Richmond lights up with festivals, oysters and "wing wars" this weekend
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Garden Glow is always a must-see in RVA. Image: Courtesy of Maymont
Welcome to another jam-packed, festival-filled weekend in RVA.
Friday
🏮 Garden Glow, the event that sets Maymont's gorgeous gardens aglow, is back and running every night except Mondays through Nov. 9. Don't skip a trip to the activities-filled Glow Village. Times vary. $20.
🔆 InLight, 1708 Gallery's annual outdoor light-based exhibit, is this weekend at Abner Clay Park. Artist George Ferrandi will premiere "Super!Giant!Jump!Star!" — a cosmo-themed installation. Friday and Saturday, 7-11pm. Free.
🍻 The Richmond Oktoberfest is Friday (6-10pm) and Saturday (3-10pm) at the Richmond Raceway Complex with German food, beer, desserts, music and kids' stuff, plus lots of chicken dances. Tickets start at $10.
Saturday
🍗 RVA Wing Wars is popping off at Triple Crossing Fulton, pitting 20 chicken wing competitors (mostly local restaurants) to see who has the best wings. Tickets include a drink ticket and all 20 wings. 3-6pm. $45-$70.
💜 "An Evening of Prince" featuring cover artist Anthony Cosby, Jr. takes over Dogwood Dell. 8pm. Free.
🦪 There's an Oyster Festival over at Main Line Brewery with oysters prepared all the ways available for purchase, plus live music. 1-6pm. Free
😱 GalaxyCon's Nightmare Weekend will be all over the Convention Center all weekend with cosplay contests, celeb panels (Cheech and Chong, y'all!) and more. Oct. 17-19. Times vary. Tickets start at $45.
🪔 Celebrate Diwali at the Diwali Music & Arts Festival at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture with dance, Indian food, henna and more. 11am-4pm. Free.
Sunday
☯️ The Richmond Tattoo & Arts Festival showcases the latest in tattoo trends and draws artists from across the country for three days of demonstrations and competitions, plus food and drinks for sale. Friday-Sunday at the Midlothian DoubleTree. Tickets start at $30.
🎃 Want more things to do? Check out our 2025 Halloween Guide for all the spooky happenings.