Culture Brief

Oct 9, 2025 - Things to Do

Richmond Folk Festival takes over the riverfront this weekend

Karri Peifer

A crowd of people look at a stage with the skyline in the back — Image: Courtesy of Venture Richmond

The Richmond Folk Festival is this weekend.

Why it matters: It's Richmond's biggest festival weekend, usually drawing around 200,000 attendees to Brown's Island and the surrounding area.

What to know: The Richmond Folk Festival kicks off Friday night and runs through Sunday evening along the city's riverfront.

It's a full weekend of free live music, local food and drink, kids' activities, folklife demonstrations, shopping local makers and people watching.
Admission is always free. Off-site parking and shuttle service are available at Dogwood Dell on Saturday and Sunday.
Pro tip: It's usually a good idea to peep the festival map and schedule before you go.

New this year: Allianz Amphitheater is part of the festival. The Center for Cultural Vibrancy Stage is moving from its usual tent into the amphitheater.

Of note: The amphitheater's clear bag policy will be in effect.

Not into Folk Fest? Here are a few other things to get into this weekend:

🐾 If you're in the market for a new fur baby, pop over to Richmond Animal League's Rescue Roundup, which has more than dozen shelters from around the region bringing in animals that need homes for a little festival on Friday, 3-6pm..

🫨 Cobra Cabana has a "Heads Will Roll: 2000s Indie Dance Party" Friday at 8pm. Free.

💃 Strangeways Brewing has burlesque: Halloween edition. Friday, 9-11pm. $18 at the door.

🍷 Virginia Vines at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture features Virginia wine and local food trucks on Saturday at 6pm. Tickets start at $40.

🎶 RVA Music Fest at Dogwood Dell will have a petting zoo, bounce housing and face painting for kids. Saturday, Noon-8pm. Free.

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Culture Brief

Richmond Folk Festival takes over the riverfront this weekend

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