As any local can tell you, one of the best things about Richmond is the abundance of spring & summer festivals. In fact, when the weather turns nice, it seems like every weekend features a different festival for Richmonders to take in and enjoy. And whether you’re looking to experience new music, new food or new types of alcohol – or all three at the same time – the “River City” always seems to have an answer. Here are just a few of our favorites:

Friday Cheers
This weekly concert series organized by Venture Richmond and sponsored by Coors Light and Yuengling enters its 26th year of operation on Brown’s Island. The 2010 season kicks off Friday, May 7th at 6:30 pm and, as usual, the 2010 lineup features an eclectic mix of national touring artists and regional acts. Admission to Friday Cheers is free for those under 13 and a mere $2 for those 13 and older. As always, plenty of food, drinks, and entertainment are available to provide a great evening out for the whole family. The 2010 lineup and other information can be found at www.venturerichmond.com

Fridays at Sunset
2010 will mark the 15th anniversary of the Fridays at Sunset International Music Festival series. The weekly festival, traditionally held at the Kanawha Plaza in Downtown Richmond, is a unique experience offering concertgoers great musical diversity in addition to a variety of food and beverages in a great outdoor setting. And while the 2010 lineup remained under wraps as River City went to press, an announcement on what performers you can expect is coming in late May. Those interested in acquiring more information can visit www.fridaysatsunset.com.

Greek Festival
Did you have any idea that there are over 200 different Greek dances? Of course not! Which is exactly why any cultured Richmonder should plan on attending the 34th annual Greek Festival. Hosted by Saints Constantine and Helen’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral, this Richmond tradition will take place Thursday, June 3rd through Sunday, June 6th. In addition to the amazing food and wine options, there will also be cathedral tours, a wide variety of musical performances, shopping and other fun activities sure to entertain the whole family.
For those interested in attending, the 2010 Festival will take place at 30 Malvern Avenue. Parking can be found behind the Seventh Street Christian Church on Grove Avenue and Reveille Street. As always, a portion of this year’s proceeds will be donated to local charities. You can find more information at www.greekfestival.com.

Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ Festival
What happens when you mix 14,000 people with 60 types of beer, 40 types of bourbon, and tons of BBQ? Naturally, you get the 2010 Richmond Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ Festival held at the Richmond Raceway Complex exhibition hall on June 5th. As in past years, if you manage to tear yourself away from the main attractions, you can expect to see local bands, Corn-hole tournaments, barrel roll races, and crazy contests like a Ms. Bar-B-Babe Pageant and Biggest Beer Belly.
The festival offers two ticket options: VIP or Regular Access. A VIP ticket costs $40 and includes admission to the event, a souvenir t-shirt and glass, unlimited beer and bourbon samples and a 12 pm start time. A Regular ticket will run you $30 and includes admission to the event, souvenir glass, and unlimited beer and bourbon samples with a 2 pm start time. Find out more at www.beerandbourbon.com.

Carytown Watermelon Festival
Starting at 10 am on Sunday, August 8th, Richmonders can look forward to one of our city’s most beloved institution: the 27th annual Carytown Watermelon Festival. With an estimated crowd of over a hundred thousand locals, 80 bands, countless restaurants, shopping opportunities and, oh yeah, over 2,500 watermelons all piled onto the “mile of style”, this year is sure to be yet another Richmond summer festival highlight! Find out more at www.carytownrva.org.

World Beer Festival
Richmond’s edition of the World Beer Festival is on tap for June 12, 2010 on Brown’s Island. The festival is produced by All About Beer Magazine and is presented by FETCH-A-Cure. In addition to Richmond, All About Beer has organized similar festivals in Raleigh, Durham, and Columbia, SC. The WBF features two tasting sessions for guests to choose from: an afternoon session that runs from 12 pm to 4 pm and an evening session from 6 pm to 10 pm. General Admission is $40 per session and includes a 2-ounce tasting glass and a festival program. All proceeds benefit the FETCH-A-Cure foundation. Visit www.allaboutbeer.com for more information.

Innsbrook Afterhours
For those of you who work in the West End or find yourself living closer to the outskirts of the City, make sure you take full advantage of INNSBROOK AFTERHOURS. The weekly concert series, sponsored by Miller Lite, will launch its 25th anniversary season Wednesday, May 5th with John Hiatt and Delbert McClinton. This year’s lineup features nationally recognized performers such as: Country music legend Travis Tritt, Chicago, Barenaked Ladies, The Wailers, 70’s superstars Earth, Wind & Fire, Heart, Grateful Dead tribute band Dark Star Orchestra and many more. All concerts are held at the Snagajob.Com Pavilion, located at 4901 Lakebrook Drive in Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 (off Nuckols Road). Check www.innsbrookafterhours.com for exact dates and other pertinent details.

Broad Appétit
Last but certainly not least, Broad Appétit will make its much anticipated return to Richmond on June 6th. As usual, many of Richmond’s best chefs from over 50 restaurants will prepare mini-dishes for a small price. In addition, those same dishes will be submitted to a panel of judges to decide who in Richmond has the “To Die For” dish of the year. The event also will feature several of Virginia’s finest wineries and breweries. With reasonable prices and great food, chances are you’ll go home with a full stomach and wallet! For more details, visit www.broadappetit.com.