The Catholic Diocese of Richmond welcomed thousands to The Diamond for its first Catholic Fest, a daylong celebration of hope, faith and community. 

The free event, held Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., drew about 2,500 people from across the state. Organizers described the festival as a chance for people of all backgrounds to come together and celebrate what unites them. 

The event featured live music, food trucks, local performances and a Kids’ Zone with inflatables, a petting zoo and a magician. Guests also attended Mass inside the stadium and heard from faith-based speakers throughout the day. 

Evening performances included national acts Scythian, The Young Escape and Marie Miller, who took the main stage on the baseball field. 

“During the year of the Jubilee of Hope, at this Catholic Fest, and every day, we have the opportunity for renewal and being freed from the burdens, the chains that bind us, keeping us from growing in faith, hope and love, from knowing and living God’s life,” Bishop Barry C. Knestout said. 

The celebration marked the beginning of the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, a special observance in the global Catholic Church. Diocesan officials said Catholic Fest was created to share joy and unity in what they described as a divided time, offering the community “a beacon of light” and a chance to promote peace.