Don't Miss Richmond Folk Festival 2019!

Richmond Folk Festival 2019 is a free, 3 day music festival with 7 stages and more than 100 live performances in a variety of genres. Plus food, drink, craft vendors, and more. October 11th through the 13th, 2019.

Richmond Folk Festival, one of Virginia's largest events, celebrates American culture with music, dance, food, and crafts. The festival, which celebrates its 15th year in 2019, attracted over 220,000 people to the downtown riverfront last year.

And why not?

The three-day event not only presents a wide range of musical genres, good food, and fun but is also FREE to attend! You can give the suggested $10 donation if you wish (and you should) - but you certainly don't have to.

Though styled as a "Folk Festival," musical genres represented at the festival are quite diverse, going well beyond the expected "folk" category. You'll see Tuvan throat-singers, Memphis soul, steel drummers, gospel brass “shout bands,” electric honky tonk, Delta blues, and so much more.

Richmond Folk Festival 2019 promises to be just as big - if not bigger - than all that preceded it with more than 100 performances on the schedule. This year's list includes the Stax Music Academy Alumni Band, BeauSoleil with Michael Doucet, Huun-Huur-Tu, the Lonesome River Band, Panfilo’s Güera, and Conjunto Guantanamo, to name but a few.

The festival is also the site of the 5th annual Scott Street Five String Finals banjo competition for players 18 and under. The competition features both bluegrass/Scruggs-style and clawhammer/old time-style divisions and is always a great show.

You'll also be treated to an Oyster Shucking Contest, Powwow dance, contortionist, custom cars, and more.

Crafts, Food, & Drink

Richmond Folk Festival is more than just 3 days of live music on 7 stages.

The annual festival Crafts Market always features some of the best handcrafted items around. Both traditional items and unique gifts about, all one-of-a-kind and handmade by skilled artisans from around the region. You'll see jewelry, original artwork, fabric, ceramic, glass, wood, metal, and more. The Crafts Market is always fun to browse - and an excellent source for early holiday gifts.

Richmond Folk Festival also serves up lots of great food and drink. Ethnic, regional, and traditional offerings make for a wide variety of tempting options. Everything from classic festival fare to more exotic flavors: Thai, German, Indian, and much more. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options will also be available.

When it comes to drink, the festival has plenty of options for everyone. There are even signature festival beverages! 2019's signature beer is "Hazy Folk" from Alewerks Brewing Company. "Foot Stompin' Festival Red," and "Foot Stompin' Festival White" are this year's festival wines.

Richmond Folk Festival 2019

Friday, October 11, 6pm-10pm | Saturday, October 12, 12pm-9:30pm | Sunday, October 13, 12pm-6pm

The festival is held downtown on Richmond's historic Riverfront, from 2nd street to 7th street, and Byrd Street to the river. Learn more and see the full event schedule on the festival website. You can also follow the festival on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Virginia Lodging

A Virginia inn is your passport to old-time value and hospitality combined with the best in modern amenities. Plus you'll be staying with someone who can give you an insider's knowledge of where to go and what to see while you're in the area. For best in lodging comfort and value during your Virginia getaway, stay at a locally owned and operated Virginia Bed and Breakfast.