Only The Best

Party snaps from Style Weekly’s inaugural Best Fest.

Last week, several hundred revelers gathered on a beautiful evening at the Branch Museum of Architecture and Design for Style Weekly’s inaugural Best Fest. The sold-out party on Thursday, Aug. 22 was presented by Capital One and held to celebrate the winners of our annual Best of Richmond issue from earlier in the summer.

Upon their arrival, guests received event passports, friendship bracelets, and a glass of Chloe Prosecco before embarking on a diverse culinary journey that featured mouthwatering bites from Best of Richmond winners including Bryan Park Bar and Grill; Butter Boys; Gelati Celesti; Lillie Pearl; Mama J’s; Mary Angela’s Pizzeria; Nate’s Bagels; Nile Kitchen; OMG OCPs; Philly Vegan; Quarter Horse; Southern Kitchen; and The Jasper.
Salt and Acid kept the energy high and loose with festive summer cocktails on tap like the Summer Celebration (featuring tequila blanco, coconut and glitter among its ingredients), Local Legend (Reservoir bourbon and salted rosemary honey) and Emerald Fizz (Seedlip Garden 108, garden juice, lime and soda). Blanchard’s similarly wowed guests with its coffee bar, featuring the Beany martini, Coffee Negroni and Cascara tonic. For those looking to cool off, there were crisp, cold cans from Hardywood Park Craft Brewery and sips from Reservoir Distillery.

The evening was filled with memorable live performances by local musicians Ant the Symbol, Deau Eyes, and Ms. Jaylin Brown, along with dazzling drag performances by Michelle Livigne, who was sporting large bunny ears. On the turntables, DJ B-Hamm and DJ Gabraham Lincoln kept the vibe alive inside with banging tunes that culminated in a lively dance party to end the night.

Outside on the large back patio and lawn, many guests congregated to chat, enjoy the weather and take photos. Local artist Hamilton Glass could be seen live painting a Style Weekly newsstand, Bangers and Dinks had a mini pickelball court, and photographer Em White capturing poignant moments with her stunning vintage Polaroid shots. Studio Two Three also was outside screen-printing custom tote bags and koozies for guests, while artist Jean Bean offered live tattoos during the event, and guests could apply custom temporary tattoos she designed just for the occasion. The Capital One lounge provided a relaxing space, complete with a caricature artist and comfortable seating.