March Festivals: Africa, India, France, and, believe it or not, Ireland

So many cultural events! Surrounding so many Irish things! Followed by so little time!

March 4, 2016; 3:40 PM • by Rachel Marsh

Photo by: yukimode

Craftmen’s Classic

For some reason, when I think of crafts, I think of popsicle stick houses. I have no idea why. Luckily, when these guys think of crafts, they think of ornate sculptures, wood carvings, pottery, and other impressive handiwork not made out of cheap wooden ice cream bar holders.

  • Friday, March 11th – Sunday, March 13th • see site for times
  • Richmond Raceway Complex, 600 E. Laburnum Avenue
  • $8 for adults, $1 for children

Shamrock the Block

This festival was created to celebrate and honor the history of Ireland and the bishop St. Patrick himself. No, guys, I’m totally joking, unless St. Patrick was the “Apostle of copious amounts of Irish car bombs and funny four-leaf-clover hats.”

  • Saturday, March 12th • 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Boulevard between Leigh and Broad Streets
  • Free to attend! Please arrange transportation home!

St. Paddy’s Palooza at Innsbrook

This event is great for kids, as it includes moon bounces, face painting, pony rides, and more. Adults can probably participate in all of these activities as well, but don’t quote me on that. If they tell you you’re too old, you can drown your grief and embarrassment in green-colored booze.

  • Saturday, March 12th • 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Innsbrook Pavilion, 4901 Lake Brook Drive
  • Free!

14th Annual North Indian Festival

Take a break from celebrating Ireland this month, and give India a little attention too. There’s exotic food that is probably delicious, dazzling clothing that’s probably even more impressive in person, and a Bhangra competition. Don’t worry, I had to look it up too.

  • Saturday, March 12th • 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • 6641 Ironbridge Parkway
  • Free!

Taste of Ghana Food Expo

Cool! Culture and history and stuff of Ghana! But more importantly…cool! Taste and cuisine and stuff of Ghana! Because, let’s be honest, the best part of all festivals is the food.

  • Saturday, March 12th – Sunday, March 13th • 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Richmond International Raceway, 600 E. Laburnum Avenue
  • Free!

Church Hill Irish Festival

The Church Hill Irish Festival is more than 30 years old, which I guess means it needs to start settling down and having children. Maybe that’s why there’s a kid-friendly section? But there’s also a lot of beer and shenanigans for the part of it that doesn’t want to grow up just yet.

  • Saturday, March 19th – Sunday, March 20th • (Sat.) 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, (Sun.) 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Church Hill, 25th and Broad Streets
  • $5 donation

Easter On Parade

They should just call this “Richmond is just so dang excited about spring that they shut down part of a major street for an entire afternoon” Parade. Or “Let’s see how many silly clothes we can put on our dogs” Parade. Or “This is really more of a festival than a parade” Parade. But no one asked me, so “Easter On” Parade it is.

  • Sunday, March 27th • 1:00 – 5:00 PM
  • Monument Avenue between Allen and Davis Avenues
  • Free!

French Film Festival

I thought it would be so clever to write this description in French, but here’s the thing, I don’t know any French. Luckily for me, and all you other people who don’t speak French, every one of these films will still be very enlightening, edifying, and enjoyable because, English subtitles, obviously!

— ∮∮∮ —

Previously

RVA International Film Festival

This time of year, I’m always complaining that there’s nothing good out in the movie theaters. Well, if you’re one of those people too, this is a be-careful-what-you-wish-for kind of event, because for one weekend Richmond is bursting with great films. Don’t miss it, because those summer flicks are a long ways away. Oh, and it’s all put together by Heather Waters, who was one of our 2016 Fascinating People.

  • Thursday, March 3rd – Sunday, March 6th • see site for schedule
  • The Byrd Theater, 2908 W. Cary Street and Movieland, 1320 N. Boulevard
  • $10 for general admission, per film
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Rachel Marsh

Rachel Marsh wishes brunch was more than a weekly occurrence.

March 4, 2016 3:40 PM · in , , and more 0

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