The Richmond Symphony plans to host a spring festival in Jackson Ward to coincide with the grand opening of the new home of the Black History Museum, it has been announced.

The three-day “Celebrate Jackson Ward” event will run Friday, May 20, through Sunday, May 22, in Abner Clay Park, across from the historic Leigh Street Armory at 128 W. Leigh St. The museum has spent $8 million to renovate and expand the historic armory for its new quarters, which are nearly complete.

Virginia First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe joined Mayor Dwight C. Jones and other dignitaries last Thursday to announce the festivities, which will celebrate the people, places and history of Jackson Ward, the one-time center of the city’s black community in the northern section of Downtown. The programming will be similar to two annual festivals that celebrate Jackson Ward, the Down Home Family Reunion in August and the 2nd Street Festival in early October.

The May event is anticipated to add to the number of visitors to the city. It is scheduled for the same weekend as the popular Dominion Riverrock Festival on the James River in Downtown.

The Jackson Ward event also will take place just two weeks after the Symphony travels to Chimborazo Park to put on the East End Festival.

The symphony expects to spend $100,000 on each of the festivals, according to David Fisk, symphony executive director.

Mr. Fisk said the city is contributing about $25,000 for each event, plus departmental support. Area foundations also are making contributions to help cover the full cost.

Like the East End program, the Jackson Ward event is to feature the symphony on its outdoor stage under the new “Big Tent” and a host of professional, student and community performing groups.

The festival also will highlight the nonprofit ART 180’s annual youth art show and close with an ecumenical church service in the park.

Additional information: Scott Dodson, Richmond Symphony, (804) 788-4717, ext. 120, or sdodson@richmondsymphony.com.