The 2nd Street Festival returns this fall, Saturday-Sunday, October 3-4, marking its 38th year in Downtown Richmond! The annual festival celebrates the rich culture of the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood. This FREE event is produced by Venture Richmond Events.
Each year thousands visit historic Jackson Ward to reminisce about the days when 2nd Street was the heart and soul of Richmond's African American community and was known as “the Harlem of the South.” Today, Jackson Ward continues to be a thriving neighborhood and community. The 2nd Street Festival is an annual celebration over two days that features three stages of live musical entertainment along with a Kidz Zone, popular food vendors, a marketplace and Artists Row to shop, and the Richmond Metropolitan Antique Car Club.
2nd Street Festival Hours
Saturday, October 3
11:30am - 7:00pm
Sunday, October 4
12:00pm - 6:00pm
2nd Street Festival Location
The 2nd Street Festival is located in Downtown Richmond's historic Jackson Ward neighborhood, within an eight-block area along N. 2nd Street between E. Broad and E. Jackson Streets.
Ride share address:
124 E. Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219
What to Expect
Culture, Vendors & Experiences
- Artists Row - Local artists and makers.
- Marketplace vendors - Crafts, goods, and small businesses.
- Cultural displays honoring Jackson Ward’s history.
- Antique Car Club showcase.
- SheJeepsRVA display (Saturday only).
- Walking tours of Jackson Ward led by Gary Flowers.
Kidz Zone
Produced by the Children’s Museum + Black History Museum:
- Community art project
- Bag‑hat crafts
- Yard games & movement activities
- Free book giveaways
- Balloon twisting
Food
Festival favorites, local specialties, and a wide mix of food vendors throughout the footprint.
Main Stage – Featured Performers
- Stokley - Saturday headliner; GRAMMY‑nominated R&B star and former Mint Condition lead vocalist.
- Plunky & Oneness - Sunday headliner; Richmond’s Afro‑jazz icon J. Plunky Branch.
- JTucker & The Krewe - High‑energy R&B/funk band.
- Carlos “The Line Dance Prince” - Festival‑favorite dance leader.
- The Dap Mallory Band - Soul and R&B band.
- Elegba Folklore Society - African dance, drumming, and cultural performance.
- Cora Harvey Armstrong - Gospel powerhouse.
- Curv Appeal - R&B vocal group.
- Moe Flowz & Roscoe Burnems - Spoken word artists.
Jazz Stage – Featured Performers
- Baron Tymas Group feat. Rudy Faulkner - Jazz guitarist/composer with featured percussionist.
- Glennroy & Company - Jazz ensemble.
- Anthony Cosby Jr. presents LOVE - Jazz/R&B fusion set.
- Christian Mitchell Project - Hampton‑based jazz group.
- Marsha Meekins & Company - Saxophonist‑led jazz band.
- Cat Johnson - Jazz vocalist.
- The Marvin Taylor Experience - Jazz fusion closer on Sunday.
Community Stage – Featured Performers
- Minds in Motion / Richmond Ballet - Youth dance performance.
- Baron Tymas (solo) - Guitarist set.
- Sports Backers Fitness Warriors - Community fitness showcase.
- Sammy Lee - Guitarist.
- Henrico High School Center for the Arts - Student performers.
