A new community-driven festival blending Renaissance traditions with Richmond’s modern creative spirit is set to debut this spring, as the inaugural Richmond Ren Faire comes to Dorey Park in Varina April 18–19.
Organizers describe the event as a grassroots celebration designed “by and for Richmond,” bringing together local and regional artists, performers and makers to reimagine the traditional renaissance festival through a DIY and punk-inspired lens. The fair will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day across 13 acres of activated park space.
Rather than focusing on royalty and pageantry, the event aims to spotlight artists, tradespeople and artisans — the people whose work shaped daily life during the Renaissance. Organizers say the festival draws inspiration from the multicultural exchange of ideas along the Silk Road, emphasizing craftsmanship, storytelling and community connections while highlighting underrepresented voices…