March is the month when Richmond truly wakes up. Warmer days pull people out of hibernation, patios fill back up, and the city begins its annual shift from cozy winter quiet to sunny spring energy. Festivals fill the parks, streets, and venues across the region, bringing with them live music, incredible food, local makers, and community connection. It’s the start of festival season, baby!

Image courtesy of Richmond SPCA website.

March Events

Shamrock the Block

March 14, 2026
Scott’s Addition, Richmond

Often known as the unofficial kickoff of festival season, Shamrock the Block transforms Scott’s Addition into a lively street festival with live music, food vendors, drinks, and thousands of attendees celebrating the return of festival season.

Richmond Black Restaurant Experience

March 8–15, 2026
Various locations

This citywide celebration uplifts Richmond’s Black-owned culinary scene through special menus, pop-ups, and interactive food events. It’s a delicious way to explore Richmond’s diverse flavors while supporting local businesses and honoring cultural contributions to the region’s food story.

Richmond SPCA Dog Jog & Block Party

March 21, 2026

Richmond SPCA, Richmond, VA

This pet-friendly event combines a 5K run, family activities, and a festive block party atmosphere. It’s a joyful community celebration that welcomes runners, walkers, kids, and their four-legged companions

April Events

Bizarre Bazaar Spring Market

April 10–12, 2026

Richmond Raceway Complex

A longtime Richmond favorite, the Bizarre Bazaar Spring Market features hundreds of vendors offering handmade goods, gourmet foods, clothing, home décor, and seasonal gifts. It’s a great place to discover unique finds while supporting small businesses.

Richmond Night Market – Spring Season Kickoff

April 11, 2026
17th Street Market

The return of the Richmond Night Market marks the start of outdoor evening market season, featuring local artists, vintage sellers, handmade goods, and food vendors in one of Richmond’s most historic public spaces.

Richmond African American Book Festival

April 11, 2026

Diversity Richmond

This inspiring event brings together authors, readers, and creatives to celebrate Black literature and storytelling. Attendees can browse books, meet authors, and enjoy live performances and community programming.

Ashland Train Day

April 25, 2026
Downtown Ashland

Known as the “Center of the Universe,” Ashland celebrates its railroad roots with model trains, live music, local vendors, and family activities. Trains still run through the heart of downtown, making this event especially unique.

Dominion Energy Family Easter at Maymont

April 19, 2026
Maymont

This longtime Richmond tradition brings families together for egg hunts, games, entertainment, and springtime fun on the historic Maymont grounds. Expect plenty of photo-worthy moments among the blooming gardens and rolling lawns.

These spring events mark just the beginning. As Richmond continues to warm, the festival calendar only gets busier with outdoor concerts, food festivals, Pride celebrations, and major regional events right around the corner. Festival season has officially arrived, and there’s no better time to get outside, celebrate community, and experience everything that makes Richmond such a fun and welcoming place.