As we ease into a new season this week, autumnal events are piling up like fall leaves, including festivals celebrating plant-based cuisine, the great outdoors and our furry friends, plus a theater production that goes wrong in all the right ways. Enjoy!
Pet That Dog
Woofstock, Richmond Animal League’s annual outdoor festival, is back on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 4951 Lake Brook Drive in Innsbrook. The family-friendly fest raises funds for the pet rescue and adoption organization and includes more than 60 vendors, live performances and opportunities to adopt a new fur baby. Additionally, the league will announce the winners of the RALendar contest, a photo competition where folks submit images of their furry friends. The top 12, as selected by the public, will be featured in RAL’s 2027 calendar, with voting open until 3 p.m. during Woofstock. Admission is free, and donations are welcome.
—Ben Martindale, Editorial Intern
Take It Outside
The region’s natural wonders get a little extra love this weekend at the Chesterfield Outdoor Fest, Sept. 26 from noon to 5 p.m. at Pocahontas State Park. Park rangers and staff will lead adult and kid-friendly activities including hikes, fitness classes and water sports from paddle- and skimboarding to kayaking. If that doesn’t tire you out, join the Beaver Tail Trail 4 Miler race in the morning (registration is $25) and end the day at the pop-up beer garden, featuring live music from Hotpants. Admission is free, including fee-free parking in observance of National Public Lands Day.
—Kevin Johnson, Lifestyle Editor
Kale-a-bration
We plant eaters are always excited to welcome new people into our family, as well as those just stopping by for a visit. On Sept. 26, the Richmond VegFest returns to Byrd Park with more than 100 vegan-friendly food vendors, including Kawa Matcha, Ruby Scoops and Thai Top Ten restaurant. Since 2003, VegFest has championed environmental and health consciousness by bridging arts, education and culture with great eats. The event also features music and dance performances, cooking demonstrations, a panel discussion, locally made upcycled arts and crafts, and more. Admission is free.
—Charvi Deorah, Editorial Intern
Accidentally on Purpose
Live theater carries risks: props that fail, set pieces that don’t work, performers forgetting lines. Every actor’s got these stories, and all of them are packed into “The Play That Goes Wrong,” now onstage at Virginia Rep’s November Theatre. In this play within a play, you’ll experience the Cornley Drama Society’s newest production of “The Murder at Haversham Manor,” which goes terribly awry for the performers and hilariously awry for the audience. The presentation of continuous mishaps continues through Oct. 18. Tickets start at $54.
—Harry Kollatz Jr., Senior Writer
Other Suggestions
- Featuring more than 180 movies from 35 countries, the 15th annual Richmond International Film Festival runs Sept. 22-27 and this year includes several selections produced by local filmmakers, including “Outrage” and “Monday Film School.”
- Alt-rock icons the Violent Femmes celebrate their 45th anniversary at Kanawha Plaza as part of the Live Loud concert series on Sept. 23.
- “Life on Canvas: Portraits From the Silvette Family” opens Sept. 24 at The Valentine museum and continues through Sept. 6, 2027.
- The State Fair of Virginia returns to The Meadow Event Park in Doswell Sept. 25 through Oct. 4.
- The RVA East End Festival features performances from Richmond Public Schools students and professional musicians at the 17th Street Market Sept. 26.
- Maymont’s Bier-Garden offers Bavarian cuisine, craft beer and a German marketplace on the Carriage House Lawn Sept. 26-27.
River City Roundup is Richmond magazine’s weekly compilation of the best things to see, do and experience in the region, compiled by our editors. Get each week’s installment directly in your inbox every Monday by subscribing to our e-newsletter.
