Hey there! Looks like you found us. This is the home of the RVA Beard League, also formerly known as The Follicles of the James ‘Stache & Beard League. Don’t get hung-up on our use of the word “beard,” either, it’s just a convenient shorthand for facial hair. We support fuzzy faces in all its amazing forms. The RVA Beard League is a founding member of the North American Competitive Beard & Moustache Alliance, the largest chapter of Beard Team USA in the region, and the newest North American member of  the World Beard and Moustache Association. 

Born in a city legendary for not following the status quo, The League was formed to help bring together the people of Richmond (fuzzy or not), be good facial hair ambassadors in the community, and to socialize over a few pints. We encourage the tradition of, promote the appreciation of, and work to increase respect for facial hair in all its forms through community volunteer work, charity fundraising, and camaraderie.

Do I Need A Big Beard or Moustache?

Hells no! As a wise Jedi once said “size matters not.” Membership in the RVA Beard League is open to all bipedal mammal who support facial hair. Anyone — whether moustachioed, sideburned, short-bearded, long-bearded, goateed, or (in)voluntarily clean-shaven — is welcome. For ladies who love making and rocking fake beards and ‘staches, there’s also our sister group, the Bearded Beauties of the River City, the RVA Whiskerinas!

Oh, yeah, and it’s free. Sound like your thing? Then JOIN IN!

Awesome. Now What?

Since we’re a social club, we have monthly pub nights the second Monday of each month at Station 2. They have a great selection of beers from PBR to local craft beers. After all, there’s no “beard” without “beer.” Check on the Events calendar for more info on those, and information about upcoming regional moustache & beard events and competitions.

One of the activities that The League fosters and encourages is participating in competitive bearding. (Don’t worry, they're not just contests for giant beards, there’s a category for everyone.) Other facial hair clubs along the East Coast (and beyond) host competitions and we travel around, as personal schedules and finances permit, to meet with and compete against our bearded brethren. The events are always held to benefit local charities, and end up being one part dog and pony show and one part alumni mixer, and we get to meet up with old friends, and make a few new ones in the process. We attend for the camaraderie, and to help support our communities. 

On April 27, 2013, we hosted the 2nd Annual Mid-Atlantic Beard & ‘Stache Championships. Thanks to the people of RVA, and our friends near and far who attended, we were able to donate $5,400 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Richmond and Tri-Cities.  Our first charity competition raised $1,400 for the Central Virginia Food Bank, and collected nearly 250 pounds in the food drive! A 25 minute mini-documentary was made at the event by Joe Palmer which recaps the night, and helps explain why we spend our time and money participating in charity facial hair competitions. We enjoyed it so much, we're doing it again! We'll be hosting the 3rd Annual Mid-Atlantic Beard & ‘Stache Championships on April 26, 2014! Come join us and see what we're all about.