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Dogwood Dell
Dogwood Dell PhotoDogwood Dell is a 2,400 seat amphitheatre owned and operated by the Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities and located in Byrd Park.

Since 1956, it has been home to the Festival of Arts; a summer long celebration of the arts featuring art exhibits, concerts, dance and theatre. In addition to these events, the Festival of Arts also incorporates a children's series with performances at our Ha' Penny stage.

The Festival of Arts offers approximately fifty or more shows which were attended by over 100,000 people last year.

For more information, call 804-646-1437 or call the Dell hotline at 804-646-DELL.

Dogwood Dell Photo With its eclectic mix of old and new, the Festival of Arts has become one of Richmond's cultural treasures. Through our programming, the Festival of Arts strives to bring the Richmond community some of the most innovative and avant-garde performers, while also respecting the value and importance of traditional and classical works.

Since the opening in the mid-50's, the Festival of Arts at Dogwood Dell (Byrd Park) has become a traditional summer showcase of fine arts performance and entertainment.

Throughout June, July, and August, a variety of shows can be enjoyed at the "Dell" including classical music and dance; drama, comedy, and musical theatre; reggae, pop, swing, rhythm and blues, rock, jazz and contemporary music concerts. The Festival of Arts is flavored for every taste. Come early for a seat in the amphitheatre or bring a blanket to sit in the surrounding park.

Although the dance concerts and programs presented at Dogwood Dell are normally purchased packaged shows for which we provide technical assistance, our three theatre productions are produced fully in-house. While many of our theatre productions are Richmond premieres, we also stage contemporary favorites. These productions continually prove to be some of Richmond's favorites and have even won awards.



Ha'Penny Stage

The Ha'Penny Stage behind the Carillon is a center for children's theatre and entertainment on Sunday afternoons during the Festival of Arts. Programs include music, theatre, juggling, story-telling and more.

Past Festivals

Past Festivals have included performances by The Richmond Symphony, The Lyric Ensemble, Bio Ritmo, 80th Division Army Band, Fat Ammon's, BS&M, Chuck Davis African Dance Ensemble productions, Blue Ridge Theatre Festival, Theatre IV, SPARC and the University of Richmond among many, many others.

Departmental Productions

Departmental produced productions include such shows as Camelot, Evita, Steel Magnolias, Raisin in the Sun, Barnum, Jesus Christ Superstar, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Will, The Scarlet Letter, Teahouse of the August Moon, The Shadowbox, The Piano Lesson and many more!

Volunteer Opportunities

Opportunities also exist for volunteers to participate in theatre instruction and production. Theatre lovers and volunteers experience behind the scenes activity, participate in theatre trips at special rates and attend special appearances of well-known guest actors. For more information about volunteering call 804-646-1437 or 804-646-1031.

Cancellations

The Dogwood Dell does not cancel performances until showtime (unless drastic weather conditions exist). Patrons can listen to WRVA for Dell cancellations. Call 804-646-DELL, during the summer for schedule updates.

Directions

North of the James
Take State Route 161 South (the Boulevard) until it changes to Blanton Avenue. At the intersection of Blanton Avenue and Pump House Drive (immediately in front of the mall leading to the Carillon Tower), make a left turn then an immediate right turn into the entrance drive. Cobblestone driveway leads to the parking lots (on the right) adjacent to Dogwood Dell.

South of the James
Take State Route 161 North (Belt Boulevard/Westover Hills Boulevard) to the bridge (25 cent toll). Cross the Bridge. After passing the Toll Booths, take the second left onto the entrance drive (The parking lots are on the left adjacent to Dogwood Dell).

From North and West of Richmond/I-95 South & I-64 East
Follow signs for I-95 North to Washington and Interstate 64 and Interstate 95 will join; take Boulevard exit. Turn left (Hermitage) under overpass and go to the first stoplight. Turn right (Robin Hood) and go two blocks to stoplight. Turn left onto Boulevard. Proceed along Boulevard approximately 2 miles. You will cross over the downtown expressway (still on Boulevard). Shortly after crossing over the Expressway you will see tennis courts to your right and a fountain lake with paddleboats to your left. The road will bend to your right at a statue of Christopher Columbus. Follow road to the right (name changes to Blanton Avenue at this point). Proceed on Blanton for 6 blocks to a T intersection and turn left. Then make an immediate right into the park.

From West and East of Richmond
Taking Route 360 and Route 60. Go East to Belt Blvd., turn left and follow Belt Blvd. & Westover Hills Blvd. (name changes) to Boulevard Bridge and cross the river. Take the second left after the toll booth into the park. Turn left on the first paved road (on the left) to circle above amphitheater.

From South of Richmond
Follow Powhite Parkway North. Take left fork and first exit after fork (Douglasdale/McCloy) to stop light. Take a left at the light onto Boulevard. You will cross over the downtown expressway (still on the Boulevard). Shortly after crossing over the Expressway you will see tennis courts to your right and a fountain lake with paddleboats to your left. The road will bend to your right at a statue of Christopher Columbus. Follow road to the right (name changes to Blanton Avenue at this point). Proceed on Blanton for 6 blocks to a T intersection & turn left. Then make an immediate right into the park.

For additional information, please call 804-646-1437.

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