Richmond families are invited to celebrate a century of memories at Maymont during the free “Cheers to 100 Years” community festival on Saturday, June 6, 2026. The all-day celebration marks 100 years since the historic estate opened to the public in 1926 and promises an afternoon packed with family-friendly fun, live entertainment, animals, history, and outdoor adventures across Maymont’s beautiful 100-acre property.
The festival will take place from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., and all entrances to Maymont will be open throughout the day. Best of all, admission is completely free and no registration is required, making it an easy and affordable outing for families looking to enjoy a summer day together.
Families can start their celebration on the Carriage House Lawn, where there will be picnic areas, food trucks, craft activities, and lawn games inspired by the Dooley family era. Visitors can also browse limited-edition 100th anniversary merchandise and enjoy free audio tours available from the Stone Barn Welcome Center. Live music from the band Sold Separately will keep the energy going throughout the afternoon with favorite hits from the ‘90s and early 2000s.
Animal lovers will have plenty to explore during the event. Along the recently reopened Virginia Wildlife Trail, guests can stop for keeper talks and learn more about the rescued native animals that call Maymont home. At the Robins Nature Center, families can enjoy free admission to the “Run of the River” exhibits, meet animal ambassadors during Creature Features, and listen to storytelling sessions in the Robins Room.
Kids can also head to Maymont Farm for hands-on activities in the Farm Classrooms and a farmers market on the Farm Lawn. Picnic Hill will feature additional food trucks and seating areas, making it easy for families to relax and enjoy lunch together while taking in the festivities.
History fans will not want to miss the free mini-tours inside the historic Maymont Mansion, including the main floor and belowstairs areas. Families can also wander through the estate’s gardens and learn more about the legacy of James and Sallie Dooley, whose former home became one of Richmond’s most beloved public spaces.
The centennial celebration is part of a larger yearlong anniversary for Maymont, which also includes the reopening of the renovated mansion and enhancements to the Virginia Wildlife Trail. For generations of Richmond families, Maymont has been a place to connect with nature, history, wildlife, and each other — and “Cheers to 100 Years” is designed to celebrate those memories while creating new ones for years to come.
Families planning to attend should wear comfortable walking shoes, bring sunscreen and water, and consider arriving early to make the most of the day’s activities across the sprawling estate. Whether you come for the animals, the gardens, the music, or simply a picnic in one of Richmond’s favorite green spaces, this free birthday celebration promises something for everyone.
