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Fall is showing off in Richmond, and this is one of those weeks where the hardest part is choosing. The Folk Festival takes over the riverfront, the VMFA is at its prettiest, and there’s a pet parade two miles from our front doors. Here’s what’s worth your time this week — all within a short hop of English Village.
1. Richmond Folk Festival
Friday, October 9, 6:30–10pm; Saturday, October 10, 12–9:30pm; Sunday, October 11, 12–6pm
Brown’s Island, 500 Tredegar St, Richmond
The big one. One of Virginia’s largest annual festivals, 22 years running: more than 30 music and dance acts across six stages, plus crafts, storytelling, and ZZZTOPZZfood vendors, all free on the riverfront. Honestly the best people-watching weekend of Richmond’s year — and this edition offers a first look at Brown’s Island’s $30 million renovation.
Cost: Free
More info: https://www.richmondfolkfestival.org/home
2. Fine Arts & Flowers 2026
Thursday, October 8 – Sunday, October 11, during museum hours
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond
The VMFA’s biennial flower show pairs more than 70 floral arrangements with works from the permanent collection — imagine a Monet answered in dahlias. The galleries are free and the museum has never looked prettier. Ticketed extras (speaker series, a VCUarts fashion show) if you want to make a day of it.
Cost: Free exhibition; extras ticketed
More info: https://www.vmfa.museum/exhibitions/faf
3. Flowers After 5: Fidos After 5 with the Whiskey Rebellion
Thursday, October 8, 5:00–8:00pm
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave, Richmond
An after-hours evening in the gardens with live high-energy bluegrass from the Whiskey Rebellion — and “Fidos” means dogs are welcome. A genuinely lovely low-key night out, with or without the pup. Food and drinks available.
Cost: Included with garden admission; $2 suggested admission per dog
More info: https://www.lewisginter.org/events/category/events/
4. Edgar’s Enchanted Garden Family Day
Saturday, October 10, 10:00am–1:00pm
Edgar Allan Poe Museum, 1914 E Main St, Richmond
The Poe Museum’s beloved Halloween-season kids’ event: crafts, story times, sweet treats, and a mobile bookstore in the Enchanted Garden. Perfect if you have grandkids visiting — and a fine excuse to finally see the museum itself.
Cost: Free (RSVP for a ticket)
More info: https://poemuseum.org/event/edgars-enchanted-garden-family-day-5/
5. Pet Parade & Party + Adoption Event
Sunday, October 11, afternoon (confirm exact time at rvalibrary.org)
West End Branch Library, 5420 Patterson Ave, Richmond
The hyper-local gem of the week: a pet parade through and around the West End branch — feathered, furred, or scaled, all welcome — plus an on-site adoption event with local shelters and a supply drive for Richmond Animal Care & Control. Two miles from English Village.
Cost: Free
More info: https://rvalibrary.org/about/locations/west-end/
6. “Becoming Citizens”
Thursday, October 8, 6:00–7:30pm
Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond
A free evening program at the state history museum, right on the Boulevard. A low-commitment weeknight outing — pair it with an evening stroll.
Cost: Free
More info: https://virginiahistory.org/learn/civics-education/john-marshall-center-vmhc/becoming-citizens-class
7. Created Equal Film Series: The Native Shore
Tuesday, October 13, 6:00–8:00pm
Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond
A free documentary screening reexamining the Chesapeake region’s Native history through contemporary tribal leaders, archaeologists, and historians. Substantive, thought-provoking programming — just register ahead.
Cost: Free (registration required)
More info: https://secure.virginiahistory.org/5651/5670
8. Richmond Rose Society Show
Saturday, October 10 – Sunday, October 11, garden hours
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave, Richmond
Specimen roses, judged garden photography, growing seminars, and member-crafted arrangements. Catnip for the neighborhood’s gardeners — the show and sale are free.
Cost: Free (show and sale)
More info: https://www.lewisginter.org/events/category/events/
9. Windsor Walk: Windsor Farms Walking Tour — SOLD OUT
Saturday, October 10, 10:00–11:30am
Agecroft Hall & Gardens, 4305 Sulgrave Rd, Richmond
Included precisely because you can’t go: architectural historian Chris Novelli’s walk through Windsor Farms — Richmond’s first comprehensively planned community, all Tudor and Colonial architecture — is sold out. These Agecroft walks go fast, so check their calendar early for the next one.
Cost: Was $10/person
More info: https://www.agecrofthall.org/events/windsor-walk-10-10-26
10. Carytown Farmers Market
Sunday, October 11, 9:00am–1:00pm
City Stadium area, Carytown, Richmond
The classic Sunday-morning ritual: local farmers, food vendors, and artisans. Confirm the season schedule on the market’s page before heading out.
Cost: Free entry
That’s the week. Know of something we missed — a porch concert, an open house, a club meeting? Send it our way via the contact page and we’ll include it next time.
Note: Monday, October 12 is Indigenous Peoples’ Day — Richmond Public Library branches are closed.