Folk Festivals parking and transportation

It’s not exactly planes, trains, and automobiles, but this year, we have plenty of choices as to how you can get to the Richmond Folk Festival. So to be honest, you have no reason, whatsoever, to miss out on this weekend’s festivities.

October 9, 2012; 2:28 PM • by Scotti Cutlip

1. Street parking

Remember Saturday/Sunday meters are not running. If you need it, make sure you bring a friend who can jump out and guide you through parallel parking. I don’t recommend taking the family suburban.

2. Shuttles

Drive to a safe parking lot, no parallel parking needed, and they’re FREE. Park here:

Spring Rock Green, 7202 Midlothian Turnpike, off Chippenham Pkwy
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, 2015 Staples Mill Road

Land here:

2nd Street and 5th Street

Shuttles will depart from these locations every 20 minutes during these hours below:

Friday: 5:30 – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 11:30 AM – 6:30 PM

3. Parking lots downtown

Prices range $3-$6.

Shockoe Bottom, 100 Virginia Street
Crowne Plaza, 555 E. Canal Street
3rd & Cary Streets
3rd & Main Streets (300 E. Main Street)
4th Street between Main & Cary Streets
Main & Foushee Streets
300 E. Cary Street
4th & 5th Streets between Cary & Canal
5th and Canal Streets
6th and Canal Streets
824 E. Cary Streets (between 8th and 9th on Cary)
Riverside on the James, 1001 Haxall Point
Riverfront Plaza, 901 E. Byrd Street

Note: Disabled drivers can go to the Federal Reserve Parking Deck located on the corner of 5th and Byrd Streets. A traffic control officer will be at the intersection to allow properly identified vehicles through.

4. Bottom and Back

Plans of having two shuttles are in the works. There will be at least one bus running up and down Cary and Main all day Saturday and Sunday. Services are free but donations are recommended to support the Richmond icon.

5. Bike racks

You’’ find bike racks placed all around the festival.

6. NEW! Bike valet

Richmond 2015 is hoping to promote more bike riding by having a convenient way of parking your bike at the festival (and it’s free). It works the same as a car valet: roll up, get a ticket, enjoy the festival knowing your bike is in safe hands, present the ticket after you’re done for the day, and your bike is returned. Simple, right? Even better–you might get an even better bike at the end of the day (sorry, it will be the same bike, but services such as tire pumping will be provided…).

You can find the bike valet in the field area by 2nd and Byrd