Virago Alley, NFP is the proud founder and presenter of the Richmond Renaissance Faire.
This event would not be possible without the contributions of our partners and collaborators.

       Our Partners       

The Richmond Moon Market is a curated craft and wellness market bringing together central Virginia's weirdest, wildest and most wonderful artists, healers and craft persons in one place for events featuring live music, food, workshops and more.

They are responsible for coordinating all of the merchants and market for The Richmond Renaissance Faire.

Gallery5 believes in the power of the arts to promote change and engage diverse communities through inclusive collaborations and accessible programming.

As an award-winning, community-motivated visual and performing art center, Gallery5 facilitates arts experiences in partnership with cultural, educational, environmental and social organizations to encourage a more diverse, inclusive, and inspired region of art supporters.

     Business Sponsors     

Altaika creates hand-crafted Sheepskin Vests Guaranteed to Turn Heads. They are a small family run company of less than 10 people. Their tag line is “Wearable works of Art”.

“Our story begins at the end of the 1990s while walking on a snowy track in the Altai Mountains in Central Asia. The future Altaika team ran into locals wearing genuine hand-crafted sheepskin vests – the vests were daring, unique and one-of-a-kind as well as beautiful, rugged, and warm. In fact, they were works-of-art, lovingly made by skilled artisans of this semi-nomadic Indigenous people. We called them “Altaika.” Why not? We were in the Altai Mountains. Altaika Vests were born.

We noticed that each Altaika vest was a spectacular work of artistry. They were stunning masterpieces – each vest proclaiming independence and autonomy with a touch of rebelliousness. We couldn’t believe that these outdoors people were walking around wearing beautiful works-of-art.

Verillas is an alternative fashion company blending modern and renaissance fashion (Find our style on Instagram #ModRen).  Our style is meant for all genders and all walks of life.  Our Transcend Gender category is intended to make shopping easy for those outside binary gender expression lines. We blend in fantasy, pride, and post apocalyptic elements in some of our designs as well.  Our intention is to create every-day wear that makes you feel like you've put on armor against the difficulties you'll face today.  The strong lines and leather details we use are meant to inspire courage and individuality.  

The Verillas style also reaches in to garb for Renaissance Faires, Larp Couture, and Post Apocalyptic Fashion.  You can find our styles in modern Hollywood movies such as the Shannara Chronicles, Star Trek, and the newest Game of Thrones series as well as many more famous films.  Whatever festival you call home, our styles are meant to serve you through comfortable durability.

Classic Party Rental’s specialists take pride in delivering a level of service quality that’s unmatched in our industry. We believe that our ability to better support our clients comes from our willingness to listen to them and truly understand their needs. Meeting your expectations is our main focus. You can trust that we will be there to make sure that the details are dealt with so that everything planned for your event is executed perfectly.

To better meet our clients’ needs, we offer an extensive inventory of quality event merchandise. In our showrooms, you can visually coordinate any rental items needed for your signature event setting. Our consultants welcome you to visit either of our locations, gather ideas from our showroom displays, view referral pictures and personally match our linens to your special events.

   Our Collaborators   

The Richmond Faerie Federation is a collective of lovers of the Otherworld. We join together to bring joy to our community through play and creative invention. We celebrate the connection of all beings through the exploration of mythos. We seek to advocate for the underserved and create a platform for all voices.

We acknowledge the presence of the Powhatan Chiefdom and the Monacan Nation on Richmond land and seek to honor all the indigenous peoples of Virginia, past, present, and future.

The Party Liberation Foundation (PLF), a 501(c)3 non profit, is committed to fostering community artistry, creative education, diversity and inclusion, unique entertainment, and fire safety in Richmond, VA and beyond. Through their multifaceted array of performances, workshops, events, grant programs, artist opportunities, and collaborations, they aim to empower individuals to explore their creativity, connect with their community and ignite positive change.

Born from the vibrant Regional Burning Man community, PLF emerged as a collective of friends and creators in the Central East Coast area. Over time, this grassroots movement evolved into a nonprofit organization that has experienced significant growth and development thanks to their BOD’s leadership and committee initiatives.

If you’ve been around long enough to have heard of or partied with the “PLFront”, they’re thrilled to introduce to you to the evolution that is the “PLFoundation” non-profit org.

The Ex-Patriots play a style of traditional Irish music, infused with the energy of punk and the storytelling of American folk music. Consisting of traditional instruments like the tin whistle, mandolin, and violin, the band brings an old Irish sound and an original blend of influences to their shows.  And while the band long had a rotating cast of characters, the current lineup has been performing regularly for the past seven years at venues like the Church Hill Irish Festival, Richmond Music Hall, The Canal Club, Poe’s Pub, Final Gravity Brewing, and many more. 

The Ex-Patriots are firmly rooted in the style of the Pogues and will always perform a few Pogues songs. However, they also step outside the box to perform punk, folk, and old-time gospel, channeling everyone from Joe Strummer to Bob Dylan to the Statler Brothers. 

Agecroft Hall is a 16th Century Gem in the Heart of Central Virginia. While oceans may separate England and Virginia, Agecroft Hall traveled on ships, trains, and a little luck from Lancashire to be reconstructed overlooking the banks of the James River in the 1920s. Agecroft now exhibits centuries of English daily life as a manor home that grew and evolved from the 16th century on -- a history that continually intersects with significant events in both Virginia and the United States.

GWAR is known throughout the Universe for their bloody stage show, irreverent humor and high volume metal/punk, but for years they wanted a fresh way to torture mankind… the service industry! In 2015 GWAR joined forces with Travis Croxton, Richmond’s “Restaurateur of the Year 2014”, to create a menu and cocktail program unlike any other. Michael Derks, better known as BalSac the Jaws ‘o Death, brought his 30+ years of restaurant experience to the table and together the team put together a bar and restaurant like no other.

GWARBar has continued to be a fantasy land of food and beverage, catering to everyone from local punk metal freaks, rock stars, businessmen, celebrity chefs and starving artists. The bar has retained it’s status as a late night hub, a neighborhood watering hole and a place for like minded adventurers to crush beers and enjoy culinary feats.

Custom knives by Brent Stubblefield & team in Richmond, VA.

Ben Franklin's original woodcut was published in his Pennsylvania Gazette in 1754. The message was simple: unite against a common foe or fail. Join or Die brings back traditional skill, lore, and craft as the foundation for a new economy. The disjointed image of a snake represented the thirteen colonies as it also represents us as individuals. Each piece is unique and essential to form the whole.

Black Heath’s mission is to re-create the world’s oldest fermented beverage by taking advantage of modern techniques while focusing on Virginia agriculture. We strive to support Virginia beekeepers and help establish and sustain local bee populations all while making a delicious libation. 

Johnathan Austin is a Richmond treasure and we are proud to feature him as the official Court Jester of the 2025 Richmond Renaissance Faire kick off. Jonathan Austin's magic cuts across all lines and that's no illusion.

Richmond MFFG is a Historical Fencing study group under the umbrella of the Meyer Freifechter Guild.

Our focus is on the works of Joachim Meyer, a fencing master from the 1500's who left us some of the most detailed works on the art of fencing.

RVA Katana a brick-and-mortar shop in Richmond, VA, selling swords from around the world. They enjoy sharing information about sword history and use and provide weekly classes and workshops.

The Japanese Sword Arts Study program is open to all individuals ages 16 and up, interested in exploring and discovering more about the legendary sword martial arts of Japan. The class is designed as a springboard for individuals who want to get started but don't know where to begin.

The Richmond Weavers Guild was formed in 1965 to encourage fellowship among members and to promote the appreciation of handweaving as well as to educate those interested in fiber arts in the Richmond community. We offer a monthly newsletter with actual woven samples, reduced fees for workshops, and access to a large lending library. 

Bard City is a band "FOR BARDS, BY BARDS" singing comical originals about the life and adventures of everyone's favorite bards! Using inspiration from fantasy table top games the band entertains and enchants their listeners. From monsters, to mayhem, to money there is not a fantasy stone left unturned by these boisterous bards. We welcome you to Bard City!

Welcome to the Kingdom of Atlantia, Barony of Caer Mear - the Society of Creative Anachronism local branch. The Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) is an inclusive community pursuing research and re-creation of pre-seventeenth century skills, arts, combat and cultures of the known world. The lives of participants are enriched as we gain knowledge of history through activities, demonstrations, and events. We will be demonstrating the skills of local artists and fighters. 

Scéalaí is a traditional Celtic Band formed with a core trio of Violin, Vocals/ Cavaquinho and Bodhran that play historic music from the 1600s to 1800s.  This unique band brings history alive by bringing back the sounds of the streets and pubs of early America and the Celtic Continent with songs of the common people passed down and often still played today.  Their music is fun and lively.  But, they can also tug the heart with the stories of the hardships and tragedies of the poor people that helped to found our musical traditions. 

The Mosaic singers are a quirky quartet of experienced treble voices based in Richmond, Virginia. they sing classic and contemporary songs, in many different styles!

Tish Raven and Caspian Crow are two corvid-esque fairies who travel the world, seeking out  fables, myths, legends, tales, yarns and parables from every pocket of humanity they can find. The wonder in the eyes of listeners is what draws our fairies from their home in the feywyld, Spooky Hollow. All are welcome in their Garden of Stories, where they share their collected tales with anyone who craves a little more magic in their lives. 

DJ BearBonez – Creating Unforgettable Moments Through Music for Over 15 Years. For over 15 years, DJ BearBonez has been the go-to DJ for delivering unforgettable vibes and electrifying every event with a seamless mix of pop, dance, and house music. Known for reading the crowd and curating the perfect playlist, DJ BearBonez transforms weddings, parties, and special events into unforgettable celebrations. Whether you're looking for high-energy beats to keep the dance floor packed or the perfect soundtrack for a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, DJ BearBonez ensures your event is one to remember.

Kristina Parker will demonstrate the art of Tablet Weaving, and Iron Age way of creating tape (strapping) with a period probable loom. She wears a recreation of the Mistress of Eura ensemble (Finland c.1025). She is an awesomely skilled and reliable vendor we have worked with many times. She makes beautiful textiles and felted hats. Pic attached. 

WRIR LP-97.3 FM 📡 Richmond, VA
YOUR community radio station 📻
100% volunteer run & community funded since 2005 🎶📣
Visit our website & explore our show archive!

All the Saints Theater Company Ritual/Protest/Street Art Puppetry from recycled materials in the name of resistance & change!

Founders of the Halloween parade.

MERCHANTS: Coordinated by The Richmond Moon Market

The Richmond Moon Market is a curated craft and wellness market bringing together central Virginia's weirdest, wildest, and most wonderful artists, healers, and craft persons in one place for events featuring live music, food, workshops, and more
The March 7th Fundraising Kick Off will feature the following merchants:

  • Altaika Vests

  • Verillas

  • 3000realm

  • Angie’s Aesthetic

  • Antik Knives

  • Bog Hag Baubles

  • Caricatures by Matt

  • Dragons Way Wellness

  • Eden's Muse LLC

  • Fairy Hair Garden

  • Fateless Legacies LLC

  • From Maggie, With Love

  • Gorgeous Chain

  • House Made of Glass

  • Mary Louise Lux Beauty

  • Moody Metalwork

  • NewMoon x BlueMoon

  • O Wisteria

  • Propaganda Printing Company

  • Qara Blades & Arts

  • Queer Babe Pottery

  • Ravensong Apothecary

  • Ruthless Fabrication

  • Saffron Treasures

  • Soph’s Chains

  • Sunken Moon Studios

  • Toy Blossom Co.

  • Tusk & Braid Woodworkers

  • Unkindness Art

  • Vivify Gardens Apothecary


ARTISAN DEMOS: Coordinated by Virago Alley, NFP

GALLERY5 Crossroads:

  • Black Heath Meadery - pop up 

  • Agecroft Hall & Gardens - Tudor age arts and crafts to take home.

  • K.P. Knitcraft - Tablet Weaving, the Iron Age way

  • Richmond Weavers Guild - weaving demonstrations. 

  • Richmond Faerie Federation - A Fairy Trading Post to benefit Richmond Mutual Aid Disaster Relief.

  • Richmond Moon Market - Check out woodworks, chainmail, jewelry, clothing, herbalists, tarot, art, pottery, caricatures, fairy hair, face painting and much more at the Richmond Moon Market 

GWAR Bar Lot:

  • Join or Die - Bladesmith demo crafting a sword from start to finish throughout the night! 

  • Richmond MFFG Combat Demos - Richmond MFFG is a Historical Fencing study group under the umbrella of the Meyer Freifechter Guild. They will be presenting historical techniques based on the manuscripts written by Joachim Meyer in the late 1500s.

  • Virago Alley Combat Demos - Their mission is to provide an accessible and inclusive platform for the exploration, education and preservation of historical martial arts and artisan trades. Patrick Glynn and Bizhan Khodabandeh will be demonstrating differences between Historical European and Persian martial practices using spear, saber and dagger. Both of them will be offering workshops through Virago Alley in the future.

  • Japanese Sword Arts Study / RVA Katana Demo - They will be demonstrating historical Koryu Kenjutsu/Battojutsu (Kukishin Ryu) practices from Japan. The school is run by Scott takahashi and currently operates in RVA Katana, who also have a booth tonight. Go buy a sword!

  • HEMA Sport Fencing - Members of Scuffletown Federfechters and VCU HEMA will be demonstrating the competition aspect of Historical European Martial Arts or HEMA. Competitions in HEMA have varying rulesets. Today they will be demonstrating a priority rule set.

  • SCA / Society of Creative Anachronisms Combat Demo - Welcome to the Kingdom of Atlantia, Barony of Caer Mear - the Society of Creative Anachronism local branch. An inclusive community pursuing research and re-creation of pre-seventeenth century skills, arts, combat and cultures of the known world. You can visit their tent to learn about their Arts/Sciences and here they will be demonstrating both heavy combat and rapier fencing.

HISTORICAL ARTISAN EXHIBITION (Indoors / Gallery5)
Coordinated by Virago Alley, NFP
On display through the month of March. Featuring works by:

  • CHERYN RAPP

  • MÂRAL TAHERITARI

  • NATE SMITH

  • NICOLE CARUSO

  • BIZHAN KHODABANDEH

  • STUART SHEPARD

  • HANNAH DAVIS

  • RICH ENDRICH

  • RAYNA LIDDELL

  • KIYAY STUDIOS

  • NEW MOON BLUE MOON

  • RACHEL WILLIAMSON

FOOD AND DRINK:

  • GALLERY5 - Black Heath Meadery Pop up. Ale, wine and snacks. 

  • GWAR Bar- smoked turkey legs, fried fare and much more. Bar service. (v) 

  • Penny’s Wine Shop- Natural wine selections, and seasonal menu. (v)

  • And Dim Sum - Chinese small plates, tea and indoor bar service. (v)

  • Calyx Cafe- Coffee from around the globe. (v)

  • ARROZ RVA- Organic bowls, burritos & salads. (v) (gf)

  • KUSHBU: Indian fusion street food. (v)

  • NOAH’S ROCKIN’ BUNS- irresistible bao buns and more.

  • PI’S COFFEE - Imported Indian coffee roasted here in Virginia. 

  • SWEET FIX - Traditional European Macarons (gf)

OTHER NEIGHBORS:

  • ODD BIRD- Odd By Design. Make home more fun with everyday objects that transform your space and mood

  • ART 180- We are artists, writers, musicians, poets, dancers, and everyday people working to create change through art. We are a collective of creative people cultivating the tools and strength of spirit to meet every moment, every trauma, and every triumph head on.