Announcing Full Performance Schedule

The Richmond Folk Festival returns Friday-Sunday, October 7-9, and celebrates its 18th anniversary, having become one of Virginia’s largest and most beloved events. The festival draws attendees each year to downtown Richmond’s riverfront to celebrate the roots, richness and variety of American culture through music, dance, traditional crafts, storytelling and food.

The free, three-day event hosts 200,000 people over the weekend and is produced by Venture Richmond Events in partnership with the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA), the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities, the Center for Cultural Vibrancy, Children’s Museum, and the City of Richmond.

Featuring six stages and showcasing music and dance from more than 30 performing groups from around Virginia, the nation and the world, the Richmond Folk Festival today announces the full performance schedule as well as the Virginia Folklife Area and Stage and the Family Area. Once again featuring a new artistic program and the nation's finest traditional artists, this year's festival offers something for everyone.

• Read all about the performers at each stage, and see the full weekend event schedule.

• Read all about each artist performing, plus audio and video samples.

Virginia Folklife Area and Stage 

For the first time, the Virginia Folklife Area is produced as a partnership between the Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities and the newly formed Center for Cultural Vibrancy. Along with this newly formed partnership, this year provides many reasons to celebrate. 2022 marks the twentieth anniversary of the founding of the Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program, which supports the continuation of living traditions by giving direct support and a public platform to artists.

In addition to an interactive exhibit to celebrate this milestone, there will be an Instrument Makers Workshop spotlighting several current and previous apprenticeship artists. Eleven luthiers who build and repair guitars, banjos, mandolins, violins, dulcimers and more will travel from across the state to showcase the many skills required to build stringed instruments. In addition to their craft demonstrations, there will be an Instrument Makers Jam on the Virginia Folklife Stage along with a special one-time-only performance uniting Tata Cepeda, one of Puerto Rico’s finest bomba dancers, with the Fredericksburg non-profit Semilla Cultural, led by Isha M Renta Lopez. Lopez and Cepeda are current Virginia Folklife Program apprenticeship artists.

The Traditional Crafts Area is produced by the Virginia Folklife Program at Virginia Humanities, the state center for the documentation, presentation, support and celebration of Virginia’s rich cultural heritage. For more than thirty years, the program has documented the Commonwealth’s music and material traditions and shared those histories through hands-on workshops, performances, exhibitions, audio and video recordings, and apprenticeships across Virginia.

Read all about the artists of the Virginia Folklife Area and Stage.

Family Area, Produced by the Children’s Museum

Super Heroes of all sizes will enjoy themed zones from iconic bag hats, hand painting and balloon artists, to the Creation zone where everyone can contribute to a joint art project recognizing our own community “super heroes.” Kids can test their super powers in the obstacle course or show off other amazing skills in the Activity zone. Guests can visit each zone and complete a passport for a prize! The City Singers and The Autism Society of Virginia will bring added “Super” dimension to the Family Area with instruments and sensory exploration. It’s a POWERFUL experience for the whole family!

The Family Area is in its new location this year just up the hill in the grassy field at 2nd Street and Brown’s Island Way.

Festival Hours

• Friday, October 7 — 6:30pm - 10:00pm 

• Saturday, October 8 — 12:00pm - 9:30pm 

• Sunday, October 9 — 12:00pm - 6:00pm

Friends of the Festival

Become a Friend of the Festival to help sustain the Richmond Folk Festival for many years to come! Gifts from our Friends ensure the consistency and future of the performances and programs that we all enjoy the most. Your support is invaluable as we work to sustain the largest artistic and cultural gathering in Richmond. Benefits include: weekend parking passes, name mentioned on festival banners and website, a commemorative Richmond Folk Festival Friend of the Festival enameled lapel pin and a limited-edition, screen printed, hand signed and numbered poster by the 2022 official poster artist.

Learn more here! https://www.richmondfolkfestival.org/donations

For more information about the Richmond Folk Festival, visit www.richmondfolkfestival.org. #RVAFolkFest  -  Text to Give! Text FOLK to 44321

Announces Second Group of Artists Performing at the 2022 Richmond Folk Festival

The Richmond Folk Festival returns October 7-9, 2022, and celebrates its 18th anniversary, having become one of Virginia’s largest and most beloved events. The festival draws attendees each year to downtown Richmond’s riverfront to celebrate the roots, richness, and variety of American culture through music, dance, traditional crafts, storytelling, and food. 

The free, three-day event hosts 200,000 people over the weekend and is presented by Venture Richmond Events in partnership with the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA), the Virginia Folklife Program, the Center for Cultural Vibrancy, Children’s Museum, and the City of Richmond.

Featuring six stages and showcasing music and dance from more than 30 performing groups from around the nation and the world, the Richmond Folk Festival today announces 10 artists of what will once again be a culturally diverse and inspiring program. Of the new artists being announced today, eight cultural traditions have never before been presented at the festival. 

“While each year the Richmond Folk Festival provides a new artistic program, this year—the event’s 18th—promises to really stand out as a feast for the senses,” said Blaine Waide, associate director for the National Council for the Traditional Arts. “Whether featuring a longstanding local institution like the Art of Noise for the first time or numerous artistic traditions that are new to the festival—polyphonic singing from Epirus, Mauritanian griots, the haunting sounds of Bentonia blues, and many more—the 2022 festival will amaze and captivate audiences.”

Additional artists to be featured at the 2022 Richmond Folk Festival include:

• 79rs Gang (New Orleans Black Masking Carnival music)
  New Orleans, Louisiana

• Andre Thierry (zydeco)
  Richmond, California

• Art of Noise RVA (deejaying)
  Richmond, Virginia

• Felipe Hostins (Brazilian forró)
  Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brazil, by way of New York

• Gene Tagaban (Guuy Yaau) (Tlingit storyteller, musician, and dancer)
  Ruston, Washington

• Isokratisses (polyphonic singing from Epirus)
  Deropoli and Politsani, Albania

• Jesse Daniel (honky-tonk country)
  San Marcos, Texas

• Jimmy “Duck” Holmes (Bentonia blues)
  Bentonia, Mississippi

• Nani Noam Vazana (Ladino traditional song)
  Amsterdam, the Netherlands

• Noura Mint Seymali (Mauritanian griot)
  Nouakchott, Mauritania

Click here for extended artist bios, plus audio and video samples on our website.

Volunteer Benefits

The Richmond Folk Festival offers a variety of exciting volunteer opportunities. With over 1,000 volunteers each year, we can't do it without you! The festival is a wonderful place for civic, school, church and office organizations to volunteer. Or simply sign up with your best friend or partner to spend a day together at the festival! Benefits of being a festival volunteer: free t-shirt, free parking and discounts on festival merchandise.

Learn more and sign up here! https://www.richmondfolkfestival.org/volunteer

Encore Performances on VPM

Every Saturday at 5:00pm, catch Virginia Public Media (VPM) broadcasts of favorite performances from the 2021 Richmond Folk Festival. Tune in to Richmond public radio VPM stations 107.3 FM & 93.1 FM for great musical memories. Add these shows to your calendar today:

• 8/20/22  Rosa Tatuata (Sicilian traditional music)

• 8/27/22  Pedro Giraudo Tango Ensemble (Argentine tango)

• 9/3/22    Taj Weekes (reggae)

• 9/10/22  Sean Jones, Dizzy Spellz, Brinae Ali (jazz, hip hop, and tap dance)

• 9/17/22  Tres en Punto (trio romantico)

• 9/24/22  The Western Flyers (western swing)

• 10/1/22  Sugaray Rayford (blues)

Friends of the Festival

Become a Friend of the Festival to help sustain the Richmond Folk Festival for many years to come! Gifts from our Friends ensure the consistency and future of the performances and programs that we all enjoy the most. Your support is invaluable to us as we work to sustain one of the largest artistic and cultural gatherings in Richmond. Benefits include: weekend parking passes, name mentioned on festival banners and website, a commemorative Richmond Folk Festival Friend of the Festival enameled lapel pin and a limited-edition, screen printed, hand signed and numbered poster by the 2022 official poster artist.

Learn more here! https://www.richmondfolkfestival.org/donations

More information on the festival and additional artists performing will follow in September.

The Richmond Folk Festival Announces the First Group of Artists

RICHMOND, VA – The Richmond Folk Festival returns October 7-9, 2022, and celebrates its 18th anniversary, having become one of Virginia’s largest events. The beloved festival draws fans each year to downtown Richmond’s riverfront to celebrate the roots, richness and variety of American culture through music, dance, traditional crafts, storytelling and food.

The free, three-day event hosts 200,000 people over the weekend and is presented by Venture Richmond Events in partnership with the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA), the Virginia Folklife Program, the Center for Cultural Vibrancy, Children’s Museum, and the City of Richmond.

Featuring six stages and showcasing music and dance from more than 30 performing groups from around the nation and the world, the Richmond Folk Festival today announces eight artists of what will once again be a culturally diverse and impressive program.

“We are looking forward to showcasing downtown Richmond’s ever-changing riverfront once again for a beautiful weekend of music, dance, food and crafts with the James River and our city skyline as the perfect backdrop,” said Stephen Lecky, director of events at Venture Richmond. “This event holds a special place in the hearts of so many, and year 18 is shaping up to be one of the best.”

Artists to be featured at the 2022 Richmond Folk Festival include:

• Beòlach (Cape Breton)
  Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

• Black Umfolosi (a cappella imbube singing)
  Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

• Bnat el Houariyat & Esraa Warda (Moroccan chaabi women’s ensemble)
  Marrakech, Morocco, and New York, New York

• Cedric Burnside (hill country blues)
  Holly Springs, Mississippi

• Fran Grace (sacred steel guitar)
  Toledo, Ohio

• Korean Performing Arts Institute of Chicago (pungmul and samulnori)
  Chicago, Illinois

• Sideline (bluegrass)
  Raleigh, North Carolina 

• Son Rompe Pera (Mexican marimba)
  Naucalpan de Juárez, Mexico

Click here for extended artist bios, plus audio and video samples on our website.

The Richmond Folk Festival Needs YOU!

The Richmond Folk Festival offers a variety of exciting volunteer opportunities. With over 1,000 volunteers each year, we can't do it without you! The festival is a wonderful place for civic, school, church and office organizations to volunteer. Or simply sign up with your best friend or partner to spend a day together at the festival! Benefits of being a festival volunteer: free t-shirt, free parking, and discounts on festival merchandise.

Learn more and sign up here!

NEW - Friends of the Festival

Become a Friend of the Festival to help sustain the Richmond Folk Festival for many years to come! Gifts from our Friends ensure the consistency and future of the performances and programs that we all enjoy the most. Your support is invaluable to us as we work to sustain one of the largest artistic and cultural gatherings in Richmond, and the largest folk festival of its kind in the country.

Learn more about the benefits of being a Friend of the Festival here!

Festival Hours

• Friday, October 7 — 6:30pm - 10:00pm

• Saturday, October 8 — 12:00pm - 9:30pm

• Sunday, October 9 — 12:00pm - 6:00pm

 More information on the festival and additional artists performing will follow later this summer.

For more information about the Richmond Folk Festival, visit www.richmondfolkfestival.org. #RVAFolkFest  -  Text to Give! Text FOLK to 44321

The Richmond Folk Festival is sponsored in part by: City of Richmond, Dominion Energy, Altria, NewMarket Corp., CarMax, CoStar Group, Brown Distributing, Community Foundation for a greater Richmond, Atlantic Union Bank, Virginia is for Lovers, National Council for the Traditional Arts, Center for Cultural Vibrancy, and the Children’s Museum.

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About the Richmond Folk Festival

The Richmond Folk Festival is one of Virginia's largest events, drawing visitors from all over the country to downtown Richmond's historic riverfront. The Festival is a FREE three-day event that got its start as the National Council for the Traditional Arts’ National Folk Festival, held in Richmond from 2005-2007. In the tradition of “The National," the Richmond Folk Festival features excellent performing groups representing a diverse array of cultural traditions on seven stages. The festival includes continuous music and dance performances, a Virginia Folklife Area featuring ongoing demonstrations, an interactive Family Area produced by the Children's Museum, a folk art marketplace, regional and ethnic foods, festival merchandise and more. Additional information is available at www.richmondfolkfestival.org.

About Venture Richmond

Venture Richmond, Inc., is a non-profit organization formed to engage business and community leaders in partnering with the City to enhance the vitality of the community, particularly Downtown, through economic development, marketing, promotion, advocacy and events. Venture Richmond provides enhanced property management services for both the Downtown and Riverfront including; the Clean & Safe program, beautification and landscaping projects and management and maintenance of Brown's Island, the Canal Walk and Belle Isle parking lot.

Venture Richmond Events, LLC, produces Friday Cheers, the 2nd Street Festival, the Richmond Folk Festival, and partners with Sports Backers to produce Dominion Energy Riverrock.

Riverfront Canal Cruises, LLC, operates historically narrated boat tours and private charters of the James River and Kanawha Canal.

Both Venture Richmond Events, LLC, and Riverfront Canal Cruises, LLC, are subsidiaries of Venture Richmond, Inc. For more information visit www.venturerichmond.com.

About the National Council for the Traditional Arts

A leading non-profit in the field, the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) is dedicated to the presentation and documentation of folk and traditional arts in the U.S. Stressing excellence and authenticity, the NCTA presents the nation’s finest traditional artists in major festivals, tours, concerts, workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions, media productions, school programs, cross-cultural exchanges and other activities. It works in partnership with American communities to establish new, sustainable traditional arts events that deliver lasting social, cultural and economic benefits. Over 7,000 hours of the NCTA’s archival audio recordings dating from the 1930s are permanently housed at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. The NCTA champions the interests of folk and traditional artists and organizations in the arena of public policy. For more about the NCTA, visit http://ncta-usa.org/.

Venture Richmond, 200 S. Third Street, Richmond, VA 23219

Save the Date for the Richmond Folk Festival

Save the Dates for 2022

One of Virginia’s largest and most beloved events returns this fall to Downtown Richmond.
 
The Richmond Folk Festival, in partnership with the National Council for the Traditional Arts and the City of Richmond, is October 7-9, along Downtown Richmond’s riverfront.
 
“Venture Richmond Events is proud to produce this festival that has brought so much attention to the Downtown Riverfront,” said Stephen Lecky, director of events for Venture Richmond. “The Richmond Folk Festival is an economic driver bringing 200,000+ people Downtown and generating $37 million in economic impact annually. With six stages along the Riverfront this event showcases world class entertainment, food, arts and culture in Downtown.”

The Richmond Folk Festival is sponsored in part by: City of Richmond, Dominion Energy, Altria, NewMarket Corp., CarMax, CoStar Group, Brown Distributing, Community Foundation for a greater Richmond, Atlantic Union Bank, Virginia is for Lovers, National Council for the Traditional Arts, Center for Cultural Vibrancy, and the Children’s Museum.

Venture Richmond Events, LLC is a subsidiary of Venture Richmond, Inc.

Venture Richmond, Inc., is a non-profit organization formed to engage business and community leaders in partnering with the City to enhance the vitality of the community, particularly Downtown, through economic development, marketing, promotion, advocacy and events. Venture Richmond provides enhanced property management services for both the Downtown and Riverfront including the Clean & Safe program, beautification and landscaping projects and management and maintenance of Brown's Island, the Canal Walk and Belle Isle parking lot.

Venture Richmond Events, LLC, produces Friday Cheers, the 2nd Street Festival, the Richmond Folk Festival, and partners with Sports Backers to produce Dominion Energy Riverrock.

Riverfront Canal Cruises, LLC, operates historically narrated boat tours and private charters of the James River and Kanawha Canal.

Both Venture Richmond Events, LLC, and Riverfront Canal Cruises, LLC, are subsidiaries of Venture Richmond, Inc. For more information visit www.venturerichmond.com.

Richmond Folk Festival Announces the First Group of Artists for 2021

JUNE 30

Richmond Folk Festival
Live and in Person! October 8-10, 2021

The Richmond Folk Festival will return this fall, live and in person, to celebrate its 17th anniversary the weekend of October 8-10, 2021. The festival has become one of Virginia’s largest, drawing fans each year to downtown Richmond’s riverfront to celebrate the roots, richness and variety of American culture through music, dance, traditional crafts, storytelling and food. 

The free, three-day event is presented by Venture Richmond Events, in partnership with the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA), the Virginia Folklife Program, the Center for Cultural Vibrancy, Children’s Museum, and the City of Richmond.

Featuring six stages and showcasing music and dance from more than 30 artists from around the nation and the world, the Richmond Folk Festival is today announcing the first six artists of what will once again be a culturally diverse and impressive program. 

“This year more than ever we may find reason to celebrate each other's traditions and cultures,” said Stephen Lecky, director of events at Venture Richmond. “We are looking forward to showcasing downtown Richmond’s riverfront once again for a beautiful weekend of music, food and crafts to provide an open, outdoor, safe space for people to enjoy the Richmond Folk Festival.”

Artists to be featured at the 2021 Richmond Folk Festival include:

• Joanie Madden & Cherish the Ladies (Irish)
  Yonkers, New York

• Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper (bluegrass)
  Charlestown, Indiana

• Nava Persian Trio (Persian santour)
  Albuquerque, New Mexico

• Plena Es (bomba y plena)
  Sunrise, Florida

• Rare Essence (go-go)
  Washington, D.C.

• Sean Jones “Dizzy Spellz” feat. Brinae Ali (jazz, hip hop, and tap dance)
  Baltimore, Maryland

Click here for extended artist bios, plus audio and video samples on our website.

Interactive Scavenger Hunt

From June 18 until Labor Day weekend, the Richmond Folk Festival will offer a scavenger hunt. Those interested can complete it whenever they’d like. It takes an hour or two to complete, and there are two routes from which to choose. Or, for the truly adventurous, it is possible to explore both routes over the summer! The scavenger hunt presents opportunities to notice often-missed public art, learn about history and different cultures, and listen to relevant musical links along the way. Like at the festival, both routes include hills, steps, and uneven ground. Those who successfully complete the festival’s scavenger hunt by Labor Day weekend will be entered in drawings for prizes, with winners selected all summer long! The scavenger hunt runs through September 7.

For all details, please visit our website: https://www.richmondfolkfestival.org/scavhuntintro
Encore Performances on VPM

Every Saturday at 5:00 pm Richmond public radio VPM stations 107.3 FM & 93.1 FM will broadcast favorite performances from the past 13 years of the Richmond Folk Festival as well as the three years the city hosted the National Folk Festival (2005-07). Tune in for great musical memories. Add your favorite artists to your calendar today!

• July 3 Bombino

• July 10 Jeff Little, Lulo Reinhardt

• July 17 Nathalie Pires

• July 24 Le Vent du Nord

• July 31 Debashish Bhattacharya

• Aug 7 Joshua Nelson

• Aug 14 Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino

• Aug 21 Marcia Ball

• Aug 28 Dale Ann Bradley

• Sep 4 Lurie Bell, Andes Manta

• Sept 11 Amargue Bachata Quintet with Andre Veloz

• Sept 18 Ahava Raba with Yanky Lemmer

• Sept 25 Sona Jobarteth

• Oct 2 Maggie Ingram, Frank Newsome, Paschall Brothers, Clinton Fearon
  

Festival Hours

• Friday, October 8 — 6:30pm - 10:00pm 

• Saturday, October 9 — 1:00pm - 9:30pm 

• Sunday, October 10 — 1:00pm - 6:00pm

More information on the festival and additional artists performing this year will follow later this summer as we continue to stay informed and fully aware of CDC and state guidelines for Covid-19 protocol at events. A commitment to safety and adherence to local, state, and federal ordinances and guidelines is crucial.

For more information about the Richmond Folk Festival, visit www.richmondfolkfestival.org. #RVAFolkFest  -  Text to Give! Text FOLK to 44321

The Richmond Folk Festival is sponsored in part by: Dominion Energy, CoStar Group, Community Foundation, WestRock, CarMax, City of Richmond, Brown Distributing, National Council for Traditional Arts, and the Children’s Museum.

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About the Richmond Folk Festival

The Richmond Folk Festival is one of Virginia's largest events, drawing visitors from all over the country to downtown Richmond's historic riverfront. The Festival is a FREE three-day event that got its start as the National Council for the Traditional Arts’ National Folk Festival, held in Richmond from 2005-2007. In the tradition of “The National," the Richmond Folk Festival features excellent performing groups representing a diverse array of cultural traditions on seven stages. The festival includes continuous music and dance performances, a Virginia Folklife Area featuring ongoing demonstrations, an interactive Family Area produced by the Children's Museum, a folk art marketplace, regional and ethnic foods, festival merchandise and more. Additional information is available at www.richmondfolkfestival.org.

About Venture Richmond

Venture Richmond, Inc., is a non-profit organization formed to engage business and community leaders in partnering with the City to enhance the vitality of the community, particularly Downtown, through economic development, marketing, promotion, advocacy and events. Venture Richmond provides enhanced property management services for both the Downtown and Riverfront including; the Clean & Safe program, beautification and landscaping projects and management and maintenance of Brown's Island, the Canal Walk and Belle Isle parking lot.

Venture Richmond Events, LLC, produces Friday Cheers, the 2nd Street Festival, the Richmond Folk Festival, and partners with Sports Backers to produce Dominion Energy Riverrock.

Riverfront Canal Cruises, LLC, operates historically narrated boat tours and private charters of the James River and Kanawha Canal.

Both Venture Richmond Events, LLC, and Riverfront Canal Cruises, LLC, are subsidiaries of Venture Richmond, Inc. For more information visit www.venturerichmond.com.

About the National Council for the Traditional Arts

A leading non-profit in the field, the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) is dedicated to the presentation and documentation of folk and traditional arts in the U.S. Stressing excellence and authenticity, the NCTA presents the nation’s finest traditional artists in major festivals, tours, concerts, workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions, media productions, school programs, cross-cultural exchanges, and other activities. It works in partnership with American communities to establish new, sustainable traditional arts events that deliver lasting social, cultural, and economic benefits. Over 7,000 hours of the NCTA’s archival audio recordings dating from the 1930s are permanently housed at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. The NCTA champions the interests of folk and traditional artists and organizations in the arena of public policy. For more about the NCTA, visit http://ncta-usa.org/.

Venture Richmond, 200 S. Third Street, Richmond, VA 23219

News from Venture Richmond Regarding the 2nd Street Festival and the Richmond Folk Festival

RICHMOND, VA – For the safety of our patrons, volunteers, artists and staff due to the unpredictable and ongoing threat posed by the spread of COVID-19, and in accordance with our government officials’ phased approach to group gatherings, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel the 2020 2nd Street Festival and Richmond Folk Festival.

Developments related to state, national, and international events in 2020 have made it clear that as the organizer of these two free, large-scale community festivals, the necessary health precautions simply cannot be taken without radically changing the nature and scope of the events.

We have not reached this decision easily. We know that especially in these times of community isolation it’s important to come together and celebrate our shared culture and experiences, whether they are the rich traditions of the historic Jackson Ward community, or cultures from around the nation and the world presented on our downtown riverfront. Certainly, the joy we receive from producing these two festivals every October is immeasurable. However, we do not believe it is responsible or in the best interest of our community to bring together tens, and even hundreds of thousands of individuals in very close proximity, with no ability to control attendee numbers, distancing, or to sufficiently enforce precautions.

However, we don’t plan to let these two weekends go unnoticed and are working now with our sponsors and partners to determine the most meaningful and safe way we can bring the community together, even if only virtually. We hope you’ll stay tuned for more announcements regarding virtual celebrations for both festivals that showcase favorite past performances, new live performances, online children’s activities, a virtual marketplace, demonstrations, giveaways, and much more.

Remember to “Save the Date” for:

• 2nd Street Festival: October 2-3, 2021

• Richmond Folk Festival: October 8-10, 2021

Until then, stay tuned to our social media pages and websites!

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The 2nd Street Festival celebrates the rich culture of the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood in downtown Richmond and in 2019 celebrated 31 years. Nearly 40,000 people visit Jackson Ward each year to reminisce about the days when 2nd Street was the heart and soul of Richmond’s African-American community. The 2nd Street Festival is an annual celebration and homecoming over two days featuring four stages of live musical entertainment.

The 2019 Richmond Folk Festival marked the 15th anniversary of Richmond’s hosting the festival on the downtown riverfront, and the 12th year of the locally-produced event. Modeled after the hugely popular National Folk Festival held in Richmond for three years, 2005-2007, the Richmond event continues the same commitment to excellence in programming on seven stages over three days, showcasing the very finest in traditional arts. Last year, the free event had a record-breaking crowd of 220,000 people on downtown Richmond’s historic riverfront. It is the largest folk festival of its kind in the United States.

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Venture Richmond, Inc., is a non-profit organization formed to engage business and community leaders in partnering with the City to enhance the vitality of the community, particularly Downtown, through economic development, marketing, promotion, advocacy and events. Venture Richmond provides enhanced property management services for both the Downtown and Riverfront including; the Clean & Safe program, beautification and landscaping projects and management and maintenance of Brown's Island, the Canal Walk and Belle Isle parking lot. 

Venture Richmond Events, LLC, produces Friday Cheers, the 2nd Street Festival, the Richmond Folk Festival, and partners with Sports Backers to produce Dominion Energy Riverrock.

Riverfront Canal Cruises, LLC, operates historically narrated boat tours and private charters of the James River and Kanawha Canal. 

Both Venture Richmond Events, LLC, and Riverfront Canal Cruises, LLC, are subsidiaries of Venture Richmond, Inc. For more information visit www.venturerichmond.com.