How can you help support the RVA Ren Faire and why do we need your support?

This initiative is founded and created by Virago Alley, a 501 c(3) non profit organization whose mission is to provide an accessible & inclusive platform for the exploration, education & preservation of historical martial arts & artisan trades. To be an authentic project created for and by our community, we understand the importance of this initiative being formed at a grassroots level. This ensures that our local community of artists & organizations have a voice and are truly represented through and through.

The Richmond Renaissance Faire brings awareness to underrepresented historical art forms including the skilled craftsmen who work in these traditional mediums and trades. This project aims to be different from any Ren Faire in the country not only because we plan to embrace local arts, culture and historical non profit groups through brand new collaborations crafted specifically for this project, but by making this a true multi cultural celebration of historical artisans from around the globe. Our Ren Faire will be an artisan era Silk Road experience found only in Richmond highlighting dozens of cultural Chamber's of Commerce, Centers, artists and businesses including representatives from our East Asian, Middle Eastern, Native American, Indigenous Americas, African and European communities.

The purpose of this initiative is to highlight these artisans through live demonstrations, performances and merchant representation including but not limited to historical blacksmithing, leatherwork, glassblowing, metalsmith, ceramics, weaving and textiles, sword & armor making, illuminated manuscripts, calligraphy, woodworking, costumes and more as well as numerous martial arts guilds, reenactors, and performance groups showcasing styles & stories relevant to the 13th-17th century.

This March 7th fundraising launch as well as other fundraising events in 2025 will allow us to plant the seeds and organically build our network of collaborators, partners and supporters so that our official multi-day festival in 2026 will fully represent our city of art & history lovers and creators. Your donation will go directly to overhead costs associated with supplies, equipment, performance fees, permits, security, safety, signage, organizational needs and planning for our official 2026 event. Every dollar helps.