Richmond Events and Festivals

(Richmond, Virginia - VA, USA)

The people of Richmond know how to party and Virginia residents attend the city's events and festivals in huge numbers. You will find that most of Richmond's festivities and celebrations are well supported and whatever the time of year, visitors can rest assured that something significant will be happening.

From historical events and street festivals to concerts and fairs, the Richmond calendar offers a good variety of seasonal things to do and entertainment to suit a while range of tastes. Events and festivals listings can be found on the Internet, in local magazines and newspapers, as well as from the Richmond Visitor Center.

National Public Holidays

• 1st January - New Year's Day
• Third Monday in January - Martin Luther King Day
• 12th February - Lincoln's Birthday
• Third Monday in February - Washington's Birthday
• Last Monday in May - Memorial Day
• 4th July - Independence Day
• First Monday in September - Labor Day
• Second Monday in October - Columbus Day
• 11th November - Veterans Day
• 4th Thursday in November - Thanksgiving
• 25th December - Christmas Day

Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• Capital City Kwanzaa Festival - early January, organized by the Elegba Folklore Society, this annual celebration at the Greater Richmond Convention Center included performances, activities, speakers and vendors.
• Virginia Boat Show - late January, The Showplace is host to this yearly show, where visitors can come and see all the latest in boats and boating equipment and accessories. A must for nautical adventurers.

February

• Maymont Flower and Garden Show - early February, landscapers and those with green fingers should head to the Greater Richmond Convention Center to pick up tips on design and how to make your garden beautiful.
• Valentine's Day Dance - February 14th, Art Works Studios and Galleries hosts a romantic evening of dance mixed with art and champagne.

March

• Spring! - every weekend in March, April and May, enjoy the delights of spring at Maymont, where you can appreciate the blossom, newly born animals and beautiful weather.
• Chesapeake Bay Day - early March, residents and visitors alike are invited to come and learn about how to protect the bay and its environment, with hands-on activities and events.
• Craftsmen's Classic Arts and Crafts Festival - this annual Richmond show exhibits works by more than 400 American artists, with a whole host of beautiful art objects for sale.

April

• Strawberry Hill Races - mid-April, an outdoor horse racing event at Colonial Downs that attracts up to 20,000 spectators who come to enjoy this day-long event.
• A Million Blooms - all of April, Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens opens its doors to reveal colorful and fragrant flowers, while there are also tours and activities available.

May

• NASCAR Doubleheader Weekend - early May, speed freaks will love this action packed weekend at Richmond International Raceway.
• Mother's Day Concert - Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens is host to a Mother's Day concert.
• Richmond Rose Society Show - late May, the Richmond Rose Society has been organizing this yearly event for nearly 70 years. Now held at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, gardeners should not miss this opportunity to consult the experts.

June

• Anime Mid-Atlantic - mid-June, an annual convention on Japanese animation including screenings, vendors, guest speakers and other events.
• Batteau River Festival - mid-June, celebrating Richmond's heritage of flat-bottomed boats that were used to transport tobacco along the river in the 1700s. Celebrations include a concert and a procession by a fleet of bateaux.

July

• Dogwood Dell Festival - this summer arts festival culminates in a spectacular fireworks display on July 4th.
• Musical Mondays at Maymont - July to August, Maymont Carriage House Lawn comes alive on Monday evenings with community bands and activities. Ideal for all the family, the concerts are a great way to relax in the summer evenings.

August

• There are no significant events in Richmond in the month of August.

September

• NASCAR Weekend - early September, Richmond International Raceway attracts thousands for this racing event.
• Richmond Gay Pride - mid-September, featuring major gay and lesbian celebrations and events.
• State Fair of Virginia - late September to early October, with everything from crops and plants to animals and antiques as well as concerts and numerous other exciting attractions, such as demolition derby and a rodeo.

October

• 2nd Street Festival - early October, an African-American themed event based in the Jackson Ward area
• Richmond Highland Games and Celtic Festival - late October, Scottish athletes gather together to compete in athletic events including the Sheaf Toss and the Scottish Hammers. Other Celtic-style entertainment is provided as well as a Celtic market.
• Maymont's Boo at the Barn - Maymont Children's Farm is host to this spooky Halloween event aimed at children. Expect costumes, storytelling, arts and crafts and other spine tickling activities.

November

• SunTrust Richmond Marathon - early November, the 26.2-mile marathon attracts hundreds of participants and spectators who enjoy the scenic route through historic neighborhoods and across the James River.
• Garden Fest of Lights - late November to December, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens is illuminated with over 500,000 lights, making it the perfect place to kick off Christmas with a magical experience.

December

• Grand Illumination - early December, this annual event sees the city light up with millions of Christmas lights and reindeer. The downtown event is normally accompanied by live entertainment.
• Legendary Santa - all of December, a long-standing Richmond Christmas tradition, where children can visit Santa with their Christmas wishes at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.