The seventh annual RVA East End Festival is set for Saturday, Sept. 27, from noon to 7 p.m. at Chimborazo Park, 3215 E. Broad St., organizers announced Monday.

The free, family-friendly music and arts event will once again raise funds to support music and cultural arts programs at Richmond Public Schools in the East End.

Festivalgoers can expect live performances by local professional artists, student musicians and a concert finale at 6 p.m. by a Richmond Symphony string orchestra under the Big Tent. The event will also include food vendors, art exhibits and a kids’ play area.

“This event is a community-wide outpouring of love for our children because it creates opportunities for them to succeed,” said Rev. Marilyn Heckstall, chair of the 2025 RVA East End Festival.

Since its debut in 2016, the festival has raised more than $550,000 for East End RPS schools, including Armstrong High School, Franklin Military Academy, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School and several elementary schools. Proceeds have gone toward music equipment, instruments, dance facilities and visual arts supplies.

Most recently, festival funds are being used to purchase 50 new posture chairs and transport carts for the Armstrong High School Chorus.

“The festival’s financial goal for 2025 is $300,000 to help our wonderful East End students unlock their creative potential and possibly discover pathways for a career in the arts," said Cheryl L. Burke, 7th District representative on the Richmond School Board.

City Council President Cynthia I. Newbille, who represents the 7th District, called the event “a celebration of support from the community and the generous investment of many sponsors."

“Our students deserve the best resources for music and the arts, and proceeds from the RVA East End Festival are dedicated for that purpose,” Newbille said.

Lacey Huszcza, president and CEO of the Richmond Symphony, emphasized the festival’s impact on students.

“We know that participation in the arts has a direct effect on young people and their ability to solve problems, to communicate and to combat feelings of anxiety, loneliness and isolation,” Huszcza said.

“The Richmond Symphony is committed to supporting music education throughout the region, and we are delighted to collaborate once again with the RVA East End Festival.”

More information is available at facebook.com/rvaeastendfest.