What should we do today? This season is hot, long, and can sometimes feel boring. Luckily for you, I’ve got the must-have checklist for summer in Richmond!
I spent an entire day just scouring Facebook events, Google, and Instagram to find the best of the best things for you to do this summer. From museums to visit, to festivals you won’t want to miss – there’s something for everyone. A lot of these are free, so make sure you click on the links to find out if you need to RSVP or get tickets.
Keep on scrolling to view the master list of summer-specific activities in RVA! I will try to continue updating this as summer goes on.
Places to Visit
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens (specifically for their “Butterflies LIVE!” exhibit)
Richmond Flying Squirrels Game
South of the James Farmer’s Market
COFFEE SHOPS (you know this is a personal favorite of mine, so check out my recommendations right here)
Places to Eat (& Drink)
Breweries
Hardywood Brewery (especially on a “Food Truck Court” day)
Garden Grove Brewing & Urban Winery
Rooftop Bars
Ice Cream Shops
Events
July
7/3 – 7/4 Rocketts Red Glare 2019
7/4 4th of July Rooftop Bash at Graduate Hotel
7/4 4th of July Concert & Fireworks at Dogwood Dell
7/4 Fourth of July at Quirk Hotel
7/11-8/5 2019 Richmond Symphony Summer Recital Series
7/12-7/13 Hanover Tomato Festival
7/13 Yoga With Cats
7/13 RVA Reggae & Jerk Festival
7/17 BreakoutHunt 2019
7/18 Cupcakes & Cocktails
7/19 Science After Dark: Moon Landing
7/19 Red Jumpsuit Apparatus at Canal Club
7/20 Stony Point Wine Festival
7/20 SouthEast Crab Feast
7/20 Dogtown Beer and Tacos Festival
7/20 Blacklight Run
7/20 Carol Burnett at the Altria
7/22 Nas at The National
August
8/8-8/11 The Richmond Jazz and Music Festival
8/9-8/10 Filipino Festival
8/11 Watermelon Festival
8/17 Eli Young Band at The National
8/22 The Temptations + The Four Tops at the Altria
8/24 Crabs, Beer & Spirits by the James
September
9/14 VegFest
9/14 Street Festival of the Arts
9/20-9/22 St. Benedict Oktoberfest
9/21 Richmond Dog Festival 2019
9/21 Lauren Alaina at The National
I know I’m looking forward to the Filipino Festival! I went last year and loved every second of it, especially being introduced to all the food by my Filipino husband. I also can’t wait for the Watermelon Festival and Oktoberfest!
Related Posts: Best Cafés and Coffee Shops in Richmond // Most Insta-Worthy Spots in RVA // A Review of Graduate Richmond
Which activity sounds like it’s most up your alley for the summer in Richmond?
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rachel says
Your guides always have me craving a trip to Richmond to experience these activities for myself! Maybe this fall 😉
Rachel
http://www.hello-her.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Ahh I really hope you visit this fall. I’d love to see you!
Lina says
Richmond looks amazing! What a nice place to visit. Great guide ❤️
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m so proud to call it home!
Carrington Barfield says
These are all such great finds! I’ve been to Virginia Beach in Virginia, but never Richmond. It looks like such a fun place though based on your recommendations of places to go!
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m constantly telling people how there’s more to Richmond than what most think! It’s got so much going for it!
Cathy says
So many fun events! If I visit, I will definitely access this list!
XOXO
Cathy
Stephanie Whitman says
You definitely need to have it on your travel bucket list. RVA is just the coolest place!
Rach says
This summer list is amazing!! I had no idea there’s all this going in Richmond!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Sometimes I think people assume that it’s just a southern honky tonk town. But there’s a TON happening in RVA and it’s really modern and artsy, with lots to do!
Greta says
I’m saving this for whenever I’m in the area! Such a great checklist.
Stephanie Whitman says
It’s not that far of a roadtrip from where you are! You should definitely visit at some point.
Crystal // Dreams, etc. says
Your pictures are so pretty! It looks like there’s a lot to do this summer!
Erin says
You hit so many good ones! We live in the bessssssssst city ❤️🙌🏻
Tanvi Rastogi says
Thanks for this post … I am gonna try and plan a roadtrip to RVA this summer. Fingers-crossed.
❥ tanvii.com
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m happy to make suggestions if you end up visiting. I know all the best spots hehe
Crystal // Dreams, etc. says
Your pictures are so pretty! It looks like there’s a lot to do this summer!
Stephanie Whitman says
There always is! RVA has so much happening during this season, especially. I can’t wait to enjoy some of the festivals!
Erin says
You hit so many good ones! We live in the bessssssssst city ❤️🙌🏻
Stephanie Whitman says
Agreed! Each year I appreciate Richmond more and more 🙂
Kileen says
So many fun things to do there!! Definitely need to plan a trip out there with my family!
Kileen
cute & little
Stephanie Whitman says
You’d love it here. There’s tons to do with kids, also! We have an amazing science museum and such a cool kids museum, plus tons of great parks and places to visit!
Rowena says
There’s so much going on in Richmond! I definitely want to visit, it sounds amazing! Love your pictures too.
Kasey @ Days of a Wife says
wow this is so fun! I used to live in Richmond as a kid. Recently when we went back to visit we randomly stumbled upon a lavender field and they were having this huge event it was so cool! I think it was in Glen Allen technically, but if you have never been you should definitely check it out!
Lydia says
I’m so impressed at how many amazing events you found to stay busy all summer! I hope you have your best summer ever!
Chic on the Cheap
Denise Kokinis says
Oh so impressed how you found so many awesome activities to share! I love finding things to do in my city, but honestly am a bit lazy when it comes to actually looking for them! Wishing we had you in Chicago to make this list as well!
Denise | Fashion Love Letters
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m kinda glad I put this post together, because it forced me to find the activities in the first place. I knew about a handful of them, but now I know there’s PLENTY to do this summer!
Rowena says
There’s so much going on in Richmond! I definitely want to visit, it sounds amazing! Love your pictures too.
Stephanie Whitman says
There definitely is. Always always something fun happening in this city, and I love every second of it!
Lauryn Hock says
You had me at Rooftop Bars! Love that you posted all these events!
Stephanie Whitman says
Rooftop bars are kinda my jam. I super love going to the Graduate, especially, because it’s the highest rooftop bar in the city and has the most SPECTACULAR view!
Kasey @ Days of a Wife says
wow this is so fun! I used to live in Richmond as a kid. Recently when we went back to visit we randomly stumbled upon a lavender field and they were having this huge event it was so cool! I think it was in Glen Allen technically, but if you have never been you should definitely check it out!
Stephanie Whitman says
No way! That’s so cool. Glen Allen isn’t far at all – was it literally Lavender Fields Farm? Because I haven’t been, but my sister used to go ALL the time, and we purchase products from them constantly!
Sarah Lindner says
Such a fun post! I love rooftop bars!!
xoxo Sarah
Shannon says
This is such an extensive list with so many great ideas! I am so pumped to check out Richmond!
Stephanie Whitman says
It took me probably 4+ hours just to find all THESE events (and I’m sure there are so many more I’ll end up adding haha). There’s so much going on this summer!
Amanda says
wow who knew there was so much to do there!
Lydia says
I’m so impressed at how many amazing events you found to stay busy all summer! I hope you have your best summer ever!
Chic on the Cheap
Stephanie Whitman says
Oh YEAH. There’s tons to do in the summer in RVA – it’s the river city, after all – so most people love to keep busy outdoors!
Becky says
This is such a great resource! I’ve thought for awhile about starting a second blog that’s more lifestyle and focus on stuff in my hometown, because it’s a really cool place with lots of amazing events and places. I’d love to create something like this… if only I had more time!
Denise Kokinis says
Oh so impressed how you found so many awesome activities to share! I love finding things to do in my city, but honestly am a bit lazy when it comes to actually looking for them! Wishing we had you in Chicago to make this list as well!
Denise | Fashion Love Letters
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m kinda glad I put this post together, because it forced me to find the activities in the first place. I knew about a handful of them, but now I know there’s PLENTY to do this summer!
Lauryn Hock says
You had me at Rooftop Bars! Love that you posted all these events!
Stephanie Whitman says
Rooftop bars are kinda my jam. I super love going to the Graduate, especially, because it’s the highest rooftop bar in the city and has the most SPECTACULAR view!
Sarah Lindner says
Such a fun post! I love rooftop bars!!
xoxo Sarah
Stephanie Whitman says
You and me, both. They’re just the greatest!
Amanda says
wow who knew there was so much to do there!
Stephanie Whitman says
Yeah, I think people assume Richmond is just a super conservative, southern city with nothing but small-town charm, but in actuality, it’s super modern, artsy, and liberal with TONS to do and see and enjoy!
Becky says
This is such a great resource! I’ve thought for awhile about starting a second blog that’s more lifestyle and focus on stuff in my hometown, because it’s a really cool place with lots of amazing events and places. I’d love to create something like this… if only I had more time!
Stephanie Whitman says
I think you could even just get away with a section on your blog designed for it. That would be really neat! I bet there’s so much you could share with your readers!
Candace Hampton says
I love that a lot of these are free. I’m really interested in the Richmond VegFest! Sounds like an amazing opportunity to know a lot of people with my same perspective of vegan or vegetarian life.
Candace Hampton
Stephanie Whitman says
If I didn’t have so many insane food allergies that prevent me from enjoying most vegan and vegetarian cuisine, I’d definitely be heading to that festival. I bet it’s so cool!
Lee says
Looks like there are SO many fun things to do there!
Stephanie Whitman says
Tons! I’m really excited to kinda get reacquainted with my city this summer through all the events!
Candace Hampton says
I love that a lot of these are free. I’m really interested in the Richmond VegFest! Sounds like an amazing opportunity to know a lot of people with my same perspective of vegan or vegetarian life.
Candace Hampton
Stephanie Whitman says
If I didn’t have so many insane food allergies that prevent me from enjoying most vegan and vegetarian cuisine, I’d definitely be heading to that festival. I bet it’s so cool!
Lee says
Looks like there are SO many fun things to do there!
Stephanie Whitman says
Tons! I’m really excited to kinda get reacquainted with my city this summer through all the events!
Lecy | A Simpler Grace says
Richmond is such a busy and fun city and they always seem to have some great event going on. I need to get back down there for a visit. Thanks for sharing this, Stephanie! <3
Stephanie Whitman says
You’re right! There’s tons happening here, this summer, and the rest of the year. I love living here! 🙂
Laura Leigh says
Oh my gosh so fun!!! What a great post to put together for your local ladies. Love it gal!
xo Laura Leigh
http://www.louellareese.com
Taylor Mobley says
I love these local activities! Also now I want to come visit. 😉
Ashley says
Oh wow. I had no idea there was so much to do! I need to make a trip!
Taylor Aube says
This is such a great and detailed post! I love a good summer bucket list and all of these places sound so cool. I’m always looking for posts like this when I travel, they are so helpful for planning a fun trip!
Laura S says
Richmond looks like so much fun! I’ve never been before!
Jiawun says
Wow, there’s so much to do in Richmond over the Summer! To me, it’s definitely all the food, I gotta say 😛
Elodie says
Such a cool guide! I’m definitely adding Richmond to the list of places I want to visit in the US!
Elodie says
Such a cool guide! I’m definitely adding Richmond to the list of places I want to visit in the US!
Lavenda says
So cute, and such a great guide! Thank you so much for sharing love!
Xoxo,
Lavenda
Deborah says
I LOVE Richmond in the Summer! It’s such a charming city! This guide made me want to go back and visit again!
Kimberly Burke says
omgosh! I wish you lived in my city so I had an easy cheat sheet like this to look at! Now I want to visit!!
Laura says
Wow, there are so many event going in in RVA!! Looks like you’ve been able to compile an extensive list of things to do this summer in Richmond! I wish there were that many events happening in our town!
xo, Laura
Bryanna says
100% book marking this! If I ever venture over to RVA, this will be so useful. I love how you not only listed out places, but different events going on throughout the summer (and dates)! So helpful and such a great round up!
xoxo Bryanna
Em says
Bookmarking this for the future! Have been wanting to visit RVA again soon and this has so many great spots!
Anna English says
July looks like such a fun and busy month in RVA!
Kenzi - Life of a Sister says
oh my GOSH. I wish I lived close to RVA to be able to use this amazing list! I love that you put different events, that would be a great weekend getaway to plan around certain things!
Jessica says
Such a great guide! I live near VA and I’m always looking for things to do! I’m glad you shared this. That is an awesome list of events.
Ashley Hargrove says
This is an EPIC list of things to do!! Definitely saving this post if I ever make my way up there!!
rachel says
Your guides always have me craving a trip to Richmond to experience these activities for myself! Maybe this fall 😉
Rachel
http://www.hello-her.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Ahh I really hope you visit this fall. I’d love to see you!
Carrington Barfield says
These are all such great finds! I’ve been to Virginia Beach in Virginia, but never Richmond. It looks like such a fun place though based on your recommendations of places to go!
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m constantly telling people how there’s more to Richmond than what most think! It’s got so much going for it!
Greta says
I’m saving this for whenever I’m in the area! Such a great checklist.
Rach says
This summer list is amazing!! I had no idea there’s all this going in Richmond!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Sometimes I think people assume that it’s just a southern honky tonk town. But there’s a TON happening in RVA and it’s really modern and artsy, with lots to do!
Lina says
Richmond looks amazing! What a nice place to visit. Great guide ❤️
Tanvi Rastogi says
Thanks for this post … I am gonna try and plan a roadtrip to RVA this summer. Fingers-crossed.
❥ tanvii.com
Cathy says
So many fun events! If I visit, I will definitely access this list!
XOXO
Cathy
Stephanie Whitman says
You definitely need to have it on your travel bucket list. RVA is just the coolest place!
Ashley says
Oh wow. I had no idea there was so much to do! I need to make a trip!
Laura Leigh says
Oh my gosh so fun!!! What a great post to put together for your local ladies. Love it gal!
xo Laura Leigh
http://www.louellareese.com
Taylor Mobley says
I love these local activities! Also now I want to come visit. 😉
Kimberly Burke says
omgosh! I wish you lived in my city so I had an easy cheat sheet like this to look at! Now I want to visit!!
Taylor Aube says
This is such a great and detailed post! I love a good summer bucket list and all of these places sound so cool. I’m always looking for posts like this when I travel, they are so helpful for planning a fun trip!
Jiawun says
Wow, there’s so much to do in Richmond over the Summer! To me, it’s definitely all the food, I gotta say 😛
Lavenda says
So cute, and such a great guide! Thank you so much for sharing love!
Xoxo,
Lavenda
Lecy | A Simpler Grace says
Richmond is such a busy and fun city and they always seem to have some great event going on. I need to get back down there for a visit. Thanks for sharing this, Stephanie! <3
Stephanie Whitman says
You’re right! There’s tons happening here, this summer, and the rest of the year. I love living here! 🙂
Laura S says
Richmond looks like so much fun! I’ve never been before!
Deborah says
I LOVE Richmond in the Summer! It’s such a charming city! This guide made me want to go back and visit again!
Shannon says
This is such an extensive list with so many great ideas! I am so pumped to check out Richmond!