We Crashed Richmond's Renaissance Faire

By Channel RVA · May 18, 2026 · 2 min read read

Category: Video

Show: River City Vibes

Richmond, Virginia just added a new tradition to its calendar. The inaugural RVA Renaissance Faire took over Dorey Park from April 18-19, 2026 ,and it sold out. 13 acres of artisan vendors, live perfo

Richmond, Virginia just added a new tradition to its calendar. The inaugural RVA Renaissance Faire took over Dorey Park from April 18-19, 2026 ,and it sold out. 13 acres of artisan vendors, live performers, axe throwing, jousting, and community energy that honestly had to be seen to be believed. Channel RVA's Garry was on the ground for all of it.

Over 100 vendors showed up, families came in full costume, and crowds gathered around jousting demonstrations. The Richmond arts and maker community turned out in force and reminded everyone exactly what this city is capable of when it decides to build something from scratch.

We talked to the people behind it: the vendors, the performers, the organizers. Shield & Sheath Hatch House brought axe throwing to the fairgrounds, House Made of Glass had stained glass work that stopped people mid-stride, and Spicy Girls brought hot sauce inspired by 15th century recipes (of course we tasted it!). Musicians Tiara and Andrew performed original whimsical pop that fit the aesthetic perfectly. And on the sustainable living side, vendors were selling plants, mushrooms, even ducks.

Make sure to check out the interview with Ben Abbott (

Hydration at the event was brought to you by Richmond Water — Channel RVA's partner in keeping RVA events refreshed and sustainable. If you haven't heard of the Richmond Water refill station program, check them out at https://drinkrichmondwater.com/.

The inaugural RVA Renaissance Faire is the kind of event Richmond has been quietly ready for, and now clamoring for next year. The sold-out crowd proved the demand is real. If you missed it this year, start planning for next year now — because if this first run is any indication, it's only going to grow.

RESOURCES & MENTIONS

🏰 RVA Renaissance Faire → https://viragoalley.org/

💧 Richmond Water → https://drinkrichmondwater.com/refill-stations/

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About Channel RVA: Channel RVA covers the people, places, and moments that make Richmond worth paying attention to. From community events to local makers to the stories behind the city, we're here for all of it.