Warriors in Bloom

Main Stage

11:45 AM – Opening Ceremony: Femme Celtique + The Virago Alley Character Troupe (VACT) 
12:30 PM – A Game of Courtly Love - Presented by VA Character Troupe
1:00 PM – Ionna (Singer-songwriter, acoustic / ethereal folk)
2:15 PM – Femme Celtique (Celtic bagpipes & percussion)
3:30 PM – A Game of Courtly Love - Presented by VA Character Troupe
4:00 PM – Ultra Bleach (Local punk rock band)

Storytellers Stage

12:00 PM – Spooky Hollow Storytellers
1:00 PM – Haunts of Richmond
2:00 PM – Spooky Hollow Storytellers
3:00 PM – Haunts of Richmond
4:00 PM – Spooky Hollow Storytellers

Roaming Performer

Erin Go Harp (ambient harp performances throughout the grounds)

Combat Demonstration Schedule

11:00–12:00 PM – Mixed Weapons Open Sparring
12:00–12:30 PM – Japanese Sword Arts Study
12:30–1:00 PM – Shaolin Staff Demo & Workshop
1:00–2:00 PM – Historical Fencing
2:00–2:30 PM – Barony of Caer Mear Fencing
2:30–3:15 PM – International Weapons Demo
3:30–4:00 PM – Historical Fencing Tournament
4:00–5:00 PM – Mixed Weapons Open Sparring

Featured Instructor: Shi Heng Chou

Shi Heng Chou (pronounced Shi HUNG CHO) is a 35th Generation Shaolin Disciple trained under Shaolin Monk Shi Yanfan.

Born in Northern Virginia as Natalie, she trained in performance arts before completing three years of monastic study at the Shaolin Temple of Los Angeles,
dedicating over 15,000 hours to meditation, Qi Gong, Gongfu (Kung Fu), tea ceremony, Chinese culture, discipline, and compassion.

One of the few women in the world to hold official Shaolin Disciple status, she was given the name Shi Heng Chou, meaning “Eternal Silk.”

Her programming at Warriors in Bloom includes: Qi Gong, Gongfu fundamentals, Tea ceremony experiences

Character Photo Booth Appearances

John of Arc
Boudicca
Hildegard
Queen Soma
Eleno de céspedes
Queen Rani Durgavati
and more…

Artisan Guilds & Living Craft

Iron & Steel Guild: Live bladesmithing by Join or Die Knives

Scribes & Illuminators Guild: Calligraphy, manuscripts, book arts, pigment & bookbinding

Herbalist & Healers Guild: Herbal education & ecological craft presented by RVA Herbalist Alliance

Feast & Ferment Guild: Artisan sourdough & historic breadmaking by Vivify Gardens

Faewild Guild: Folklore & faerie storytelling. Worlds collide once again as the Fae step through the veil, sending beloved faerie emissaries to share magic, mystery, and joy throughout the weekend.

Thespian Guild: Immersive roaming performance by Coalition Theatre & A Game of Courtly Love – Presented by the Virago Alley character troupe, a volunteer ensemble of actors and storytellers bringing history, folklore, and fantasy to life through immersive performance. In this interactive comedy, two princes compete to win the favor of a court of clever and capable fiancés in a royal game of love, laughter, and skill.

Virago Quest

An interactive festival-wide adventure. Travel across Agecroft Hall & Gardens meeting legendary viragos from history. Solve clues, complete trials, collect crests, and build your scroll of achievements. Prizes await those who complete the journey.