RVA East End Festival brings music and a student showcase to the 17th Street Market on Saturday

The RVA East End Festival takes over the 17th Street Market this Saturday, Sept. 26, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a day of live music, a showcase of Richmond Public Schools students, food vendors and a Kids Zone. Admission is free. If it rains, the festival moves to Henry L. Marsh III Elementary School, 813 N. 28th St.

The festival is a fundraiser for arts education in the East End. Since 2016, it has raised money for music, visual arts and performing arts programs at Martin Luther King Jr. Preschool, Chimborazo, Woodville, Fairfield, Henry L. Marsh and Bellevue elementary schools, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, Armstrong High School and Franklin Military Academy. Proceeds and donations go toward music and art supplies for students.

The lineup

Students open the day, and six bands follow on the market stage

The opening ceremony at 11 a.m. includes the Richmond Police Department Community Band and Franklin Military Academy student Destin Scott singing the national anthem. The rest of the program:

• 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: RPS All City Band, Bellevue Elementary Choir and Armstrong High School Dance Team
• 1 p.m.: Richmond Symphony
• 2 p.m.: No BS! Brass Band
• 3 p.m.: Lenny Holmes & The Forever Band
• 4 p.m.: The Dap Mallory Band
• 5 p.m.: James “Saxsmo” Gates
• 6 p.m.: Sounds Funny Band

Food, vendors and a Kids Zone

The festival is on the market stage this year, not under the Big Tent

For the first time, food vendors affiliated with the Black Restaurant Experience will be part of the festival, alongside Sweet Temptations by Teresa, Soul Shaker Cart and Blessed Meals On Wheels. Craft and nonprofit exhibitors will line both sides of the market. The Kids Zone is an adult-chaperoned area for kids ages 5 to 8, with a game truck, Velcro soccer darts and a football tournament.

“There’s something for all ages to enjoy at this year’s RVA East End Festival,” said Samuel Brown, the festival’s project manager. “Our main stage will be located on the Main Street side of the market, so festival-goers can enjoy the music performances while shopping and eating. This year, our new location creates an atmosphere of family, food and fun as we bring the community together to build a strong future for our young people.”

Getting there

GRTC is running free shuttles from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. from several spots, including Bill Robinson Playground, 700 N. 37th St., Henry L. Marsh III Elementary School and several RRHA communities. The full shuttle list is on the festival website.

The market is at 100 N. 17th St. Donations can be made online or to the festival’s Bucket Brigade on Saturday. Lineup and shuttle details are at the RVA East End Festival website.