Armored knights, warrior women, and faerie folk will all descend upon Richmond on the weekend of Aug. 2.

Virago Alley, the organization behind the Richmond Renaissance Faire, is presenting “Warriors in Bloom,” an unconventional Renaissance faire at Agecroft Hall & Gardens that honors the rebels across history.

The organization, whose mission is to provide a platform for the exploration, education, and preservation of historical martial arts and artisan trades, will host an immersive event spotlighting powerful women throughout history such as Joan of Arc, Tomyris, Rani Durgavati, and Grace O’Malley. The day includes performances, crafting activities, sword and combat demonstrations, shield and sheath axe throwing, and an open-air artisan market with more than 50 vendors.

While many other Renaissance faires would normally choose a narrative around royalty figures or the upper class, “Warriors in Bloom” seeks to focus on the tales of the common people.

“We wanted to shift the focus to telling the stories of the tradesmen and the artisans that made this time period so exciting and unique,” organizer Ash Moore says, adding that the term “virago” (Latin for “female warrior”) was originally used as a word to scorn women who showed strength. That word was something they wanted to reclaim.

“We want to inspire others to feel empowered by the women who broke down the expectations that society placed on them.”

“We’re closing the event with a five-piece all-female punk band,” says organizer Amanda Robinson. “I feel like punk is a great example of speaking out against authority and breaking down social norms, and it just felt like mixing punk with a Renfaire best represented the mission of what we’re trying to do.”

The event will also feature Virago Alley’s own spin on the classic witch trails.

“Most people think that we’re just going to do sort of a traditional approach, but instead we’re reversing the story and rewriting history so that our witches can put the accusers on trial,” Robinson says.

Following the overwhelming success of a Richmond Renaissance Faire fundraising kick-off at Gallery5 back in March, Virago Alley wanted to keep that momentum going and quickly planned another event, which also acts as a fundraiser for the development of an official multi-day Renfaire coming in spring 2026.

“We knew that Richmond would probably be interested in a Renaissance faire when we started, but we had no idea how much,” Moore says. “And as we come together, these things just sort of build and evolve, so this whole process has been very organic. It’s been wonderful and beautiful to watch and be a part of.”

Volunteer Kevin Barry, who has worked with the Virginia Renaissance Faire for decades producing costumes and armor, says this event is a great way for him to utilize his metal-making skills for a cause he feels is important.

“I’ve always been a craftsman of some sort,” he says, showing off his armored sabatons for the Joan of Arc reenactor. “I’ve always wanted to be involved. I really like the types of things that Virago Alley is trying to do, focusing on these empowered women throughout history.”

“I think that a place for people to get weird and have fun is much needed in this city,” Moore says. “I think that we’ve always been this kind of punk, boots-on-the-ground kind of city. Our artists are out there supporting each other.

And while showcasing the strong women throughout history is the main focus, the event also aims to represent Richmond and its artistic weirdness.

“I feel like Renaissance faires are considered the new vaudeville,” says Robinson. “It’s a place for all the misfits in Richmond that are fascinated with history and cosplay and fantasy to all come together, coexist and be someone they’re not or someone they aspire to be.”

“I think that a place for people to get weird and have fun is much needed in this city,” Moore says. “I think that we’ve always been this kind of punk, boots on the ground kind of city. Our artists are out there supporting each other. It’s that creative spirit that has fostered this type of initiative to even be able to take place. We’re excited to continue to build those collaborations, and uplift the artists in our community.”

“Warriors in Bloom” takes place at Agecroft Hall & Gardens on Saturday, Aug. 2 from 12-5 p.m. Tickets are $12-$15. More information is available at viragoalley.com.