Fall Festival Guide

These fall events keep us coming back year after year.

The end of summer is a melancholy time for Richmonders. As the season draws to a close we think back on days spent at the river, evening baseball games, cookouts, beach trips and other summer standards and wonder how it slipped away so fast.

Through some feat of self-hypnosis, we also manage almost immediately to airbrush the scorching heat, humidity, blood-thirsty mosquitoes, poison ivy and sweat-drenched clothes out of our golden summer memories. To hell with all that. It's high time for some cool weather and changing leaves around here.

Fall in Richmond offers plenty of entertainment, with a different festival or event almost every weekend. Here are some annual favorites to look forward to.

Sept. 16 to Sept. 19: Armenian Food Festival

The Armenian Food Festival, located at the St. James Armenian Church, is now in its 52nd year. No one who's visited before should be surprised by its longevity. The festival offers traditional Armenian music and dancing, as well as authentic Armenian fare, which, for the uninitiated, is similar to Greek food and incredibly tasty.

Sept. 17 to Sept. 18: St Benedict’s Oktoberfest

The St. Benedict Oktoberfest puts it on in the Museum District; don't forget to pick up a 2010 commemorative stein. 

Sept. 18: 3rd Annual Shockoe-On-The-Half Shell

Nothing says fall in Richmond quite like munching on some mollusks in Shockoe Bottom. More specifically, the mollusks are oysters, and the munching takes place at the 17th St. Farmer's Market. Enjoy these water-dwelling snacks in a variety of preparations.

Sept. 25: Festival of India

It's time to start storing away calories for upcoming winter hibernation. The incredible allure of the Indian cooking at the Festival of India should make it easy — traditional fare includes many vegetarian options as well as treats for the omnivore. Located at the Richmond Convention Center, this shindig also features music, dancing and a variety of vendors.

Sept. 25: The ¿Qué Pasa? Festival of Virginia

The ¿Qué Pasa? Festival at the Science Museum is a chance to get in touch with Latino roots, whether your own or someone else's. Observe traditional dancing and music, indulge in cuisine from various countries and enjoy the big screen with Spanish-language IMAX films.

Oct. 2 to Oct 3: 2nd Street Festival

The 2nd Street Festival is a celebration of the proud history of Jackson Ward, a neighborhood that historically thrived as a center of African-American culture and commerce. The festival is in its 22nd year and has the feel of a family reunion that takes place in the street, with a healthy dose of food, entertainment and camaraderie.

Oct. 2 to Oct. 3: Italian Street Festival

Thinking about visiting Italy? Give it a dry run at the Italian Street Festival before you shell out two grand for the flight.

The festival is located at the Richmond Raceway Complex's Horticultural Gardens, and provides traditional Italian food, wine, music and the feel of an authentic Italian street festival (albeit one where there are lots of Americans).

Oct. 3: Food and Wine Festival "A Taste of Carytown"

For those who stroll through Carytown and are frustrated that they can only try one delicious restaurant at a time, this festival is the solution. Featuring regional wines and local restaurants, A Taste of Carytown provides the perfect setting for a bit of culinary scouting.

Oct. 8 to Oct. 10: The Richmond Folk Festival

What better way to work off a few food festival pounds than by dancing to folk music? If the words "folk music" conjure images of banjos and moonshine in your mind, you're sorely mistaken.

This downtown gathering, one of Richmond's finest musical events, features high-caliber American and international performers. The acts that have already been finalized include everything from Irish music to salsa to bluegrass. Check the website for a current list of performers.

Oct. 16: OystoberFest

By mid-October, a month has passed since Shockoe-On-The Half Shell, and oyster addicts are again roaming the streets like zombies. Fortunately, St. Thomas' Episcopal Church in Ginter Park organizes OystoberFest for the benefit of mankind. Oktoberfest purists need not worry, beer and brats are available.

Oct. 16: Shocktoberfest Fall Celebration

Strap on the ol' Lederhosen and head down to the 17th St. Farmer's Market for a rousing Richmond-style celebration of the Bavarian tradition. Take advantage of Shocktoberfest to get warmed up for several more days of various Oktoberfest parties, like...

Oct. 22 to Oct. 23: Richmond Oktoberfest

Party like a true Bavarian at the Richmond Oktoberfest celebration at the Showplace Exhibition Center on Mechanicsville Turnpike and take advantage of Richmond Oktoberfest's live music, traditional garb and excellent food. And, of course, there is beer — available by the pitcher, stein or cup.

Nov. 6: Brunswick Stew Festival

Brunswick stew is a traditional Southern dish surrounded by a considerable amount of controversy. Both Brunswick County, Virginia and the town of Brunswick, Georgia claim the invention of the thick, meaty concoction as their own. Furthermore, stew enthusiasts constantly argue about the proper recipe: rabbit, squirrel or chicken? Spicy or mild?

What's not up for debate is that the 17th St. Farmer's Market is hosting the 11th annual Brunswick Stew Festival. Go decide for yourself which style is best.

Nov. 13: SunTrust Richmond Marathon

It's worth noting that the modern marathon is based on an event in which a Greek messenger ran 26 miles to announce a victory in battle. Then he dropped dead on the spot. So why not try it ourselves?

Even better than running is enjoying the race as a spectator. Being an observer requires very little conditioning and as you eat a sandwich in your lawn chair, you can feel good about cheering on your fellow Richmonders who actually have the motivation to run that far.

Nov. 20-21: The Craft and Design Show

Sponsored by the Visual Arts Center, the Craft and Design Show is a great place to kick off Christmas shopping with some truly unique handmade gifts. The show will be held in the Science Museum of Virginia's rotunda and features ceramics, jewelry, clothing, glassware and other crafty surprises from both local and out-of-state artists.

Did we forget your festival? Send an email to content@richmond.com and we’ll add it to the list.