Our Commonwealth loves festivals and markets! Between arts and music, food and sports, crafts and cars - Virginia usually offers dozens of options in spring and fall for folks of all persuasions to step out and experience something new. However, under the most recent social distancing guidelines, many festivals have canceled.
But don't despair - a few festivals and markets have pivoted to bringing the best of their experience to your home, virtually.
RICHMOND NIGHT MARKET
Richmond Night Market broke onto the RVA scene in April, 2019. Only in its second year, Co-Founders Adrienne Cole Johnson and Melody Short wanted to keep the momentum going, even in the midst of gathering restrictions.
On the decision to make RNM a virtual experience, Short said, “Adrienne and I chose to pivot not postpone Season 2 of the Richmond Night Market because we knew now more than ever the artisan and small-business community needed additional support in lieu of COVID-19. We know that during tough times you lean in and ramp up your support versus pull back and delay it.”
This Saturday, May 9th, from 5-10pm, you have the opportunity to listen to live music, watch a live paint session with artist S. Ross Browne, make something fun at the Creative Kids Hangout powered by VPM PBS Kids, and shop twenty independent local, regional, and international artisans on Instagram Live.
As a Black-owned business, Richmond Night Market was just featured nationally in Travel Noire, a digital media company serving Black millennials seeking culturally relevant venues while vacationing. The RNM has also been featured in Black Enterprise, an online resource for Black entrepreneurs and Black-owned businesses.
CROZET ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL
The Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival celebrates its 40th Anniversary this Spring. In normal times, the festival is held at and benefits Claudius Crozet Park, a community owned and operated non-profit recreational facility. This year, CACF has also shifted to a virtual market, with live demonstrations, interviews with artists, and over 130 local artisans available in their online stream.
You can visit the Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival this weekend, May 9-10th, from 10am-4pm.
ALTERNATIVES' BLUEGRASS & BLUES VIRTUAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
Music festivals are going virtual as well. AlterNatives' Bluegrass & Brews brings a Virtual Music Festival to honor the values of Mountain people and to benefit the Highland Support Project to protect, preserve, and restore mountain regions across the Americas.
The B&B Festival kicks off this Saturday, May 9th at noon and goes until 5pm, featuring music from artists like Caroline Scruggs, Ol’ Riles Band, and Stu Kindle.
For more great virtual and social-distance-friendly arts and culture happenings in Central Virginia, head over to VPM's Artsline!
