The 2nd Street Festival: A Jackson Ward Tradition—and a New Beginning
Since 1988, the 2nd Street Festival has celebrated the African American culture and history of Jackson Ward. What began as a one-day celebration has grown into a two-day festival spanning eight blocks, with five stages of entertainment, food vendors, and a marketplace. It’s a neighborhood tradition, a gathering place for locals, and a homecoming for people who carry fond memories of the area.
Even with rain and chilly temperatures in the mix, Richmond showed up and made the most of the weekend. Couldn’t make it this year? You can revisit the festivities through photos on Venture Richmond’s Second Street Festival Facebook page.https://www.facebook.com/reel/1084947400813879
For Cheddar Jackson, this year’s festival brought an especially exciting milestone: the soft opening of The Panini Shoppe, our livestream studio.
The Panini Shoppe: The Next Chapter of Our Media Café
From the beginning, our vision has been bigger than a place to grab breakfast or lunch. We imagined a media café—a welcoming space where great food meets creativity, and where local artists, entertainers, and entrepreneurs can share their talents, build their brands, and connect with new audiences.
The Panini Shoppe is helping us bring that vision to life. We’re developing the studio and exploring projects that bring Richmond’s stories, people, and ideas into the spotlight. Follow @cheddarjacksonrva to see the progress, meet potential collaborators, and catch what’s coming next.
The Panini Shoppe’s development is supported by the Amex Shop Small Grants Program, presented by American Express and Main Street America.