Richmond in the fall brings together crisp air, music, food, culture, and of course, plenty of beer. Here are some of our all-time favorite events that make this season unforgettable. If you see Hit Play providing sound, lighting or video support at one of these events, stop by and say hi!
1. Bier-Garden
Date: September 20-21, 2025
Location: Maymont
About: Held on the scenic Carriage House Lawn, this event offers an irresistible mix of traditional German and Polish fare, steins of authentic Paulaner beer, and a mix of exciting performers like a polka band and German folk dancers. Stein-hoisting contests, dachshund parades, artisan vendors, and family-friendly fun in the Kinderzone: where else could you get all of that?
Why we love it: Nothing says “Fall in Richmond” like beer, brats, and kids having fun in a place as beloved as Maymont.
More Info: www.maymont.org/calendar/bier-garden
2. Iron Blossom Music Festival
Date: September 20–21, 2025
Location: Midtown Green (formerly Bon Secours Training Center)
About: A boutique two‑day music festival that elevates Richmond’s scene with a curated mix of indie, Americana, and experimental sounds. Held at Midtown Green, it offers an intimate yet electric experience with multiple stages, local food vendors, and a maker’s bazaar—all within a beautifully repurposed urban space .
Why we love it: In an age of massive, impersonal festivals, Iron Blossom feels distinctly Richmond. With a lineup featuring crowd‑pleasers like Vampire Weekend, The Lumineers, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Khruangbin, Butcher Brown, and Holy Roller, it manages to impress without sacrificing local charm. Plus, you can chill on a blanket or get up close, there’s room for all vibes.
More Info: www.ironblossomfestival.com
3. VA Pridefest (Virginia Pride)
Date: September 27, 2025
Location: Midtown Green (formerly Bon Secours Training Center)
About: Virginia’s largest LGBTQ+ celebration returns downtown with live performances, food trucks, local vendors, and community organizations, all in an inclusive, vibrant environment. This year’s Pride not only celebrates diversity but also adapts in the face of reduced corporate support, highlighting resilient grassroots energy.
Why we love it: It embodies Richmond’s heart—celebrating community, love, and diversity with music and energy. We’re proud to be providing the sound this year that powers such an affirming day!
More Info: www.diversityrichmond.org/virginia-pride
4. 2nd Street Festival
Date: October 4–5, 2025
Location: Jackson Ward neighborhood, Downtown Richmond
About: Now in its 37th year, this free, two‑day festival honors the rich heritage of Jackson Ward—once dubbed the “Harlem of the South.” Three music stages, a marketplace, food vendors, Artists Row, a Kidz Zone, and antique cars fill the streets with rhythm, art, and history .
Why we love it: It’s the soul of Richmond on full display! History, culture, music, and community interwoven all capture the vibrant diversity that makes this city unique.
More Info: www.venturerichmond.com/our-events/2nd-street-festival/
5. Richmond Folk Festival
Date: October 10–12, 2025
Location: Brown’s Island + Downtown riverfront
About: One of Virginia’s largest free festivals, this three‑day cultural marvel showcases American traditional arts—music, dance, storytelling, and crafts—across six stages. Held on Brown’s Island and the riverfront, it draws tens of thousands in celebration of diversity and heritage.
Why we love it: Diverse performances from around the country, lovingly assembled in Richmond, making our fall weekends brighter, richer, and more communal.
More Info: www.richmondfolkfestival.org
6. Richmond Oktoberfest
Date: October 17–18, 2025
Location: Richmond Raceway (Old Dominion Building)
About: Rustic yet folksy, this Oktoberfest-style festival held at the Old Dominion Building on the Raceway grounds brings traditional German fare, beer, and live music into a lively fairground setting.
Why we love it: Our owner Daniel says it’s the closest thing to Munich right here in Richmond—and we believe him. We’re excited to support the event with great sound (and obviously excited for the giant pretzels).
More Info: www.richmondoktoberfestinc.com
7. InLight Richmond
Date: October 17–18, 2025
Location: Abney Clay Park
About: A groundbreaking contemporary art and light festival that will transform Abney Clay Park into a glowing showcase of immersive installations, video art, and projections using cutting-edge lighting technology.
Why we love it: As a team passionate about lighting and audiovisual design, this event literally speaks our language! It brilliantly fuses tech and art in an unforgettable visual feast.
More Info: www.1708inlight.org
8. Richmond Tattoo & Arts Convention
Date: October 17–19, 2025
Location: DoubleTree Hotel
About: A vibrant convergence of body art, creativity, and culture. This will feature tattoo artists, live art demonstrations, exhibitions, and vendor showcases that all celebrate the storytelling and visual power of tattoos.
Why we love it: Ink runs through our team’s veins—literally. What can we say? We’re a tattooed bunch. With art on skin and in spirit, we love the bold creativity, community energy, and edgy flair of this convention.
More Info: www.richmondtattooconvention.com
9. Richmond Zombie Walk
Date: October 25, 2025
Location: Carytown Neighborhood
About: A fun, free event where residents and visitors alike dress as zombies and parade through the Carytown neighborhood. It’s a creative, quirky stroll that celebrates the arts with a spooky twist.
Why we love it: This is grassroots creativity at its funniest. Hang out with friends, get your spooky stroll on, and be sure not to become a zombie… or at least resist the urge!
More Info: www.richmondzombiewalk.com
10. Halloween on Hanover
Date: October 31, 2025
Location: The Fan (Hanover Street)
About: A festive neighborhood celebration down Hanover Street in The Fan. Trick-or-treating, costumes, live music, and community spirit fill the block on the spookiest night of the year.
Why we love it: It’s where spooky meets sweet: friends, family, and neighbors come together for a classic Halloween.
More Info: www.yelp.com/biz/halloween-on-hanover-avenue-richmond
Are you hosting a Fall event that needs audio visual support? That’s what we’re here for. Let’s talk!