The 2nd Street Festival fills Jackson Ward with music, art, food, and a vibrant celebration of Richmond’s past and present.
2nd Street Festival
in the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood of Downtown Richmond, Virginia
Saturday and Sunday, October 3-4, 2026
The 2nd Street Festival will return to celebrate its 38th anniversary, Saturday-Sunday, October 3-4! 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.
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.
2026 Marketplace Vendor Applications Now Open
Vendor applications are now being accepted for the 2026 2nd Street Festival Marketplace, taking place Saturday, October 3 through Sunday, October 4 in Richmond’s Historic Jackson Ward neighborhood.
Application Process
Download and complete the application below. Applications may be submitted by mail or email using the contact information provided below. Once the applications are received, they are numbered along with thephotos that accompanied it. The application (minus the company and applicant name) is submitted for consideration. Each application is rated and those with the highest score are invited to vend.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted or postmarked by Saturday, June 27. Download the application here or via the button below.
Submit Your Application
Mail to:
Venture Richmond
Attn: The 2nd Street Festival - Marketplace 200 South Third Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Marketplace vendor applications opened Monday, June 1 and close Saturday, June 27. Apply here.
Food Vendors
The size and layout of the festival footprint limit the number of vendors we are able to accept. Previous participation or submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance. Food vendors interested in 2026 opportunities should email vendor@venturerichmond.com for more information.
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.
Portable restrooms are located throughout the festival. Free hand sanitizer will be available at these locations.
Emergency service centers are available at the festival.
The 2nd Street Festival will go on, rain or shine.
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.
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!
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.
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
DO NOT BRING PETS (other than service animals) to the festival. We expect large crowds and your pets will be more comfortable at home.
The 2nd Street Festival is a FREE event. Food, drink and merchandise are available for sale.
2026 Festival Sponsors
Please email us for information on all 2026 sponsorship opportunities.
Riverfront Canal Cruises hosts three special nights of hauntingly narrated canal boat tours.
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.
