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 October, Richmond will welcome the world,” said Stephen Lecky, director of events at Venture Richmond. “From the sounds of traditional New Orleans jazz to Indigenous hip hop and powwow dance, this year’s lineup showcases the incredible range of cultures and musical traditions that bring energy from communities across the country and world. The Richmond Folk Festival gives audiences the chance to discover something different, experience new traditions, and enjoy it all for FREE!”
The Richmond Folk Festival today announces the second group of nine artists who will once again make up a multicultural and artistically excellent program, with four traditions brand new to Richmond stages.
The Richmond Folk Festival is presented 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.
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 festival performers.
Join 800+ volunteers and choose a role that fits your interests. For more information, visit https://www.richmondfolkfestival.org/volunteer
Encore Performances on VPM
Every Saturday at 5:00pm through October 3, catch VPM broadcasts of favorite performances from the 2025 Richmond Folk Festival. Tune in to Richmond public radio VPM stations 107.3 FM and 93.1 FM for great musical memories.
Friends of the Festival
Friends of the Festival will help to 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 festival, your name/company on four Thank You banners located on the festival site, your name/company on our sponsor 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 Friend of the Festival on our website at https://secure.givelively.org/donate/venture-richmond-inc/friend-of-the-festival-2026
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