Hey, Richmond . . .

It's your Mayor, Danny.

There’s a ton to talk about at the end of this busy May, but what I most want to impress on everyone today is how many opportunities are coming up in June for us to connect, to learn from our history, and to dedicate ourselves to the future that I know is possible for our city.

As some of our partners and staff will share below, June is filled to the brim with festivals and events. There are invitations to unite against gun violence. Our Office of Immigrant and Refugee Engagement co-hosts a daylong celebration highlighting the ways cultures from all over the world shape our region. The observation of our country’s 250th anniversary – marked in part by Richmond SailFest - coupled with the City’s annual recognition of Juneteenth, help us see the complicated contours that make this country and city what they are.

My challenge to you this month is to find at least one new event or activity from the list below to attend. Bring your children, your neighbors, or even a visitor to Richmond. Let’s spend the month showing up for one another and building the kinds of diverse coalitions we need to help Richmond work for everyone. I’ll hope to see you there!

-Danny

Richmond's June Calendar: Keep reading for details!

Friday, May 29: Pride Month Flag Raising, Richmond City Hall, 11 a.m.
Friday, June 5: Lunch on the Block, Richmond City Hall, 11 a.m.
Saturday, June 6: RippleCon, Main Library, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, June 6: Richmond OrangeFest, Charlie Sydnor Park, 12 to 4 p.m.
June 12-14: SailFest, Rockett’s Landing.
Wednesday, June 17: Juneteenth Flag Raising, Richmond City Hall, 3 p.m.
Thursday, June 18: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Midtown Green, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 20: Jubilation in June, Midtown Green, 4 to 9 p.m.
Friday, June 26: Festival of the Arts kickoff, Dogwood Dell, 8 p.m.
Saturday, June 27: Multicultural Festival, Richmond Raceway, 1 to 8 p.m.
Tuesday, June 30: The Richmond TRIAD Aging Well and Safety Expo, 2nd Baptist Church.

Pride Month Flag Raising: May 29, 11 a.m.

“The City’s Pride Flag Raising is more than a symbolic moment, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the resilience, visibility, and contributions of LGBTQ residents across Richmond while also recommitting ourselves to the ongoing work of belonging and inclusion. This year’s theme, ‘Pride is a Practice,’ reminds us that creating a city where people feel safe, supported, and seen happens through everyday actions, partnerships, and community care. We also encourage residents to complete our LGBTQ community survey to help us better understand lived experiences and continue shaping meaningful engagement and support across the city.”

Aneesah Smith
Equity and Inclusion Advisor

Lunch on the Block: June 5, 11 a.m.

"June’s First Friday Lunch on the Block is all about colorful collaboration across offices and the City of Richmond, bringing people together in one shared space to celebrate community, connection, and inclusion at its best.

We invite everyone to come out and learn about new initiatives for the upcoming fiscal year, support local small business owners, and celebrate Pride Month in style. Join us for an afternoon of fellowship, culture, networking, and community pride as we honor the vibrant people who make Richmond special. We look forward to celebrating with you!"

Timika Vincent
Manager of the Office of Neighborhood Engagement

OrangeFest: June 6, 12 to 4 p.m. at Charlie Sydnor Park (1400 Maury Street)

Protect the vibe, keep the peace

"OrangeFest is about uniting Richmond to celebrate community. It's a special time to honor survivors and victims of gun violence, while creating welcoming spaces where families can come together in peace. Residents are welcome to join us for live music--including performances from High Definition Band, Ron Bandup, and Dai Dream--food, and attractions for all ages.

This free festival supports a stronger Richmond by helping preserve our positive spirit and peaceful vibe."

Dee Dee Anderson
Program Manager for Public Safety

RippleCon: June 6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"RippleCon is the library's mini comic con on all things fandom! Come meet famous gamer voices like Jon McLaren (Starlord on Guardians of the Galaxy) and Andrew Wincott (Rafael on Baldaur's Gate) and get a free autograph. There will be a cosplay contest with cash prizes, vendors, crafts, gaming, workshops, food trucks, and more. It's fun for all ages!"

Beth Morris
Library Community Services Manager for Youth Services

Richmond SailFest: June 12-14

“The Virginia Museum of History & Culture is proud to partner with the City of Richmond to kick off the region’s countdown to America’s 250^th anniversary with Richmond SailFest. Featuring tall ships, live music, family-friendly activities, exhibitions of history and art, and concessions, this free, weekend-long festival will also include an epic display of fireworks over the James River at 9:00pm on Saturday, June 13^th. We hope you will join us down on the river!”

Michael Plumb
Vice President for Education & Engagement, Virginia Museum of History and Culture

Juneteenth Flag Raising: June 17, 3 p.m., City Hall

“The City’s Juneteenth Flag Raising is an important opportunity to honor Black history, freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equity and justice within our communities. Beyond celebration, the event creates space for reflection, connection, and conversation about how we continue building a Richmond where all residents can thrive, feel valued, and have access to opportunity and belonging.”

Aneesah Smith
Equity and Inclusion Advisor

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: June 18, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

"This event will raise awareness and offer education to combat abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults, in the Richmond metro area and will focus on the intersection of dementia and elder mistreatment. The event is free and open to all, though seating is limited. To register, please visit bit.ly/RVA_WEAAD_26"

Sara Link
Manager, Office of Aging and Disability Services

Jubilation in June: June 20, 4 to 9 p.m.

"Juneteenth is an important celebration of freedom, resilience, and the continued pursuit of equality in the United States, commemorating June 19, 1865. We invite residents to come out for an opportunity to experience culture, community, history, and unity in an uplifting atmosphere!"

Montel Marable
Recreation Program Manager-Special Services

Festival of the Arts Kickoff: June 26 at 8 p.m.

"We’re excited to kick off another season of the Festival of the Arts with an opening weekend that highlights both local music and unique cultural programming! Opening night features Richmond artist Deau Eyes, whose powerful songwriting and indie sound have made her one of the city’s standout voices. We’ll also host our Silent Music Revival event featuring a live original score by Plunky & Oneness alongside a screening of The Adventures of Prince Achmed presented with James River Film Society, creating a one-of-a-kind experience that blends live music, and film, under the stars. The season continues all summer long with free concerts, tribute shows, RVA Pro Wrestling, dance performances, and The Donna Summer Musical at Dogwood Dell."

Cameron Booth
Recreation Program Supervisor-Special Services

Multicultural Festival: June 27, 1 to 8 p.m.

"The Multicultural Festival is an event that unites people and creates a space where communities from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and traditions can gather, connect, and celebrate what makes Richmond such a vibrant city. It is more than just a festival; it is an opportunity to foster understanding, promote multiculturalism, and forge meaningful connections through food, music, art, performances, and the shared experiences of those in attendance.

The festival is a unique opportunity to travel the world without ever leaving Richmond! Families can enjoy free entertainment, discover new cultures, support local businesses, learn about community organizations, and celebrate the many communities that strengthen our city. The festival is designed for everyone, welcoming people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures to learn, celebrate, and feel a true sense of belonging within our multicultural community."

Karla Almendarez-Ramos

Manager of the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Engagement

The Richmond TRIAD Aging Well and Safety Expo: June 30

Connecting Residents to Resources, Wellness, and Community Supports Through Interactive Workshops

"This event will be held at 2^nd Baptist Church, 3300 Broad Rock Boulevard, and will be free and open to the public. Come out for live demonstrations on emergency preparedness, healthy eating, self-defense, line dancing, and important discussions about estate planning and avoiding scams and fraud. For more information, contact The City’s Office of Aging and Disability Services at 804-646-1082."

Sara Link
Manager of the Office of Aging and Disability Services

The Month in Photos

Collage Description from left to right:

CAO Odie Donald II and City of Richmond employees grab a quick selfie during one of the "Walk with the CAO" events.
Huguenot High School students explore the City from a new POV on the Observation Deck during a tour with The Valentine Museum.
Richmonders joined Mayor Danny Avula and City employees for a bike ride to City Hall during the Bike to Work event.
Mayor Avula joins the groundbreaking celebration for the AC Hotel and Residence Inn, coming soon to Scott’s Addition.
The Valentine Museum hosted their annual fundraiser atop City Hall!
We celebrated AANHPI Heritage Month by highlighting the VCU AAPI Affinity Group and their special graduation stoles. You can watch the video here: (link)
We proudly cut the ribbon on a new Belle Isle Nature Exploration Area!
Mayor Avula addresses attendees at the RVA Bike Month Kickoff event, celebrating our local and state trails alongside BikeWalk RVA, Sportsbackers, and the First Gentleman, Adam Spanberger.
First Fridays Lunch on the Block was the place to be this month - don't miss the next event on June 5th!
City Hall was illuminated red in honor of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, paying tribute to the brave people who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Congratulations to the graduates of the 49th Basic Dispatch Academy, who will be joining the DECPR team!
Music at Main Street Station returned in May with four incredible free performances!
Mayor Danny Avula joined the NAACP Housing Justice Conference alongside JG Workforce and Charles Willis.
Congratulations to all RVA graduates! Here's Mayor Danny wrapping up his remarks at the Huguenot High School graduation.

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