August always feel like the sunset of our summer. That final month of long summer days before we all go back to the grind and the light and heat slip away. Make sure to enjoy it with all these festivals around town. See a list of events curated by Antoinette Essa (The A-List) here and sign up for herweekly newsletter, here.
JULY 31- AUGUST 2, Fri. – Sun.
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. Read more, and see pictures here.
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.
AUGUST 1, Sat.
The sixth annual Dragon Boat Festival on the James River at Rocketts Landing. Watch teams of 20 synchronized paddlers, one drummer and one steersperson compete against each other in a 500 meter race up the river, in 40-foot canoes rigged with decorative Chinese dragon heads and tails. PLUS, rhythmic drumming!
Cheer on the ornamental boats. Food and beer available for purchase.
Boat races are from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Head towards 5000 Old Osborne Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23231
Free
Seventh Annual St. Elizabeth’s Jazz & Food Festival
Expect traditional and contemporary jazz with delicious soulful cuisine in a Christian, family oriented atmosphere. There will be local merchants and food vendors.
Chairs and blankets welcome. No coolers or outside food.
Highland Park – 2nd Ave. and Victor Street.
Noon to 7:30 p.m.
$5 donation
AUGUST 2, Sun.
Family Fest at Chesterfield Town Center
Family Fest brings families, kids, adults and seniors together with businesses and organizations.
This event coincides with Virginia’s sales tax Free Saturday.
Chesterfield Town Center — 11500 Midlothian Turnpike 23235
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Free to enter, items prices separately
AUGUST 7 – 8, Fri. and Sat.
10th Annual Filipino Festival
Friday and Saturday (different times)
The event showcases the richness of Filipino culture and promotes a respect for and appreciation of the Filipino heritage. Featuring a delectable cuisine, folk dances and music, the Filipino Festival has attracted thousands of attendees from Richmond and surrounding cities and counties who want to experience the best of the Philippine islands without leaving Virginia.
Friday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Race N Roll 5K starts at 9 a.m. Saturday
8200 Woodman Rd, Henrico, VA
Free admission
AUGUST 7 – 9, Fri., Sat. and Sun.
New Edition, Lauryn Hill, Natalie Cole, Macy Gray, Rebirth Brass Band, Sweet Honey in the Rock, and Spanish Harlem Orchestra, along with other national acts and a whole plethora of local artists take various stages throughout the city for the 6th Annual Jazz Festival. The main event is held at beautiful Maymont Park but there will be events at Hardywood on Thursday and the Hippodrome on Friday
See their complete list for what can be brought to the park and other FAQ. No seating provided at this outdoor event.
Some opening events are free, there are weekend passes for sale ($140) ahead of the event only or one-day passes ($75) which can be bought at the gate.
If you aren’t planning on going to the festival, know in advance that Maymont will be open to festival attendees ONLY on August 9 and 10. The Hampton Street gate serves as the main entrance to the Richmond Jazz Festival and only ticket holders will be admitted.
Friday events at the Hippodrome start at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6) to 10:15 p.m.
Saturday events start at noon, to 10:15 p.m.
Sunday events start at noon, to 10:15 p.m.
List of performance times here.
Maymont
1700 Hampton Street,
Richmond, VA 23220
Maymont Jazz Fest –ARTIST PERFORMANCE TIMES
* All acts and times are subject to change without notice.*
AUGUST 9, Sun.
Carytown Watermelon Festival
Probably one of the most beloved festivals. The epitome of summer. Expect over 115,000 people, over 3000 watermelons, at least 60 musicians, over 100 exhibitors, and one delicious fruit to worship: the Watermelon.
Carytown, top starts at 3500 Cary Street
Free to enter but bring cash for individual purchases of juicy watermelon
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
AUGUST 15, SAT.
The party before the BBQ is at the National, on Friday. Music starts at 3 p.m.
Saturday’s event is at the water park. Expect water, beer, music, meat and the unexpected.
Line-Up: American Sharks / Bat / Cancer Bats / Child Bite / Clutch / Cro-Mags / Dead Earth Politics / Descendents / Dickies / Down / Ghoul / Gritter / Goatwhore/ GWAR/ Mc Chris / Mutoid Man / Ringworm / RPG / Stonecutters / Troglodyte / Valkyrie.
Check out their ultimate guide.
AUGUST 16, Sun.
If you miss the GWAR BBQ, there is tamer version in Shockoe Bottom, at the 17th Street Farmer’s Market. This festival features 14 Virginia breweries, along with an amazing array of central Virginia’s most loved barbecue producers. There will be live music and an expanded produce and crafts marketplace.
Event is free. Food and beverages available for purchase. Beer samples $2 each, full pours are $6.
Noon to 5 p.m.
Due to 17th street construction, it will take place on Franklin Street and 17th Street, between Grace and Franklin.
It is advised to enter from Broad Street.
AUGUST 22, Sat.
Richmond Bluegrass Festival at Hardywood Brewery
The third annual Richmond Bluegrass Festival includes music all day, beer and a bevy of food trucks.
Music starts at 2 p.m.
Ragged Mountain String Band, East Of Afton, River City Band, Whiskey Rebellion and closing with the Hot Seats at 7:30 p.m.
Hardywood Park
2408 Ownby Lane
AUGUST 28 – AUGUST 30
Fun and entertainment ranges from rides and games, an RC race car track, fireworks, a new petting zoo, and more!
This event is fun for all ages.
Adult admission is $8 and seniors and children are $5.
Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, located at the corner of Courthouse & Krause Roads. For more information call 804-768-0148 or visit online at www.chesterfieldcountyfair.org.
Continuing events throughout August:
Dogwood Dell: Music, Visual Arts throughout the summer.
Innsbrook After Hours: August 1, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27. Also, 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.
