Meet this week's guest editor, Mavis Wynn! Mavis is a staple at Venture Richmond, bringing passion, dedication, and a wealth of expertise to her work each day. Starting as a volunteer 30 years ago, she celebrated her 25th anniversary as Events Operations Manager in 2023. Her knack for working seamlessly with vendors, volunteers, security, and government agencies showcases her top-notch organizational skills and leadership prowess.
But Mavis isn't all work and no play! She's deeply involved in her community, church, and family life. She strikes the perfect work-life balance through her love for college and professional sports, live music, travel, and quality time spent with loved ones.
Take it away, Mavis!
Friday Cheers
Friday Cheers is our weekly summer concert series that brings some of the biggest up-and-coming artists to Brown’s Island along Downtown Richmond's riverfront every Friday in May and June! Presented by Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Friday Cheers returns for its 39th season as Richmond’s longest running concert series showcasing some of the nation’s hottest touring bands and all-time regional favorites.
The longest-standing summer concert series held along the James River, Friday Cheers draws popular groups such as the Zac Brown Band, Tyler Childers, Snarky Puppy, The Head & the Heart and hundreds of others. The series showcases emerging headliners - some of the best bands that you may not have heard of yet, and attracts a wide-ranging audience from the very young to the young at heart. Twenty-something’s looking to mingle, young families and older adults all find common ground at Friday Cheers. See you on the island!
Vitals:
Friday Cheers / Every Friday in May & June / Brown's Island: Tredegar St. between 5th and 7th Streets, click here for directions & parking.
¿Qué Pasa? Festival
Produced by the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the ¿Qué Pasa? Festival celebrates the diversity and beauty of the Hispanic & Latin American cultures in the city of Richmond. This event is free to the public and showcases local Hispanic and Latino businesses, artisans, restaurants, entertainers, and more. This festival brings the community together! Stroll through the artisan market, featuring unique vendors, live artist exhibitions, homemade crafts, gifts, and more.
Vitals:
¿Qué Pasa? Festival / Saturday, May 4, 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm / Brown's Island: Tredegar St. between 5th and 7th Streets, click here for directions & parking.
Arts in the Park
Arts in the Park is a nationally-rated, juried art show which offers the opportunity for you to see and purchase fine original work produced by top-quality artists and crafts people from Virginia and throughout the United States. The festival is held in Byrd Park and features over 350 artists and artisans and their fine art, paintings, metal crafts, pottery, and jewelry.
Vitals:
Arts in the Park/ Saturday, May 4, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm & Sunday, May 5, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm / Byrd Park around the Carillon, click here for shuttles, parking, and directions.
More About Venture Richmond.
Venture Richmond has initiated a capital campaign, supported by the City, to raise funds for implementing the Riverfront Plan recommendations for Brown’s Island. These include river and canal terraces, children's play areas, additional trees and landscaping, increased ADA accessibility, and other pedestrian improvements like shade, seating, and permanent restrooms. Additionally, we've recently introduced a new drone-based mapping program on our website that emphasizes downtown economic development and enables virtual tours!
In September, we're set to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Richmond Folk Festival, with past audience favorites returning and more surprises to be announced soon. Following the Richmond Folk Festival, we will honor the history of Historic Jackson Ward during the 2nd Street Festival. Thousands visit Jackson Ward annually to experience its vibrance and remember its past as "the Harlem of the South,” the heart of Richmond's African-American community. The 2nd Street Festival, a two-day celebration, showcases three stages of live music featuring acts like Arrested Development and local superstar, Desiree Roots! In addition, there's a Kidz Zone, food vendors, a marketplace, Artists Row, and the Richmond Metropolitan Antique Car Club. Click the button below to learn more!
