The Richmond Folk Festival returns October 10-12, in its twenty-first 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 hosts 200,000 people over a three-day weekend. Featuring six stages and showcasing music and dance from more than 30 performing groups from around the nation and the world, the Richmond Folk Festival today announces 10 additional artists, further enriching an artistically excellent program that honors and celebrates the traditions of diverse cultures and communities. 

“The world is coming to Richmond this October,” said Stephen Lecky, director of events at Venture Richmond. “From Hawaii to South Florida, this year’s program is a testament to the dazzling array of cultures and musical traditions that inject spirit and soul into communities across the country. Five of these traditions have never been featured at the festival before, and several are rarely heard outside of their home communities. It’s a special opportunity for audiences to experience something new – and it’s all free!”

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.