Weekend Events!

It's officially Friday people - time to put your booze pants on and get ready for some fun. The weather will be chilly, but at least there will be sun! This weekend, Richmond is full of dance parties, festivals, and beer celebrations to help you remember why you love Fall so much.


No BS! Brass Band is takin' you straight to funky town - no BS included...

Start out this weekend right with a triple dose of dance party. Dance your way on over to The Camel for No BS! Brass Band with The Brand New Life starting at 9 pm. When you get your fill of brass funk (if that's even possible), dance your way back towards Carytown. RVA Magazine will be hosting Long Jawns at NY Deli starting at 10 pm. Long Jawns' beats are sure to keep you groovin' well into the night. And if those dance parties aren't enough to rock your socks off, head over to Balliceaux for the Italia Mondo Dance Party. The Minimalist ladies like to dance - can you tell?

After your hangover wears off, you've got festivals galore to bring you back to life. First off, there's the Hogtober BBQ Festival in Church Hill from noon to 7 pm. The tradition brings together "good neighbors and good cheer" - not to mention loads of BBQ and local music. The festival starts at 12 pm on Saturday and is open until 7 pm. Thirsty from all that BBQ? Well head downtown to Capital Ale House for their annual Oktoberfest celebration. The party will happen in the street and the Music Hall from noon until 10 pm. There will be German dancers, German music, and beers galore.

On both Saturday and Sunday, you can get your fill of history, culture, music and food at the annual 2nd Street Festival in Jackson Ward and the Italian Street Festival held at the Horticulture Garden at the Richmond Raceway Complex. The 2nd Street festival is a celebration of the Historic African-American neighborhood of Jackson Ward with street vendors and four stages full of live music. The festival is free and will be open Saturday, noon to 7 pm and Sunday, noon to 6 pm. Richmond's Italian Street Festival will host vendors of all kinds including Italian beers and wines, Italian foods, and cultural activities - not to mention more live music! This festival is free with a suggested $5 donation, open Saturday 11 am to 8 pm and Sunday 11 am to 6 pm.

Ah, I love October. A cold brew, a chilly breeze, and such amazing community. What more could you ask for?!

Christie Thompson