Everything You Need to Know About the Lineup, Parking and More
In a city known for its festival-heavy weekends, it can be hard to stand out. But, Richmond’s Folk Festival has made its mark every fall for 19 years.
This massive festival features unique and talented musicians from all over the world. As festival goers travel from one performance stage to another there are activities, local artisans and an expansive array of food trucks.
The 2023 Richmond Folk Festival is being held from Oct. 13-15 at the downtown Richmond waterfront.
Part of what makes the festival so special and well-attended is the free entry. Richmond’s Browns Island is often closed off for ticketed concerts over the weekend. But, for one weekend in October, there are endless hours of free music.
While you’re checking out the festival, there are buckets for donations to help keep the event going for years to come. If you love free T-shirts, there are even countless volunteering jobs to take on.
Make the most of this annual festival and prepare ahead of time by checking out the lineup, planning your parking and studying the food truck menus.
Songs and Sounds for Every Stage
The Richmond Folk Festival beautifully features cultures from every corner of the world. The international performers are sure to catch your attention with reimagined traditional music from Burkina Faso, a vibrant Ukrainian band by way of New York, folk musicians from Mexico’s Gulf Coast, captivating Tboli music from the Philippines and much more.
Get a better feel for the traditions and cultures rooted in Richmond with a handful of local performers as well. Central Virginia musicians will be playing salsa music, belting out gospel songs and singing classic soul throughout the weekend.
Other artists will be traveling from around Virginia and around the country to dance, sing and play instruments. There truly is something for everyone.
Food Trucks for All Kinds of Folks
The Richmond Folk Festival goes beyond music with a huge array of food trucks. You can find every fried fair food imaginable or try out one of Richmond’s local vendors.
Some of the food highlights include:
- Boka Tako
- My Empanada
- 1115 Mobile Kitchen
- Mama J’s
- Westray’s Finest Ice Cream
- Goatocado
- Croaker’s Spot
- Africanne on Main
- La Milpa
On top of food, there is also plenty to drink including the festival’s signature beer brewed by Hardywood.
Finding Richmond Folk Festival Parking
CityParking makes parking at the Folk Festival simple with plenty of parking lots and garages to park in across downtown Richmond. Use our affiliated parking apps and easily pay for contactless parking.
Check out any of these nearby lots for easy parking:
Lot 903 James Center Surface Lot
Lot 902 James Center Parking Facility
Use our parking map to easily plan your day at the Richmond Folk Festival. And remember, don’t drink and drive. City Parking offers 12 and 24 hour rates to keep you safe and prevent your car from being towed.
Once you’ve parked and settled in, the festival’s official website provides a full lineup and schedule to walk you through how to spend your day.