that man walked on the moon 46 years ago.

There will be 13 local and regional bands battling it out for their charity of choice. The event is free to the public and will feature multiple food vendors including fresh oysters from Anderson’s Neck Oyster Company.

This year, the bands will be battling it out for their charity of choice with COTU matching the winner’s funds for the same charity. The RVA Makers will also be on hand to display their artisan works.

This is a rain or shine event with two expansive 900 square foot tents on hand.

July 18, Saturday, 1p.m. to 10 p.m.
July 19, Sunday, 1p.m. to 8 p.m.

Free/Individual items for sale

Center of the Universe Brewing Co.
11293 Air Park Rd.
Ashland, VA 23005

JULY 31- AUGUST 2

Richmond Comic Con Convention: Friday thru Sunday
Ok, not necessarily a festival, but a pop culture convention. The Wizard World event brings a ton of special guests into the city. The artists, writers and stars behind well-known comics and shows in the entertainment industry come to town as part of a well-known Comic Con circuit.

Tickets:
3-Day weekend ticket/$75 + service charge
Friday: 1-day ticket/$35 + service charge
Saturday: 1-day ticket/$45 + service charge
Sunday: 1-day ticket/$40 + service charge

Other ticket options, that include photo-ops, click here.

Friday, 3p.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m.– 7 p.m.
Sunday,  11a.m. – 5 p.m.

Greater Richmond Convention Center
403 N Third St.

Continuing events throughout July:

Dogwood Dell: Music, Visual Arts throughout the summer.

Innsbrook After Hours: July 15, 22, 30.  Also, August, September and October shows.

Movies in the Park: Starting June 19, and then every Friday until August 22. Free.

Music in the Park: All shows take place on Sundays with spring shows beginning at 6:00 p.m. and fall shows beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Did we miss a festival?Email us and share the details.