Chelsea Jackson
Features Reporter
Mark your calendars, Richmond, festival season is on the horizon.
The next few months are full of fun events that'll have you outside soaking up the sun.
So get ready, Richmond – it’s festival time.
March
Shamrock the Block March 15
Grab your green, grab a beer, and kick this season off right at Shamrock the Block. Scott’s Addition on Leigh Street between Movieland and Bon Secours Training Facility. Noon-6 p.m. Free entry, pay as you go. shamrocktheblock.com.
Virginia Derby March 15
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Have a fun-filled at Colonial Downs for the Virginia Derby. Enjoy live entertainment from 80’s tribute band, The Deloreans.10515 Colonial Downs Parkway, New Kent. Free. rosiesgaming.com/tickets
Church Hill Irish Festival March 15-16
Find plenty of Guinness, corned beef, Irish dancing, Irish themed crafts and more family fun at the Irish Festival. Church Hill, 25th and E. Broad St. $5 donation. churchhillirishfestival.com.
April
Richmond Poetry Fest April 11-12
Celebrating poetry and community, Richmond Poetry Fest will bring readings, workshops, activities for poets and artists of all ages, vendors and spoken word performances. Visual Arts Center of Richmond, 1812 W. Main St. Free to attend. visarts.org/rva-poetry-fest
Dominion Energy Family Easter April 19
Hop on over to Dominion Energy Family Easter at Maymont for a day of music, food trucks, crafts, games, inflatable slides and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Fee for activities. 1700 Hampton Street. maymont.org.
Ashland Train Day April 26
Explore freight and passenger trains, plus touch-a-truck, model trains, railroad history, live music, kiddie rides, festival food, dance music, gift shopping, and more. 112 N. Railroad Ave., Ashland. ashlandtrainday.com.
Richmond Animation Festival April 27
Enjoy a Shorts Program, featuring some of the best animated shorts from all over the world. Artist Lilli Carré will present a program of her own animations followed by a live Q&A. Byrd Theater, 2908 W. Cary St.
May
Celebrate African American literature with author and publisher exhibits, author discussions, book signings, entertainment, networking and door prizes this event gives community members a chance to meet and engage with Black authors. There will also be food, drinks and entertainment. Diversity Richmond, 1407 Sherwood Ave. Free to attend, registration required on eventbrite.com.
¿Qué Pasa? Festival May 3
Explore the diversity of Hispanic and Latin American cultures with dance, food, drinks, crafts, art activities and education. 320 S. 12 St. to Virginia St. Free entry, pay as you go. quepasafestival.com/
Arts in the Park May 3-4
Shop from more than 350 exhibitors offering artwork, pottery, ceramics, jewelry, furniture and more. 1301 Blanton Ave. https://richmondartsinthepark.com/
Fan Arts Stroll May 15-16
Just as it sounds. Stroll through the Fan District, look at art, and listen to music by local musicians. 1900-2600 blocks of Hanover and Grove Avenues. www.facebook.com/FanArtsStroll
Dominion Energy Riverrock May 16-18
Richmond’s outdoor sports and music festival returns for three days of outdoor fun such as trail running, biking, kayaking, air dogs, stand-up paddle boarding and music from Suggesting Rhythm, Mountain Grass Unit, The Sugar Hollows, Mikaela Davis and Andy Frasco & The U.N. Brown’s Island. www.riverrockrva.com.
Lebanese Food Festival May 17-19
Dig in to homemade Mediterranean food like stuffed grape leaves and falafel and watch traditional Lebanese music and dancing at St. Anthony Maronite Church, 4611 Sadler Road, Glen Allen. lebanesefoodfestival.com
Richmond Greek Festival May 29-June 1
Indulge in tasty Greek cuisine, enjoy live music and dance performances, explore art and jewelry at the International Bazaar and more. Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Malvern Ave. greekfestival.com.
Chesterfield Outdoor Fest May 31
Experience a day of outdoor fun with adventure demos like fishing, rock climbing, biking, archery and golf. Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, 10300 Courthouse Road. Free; pay as you go. chesterfield.gov/outdoorfest
Richmond upcoming concerts: Niko Moon, The Stews, Bonnie Raitt
Niko Moon
Feb. 28: Niko Moon will perform at The National
The Stews
March 1: The Stews will perform at The National
Of The Trees
Feb. 26: Of The Trees will perform at The National
glaive
Feb. 7: glaive will perform at The National
'Moulin Rouge! The Musical'
March 4-16 at the Altria Theater
Bright Eyes
March 10: Bright Eyes will perform at The National
Houndmouth
March 11: Houndmouth will perform at The National
Lawrence
March 20: Lawrence will perform at The National
Naruto: The Symphonic Experience
March 27 at the Altria Theater
The Temptations and The Four Tops
May 7: The Temptations will perform at the Altria Theater
Valerie June
April 17: Valerie June will perform at The National
Bonnie Raitt
April 22: Bonnie Raitt will perform at the Altria Theater
Dwight Yoakam
June 21: Country singer Dwight Yoakam will perform at the Allianz Amphitheater.
Parker McCollum
June 26: Parker McCollum will play the Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront.
Jason Isbell
Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit will perform at the Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront on July 19.
Styx and Kevin Cronin
Styx and Kevin Cronin will perform at the Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront on Aug. 6.
Alison Krauss & Union Station
Alison Krauss & Union Station will perform at the Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront on Aug. 29.
‘Weird Al’ Yankovic
‘Weird Al’ Yankovic will perform at the Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront on Sept. 22.
