Top 5 weekend events: Richmond Folk Festival, Oktoberfest & Sneakerfest
Something for everyone. And maybe even everything for someone. It’s that kinda weekend in RVA, when you can catch circus arts, folk it up, and pay your respects to a queen without leaving the River City. We’ll see you out there!
RICHMOND FOLK FESTIVAL
Friday-Sunday
It’s high time to pre-rip some jeans and find your straw fedora! Thirty-plus artists from around the globe converge on six stages dotted around Brown’s Island and beyond to perform in front of 200,000-ish folk lovers. Acts include West Coast zydeco star Andre Thierry (left), Zimbabwean quintet Black Umfolosi, and Mauritanian Moorish Griot performer Noura Mint Seymali. Hours vary. 690 Byrd St. (recommended rideshare drop-off). Free ($10 donation suggested). (804) 788-6466 or RichmondFolkFestival.org
CARNIVAL OF 5 FIRES
Friday
Gallery5 kicks off First Friday with a variety show, tarot readings, DJs, circus arts, live group art shows, vendors, and music by The Hot Seats. Whew! — that’s more to chew on than at Golden Corral on a Sunday morning. 5-11 p.m. 200 W. Marshall St. Free. Gallery5arts.org/
RICHMOND OKTOBERFEST
Friday and Saturday
Shouldn’t the craft beer capital of the East Coast have multiple Oktoberfest parties? Absolutely. Richmond Oktoberfest stakes the claim of being the most authentic of the bunch. In other words, you’ll stick out if you don’t wear your lederhosen. Expect Richmond Raceway to be overflowing with Dunkel, schweinebraten, and accordion ditties. Times vary. 600 E. Laburnum Ave. $15. (804) 451-4344 or RichmondOktoberFestInc.com
"R.E.S.P.E.C.T" ARETHA FRANKLIN TRIBUTE
Sunday
The best way to remember the late Queen of Soul? Kick back and listen to her life’s work. “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” features the music of Aretha Franklin, performed by a full band and vocalists. This is far from a somber experience as you’ll be clapping and humming along at the Altria Theater to hits such as “Think” and “Natural Woman.” 7 p.m. 6. N. Laurel St. From $28.50. (800) 514-3849 or AltriaTheater.com
RVA FASHION WEEK
Now through Sunday
RVA Fashion Week returns with the widely successful Sneakerfest where you can immerse yourself in sneaker culture and check out sneaker vendors, a streetwear fashion show and live music at Tang & Biscuit starting at 2 p.m. Saturday. Sneakerfest tickets $15-$30. Fashion Week wraps up with a fashion runway finale show Sunday at Dominion Energy Center’s Rhythm Hall, 600 E. Grace St. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.; show starts at 6 p.m. $55-$125. Go to www.rvafw.com for the full list of events.
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