The 22nd Richmond Folk Festival returns to the downtown riverfront Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11, and it is free. This year comes with a twist: Brown’s Island, the festival’s long-time home base, is in the middle of a $30 million rebuild, and only part of it will be open. Here is what the festival and local reporters have confirmed about hours, getting there, what to carry in, and what to expect on the ground.
Hours and Where It Is
According to the Richmond Folk Festival’s general information page, gates run 6:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, noon to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. The festival is produced by Venture Richmond Events with the National Council for the Traditional Arts and the City of Richmond, per RVAHub. Entry to Brown’s Island is via 5th and Byrd Streets. There are six stages: the Dominion Energy Dance Pavilion, CoStar Group Stage, Center for Cultural Vibrancy Stage at the Allianz Amphitheater, CarMax Stage, Family Stage and Altria Stage, and four are tented for rain.
What Is Open on Brown’s Island and What Is Not
The Richmonder’s Sarah Vogelsong reported that the southern part of the island will be open, including rebuilt steps from the 7th Street bridge, a new wheelchair-accessible ramp, the “Breezeway” beneath the Manchester Bridge, and circular vendor structures with power and water. New terraces along the James, the northern-side buildings and gardens, and most planned plantings will be fenced off, and full completion is expected in early 2027. Venture Richmond CEO Lisa Sims told the outlet that concerns about readiness should not keep people from coming. We covered the renovation itself in our Brown’s Island rebuild explainer, including what the riverfront neighborhoods stand to gain.
Parking, Shuttles and Getting In
Parking is the part first-timers underestimate. Per the festival’s information page, handicap parking is at the Federal Reserve deck at 5th and Byrd, with an ADA shuttle to 5th and Tredegar. Satellite parking is at Dogwood Dell on Saturday and Sunday with a shuttle about every 30 minutes, $7 round trip, debit or credit only. Bike parking is at the Federal Reserve lot, and you should bring your own lock. If you live in Church Hill, Manchester or Oregon Hill, walking or biking in beats every parking option.
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What to Bring and What to Leave at Home
Folding chairs and small blankets are allowed, except at the Allianz Amphitheater where chairs are not permitted. Beer, soda and merchandise take cards, and food vendors take cash and cards. The festival prohibits pets other than service animals, coolers, large backpacks, alcohol brought in from outside, glass, weapons, drones, skateboards and bikes inside the grounds. Four stages have wheelchair-accessible viewing, mobility devices are permitted, and interpretation for the hearing impaired is offered at select performances.
Who Is Playing
The festival has announced more than 30 groups, and 12 On Your Side’s lineup report lists artists including the Chuck Brown Band (go-go, Washington, D.C.), Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials (Chicago blues), Mariachi Mariposas (Rio Grande Valley, Texas), Wyatt Ellis (bluegrass, Tennessee), Dr. Michael White Quartet (traditional New Orleans jazz), Lucibela (Cabo Verde), Seth Spell and Cajun Strong (Louisiana) and Sons of Promise (gospel, Philadelphia). The full schedule is on the festival’s site, and set times can shift, so check it the morning you go.
If you are making a whole fall weekend of it, the 2nd Street Festival in Jackson Ward is the weekend before, and we listed both in our fall events guide. For more, see our Richmond events page. Want Richmond news like this in your inbox? Subscribe to our updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Richmond Folk Festival free?
Yes. The festival says performances, the folklife area and family activities are all free. Food, beer, soda and merchandise are sold separately.
What are the 2026 Richmond Folk Festival hours?
Friday, October 9: 6:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, October 10: noon to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, October 11: noon to 6 p.m.
Where do I park for the Folk Festival?
Handicap parking is at the Federal Reserve deck at 5th and Byrd. Satellite parking is at Dogwood Dell on Saturday and Sunday, with a shuttle about every 30 minutes for $7 round trip, card only.
Can I bring a chair or a cooler?
Folding chairs and small blankets are allowed, except at the Allianz Amphitheater. Coolers, glass, outside alcohol, large backpacks, pets (except service animals), drones and skateboards are not allowed.
Is Brown’s Island fully open this year?
No. The southern part is open, but new terraces along the James, the northern buildings and gardens and most plantings are fenced off until construction finishes, expected in early 2027.
How many stages are there?
Six: the Dominion Energy Dance Pavilion, CoStar Group Stage, Center for Cultural Vibrancy Stage, CarMax Stage, Family Stage and Altria Stage. Four are tented for rain.
Is the festival wheelchair accessible?
Four stages have wheelchair-accessible viewing areas, accessible restrooms are provided, and a new ramp has been built on Brown’s Island. An ADA shuttle runs from the Federal Reserve parking deck.
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