As sure as the temperatures begin to rise, Richmond’s festival season begins, signaling the arrival of spring. The city’s streets and parks become gathering places for food, music and celebration as locals shake off the winter chill and welcome the outdoors again.

The first sign of the seasonal shift arrives with Shamrock The Block, set for Saturday, March 15, on Leigh Street between Movieland and Mid-Town Green, the site of the former Washington Commanders training facility in Scott’s Addition. Running from noon to 6 p.m., the annual event is free and offers a variety of food vendors, beverages and entertainment. Shamrock The Block benefits Project Local, an organization supporting small charities and foundations in the Richmond area. More details can be found at shamrocktheblock.com and project-local.org.

The 2nd Street Festival returns Oct. 4-5 to the Historic Jackson Ward neighborhood, marking its 37th year of celebrating the community’s rich cultural heritage.

The Richmond Folk Festival follows the next weekend, running Oct. 10-12 along Downtown Richmond’s riverfront. Now in its 21st year, the event continues to showcase a diverse mix of music, art and traditions from around the country and the world.

“Venture Richmond Events is proud to produce these two fall festivals,” said Stephen Lecky, director of events for Venture Richmond. “Together they represent a shared exhibition of heritage and new experiences whether they are the rich traditions of the historic Jackson Ward community or those from around the nation and the world presented on Downtown’s riverfront.”