Summer’s waves may have ebbed, but Indian summer in Richmond is the perfect time for festivals.
This year many of the heavyweight classics return, and in addition to the festivity surrounding the UCI Road World Championships there are lots of Oktoberfest celebrations to enjoy!
Don’t miss Antoinette Essa’s weekly list of events around town. Sign up to have the weekly event email delivered on Friday afternoon, just click here.
Sept. 4, Friday
First Fridays
A year-round art walk highlighting art, restaurants, shops and organizations in the Art’s District.
Held in various locations around the Art District, which includes Broad, Grace and Marshall Streets, running from Monroe Street down to 6th Street.
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
See galleries for independent events
Sept. 7, Monday
8th Annual James River Cellars Harvest Wine FestivalListen to live music, taste wine from four different wineries.
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
11008 Washington Hwy.
$15/person
Sept. 11 – 13, Friday – Sunday
Armenian Food Festival
The 57th annual event promises all sorts of delectable dishes prepared by members of the St. James Armenian Church: hyeburgers, lupia, pilaf, kebobs, pastries and Armenian wine.
Make sure to duck inside the church for a look at even more arts and jewelry vendors.
11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Noon to 7 p.m.on Sunday.
834 Pepper Avenue, at Patterson Avenue
Free to enter, individual dishes cost money
Sept. 12, Saturday
43rd Street Festival of The ArtsThe 24rd year for this Forest Hill festival, which features 75 fine artisans selling their wares. Count on local music and food vendors. The event is a fundraiser for CARITAS.
Forest Hill Avenue and W.43rd Street
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Free to enter, but bring money to buy art, food and more art.
Sept. 12 and 13, Saturday and Sunday
Second Annual Hanover OktoberfestA beer garden with German and American brews, live music, and delicious German dishes under a big fest tent. Families and leashed dogs are welcome.
Saturday 1- 9 p.m. and Sunday noon to 8 p.m.
Center of the Universe Brewing
11293 Air Park Rd, Ashland
Sept. 12, Saturday
Pridefest 2015
PRIDE will be held on Brown’s Island. There will be food, brews, music, organizations, outreach, and performances.
Free admission
12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Brown’s Island
Bottom of 12th St (at the James River)
RVA Peace FestivalA multicultural celebration featuring entertainment, arts and crafts, food, exhibits, and activities for children.
Seventh Street Christian Church
11 a.m. – 5p.m.
4101 Grove Avenue
Sept. 13, Sunday
Food Truck RodeoBring an appetite like you do for Broad Appetite. It’s just safer that way. Note, this is not in the city. Head on out to Chesterfield Towne Center for a day of grazing from 35-plus local food trucks, and enjoy local brews and music too. No pets allowed
Noon to 7 p.m.
11500 Midlothian Turnpike
Shockoe on the HalfshellCelebrate all things oysters at the festival, in its sixth year, where you can get your bivalves raw, steamed, fried, with sauce or without.
Beer and music will be on scene along with oysters
The event is free to enter. Individual items cost.
Noon to 5 p.m.
17th Street Farmer’s Market
Sept. 18 -20, Friday – Sunday
Goochland Field Day of the PastExpect over 40,000 people at this event dedicated to historic displays, buildings, demonstrations, and re-enactments.
Truck Pulls: 7 p.m. Friday; 6 p.m. Saturday
Rt. 623 (Ashland Road) and Rt. 622 in Goochland
Friday, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. – close; Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: $10/Friday; $15/Saturday; $10/Sunday; $8 for Senior Citizens 62 and older; 12 and younger; free
St. Benedict’s OktoberfestA much-anticipated festival that provides ample opportunity to try a tremendous amount of different beer, eat some tasty German food, and help support Catholic education.
For $20 the 2015 commemorative steins are available at the main ticket booth and include first pour. Or for $5 the 2015 taster glasses are available and include first taste.
After that, beer samples are $1 and a beer pour is $5, with the 2015 Stein, and $6 without it.
300 N. Sheppard St., Richmond, VA
Free admission
Friday 4-11 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Sept. 25 – Oct. 4
State Fair of VirginiaIt’s that time of year for rides, exhibits and deep-fried everything
See website for costs and hours
13111 Dawn Boulevard
Sept. 26, Saturday
Capital Ale House Oktoberfest
Virginia beers paired with traditional German food items. Surrounding streets are closed off. Gates open at 11:30 a.m. and the first keg is tapped at noon. There will be live musical performances, German dance groups and family-friendly Kinderplatz: a kid’s space with giant inflatables, face-painting, balloon animals and many other family features.
$3 entry fee
11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Cap Ale House open until 1:30 a.m.)
623 E. Main Street
International Food FestivalFood from around the globe, including German, Irish, Southern American, Filipino, Vietmanese, Polish, Italian, Haitian, and Cajun. Alcohol will be available for purchase.
8 a.m. – dusk
Cathedral of the Sacred Heart at 800 S. Cathedral Place, Richmond
Did we miss a festival? Drop us a line and share the details!