March festivals
Spring is right around the corner–so are some amazing festivals.
Richmond International Film Festival
Nothing says you’re cultured like discussing foreign films. Not up to date on your global celluloid? The International Film Festival is a great way to brush up.
- February 27 – March 2nd
- Byrd Theatre • 2908 W. Cary Street
- Tickets are $7 – $35
Mardi Gras RVA
Why should New Orleans get all the fun? Manchester is throwing its own Mardi Gras celebration with parades, music, dancing, and a cornucopia of campy costumes!
- Saturday, March 1st & Fat Tuesday, March 4th
- Dogtown Dance Theatre • 109 W. 15th Street
- $10 (FREE for 12 and under)
Kid’s Carniball
The kids will get into the carnival spirit with the 14th annual Carniball at the Children’s Museum. Hula performances, basket weaving demonstrations, and a special appearance by Pirate Captain Greybeard, and much more.
- Saturday, March 8th • 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Children’s Museum of Richmond • 2626 W. Broad Street
- Included with regular museum admission
St. Paddy’s Palooza
I don’t know if palooza can be a verb, but Innsbrook is palooza-ing the heck out of St. Patrick’s Day. Face painting, photo booths, petting zoo, pony rides, airbrush tattoos, and inflatable slide and Moon bounce! This event is gonna palooza your brains out!
- Saturday, March 15th • 12:00 – 5:00 PM
- Innsbrook Pavilion • 4951 Lake Brook Dr.
- FREE
30th Craftsmen’s Spring Classic Art & Craft Festival
If palooza-ing isn’t your cup of green beer, this art and craft festival might be up your alley. Hundreds of local and national artists have created modern, whimsical, and funky crafts like paintings, glass, fashion, clay, ceramics, decor, and more. All available for purchase.
- Friday, March 14th – Sunday, March 16th
- Richmond Raceway Complex • 600 E. Laburnum Avenue
- Adults ($7) and children ages 6 – 12 ($1)
Shamrock the Block
Organizers of this event caused some serious leprechaun head-turning when they announced they were leaving their longtime venue of Shockoe Bottom for the more spacious North Boulevard in Scott’s Addition. Organizers said the event will remain largely the same (beer, food, and music) but with more family-friendly activities.
- Saturday, March 15th
- North Boulevard (Scott’s Addition)
- FREE
Shockoe Fest
Shockoe businesses didn’t take Shamrock the Block moving out the neighborhood lying down. They’ve banded together to create their own festival. Details are currently scant, but it’s probably safe to say that there will be a nice mix of beer, music, and food.
- Saturday, March 15th
- 17th Street Farmer’s Market
- FREE
Church Hill Irish Festival
Now in its 29th year, this festival has some of Richmond’s best games, food, family fun, and Irish music. The festival kicks off on the 22nd with a 10:00 AM parade. The HillTopper 5k race runs on the 23rd at 8:00 AM.
- Saturday, March 22nd – Sunday, March 23rd
- Church Hill
- $5 donation
VCU French Film Festival
Pardon my French as the 22nd French Film Festival returns to the Byrd with a mix of feature and short films intertwined into a tasty cinema baguette.
Here’s a trailer for this year’s films:
- Thursday, March 27th – Sunday, March 30th
- Byrd Theatre • 2908 W. Cary Street
- Individual tickets are $15. Packages are $65 – $115
photo by Erin Soorenko
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Nathan Cushing
Nathan Cushing is a writer, journalist, and RVANews Editor.
Notice: Comments that are not conducive to an interesting and thoughtful conversation may be removed at the editor’s discretion.