The East End Festival is a free, family-friendly event supports music and arts programs at RPS East End schools.
Since 2016, the RVA East End Festival has raised thousands of dollars to support music, visual arts and performing arts programs at schools in the East End communities of the Richmond Public Schools system: Martin Luther King, Jr. Preschool, Chimborazo Elementary, Woodville Elementary, Fairfield Elementary, Henry L. Marsh Elementary, Bellevue Elementary, Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School, Armstrong High School, and Franklin Military Academy.
Along with a spectacular lineup of the region’s best musical talent, the 2026 RVA East End Festival also features a Student Showcase of Richmond Public Schools East End students, a Kids Zone play area and a host of local food vendors and craft/lifestyle exhibitors.
Event Details
The festival is scheduled for Sat., Sept. 26 from 11am-7pm at the 17th Street Market, 100 N. 17th Street. The rain location, if needed, will be Henry L. Marsh III Elementary School, 813 N. 28th Street.
What to Expect
Performances in the Student Showcase from 11:30am-12:30pm include:
- RPS All City Band
- Bellevue Elementary Choir
- Armstrong High School Dance Team
Also, at the 11am Opening Ceremony, Destin Scott, a student at Franklin Military Academy, will sing the National Anthem and Aretha Franklin’s “Accentuate the Positive”
The Kids Zone is an adult-chaperoned area with interactive games for kids ages 5-8:
- Game Truck Experience
- Velcro Soccer Dart
- Football Tournament
- “The Arena”
Also, a sumptuous selection of food vendors will be on hand throughout the event, including:
- Sweet Temptations by Teresa
- Soul Shaker Cart
- Blessed Meals On Wheels
And….
Exciting News: For the first time, this year’s Festival includes food vendors affiliated with the Black Restaurant Experience. Families and individuals in the Richmond region won’t want to miss out on this delicious collaboration.
Plus, an array of exhibitors from craftspeople to local nonprofit organizations will line both sides of the 17th Street Market, allowing shoppers to move easily through the center of the market area. “There’s something for all ages to enjoy at this year’s RVA East End Festival,” said Samuel Brown, the Festival’s Project Manager. “Our main stage will be located on the Main Street side of the market, so festival-goers can enjoy the music performances while shopping and eating.
This year, our new location creates an atmosphere of family, food and fun as we bring the community together to build a strong future for our young people.”
While there is no charge to attend the RVA East End Festival, donations are appreciated because proceeds from the Festival and any free-will donations are used to purchase music and art supplies for East End students. Donations can be made online at the Festival’s website or by making contributions to the Bucket Brigade on the day of the Festival.
2026 RVA East End Festival Full Program Schedule
- 11:00am – Opening Ceremony including music by the Richmond Police Department Community Band playing the National Anthem sung by Destin Scott, a student at Frankin Military Academy
- 11:30-12:30pm – Performances by students from RPS East End schools
- 1:00-1:45pm – Richmond Symphony
- 2:00-2:45pm – No BS! Brass Band
- 3:00-3:45pm – Lenny Holmes & The Forever Band
- 4:00-4:45pm – The Dap Mallory Band
- 5:00-5:45pm – James “Saxsmo” Gates
- 6:00-6:45pm – Sounds Funny Band
Information and updates about the RVA East End Festival can be found at: Richmond East End Music Festival or email rvaeastendfest@gmail.com.
