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October 2016 Festival Guide: Toast to BBQ, music, gourds and libations

Posted at 5:27 PM, Sep 28, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-28 17:30:40-04

RICHMOND, Va. — September and October are busy festival months. Last year some beloved festivals were canceled due to bad weather, but they return this year to sunshine and great temperatures.

This is the last weekend to sample new fried food –and classic favorites — at the State Fair of Virginia, which runs through Oct. 2.

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, OCT. 1 & 2

2nd Street FestivalA popular event sponsored by Venture Richmond, that brings in nearly 40,000 people to celebrate the “Harlem of the South,” as Jackson Ward was known before Interstate 95 split the neighborhood in half. Visit Richmond’s historic Jackson Ward to hear live music on four stages, enjoy children’s activities, taste delicious food, shop in the marketplace, dance in the streets and renew old friendships. Free admission.

Click for complete band schedule.Saturday: 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday: 1 to 6 p.m.

Gallmeyer Farms Fall Festival
Celebrate fall’s official arrival with live music, craft vendors and local businesses, hayride and pony rides and a bouncy house for the kids, food vendors AND pick your own pumpkins. There will be a free hayride shuttle and free parking. Free admission also. Live music all day.

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Pumpkin Patch
4506 Millers Lane

SATURDAY, OCT. 1

Bark in the Park

This canine-friendly event is a fundraiser for the Henrico Humane Society. The event is free to attend. There will be music, food and merchandise. Don’t miss the 2k dog walk.

Deep Run Park, off Ridgefield Parkway
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

HogtoberBBQ, bands and beer in historic Libby Hill Park. Bands include Church Hill Music Company, Diamond Heist, Life on Mars, and The Hit List . For kids there will be face painting, balloon art, pig skin toss, and games. Lawn chairs welcome, but leave all pets, coolers, food and beverages at home.

Noon – 7 p.m. Free admission/prices vary for food and drink.
Libby Hill Park
2801 E. Franklin Street

SUNDAY, OCT. 2

Party on the AvenuesA newish event to celebrate the commerce in the area along Libbie Avenue, between and around Grove and Patterson Avenues.

Very family friendly, with kid’s activities in addition to music, food and craft beer.

Libbie Avenue. Noon to 6 p.m.

Rose Fest

While the Rose Garden is flush with blooms, stop and smell the roses at this one-day event. Don’t miss one of the few remaining chances to see the Butterflies LIVE exhibit. The Latin Ballet of Virginia will perform twice, from 12:15 p.m. – 1 p.m. and then again at 1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. There is also

Noon to 3 p.m., though the garden will be open to 5 p.m.
1800 Lakeside Avenue
Adults $13/Seniors (55+) $11/Military (with ID) $10/Children (3-12) $8/Children (under 3) Free

FRIDAY, OCT. 7

First Fridays
A year-round art walk highlighting art, restaurants, shops and organizations in the downtown 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

FRIDAY – SUNDAY, OCT. 7-9

Richmond Folk FestivalThree days of free music on and around Brown’s Island. This year some of the more popular performers return to celebrate the 12th anniversary of this beloved event.

Friday 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday noon to 10 p.m.
Sunday noon to 6 p.m.

Find everything you need to know about parking, food and the list of performers.

SATURDAY, OCT. 15

HandsOn Day 2016
On HandsOn Day, over 1,300 volunteers serve at volunteer projects across the metro region to make a difference in Richmond. Volunteers will serve from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. with a celebration to follow at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery — and a free beer ticket.

Virginia Hops and Harvest FestivalThe fifth year of an event that celebrates craft beer, food and music. Featuring 20 Virginia breweries, with multiple varieties. Beer sample tickets for $2 each. 5 oz. samples of each craft beer will be $2 and full pours will be $6.

Admission is free with cost of parking ($5-$7)
Noon – 6 p.m.
Pocahontas State Park
10301 State Park Rd, Chesterfield

SUNDAY, OCT. 16 

Kickin’ Chicken WingfestA celebration of all things chicken wings; hot, mild, sweet, spicy, teriyaki, buffalo, Asian, Thai and more.  Local music and beer will help wash it all down.

Event is free; food and beverages available for purchase.

Noon – 5 p.m.
17th Street Farmers’ Market, at Main and 17th

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, OCT. 21 & 22

48th Annual Richmond OktoberfestThe largest German / American Oktoberfest festival in the state, playing host to nearly 5,000 people over the two-day indoor event. This event is a sample of German Bavarian culture, featuring lots of beer, food and dances. Don’t miss the Chicken dance.

Price: $12/advance – $15/door
Seniors and military/$12, Children 15 & under free

Friday: 6 p.m. to midnight
Saturday: 3 p.m. to midnight
Old Dominion Building, Richmond International Raceway
600 E. Laburnum Avenue

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, OCT. 22 & 23

Central Virginia Celtic Festival and Highland GamesFeaturing traditional dance, live music, Highland games competitions, gathering of clans and vendors.  The two-day festival provides fun for the entire family and benefits the Cullather Brain Tumor & Quality of Life Center, Children’s Hospital Foundation and Richmond International Raceway Cares.

Pets allowed with “proper paperwork” and $5 fee.

Tickets purchased at rir.com. $15/day, $25/two- day in advance.  $20/day, $30/ two-day at gate.

Richmond Raceway Complex at 600 E. Laburnum Avenue
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day

SATURDAY OCT. 22

Powhatan Festival of the Grape30 wineries, 100+ quality arts and craft vendors, live entertainment and a vastselection of delicious, regional favorite foods. Now in its 13th year, this event offers wine tastings, wine by the glass and bottle purchases. Brown distributing sells craft beer.

Price: $15 – $30
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Powhatan’s Historic Courthouse Square
3887 Old Buckingham Road

Scott’s Addition Pumpkin FestivalThe pumpkin festival for the city, and beyond. Expect heaps of pumpkin food, kegs of craft beer and live music, but there is also an emphasis on family events. There is an expanded kid’s zone, according to organizers.

Noon to 6 p.m.
Free to enter, food and drink prices vary.
On the Boulevard between Leigh and Broad Street

SATURDAY, OCT. 29

Innsbrook’s Great Pumpkin Palooza

Festival staples like pony rides, petting zoos, and bouncy houses with fun live entertainment. Also, enjoy some seasonal festivities, including costume contests and a straw bale maze. Assortment of food from BBQ and kettle corn to gyros and souvlaki. Beer on-site.

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
4951 Lake Brook Drive

3rd annual Lewis Ginter Oktoberfest

Local and German food will be available for purchase as well as beer from Center of the Universe Brewery. Festivities will be held in the gardens adjacent to historic Bloemendaal House, rain or shine.

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
1800 Lakeside Avenue
Adults $13/Seniors (55+) $11/Military (with ID) $10/Children (3-12) $8/Children (under 3) Free

Did we miss a festival? Drop us a line with “Festival” in the subject so we can add it!