Eat Beat: Fall Festivals
There are few events in Richmond that excite locals quite like a food festival. Seriously, our city-wide obsession with all things food and dining-related borders on crazy.
Maybe we love these events because it combines our two great loves, dining out and outdoor festivals. But whatever the case, one thing is certain … we Richmonders love a food festival.
Luckily, fall is The Season in Richmond for the food festival. From Oktoberfest and Armenian cuisine to Italian and Indian culture and food, the next few weeks are chock-full of so many celebration of food that the question isn't what to do, but will you have time to do it all?
Weekend of Sept. 20
50th Annual Armenian Food Festival:
I'm not exactly sure where Armenia is located, somewhere near Turkey and Iran, I believe, but if you love the Greek festival then you're sure to love the Armenian Food Festival. Armenian food is actually surprisingly similar to traditional Greek favorites. There's Spinach Boreg (that's phyllo dough with spinach filling), shish kabobs, Lahmajoon (meat pie) and the Hye burger (ground sirloin and ground lamb) and it's all affordably priced to promote maximum sampling. Throw in plenty of sweets and drinks, and the fact that this event is rumored to be the oldest food festival in Richmond, plus music and dancing and you've got the best Armenian culture has to offer. Admission is free. http://www.stjamesva.org/ . St. James Armenian Church: 834 Pepper Ave.
Thursday, Sept. 18, and Friday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday. Sept. 20, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 21 noon. to 7 p.m.
St. Benedict Oktoberfest:
Munich kicks-off its Oktoberfest this weekend and, therefore, so does St. Benedict. This is the fourth year that the Museum District church has celebrated Germany's most beloved festival and it just keeps getting better each year. Come out to this rain or shine event for German food, music, dancing, entertainment, children's activities and plenty of beer and wine. Admission is free. For more information click here . St. Benedict Church: 206 N. Belmont Ave.
Friday, Sept. 19 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 20 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Weekend of Oct. 4
Richmond Italian Street Festival:
Who doesn't love Italian culture? The wine, the pizza, the pasta, the gelato … oh yeah, and the music, art and fashion -- there's just so much to taste, I mean appreciate. This is the fourth year that Richmond's rich Italian community has taken over Church Hill to bring delicious food, live entertainment and plenty of family fun to the area. There will be live cooking demonstrations, a pizza toss competition, wine tastings and even a children's area featuring a petting zoo. A $2 donation is recommended. http://www.richmonditalianfestival.com/ Church Hill: East Broad and 25th streets.
Saturday, Oct. 4, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The 5th Annual Carytown Food & Wine Festival:
For some, the fall festivals are all about the culture and crafts, for others it's all about the food. And then there are the people who like the drink. The Carytown Food & Wine Festival is a day-long celebration of Virginia wineries and, considering all the accolades recently heaped on Virginia wines , this is a not-to-be-missed event. The festival includes arts and crafts, children's rides, live music, Carytown shopping and plenty of delicious food. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door or click here to be entered to win four free tickets . www.carytown.org/fwfestival.htm Carytown: Cary Court Shopping Center.
Sunday, Oct. 5, noon. to 6 p.m.
2nd Street Festival:
Once the "Harlem of the South", historic Jackson Ward is forever on the brink of a comeback, in large part due to the passion and spirit of Richmond's African-American community. For 19 years the 2nd Street Festival has embodied and celebrated the past, present and future of this vibrant community rich with history and promise. Roughly 45,000 people will converge on Jackson Ward's streets for live music, shopping, dancing, children's activities and delicious southern food. Admission is free. www.venturerichmond.com Historic Jackson Ward: 2nd St.
Friday, Oct. 3, 6 to 9 p.m.; Saturday. Oct. 4, noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 5, 1 to 5 p.m.
Weekend of Oct. 18
Festival of India:
Let's be honest, there's not a woman in America who doesn't wish she could sport a sari, bindi and some henna tattoos and get away with it. There's just something about the traditional formal dress of Indian women that Americans envy. And lucky for us, the opportunity to stock up on all sorts of Indian attire is just around the corner. The Festival of India brings more than 20,000 people from all over Virginia to celebrate Indian clothes, culture and food in a two-day event that is, frankly, my favorite of the year. There will be tons of delicious food, live dances and cultural performances and some beautiful jewelry. Admission is free. www.thefestivalofindia.org Richmond Convention Center: 403 N. 3rd St.
Saturday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 19, noon to 8 p.m.
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