Richmond Ren Faire announces performers for April debut at Henrico's Dorey Park
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.
The two-day event is expected to feature more than 100 artisan vendors and food merchants, roughly three dozen food trucks, historical demonstrations, equestrian and ground combat sports, and four performance stages. Attendees also will encounter roaming character actors and immersive environments throughout the grounds.
A wide variety of performers are scheduled to appear, including musicians, storytellers, dancers and specialty acts such as Paolo Garbanzo, an internationally known juggler and jester; the Ex Patriots, an Irish punk folk rock group; the Chickahominy Indian Tribe – Eastern Division performing ceremonial dance; and Richmond-based theater, comedy and folk acts including the Coalition Theater, SPARC youth performers and WRIR radio. Organizers say additional vendors and performers will continue to be announced.
Event organizers describe the Ren Faire as a “new renaissance,” intended to spark reconnection with traditional arts and hands-on practices while celebrating Richmond’s contemporary maker culture.
Tickets range from $22 to $50 and can be purchased online.
For details and tickets, visit viragoalley.org/rvarenfaire.
