2nd Street Festival

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The 2nd Street Festival will return this fall to celebrate its 37th anniversary, Saturday-Sunday, October 4-5! The festival celebrates the rich culture of the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood in Downtown Richmond, VA. This FREE event is produced by Venture Richmond Events.

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Each year thousands visit historic Jackson Ward to reminisce about the days when 2nd Street was the heart and soul of Richmond's African American community and was known as “the Harlem of the South.” Today, Jackson Ward continues to be a thriving neighborhood and community. The 2nd Street Festival is an annual celebration over two days that features three stages of live musical entertainment along with a Kidz Zone, popular food vendors, a marketplace and Artists Row to shop, and the Richmond Metropolitan Antique Car Club.

The Chuck Brown Band is the official band of the late Chuck Brown, “The Godfather of Go-Go,” and the founder and creator Go-Go music, a hypnotically danceable genre deeply rooted in funk and soul that Brown developed in the early 1970’s in the District of Columbia.

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Today, Chuck Brown’s son Wiley Brown (Wiley B), who has been around music since the age of four with his father, is the lead singer of the band. He started rapping as a youth but after Chuck’s passing, joined the Chuck Brown Band. Wiley B’s lead vocals and looks on the 2021 single and video “Summertime” by the Chuck Brown Band sparked even more comparisons amongst Go-Go fans to his father. Out now is their 2024 single, “Loose Control,” featuring Treasure Joy.

Since 2020, DJ Drake and MC Choco have maintained a collaborative partnership that started in DJ Drake’s living room during the Covid-19 pandemic. Their Facebook “Live” shows entertained thousands of viewers from the across the country, giving audiences a real time ability to connect with the artists and other fans during a time of isolation.

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With over three decades of DJing experience, DJ Drake currently works as a mix show DJ for 105.7 KISS FM in Richmond. MC Choco has an equally extensive background, having worked in local clubs and restaurants for over three decades.

2nd Street Festival Hours

• Saturday, October 4 from 11:30am - 7:00pm
• Sunday, October 5 from 12:00pm - 6:00pm

2nd Street Festival Location

In the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood, within an eight-block area along N. 2nd Street between E. Broad and E. Jackson Streets in Downtown Richmond.

• For ride share: 124 E. Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219

Admission

The 2nd Street Festival is a FREE event. Food, drink and merchandise are available for sale.

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No Pets

DO NOT BRING PETS (other than service animals) to the festival. We expect large crowds and your pets will be more comfortable at home.

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What Can I Bring With Me?

Items that are permitted include, but are not limited to:

• FOLDING CHAIRS ARE RECOMMENDED – we ask that you bring your own portable chair to comfortably enjoy the live music.
• Ponchos and small, personal umbrellas are permitted in the case of rain.

What Can I Not Bring With Me?

Items that are not permitted include, but are not limited to:

• No pets (official service animals are permitted)
• No coolers, or large backpacks
• No alcohol
• No bottles/glass containers
• No illegal substances, illicit goods, fireworks, weapons, guns, knives or laser pointers will be permitted at the event and violators will be held accountable and prosecuted by state and federal law.
• No flying objects (drones, kites, Frisbees, footballs, etc.)
• No riding bikes or scooters through the festival site

Downtown Richmond Parking

• There is no dedicated event parking, but around the festival site there are surface parking lots and available on-street parking, specifically on the south side of E. Broad Street between Foushee Street and N. 5th Street. There is also a parking deck at 5th and Marshall Streets behind the Richmond Marriott.
• We advise festival attendees to use the GRTC Pulse bus service which has a stop at 2nd and E. Broad Streets.
• Rideshare services are also advised. Best drop off address for rideshare is: 124 E. Broad St., Richmond, 23219
• Be sure to check out our Downtown Richmond Transportation Guide to determine the best way to get to the event and around the city of Richmond during the 2nd Street Festival!

In the Event of Rain

The 2nd Street Festival will go on, rain or shine.

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Emergency Services/First Aid

Emergency service centers are available at the festival.

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Restrooms

Portable restrooms are located throughout the festival. Free hand sanitizer will be available at these locations.

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Your Presence Is Your Permission

Special photographers and videographers have been hired by festival organizers to document the event. Some images may be used in later promotional materials. Your presence at the event is seen as your permission for such promotional use by the nonprofit organizers.

Please email us for information on all 2025 sponsorship opportunities.