Every year Richmond Main Street Initiative hosts a number of community events and programs. These events and programs are designed to help us realize our goal of revitalizing historic downtown Richmond into a pedestrian-friendly urban village that offers products, services, arts and entertainment that reflect the community’s rich and diverse heritage. Below is a list of the events and programs that are scheduled for 2013. We hope you will join us! (Dates and times subject to change.)

Art In Windows

Art In Windows is a year-round collaborative project with the Richmond Arts and Culture Commission that brings together artists, curators, scholars, business owners, merchants, residents, and organizations from the local community in the exhibition of temporary public artworks. Through this ongoing project, we seek to transform vacant storefronts into living, breathing art spaces that celebrate the rich legacy and history of downtown Richmond, and to explore the relationship between art and community development.

Winter 2013 Art In Windows Exhibit
Featuring artists from The Art of Living Black
Reception: Saturday, February 23, 2-4pm, 1000 Macdonald Avenue, Suite C

Fall 2013 Art In Windows Exhibit
TBD

Neighborhood Ambassador Program

Volunteer Neighborhood Ambassadors assist RMSI in realizing its Clean and Safe Initiative by walking the commercial corridor and logging issues they observe, directly abating graffiti and other blight they encounter, and helping visitors in the district with finding their way around the neighborhood. Click here to learn more about the program and its impact on the downtown district.

Richmond Main Street Farmers’ Market

Nowhere is the change in season more visible than at your local farmers’ market. The Richmond Main Street Farmers’ Market offers residents and workers the opportunity to taste the best of what California farmers have to offer and so much more—all in the heart of Downtown Richmond. Shoppers at the Richmond Main Street Farmers’ Market enjoy a variety of seasonal, fresh fruits and veggies, live music, local honey, artisan wares, delicious baked goods, kettle corn, foodie treats, fresh-cut flowers, and delicious lunch options. The market proudly accepts WIC/EBT payments and supports the Market Match program which gives CalFresh customers an extra $5 when they spend $10 or more.

Visit our Farmers’ Market page for more information and a complete list of vendors.

2013 Market Season
Every Wednesday, May 8th – October 30th
10am-2pm
Nevin Plaza (13th St & Nevin Ave)

Zumba Fitness Classes

Zumba is a fun, high-energy fitness program that blends red-hot international music with Latin-inspired dance steps. And we’re bringing it to downtown Richmond free of charge! All classes are taught by certified Zumba instructor Willa “Bontle” Willis, who is an expert at leading Zumba sessions full of exotic rhythms set to energizing Latin beats. Participants are sure to leave feeling fit and invigorated!

Please visit our Zumba Class page for current class information.

Healthy Village Farm Stand

The Healthy Village Farm Stand takes place every 1st Friday of the month between May and August. This event provides residents, business owners, and downtown employees with the opportunity to try delicious healthy food samples courtesy of local restaurants, pick up farm-fresh produce, and receive information on living a healthier lifestyle. Plus, free pony rides and educational activities for kids!

Healthy Village Farm Stand 2013
Dates: May 3rd, June 7th, July 5th, August 2nd
Time: 12pm – 2pm
Community Green Space Park, Harbour Way and Macdonald Avenue
Click here for more details and for information on how to sign up for an info booth or to volunteer.

Music on the Main Summer Concert Series

Music on the Main is an annual concert series that takes place on the 4th Wednesdays of July and August. Each concert features a variety of musical performances, arts and crafts activities for children, local entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations, and food. Music on the Main is a critical tool that Richmond Main Street uses to engage the community and build a strong arts and entertainment district.

Music on the Main 2013
Dates: July 24th and August 28th
Time: 5-7:30pm
More details coming soon!

Summer Youth Entrepreneur Program

Richmond Main Street proudly partners with Richmond YouthWORKS to conduct a five-week work readiness program that provides young adults with the opportunity to develop communication skills and a knowledge of retail business principle through work-readiness training and employment with local businesses.

July-September 2013

Spirit & Soul Festival Fundraiser

Our annual fundraiser is a celebration of downtown Richmond. Spirit & Soul invites guests enjoy an afternoon of top musical entertainment while sampling local cuisine, a variety of fine wines, an outdoor market featuring the handmade items of local artisans and entrepreneurs, all while supporting Richmond Main Street’s mission to revitalize downtown Richmond.

Spirit & Soul Festival Fundraiser 2013
Date and details TBA

In the Heart of Downtown benefiting the revitalization of Historic Main Street

Small Business Assistance Classes

Business ownership can be your key to financial independence and Richmond Main Street wants to help you get started with Start and Grow Smart, a unique small business assistance program designed to provide assistance to start-ups by helping budding entrepreneurs with low-moderate income develop a solid business plan to start and grow a successful business.

Click here for more information about the classes and how to enroll.

Downtown Holiday Festival

The Holiday Festival provides the children and families from this historically under-served community with a safe, memorable holiday  extravaganza that features live entertainment, holiday treats, face painting, visits with Santa, and gift giving.

Downtown Holiday Festival 2013
Date and details TBA