Virago Alley

Creator of the Richmond Ren Faire.
(1)

Virago Alley is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide an accessible and inclusive platform for the exploration, education and preservation of historical martial arts & artisan trades.

07/23/2026

⚡️ MAIN STAGE HEADLINER: Ultra Bleach ⚡️

Get ready to turn it all the way up with Ultra Bleach at 4:00 PM both days on the Main Stage!

Hailing from Richmond, VA, Ultra Bleach delivers electrifying punk packed with infectious riffs, raw energy, and unstoppable groove. Led by the magnetic Grace, alongside Bobby, Carl, and Joey, the band tears into songs about life, love, the realities of womanhood, and challenging the status quo. Their stage presence demands you move.

At Warriors in Bloom, we celebrate the spirit of the virago. Women who are fierce, courageous, and unapologetically themselves. That same rebellious spirit runs through punk music. Punk has always been about defying convention, refusing to be silenced, and creating space for authentic self-expression. Ultra Bleach embodies that energy and reminds us that strength can be loud, joyful, and wildly empowering.

As the band says, “If you aren’t having fun, you’re doing it wrong!” So come ready to dance, shout, and celebrate your fiercest self.

🎸 Ultra Bleach
🕓 4:00 PM • Saturday & Sunday
📍 Main Stage

07/23/2026

Warriors in Bloom welcomes IONNA to the Main Stage, performing daily at 1:00 PM as part of an event rooted in courage, transformation, and the power of those who dare to lead.

A synth-pop duo from Richmond, Virginia, IONNA creates cinematic worlds where futuristic sound meets timeless spirit. Through shimmering 70’s disco melodies, 80’s synth textures, and modern indie dance, Soraya Teschner and Ross Wright invite audiences into the IONNAVERSE, a realm of reinvention, resilience, and awakening.

Chosen for their ability to channel the energy of a new era, IONNA brings a performance that echoes the legends who came before: the dreamers, the warriors, and the visionaries who stepped forward when the world was ready for change.

With Joan of Arc-inspired mythology woven into their story, IONNA embodies the spirit of the outsider turned icon, a symbol of conviction, transformation, and finding your voice against impossible odds.

Step into the IONNAVERSE.

✨ IONNA, Main Stage, 1:00 PM daily at Warriors in Bloom.

Follow: 𝓢𝓸𝓻𝓪𝔂𝓪 𝓢𝓲𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓮
🎧 Cinematic Synth-Pop

07/23/2026

Warriors in Bloom is delighted to welcome the Faewild Guild to its magical collection of activities and immersive experiences, bringing even more enchantment to this year’s event.

The Faewild Guild emerges from misty woodlands and hidden garden paths, bringing spirits, tricksters, and other liminal beings that dwell just beyond the edges of the ordinary. Throughout Warriors in Bloom, these wandering fae weave through the gardens, offering chance encounters, playful mischief, and moments of unexpected wonder.

Visit the Faerie Trading Post, brought to you by the Richmond Fantasy and Folklore Society, to exchange curious trinkets and enchanted tokens, or seek out Stax, the Fae Archivist, a meticulous elf who carefully collects and preserves the wishes of travelers in the archives of the Faewild.

Keep an eye out for special appearances from Haggis the Troll, the self-proclaimed son of an Icelandic forest troll (and possibly a Highland cow), along with a host of wandering fae, mysterious woodland spirits, and other magical beings who may cross your path when you least expect it.

Whether you’re searching for folklore, laughter, or a touch of enchantment, the Faewild Guild invites you to wander just beyond the ordinary and discover the magic hidden within the gardens.

07/22/2026

Character Feature: Meet Morgan le Fay

Step into the magic of the FaeWild Guild and meet Morgan le Fay, portrayed by Nicole Pisaniello.

One of the most enduring figures of Arthurian legend, Morgan le Fay has been remembered as many things: healer, enchantress, queen, guardian of ancient wisdom, and, in some tales, a formidable adversary. As the ruler of the mystical Isle of Avalon, Morgan is deeply connected to the old magic and the unseen world, making her a fitting ambassador for the FaeWild Guild.

During the Virago Quest, Morgan invites patrons to choose a colored gem, each one revealing a different virtue to guide their journey. Whether your gem represents courage, wisdom, compassion, resilience, or another noble quality, the virtue you receive becomes part of your adventure through Warriors in Bloom.

Bringing Morgan le Fay to life is Nicole Pisaniello, a professional fantasy illustrator, circus performer, goblin-for-hire, and co-founder of RVA Krampusnacht. A longtime member of Richmond’s arts community since VCU days, Nicole has spent more than 20 years creating immersive experiences through visual art, performance, and folklore. Nicole teaches aerial silks and character workshops at Host of Sparrows Aerial Circus and performs with the company’s performance troupe. Passionate about celebrating mythology, creativity, and community, Nicole is thrilled to join Virago Alley for Warriors in Bloom as the FaeWild Guild’s character actor and guide into the realm of enchantment.

07/22/2026

Virago Quest Character Feature: Kris Makande as Eleno de Céspedes

As part of the Virago Quest, meet Kris Makande, who portrays Eleno de Céspedes in the Spinners and Weavers Guild.

A 41-year-old U.S. Navy veteran, proud parent of two, lifelong gamer, LARPer, and Renaissance Faire enthusiast, Kris began performing as an MC for Drag King shows in Wilmington, North Carolina, appearing across the East Coast under the stage name Shook ByNature. Earlier this year, they joined the Richmond Renaissance Faire Actors’ Troupe before bringing their talents to Virago Alley.

Born in 16th-century Spain to an enslaved Black mother and a Spanish father, Eleno de Céspedes served as a soldier, became a skilled surgeon, and survived trial by the Spanish Inquisition. Widely recognized today as an intersex and transgender historical figure, Eleno’s life is one of resilience, determination, and perseverance.

Follow the Virago Quest to the Spinners and Weavers Guild to meet Kris and discover the remarkable story of one of history’s most extraordinary pioneers.

07/21/2026

🌊 Character Actor Spotlight: Grace O’Malley of the River Folk Guild ⚓

The waters of Virago Quest carry many tales, and few are as bold as those of Grace O’Malley, the legendary Gaelic Irish chieftain, sailor, and leader known as the “Pirate Queen” of Connacht.

A woman who commanded ships, defended her people, and navigated both stormy seas and dangerous politics, Grace O’Malley (Gráinne Ní Mháille) became a symbol of courage, independence, and resilience. Her life embodies the spirit of the virago: a woman of strength and determination who forged her own path in a world that sought to limit her.

Portraying Grace is Cass Morris, a writer, editor, performer, and storyteller whose work lives at the intersection of history, imagination, and immersive experiences. Cass is the author of the Roman-inspired historical fantasy series The Aven Cycle, a contributor to immersive storytelling projects, and part of the team behind the Hugo Award-finalist podcast Worldbuilding for Masochists.

As Grace of the River Folk Guild, Cass will draw on the tradition of Irish oral storytelling, sharing a short tale before inviting participants to learn a simple nautical knot. Through story and skill, Grace will remind us that the sea rewards patience, preparation, and a steady hand.

Come hear the stories, learn the craft, and meet the women who bring Virago Quest to life. 🌊✨

07/21/2026

Come hang out TONITE at Black Heath Meadery for a collaborative mead launch in partnership with Agecroft Hall & Gardens to celebrate Warriors in Bloom 🍑⚔️

Warrior Blossom is a peach mead with notes of chamomile and basil inspired plant life that can be found on the grounds of Agecroft, showcasing a bright and calming summer palette.

The event will take place from 5-9pm on with WRIR-LP 97.3 FM Richmond, VA own .by.al.lupo playing tunes throughout the evening and interactive activities provide by Agecroft.

Warrior Blossom will be served at Warriors in Bloom, Virago Alley’s summer renaissance faire style event taking place August 1st and 2nd at Agecroft Hall & Gardens.

🎟️: more info through the link in our bio.

07/20/2026

Today we’re celebrating an incredible collaborator, a Richmond treasure, a Warriors in Bloom sponsor, featured performer, and vendor: Haunts of Richmond!

Our Virago Alley crew recently joined owners Chris and Beth for a haunted walking tour of Church Hill, beginning at the historic Patrick Henry Pub. It was a hot Richmond evening (our fans were working overtime!), but every minute was worth it. Their passion, storytelling, and deep knowledge made for an unforgettable dive into Richmond’s spooky history.

We’re so grateful to Chris and Beth for their ongoing love and support of our organization and nonprofit. We can’t wait to welcome them to the Tavern Storytellers Stage during Warriors in Bloom, August 1 & 2, where they’ll be sharing some chilling tales with festival guests!

Be sure to give Haunts of Richmond a follow on social media and book one of their tours. Whether you’re visiting Richmond or have lived here your whole life, you’re guaranteed to discover something new, uncover hidden history, and experience a side of the city you may never have seen before.

Support local. Support spooky. 🖤👻

07/20/2026

Guild Spotlight: Herbalists & Healers Guild

Step into a sanctuary where science meets sorcery and care is crafted by hand. The Herbalists & Healers Guild will transform the cottage near Agecroft’s Herb Garden into a welcoming space for herbal learning, healing, and discovery.

Hosted by the RVA Herbalist Alliance, this guild invites guests to explore the ancient and ever-evolving art of plant medicine through hands-on demonstrations of teas, infusions, tinctures, oxymels, hydrosols, and essential oils. Experience sensory tastings and conversations that weave together ancestral wisdom with modern herbal practice.

Whether you’re new to herbalism or have long walked the green path, stop by to learn, connect, and discover the remarkable stories and healing traditions rooted in the plants around us.

07/19/2026

Virago Quest Character Spotlight
Rani Durgavati, portrayed by Oona Sura

Oona Sura is a longtime casual cosplayer, devoted cat servant, librarian, and food justice advocate based in Richmond, Virginia. She is thrilled to return to Warriors in Bloom as Rani Durgavati, the legendary queen regent of Gondwana.

Renowned for her courage and leadership, Rani Durgavati earned a lasting reputation as a true virago, a woman celebrated for exceptional strength, valor, and martial skill. When her kingdom faced invasion by the Mughal Empire in 1564, she chose to lead her forces into battle rather than surrender. Fighting alongside her soldiers, she resisted overwhelming odds with determination and strategic leadership. Even after being gravely wounded, she refused capture, choosing death over submission. Her legacy endures as one of India’s most revered warrior queens, remembered for her bravery, resilience, and unwavering devotion to her people.

As part of the Herbalists & Healers Guild, Rani will also be offering beautiful henna designs, sharing a traditional art form long associated with celebration, beauty, and cultural heritage.

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200 W. Marshall Street, Suite 200
Richmond, VA
23220

Website

https://www.viragoalley.org/

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