By Kathy Chouteau
For a 16th year, Richmond Main Street Initiative’s (RMSI) free admission “Spirit & Soul Festival” will take place Saturday, Sept. 20, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The annual event is set to transform Macdonald Avenue and 16th Street in downtown Richmond into a vibrant celebration of music, food, arts, cool cars and more.
“The Spirit & Soul Festival is about bringing the community together while showcasing many of the wonderful features of downtown Richmond,” said RSMI Executive Director Sarah Wally. “It’s a day for the entire family, providing a space where people can gather, enjoy live music and experience the cultural richness of Richmond.”
But-tah (an Artetha Franklin tribute band), Beaufunk (R&B), and Patron of Latin Rhymes (Latin) are headlining the event, which will also feature local youth talent, dance groups and more. A main stage will be set up at Macdonald Ave. at 15th St. A DJ and other performers are also booked to be at the fest, according to the Wally.
Approximately 15-18 food vendors will serve menu items up in The Lot in downtown Richmond. The Lot is a partnership with the Mayor’s Office, the City’s Economic Development Department and the Richmond Farmers Market Association, which is coordinated by Tom Cloman and Aaron Coleman. Wally said everything from Thai food to Latin cuisine and classic American burgers are going to be on festival menus.
A Classic Car Show, curated by Diego Garcia of Leftside Printing, is rolling in an array of vintage automobiles. A Car Hop Competition for cars on hydraulics will be part of the festival’s motorhead mix. A police vehicle and fire truck are also planning to be there.
More than 70 local artisans are also lined up to showcase handcrafted items, art, books, clothing and jewelry, offering a singular shopping experience for attendees.
A Youth Zone, also organized by Garcia, plans to include a blow-up soccer field and outdoor games that “provide a day for the entire family,” said Wally. Life-size checkers, volleyball, sidewalk chalk art, basketball hoops, arts & crafts, face painting, a chess tournament and more are also planned.
New on the scene this year is a Health Hub, which aims to integrate physical health, mental wellness, spiritual care and nutrition into the festival. “We are launching this to have resources available for the community,” said Wally. “It’s our first year, but we’ll start to gather more and more services that are community focused.”
The Spirit & Soul Festival isn’t just about entertainment, it’s also about community engagement and support. Wally emphasized the importance of community partnerships in making the festival possible.
“We have a very committed Board of Directors, and a big thank you goes out to our sponsors, including Kaiser, Republic Services, Mechanics Bank, EBMUD and Chevron,” she said. “Their commitment to the work that Richmond Main Street is doing is critical to our mission of downtown revitalization and community engagement.”
Looking ahead, Wally envisions expanding the festival with help from input from community members, she added.
RMSI was founded in 2002 with the mission of creating a pedestrian-friendly urban village environment in downton Richmond, with shops, retail, entertainment and housing.
For more information about the Spirit & Soul Festival, visit Richmond Main Street Initiative’s website.
