Festivals
Five tips for making the most of the 44th annual Richmond Greek Festival
Arguably RVA’s most popular food festival, the annual event celebrates its 44th anniversary this weekend. Here are our tips to make the most of your experience.
Back before Richmond was known as a foodie town for all our great restaurants, we had a bunch of great food festivals. Festivals that live on to this day. Festivals like the Richmond Greek Festival, which is arguably the most popular (and inarguably the most delicious, in my opinion).
The Greek Festival, which kicks off at lunchtime today at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, is celebrating its 44th anniversary this year. That’s right–members of the congregation have been dishing out moussaka, pastichio, and other Greek favorites since 1975.
In recent years, the church has also added the convenient option of a drive-thru, serving a select menu of festival food (PDF).
If it’s your first time descending upon this acropolis of delicious Greek cuisine, here are some tips to make the most of your experience.
Parking
If you’re in the general vicinity of the event (intersection of Malvern & Grove), walk or bike, as parking is very limited in the church lot, and sparse in the surrounding neighborhood. If you do drive, be prepared to hunt for a spot and walk at least a few blocks at peak times. You can also make a drive-through swing-by.
Timing
Speaking of peak times, avoid them if you can! Swing in for a late lunch, early dinner, etc. if possible to avoid long lines and hordes of hungry people. If you can’t avoid the lines, your best bet is to grab a wristband and snag a bottle of Greek wine to enjoy while you queue into the tents.
Queuing
The festival’s main food tent is buffet style, where you can select what you want to eat and pay as you exit. Cash and cards are accepted. If you plan on eating a big meal, this is the way to go, but be prepared to wait at least 20-30 minutes to get through the line at mealtimes. If you just want a few things to snack on, there are separate tents for things like calamari, lamb gyros, and beer and wine.
Eating
As Greek physician Hippocrates once said, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.” If that’s true, you’re in for an overdose this weekend. You can view the full menu on the festival website. A few of the festival’s most popular items you should try include:
- Calamari – Individual pieces of lightly fried squid with lemon
- Dolmades – Tender grape leaves stuffed with seasoned rice
- Souvlaki – A sizzling skewer of tender chicken breast or pork marinated with herbs of Mediterranean origin and cooked over an open flame
- Pastichio – Layers of imported Greek Pasta, grated cheese, and sautéed ground beef topped with a cream sauce (Béchamel) and baked
- Moussaka – Layers of eggplant and sautéed ground beef topped with a rich cream sauce (Béchamel) and baked
If you’ve saved enough room for dessert, try:
- Baklava – Chopped walnuts and cinnamon-sugar between layers of filo pastry dough, baked to a golden brown and drenched with a honey syrup
- Loukoumades – Fluffy and light puffs, served warm with a honey syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon
Culture-ing
The festival is more than just food! You can take in the culture and spirit of Greece with live music and traditional dancing on the outdoor stage, as well as browse and buy works by local artisans and craftspeople at the church’s indoor market. It’s worth a visit, trust me.
Festival details
- Thursday, May 30th, 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM; Friday, May 1st, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday, June 1st, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Sunday, June 2nd, noon – 7:00 PM
- Sts. Helen and Constantine Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Malvern Avenue in the Near West End
- For more information call 804.355.3687
- Drive-thru open from each day’s respective start time until dusk
- Cash and cards accepted at all booths and drive-thru
- Rain or shine event
Arts & Entertainment
12th annual Richmond Bluegrass Jam set for April 22nd benefitting military veterans and families
The free, family-friendly event features 20 of the region’s best bluegrass and Americana bands playing on multiple stages for nine straight hours, all to raise money for military veterans and their families through two local organizations.
The Richmond Bluegrass Jam will return for its twelfth year on April 22, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., at American Legion Post 354, on the banks of the James River in Midlothian, Va. This is the second year the Jam is being held at the American Legion Post after a previous multi-year run at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen.
The free, family-friendly event features 20 of the region’s best bluegrass and Americana bands playing on multiple stages for nine straight hours, all to raise money for military veterans and their families through two local organizations: the Richmond Fisher House, a home away from home for the families of veterans and active-duty soldiers recuperating at Richmond’s McGuire Veterans Medical Center; and Liberation Veteran Services, which provides housing and care for veterans in crisis.
Fans are strongly encouraged to make tax-deductible donations to the Richmond Fisher House and Liberation Veteran Services at the event or online at rvabluegrassjam.com. Over the past eleven years, the event has raised more than $204,000 for the families of military men and women.
The bands—all of which play at no charge in support of the Richmond Fisher House and Liberation Veteran Services—include Tara Mills Band, Cary Street Ramblers, Josh Grigsby and County Line, Cook County Bluegrass, Slack Family Bluegrass Band, and more.
The event also will feature local craft beverages and Richmond’s food trucks.
“We’re excited to bring the Richmond Bluegrass Jam back to American Legion Post 354 after a successful event last year,” says Tim Gundlach, president of RVA Bluegrass Jam, Inc., the event’s organizer. “This new location along the James River is not only inspiring, but also further connects the Jam with our military community. This year, we’re expanding our support of our military veterans and their families by raising money for both the Richmond Fisher House and Liberation Veteran Services. We’re proud to partner with these two extraordinary organizations.”
In addition to listening to the scheduled bands, attendees are encouraged to bring their own instruments. Several open jam areas will be available, as well as an instrument check station.
American Legion Post 354 is located in Midlothian, Va. Parking will be available at nearby James River High School, 3700 James River Rd., with free shuttles running throughout the day.
More information at rvabluegrassjam.com and on Facebook at facebook.com/rvabluegrassjam.
Arts & Entertainment
Vendor Applications Open for Richmond Folk Festival
Want to get your arts, crafts, or food in front of thousands for 3 three days in a row? Apply now.
What’s a Richmond Folk Festival without great food and crafts? Applications are now being accepted for both Food Vending (Due March 31) and for the Craft Marketplace (Due April 7). Spread the word!
FOOD VENDORS
We strive to bring the best in ethnic, regional and traditional foods to delight guests and showcase a wide variety of tempting foods to complement the spirit of the festival. From classic festival fare to exotic flavors from far-flung places around the globe, everyone is sure to find something to love. You’ll have a tough time deciding between Thai, German, Indian and much more. Download guidelines and applications here.
CRAFTS MARKETPLACE
The Marketplace features artisans selling handcrafted and traditional items. Subjects range from jewelry, specialty items, and original artwork. Download guidelines and applications here.
Arts & Entertainment
RiverRock Announce Who Will Rock the River
Dominion Energy Riverrock, the nation’s premier outdoor sports and music festival, announced today the full list of music acts performing at this year’s festival
Dominion Energy Riverrock, the nation’s premier outdoor sports and music festival, announced today the full list of music acts performing at this year’s festival. The 2023 lineup features national and regional talent taking the stage the weekend of May 19-21 as Dominion Energy Riverrock returns to Brown’s Island. The complete music and event schedule is now available at www.RiverrockRVA.com, and registration for participatory sporting events is open as well.
Dominion Energy Riverrock will open on Friday, May 19 with participatory sporting events, including the Belle Isle Blitz 5k-ish Trail Run and the MTB Time Trial ride. The fun continues Saturday with the Monsters of the James Fishing Tournament, James River Scramble (10kish), MTB Enduro ride, Kayak Boatercross, and SUP Cross. For the final day of the festival people can take part in the Bust the Banks Half Marathon or Down River Paddle. The Subaru Ultimate Air Dogs competition, Photo Contest, and Video Contest will take place throughout the weekend.
Kicking things off on stage at 6:30 p.m. Friday evening, May 19, will be The National Reserve, a beloved Brooklyn band whose music is a mix of R&B, New Orleans funk, rock, and soul. They will be followed by the Kitchen Dwellers, one of the festival’s headlining bands. The Montana quartet has amassed over five million streams and has been critically acclaimed nationally for their unique twist on bluegrass.
The lineup on Saturday, May 20 showcases several local Richmond artists. Willie DE starts the afternoon entertainment at 1:00 p.m. Flight Club then takes the stage at 2:00 p.m. with a mix of the music they grew up on, gritty blues, classic rock, and punk. Pharaoh Sistare brings back a style reminiscent of James Brown and Prince at 3:15 p.m and Erin & the Wildfire will treat festival goers to their brand of soul and indie-pop at 4:30 p.m. Sierra Hull will be the first headliner on Saturday. Hull made her Grand Ole Opry debut at age 10 and has continued to break records and earn accolades throughout the bluegrass community. She will take the stage at 6:15 p.m. followed by Neal Francis at 8:00 p.m. Francis’ new album Sentimental Garbage has him touring across the country showcasing his alternative indie hits. Sunday performances include Justin Golden, Cosmic Collective, and will wrap up with some high-octane Appalachian folk from 49 Winchester. All performances at Dominion Energy Riverrock are free and open to the public.
“We’re very excited about this year’s musical line up for Dominion Energy Riverrock,” said Stephen Lecky, Director of Events for Venture Richmond. “We feel that this year has a rich mix of not only local and national acts, but a variety of styles that are guaranteed to appeal to all music fans. We have no doubt that these artists will enhance the outdoor atmosphere along the James River and are sure to be a highlight of the festival.”
Dominion Energy Riverrock Music Lineup
Friday, May 19
Time – Band
6:30 p.m. The National Reserve
8:00 p.m. Kitchen Dwellers
Saturday, May 20
Time – Band
1:00 p.m. Willie DE
2:00 p.m. Flight Club
3:15 p.m. Pharaoh Sistare
4:30 p.m. Erin & the Wildfire
6:15 p.m. Sierra Hull
8:00 p.m. Neal Francis
Sunday, May 21
Time – Band
1:00 p.m. Justin Golden
2:20 p.m. Cosmic Collective
3:40 p.m. 49 Winchester
Dominion Energy Riverrock is open to the public and is free to all spectators. For event registration and further information about Dominion Energy Riverrock 2023, please visit www.riverrockrva.com.
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