The 36th Annual 2nd Street Festival returns on Oct. 5-6 in Richmond’s historic Jackson Ward neighborhood.

The free festival features a lineup of live music across three stages. Grammy Award-winning group Arrested Development will headline on Saturday, Oct. 5, performing at 5:50 p.m.

Known for their conscious hip-hop and hits such “Tennessee” and “Mr. Wendall,” the group has a reputation for high-energy performances.

On Sunday, Oct. 6, jazz singer Desirée Roots will close the festival at 5 p.m. Roots, a renowned jazz and gospel artist, has shared the stage with legendary performers such as B.B. King and Brian McKnight,.

Other performances include Richmond’s “Gospel Cop,” Mervin Mayo, who recently appeared on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” and Michelle Lightfoot & The Crescendo School of Music, along with other artists. 

The Joe Kennedy Jr. Jazz Stage will feature musicians Nathan Mitchell, a Grammy-nominated keyboardist, and blues singer Lady E. In addition to the musical acts, the festival will offer a variety of other activities. 

Free walking tours led by Gary Flowers will explore Jackson Ward’s rich history. Flowers will guide groups starting from the Maggie Walker National Historic Site, with tours scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

For families, the Kidz Zone, produced by the Children’s Museum and Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, will offer fun activities including balloon art, quilting and storytelling.

Food vendors, a marketplace, Artists Row, and a display of antique cars from the Richmond Metropolitan Antique Car Club also will be available throughout the festival.

For more information and a full schedule of performances, visit the 2nd Street Festival website at venturerichmond.com.