Weekend Event Picks: State Fair, PrideFest, RVA MakerFest and more

State Fair of Virginia

Round up the family and head out for a weekend at the State Fair of Virginia. The annual celebration of all things Virginia including rides, delicious artery-clogging food, craft beer, live music from big name artists, state agriculture and more returns to The Meadow Event Park for a 10 day run that opens today. We’ve put together a complete guide for making the most of the festivities, including details on how to save a few bucks and what’s new this year. Check it out at the link below.

When: Friday, September 23rd – Sunday, October 3rd; opens every day at 10:00 AM | Where: The Meadow Event Park, 13048 Dawn Boulevard in Doswell | Cost: Ticket prices vary (advance discount tickets available) | Check out our complete guide

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Midtown Fall Festival

UMFS and NAMI Virginia have partnered to put on a Midtown Fall Festival on Friday. There will be food trucks, vendors, outdoor movie, and activities for children during the evening event that kicks off around 5:00 PM near the burgeoning Scott’s Addition neighborhood.

When: Friday, September 23rd; 5:00 PM | Where: UMFS, 3900 W. Broad Street near Scott’s Addition | Cost: Free entry, pay as you go for food and drink | More information

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Time Travelers Passport Weekend

This event in partnership with The Valentine is a tremendous opportunity to get out and explore 14 of the area’s most historic and fascinating properties, museums, and houses–for free! Explore the homes of famous Virginians including John Marshall, Jefferson Davis, John Wickham, Major James Dooley and other important Virginians. Participating organizations include Agecroft Hall, Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia, National Park Service, Preservation Virginia, Maymont, Henrico County Parks & Recreation, American Civil War Museum, Edgar Allan Poe Museum, The Valentine and Wilton House Museum. Each site will offer complimentary admission to visitors who show a Time Travelers Passport, available via download from any website of participating attractions. Check out our full guide to all 14 attractions for more information at the link below.

When: Saturday, September 24th – Sunday, September 25th; times vary | Where: 14 area historic sites around Richmond | Cost: Free entry; donations accepted | Check out our full guide to these sites

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RVA MakerFest

RVA MakerFest is a celebration of the area’s most unique makers, doers, dreamers, and creators. Exhibitors will be on hand at the Science Museum of Virginia for interactive demonstrations, arts, crafts, and hands-on activities for the entire family. Last year the creating ran the gamut from a giant steam engine blowing whistles to intricate glass figures. Along the way there is plenty of food and drink to enjoy.

When: Saturday, September 24th; 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Where: Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad Street | Cost: Free entry, pay as you go at food and drink areas | Event website

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Richmond’s Original Italian Street Festival

On September 24th & 25th, Richmond’s 17th Street Market will be transformed into an authentic Italian village for this year’s 11th Annual Italian Festival. Get ready for the sights, sounds and aromas of the Italian countryside  and a chance to experience what Italian’s call “la dolce vita” – the sweet life. The Original Richmond Italian Street Festival is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the Italian culture and heritage through the venue of a festival that generates revenues to be distributed to selected local charities.

When: Saturday, September 24th, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday, September 25th 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Where: 17th Street Farmers Market, 17th Street and E. Main Street in Shockoe Bottom | Cost: Free entry, pay as you go at food and drink areas | Event website

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PrideFest 2016

PrideFest, Virginia Pride’s day-long celebration of LGBT awareness, networking and education, kicks off at noon tomorrow on Brown’s Island. Enjoy live music, adult beverages, food, and more. On the adult beverages side, don’t forget to get a taste or two or three of the exclusive collaboration between Ardent Craft Ales and Center of the Universe, Georgie Porgie, available for purchase during the event.

When: Saturday, September 24th; noon – 8:00 PM | Where: Brown’s Island on the Downtown Richmond riverfront | Cost: Free entry, pay as you go at food and drink tents; donations encouraged | More information