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 Richmond Folk Festival.

​

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

​

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 the rich traditions and cultures from around the nation and the world. Certainly, the joy we receive from producing this festival 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 this weekend 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 The Richmond Folk Festival 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 October 8-10, 2021.

The Richmond Folk Festival attracts over 200,000 people to downtown Richmond's riverfront over three days to celebrate the roots, richness and variety of American culture through music, dance, traditional crafts, storytelling and food. With seven different stages and more than 30 different genres of music, the Richmond Folk Festival offers something for everyone.

​

Did you know that The Richmond Folk Festival is descendent of The National Folk Festival? The National Folk Festival has been held in 28 different communities around the country and even spent three years on downtown Richmond's riverfront from 2005 through 2007! The festival has become one of Virginia’s largest and most-loved events of the year, the largest folk festival of its kind in the country, and has been voted as the best local musical festival in Richmond several years running.

​

While The Richmond Folk Festival features a large variety of musical talent, the festival also showcases Virginia Folklife. With children's activities, a folk arts marketplace, regional and ethnic foods and more, there's something for everyone at The Richmond Folk Festival.

​

Admission is FREE, but donations are always appreciated. Donations can be made online or in-person at the event. The Richmond Folk Festival also offers plenty of food, beverages, and local merchandise for sale in the festival's Marketplace.

​

Where Can I Find the Richmond Folk Festival Schedule?

The full schedule for the 2020 Richmond Folk Festival will be finalized sometime in mid-September. To see who has already been announced to play at this year's event, make sure to check out The Richmond Folk Festival's Schedule Page.

​

How do I get to The Richmond Folk Festival?

The Richmond Folk Festival takes place on downtown Richmond's historic riverfront. The event takes place between 2nd and 7th streets, and from Byrd Street to the James River - including Brown's Island, the Tredegar Ironworks area, the Tredegar Green Amphitheater, and also along Tredegar Street. Please note: For the safety of our guests, car traffic is not permitted on the actual event site. While the Folk Festival is underway, all streets leading into the site are shut down to vehicular traffic at Canal Street (located two blocks north of the site).

​

Below are a few helpful pointers if you're looking for an easy way to acccess the Richmond Folk Festival:

• Free Shuttles: An easy way to get to the festival is to use remote parking at City Stadium and use the FREE shuttles, which drop off guests at two stops - one at 2nd Street and one at 7th Street. Shuttles run about every 20 minutes during festival hours.
• Parking Downtown or take the GRTC Bus: Another option is parking your car downtown or using some of Richmond's great public transportation options. Looking for the best spot for your car? Need to find out which GRTC bus stop works best for you? Check out our Parking and Transportation in Downtown Richmond guide!

Looking for the latest Folk Festival updates? Make sure to visit www.RichmondFolkFestival.org for full details, including artists performing, vendors, sponsors, directions and all event information.

​

Richmond Folk Festival is produced by Venture Richmond Events LLC, a subsidiary of Venture Richmond.

​