July Festivals

Think about it. In Australia, New Zealand, and the rest of the Southern Hemisphere, July is the COLDEST month of the year. For reals. Us Northern Hemispherians, on the other hand, have a beautiful month ahead of us! It should come as no surprise that July is chock full of festivals and events for our warm merriment, much to the envy of those below the equatorial line.

July 1, 2011; 6:00 AM • by RVANews staff

Think about it. In Australia, New Zealand, and the rest of the Southern Hemisphere, July is the COLDEST month of the year. For reals. Us Northern Hemispherians, on the other hand, have a beautiful month ahead of us! It should come as no surprise that July is chock full of festivals and events for our warm merriment, much to the envy of those below the equatorial line.

Red White and Blue Celebration

Join us as we celebrate the 4th of July a few days early! Come make a patriotic banner in the Art Studio and then wave it around during our parade with Seymour at 11am and 1pm!

• Saturday, July 2 • 10am – 4pm
• Children’s Museum of Richmond
• Special events are free to members or with regular museum admission unless otherwise note

RVA Fireworks on the James

Head to Brown’s Island this year for the first-ever RVA Fireworks on the James. Expect a huge display of fireworks set over the James. And before that take in a free, family-friendly event with music from SPARC, the Richmond Youth Orchestra, and the Richmond Ballet’s Minds in Motions. Blankets, chairs, picnics welcome, but no alcohol allowed.

• Sunday, July 3 • 7pm
• Brown’s Island
• FREE

James River Splash and Dash

The James River Association (JRA) will hold the first annual James River Splash and Dash, a competitive trail run and tube race on Belle Isle. Participants of all ages will complete a two mile trail run on Belle Isle followed by a 1/3 mile flatwater tube paddle across the James. Tubes will be provided by JRA. Prizes will be awarded for various categories.

• Saturday, July 9 • 4pm – 9pm
• Belle Isle
• FREE

Hanover Tomato Festival

There will be over 200 arts, crafts, and unique vendors along with a variety of entertainment, food, and free activities for children of all ages. This event will provide great exposure to non-profit organizations, artisans, and crafters. The event will also feature entertainment, food, tomato contests, a children’s area that includes arts & crafts, face-painting, mechanical rides, inflatables, and games.

• Saturday, July 9 • 9am – 4pm
• Pole Green Park, 8996 Pole Green Park Lane Mechanicsville, VA
• FREE

Shockoe Caribbean Festival

Celebrate the sounds, smells, and tastes of the Islands with reggae & steel drums, spicy foods, and hot dancing. You can close your eyes and hear the sounds of the ocean, smell the curry and jerk, feel the sting salt on your wet lips. It’s a party!

• Saturday, July 9 • 11am – 4pm
• 17th Street Farmer’s Market
• FREE admission

9th Annual Shockoe Tomato Festival

Celebrate everything that is the Tomato at the beautiful (and historic!) 17th Street Farmer’s Market. Just don’t throw any tomatoes, is all.

• Sunday, July 24 • 11am – 4pm
• 17th Street Farmer’s Market
• FREE admission

22nd Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Duck Race

With entertainment, children’s activities, and much more, the 22nd Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Duck Race is a completely free event that the whole family will enjoy! Get your “ducks” for the BIG SPLASH of up to 20,000 ducks swimming their way down the Canal and competing for prizes, including a 2011 Nissan Versa, compliments of Sheehy Nissan Mechanicsville!

• Saturday, July 30 • 9:30am – 4pm
• Brown’s Island
• FREE

Dragon Boat Festival at Rocketts Landing

The Richmond International Dragon Boat Festival is a one-day regatta that brings together 1,000 recreational and elite dragon boat athletes and thousands of spectators. The event offers an exhilarating combination of racing in concert with an entertainment showcase for corporations, community organizations, and families.

The world’s fastest growing water sport is also the most exciting. Twenty paddlers move in unison, combining strength with teamwork in a boat whose elaborate design originates in ancient China. Dragon boat racing is a sport for men and women of all ages and abilities; comprising of a maximum of 20 paddlers, with a steersperson (cox) and a drummer. Anyone can do it and have fun!

• Saturday, July 30 • 8am – 5pm
• 500 Old Osborne Turnpike
• FREE admission for spectators

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