The Richmond Folk Festival returns October 9-11, in its twenty-second year as one of Virginia’s largest and most cherished events. Each year, thousands return 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 festival is held over three days, featuring six stages and showcasing music and dance from more than 30 performing groups from around the nation and the world.
This year’s festival site includes Brown’s Island, which is currently under construction. Although the Brown’s Island Improvement Project will not be complete, the island will be ready to host the two stages, food, beverage, and merchandise vendors it typically does during the festival. The updated festival site map will be available on our website soon and in the pocket guides distributed at the festival.
“We couldn’t be more excited that The Folk Festival will provide a sneak peek into the transformation of Brown’s Island. Festival attendees are going to have the first chance to see some of the early improvements to the Island,” said Stephen Lecky, director of events for Venture Richmond. “Our partners in this development, Whiting Turner, 3North, and Timmons, are focused on getting the Island ready for the festival, but there will be so much more to come! This festival, along with Brown’s Island, share such a special place in Richmonders’ hearts, and this is going to be one to remember.”
The Richmond Folk Festival today announces the first nine artists of what will once again make up a multicultural and artistically excellent program.
The Richmond Folk Festival is produced by Venture Richmond Events in partnership with the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA), Virginia Humanities, Center for Cultural Vibrancy, Children’s Museum and the City of Richmond.
Artists to be featured at the 2026 Richmond Folk Festival include:
Agalisiga “Chuj” Mackey (country)
Salina, Oklahoma
Brinae Ali Quartet (tap dance)
Baltimore, Maryland
Chuck Brown Band (go-go)
Washington, D.C.
Insun Park & Generals (Korean traditional mask dance and rock music)
Seoul, South Korea
Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials (Chicago blues)
Chicago, Illinois
Mariachi Mariposas (mariachi)
Rio Grande Valley, Texas
Reverie Road (Irish)
New York, New York, and Chicago, Illinois
Swanky Kitchen Band (Caymanian kitchen dance music)
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Wyatt Ellis (bluegrass)
Maryville, Tennessee
Click here for extended artist bios, plus audio and video samples on our website.
Sponsors and Friends of the Festival
In order to help keep the Folk Festival Free, learn more about becoming a corporate sponsor on our website at RichmondFolkFestival.org/Sponsor.
Friends of the Festival helps 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 support is invaluable to us as we work to sustain one of Virginia’s largest artistic and cultural gatherings.
Benefits: two free weekend parking passes to the Richmond Folk Festival, your name/company on four Thank You banners located at the festival, your name/company on our sponsors webpage, a commemorative RFF Friends enameled pin, and a limited edition screen print version of the 2026 official festival poster hand-signed and numbered by the artist.
Learn more about being a Sponsor and/or Friend of the Festival on our website at RichmondFolkFestival.org/Donations.
Festival Volunteers
Volunteers are at the heart of the Richmond Folk Festival. From beverage sales to safety escorts and the bucket brigade, every role helps bring the festival to life. Sign up for a 3–4-hour shift and support Richmond’s arts and music community.
Benefits: a free T-shirt, free close-in parking during your shift, and a discount at the merchandise tent! Plus, a very special chance to join the after party where you can rub elbows with some of the performers.
Join 800+ volunteers and choose a role that fits your interests. For more information, visit RichmondFolkFestival.org/Volunteer.
Festival Hours
Friday, October 9 — 6:30pm – 10:00pm
Saturday, October 10 — 12:00pm – 9:30pm
Sunday, October 11 — 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: Altria, Dominion Energy, CoStar Group, CarMax, Pauley Family Foundation, NewMarket Corp., City of Richmond, Performance Food Group, Brown Distributing, Community Foundation, Atlantic Union Bank, VPM / Style Weekly, WNRN, 12OnYourSide, Richmond Times-Dispatch, Hamilton Family Foundation, National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA), Virginia Humanities, Center for Cultural Vibrancy, Children’s Museum, University of Richmond, Fralin Pickups, American Civil War Museum, National Park Service, JAMinc, Plan 9 Music, RMC Events, Virginia Housing, Winn Transportation, House of Hayes, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and the Virginia War Memorial.