June Festivals: Friday Cheers; Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ; Stone Soul; and BACON

And those are just the ones this weekend. Here’s your festival guide for the entire month.

June 10, 2016; 9:51 AM • by Rachel Marsh

Photo by: jeffreyw

Friday Cheers

Dang, you missed Friday Cheers last month? That’s such a bummer because it’s completely gone until next year. JUST KIDDING, Friday Cheers is still going strong every week for the rest of June! That means a whole other month of incredible bands and food trucks and craft beer, under the sun and next to the river.

• Every Friday through the end of June
• Brown’s Island
• $5 – $10

Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ Festival

This festival will highlight the finest local wines, vodkas, and salad selection that Richmond has to offer. No, just kidding, although that sounds like it would be a pleasant festival too.

• Saturday, June 11th • 12:00-6:00 PM
• Richmond International Raceway Complex, 600 E. Laburnum Avenue
• $39

Stone Soul Music Festival

Some of the best R&B, gospel, and contemporary musicians, all in one place, all local, and all live.

• Saturday, June 11th • 1:00 PM
• Classic Amphitheater at the Richmond International Raceway Complex, 600 E. Laburnum Avenue
• $50

Bacon Festival

Bacon cures all things. Hunger, hangovers, depression, fights. If only the Bacon Festival had been around during the Civil War, we might never have had this North vs. South disagreement. I bet even Jefferson Davis would have given in for a bacon-wrapped hot dog.

• Sunday, June 12th • 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• 17th Street Farmers’ Market, 100 N. 17th Street
• Free!

2nd Best Fest

Hysterical improvisers from all over the country, blending with our hysterical improvisers here in town, to present an explosion of brilliant shows and workshops all weekend long. It’s the second best comedy festival, brought to you by the number one comedy theater in Richmond.

• Thursday, June 16th – Saturday, June 18th • see site for times
• Coalition Theater, 8 W. Broad Street
• $5 – $10 per show

Big Field Day

For everyone that grew up in the 90s, the fact that blink-182 is headlining should be a deal-sealer. Imagine all of those songs that were so relevant to your life during every homecoming and prom, in person. And this time you don’t have to dance with everyone at arm’s length.

• Saturday, June 18th • 2:00 PM
• SERVPRO Richmond Pavilion, 4901 Lakebrook Drive, Glen Allen
• $25

Slide the City

There’s been such a push lately for more bike-friendly streets in the city, I think we all forgot about the waterslide alternative mode of transportation. This event benefits the Special Olympics!

• Saturday, June 18th
• 3rd Street and Byrd Street
• $45

Father’s Day Keg n’ Oyster Festival

Raw oysters! Fried oysters! Crab cakes! Craft beer! Or just get your dad a tie again this year. Whatever.

• Sunday, June 19th • 12:00 – 6:00 PM
• Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, 2408 Ownby Lane
• Free to attend!

Vegetarian Festival

You know how at the Bacon Festival you fill yourself with bacon and everything smells like bacon and there are pictures of pigs and there are foods made with bacon that it never occurred to you could be made with bacon? Well the Vegetarian Festival is exactly like that, except the complete opposite.

• Saturday, June 25th • 12:00-6:00 PM
• Bryan Park, 4308 Hermitage Road
• Free!

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Previously

Greek Festival

Is it too outdated to make a “My Big Fat Greek Festival” joke? Probably. Either way, grab yourself some spanakopita (or, like, an entire tray), some stuffed grape leaves (or, perhaps, an entire bucket), some Greek wine (or, you know, an entire bottle), and enjoy one of the oldest and most delicious festivals in town. Wait, isn’t My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 coming out soon? Okay, reference is relevant again.

• Thursday, June 2nd – Sunday, June 5th • see site for times
• Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Malvern Avenue
• Free to attend!

Ashland Strawberry Faire

What’s the best part about summer? No, not the warm weather. No, not the beach. No, not the vacations. It’s the fact that strawberries are now in season, of course. Celebrate with live music, hundreds of vendors, something called a “Strawberry Pageant,” and the fruit itself, red finger stains guaranteed.

• Saturday, June 4th • 10:00 – 5:00 PM
• Randolph-Macon College, 204 Henry Street, Ashland
• Free!

Chalk Up the Town

Remember in May when you tearfully crossed this event off your calendar because of that stupid rain that wouldn’t leave us alone? Well put it back on your weekend to-do list, because Chalk Up the Town 2016 is really happening this time, to brighten up your spirits and the sidewalks of Carytown.

• Saturday, June 4th • 4:00 – 7:00 PM
• Carytown
• Free!

Broad Appétit

Richmond has a huge ongoing problem. I am of course referring to the overwhelming selection of restaurants that we are all dying to try, but don’t have the time, funds, or stomach capacity. Fortunately for us, Broad Appétit has taken it upon themselves to put some of the best local restaurants in one condensed spot, loaded them up with their signature dishes, and heaped everything into tapas-sized servings for just $3 per plate.

• Sunday, June 5th • 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• W. Broad Street, between Henry and Adams
• Free to attend! Just $3 per plate!

June 10, 2016 9:51 AM · in James River, Near West End News, and more 1