Marking its 35th year, the 2nd Street Festival returns Saturday and Sunday in historic Jackson Ward.

Each year thousands visit historic Jackson Ward to reminisce about the days when 2nd Street was the heart and soul of Richmond’s African-American community and was known as “The Harlem of the South.”

Today, the 2nd Street Festival, is an annual celebration over two days that features three stages of live musical entertainment along with a Kidz Zone, popular food vendors, a marketplace and Artists Row to shop, and the Richmond Metropolitan Antique Car Club.

Highlighting this year’s festival is a headline performance by the Average White Band on Saturday on the Main Stage at 5:45 p.m. Regarded as one of the top soul, R&B and jazz-funk groups, and first known for the timeless instrumental hit “Pick Up the Pieces,” Average White Band’s appeal lies in its diverse songwriting and unique approach to rhythm and blues. With multiple gold and platinum albums and three Grammy nominations on the legendary Atlantic label, they were the first Brits to top the U.S. Top 100 Singles, Albums and R&B charts.

This free event is produced by Venture Richmond Events. For the full schedule for both days, please visit

https://venturerichmond.com/our-events/2nd-street-festival/.