How to Spend Your Summer in Downtown Richmond

Looking for a lineup of the best events in Richmond, VA to celebrate this summer? From outdoor live music to farmers markets, there is something for everyone to do in downtown Richmond! Check out our list of summer events in Richmond, VA and spend the season near the River!

From tunes to trail running, bikes to bouldering, SUPs to pups, fishing, craft brews, paddling on the James, and more…it’s all happening right here in Richmond!

Highlighted by the James River, surrounding trail network, and numerous parks, we are lucky to have so many options for outdoor adventure! Join Venture Richmond and Sports Backers to #RockTheOutdoors as you discover new ways to experience Richmond’s amazing outdoor scene!

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Festival Open Hours

Friday, May 16, 5-9:30 PM | Saturday, May 17, 7-9:30 PM | Sunday, May 18, 7-5 PM

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Check out the full Riverrock schedule.

Friday Cheers is a weekly summer concert series that brings some of the biggest up-and-coming artists to Brown’s Island along Downtown Richmond's riverfront every Friday in May and June at just $10-15 for a family-friendly night of live music. Fun for all ages! Friday Cheers returns for its 40th season in 2025 as Richmond’s longest running concert series showcasing some of the nation’s hottest touring bands and all-time regional favorites. Did we mention tickets start at only $10?

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Check out the full lineup of artists performing through June.

Enjoy some great shows from the Broadberry Entertainment Group on Brown's Island! With artists like Wallows, Men I Trust, and more, these outdoor shows in Richmond are sure to be a summer highlight!

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Explore the 2025 lineup of shows through September.

There's something for the whole family at the Richmond Night Market! Explore the Artisan Village and support local artists and small business owners while the Creative Kids Hangout keeps your young explorers busy then check out the Main Stage, which offers live music and crowd engagement. The Maker Space is where adults can create and have fun with friends, and new mural artists will be painting live throughout the night.

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Don't miss out on the fun of these summer activities in Richmond VA, held every second Saturday from 5-9 PM (April-December) at the 17th Street Market!

Join UnlockingRVA for their 'Silent Party' within the 17th Street Market from 7-10 PM! Upon arrival you will receive a wireless pair of headphones in order to fully tap into the 'Silent Party' DJ's LIVE mixes and appropriately distance yourself wherever you feel most comfortable in the marketplace. Each headphone will be fully sanitized prior and in your possession throughout the event.

Come join Keep Virginia Cozy as they celebrate upcoming summer adventures at the newly renovated 14th Street space of Riverside Outfitters. Chow down on some delicious food from 1115 Mobile Kitchen, Goatocado, Vegan Action, and ArrozRVA! Give your ears a treat while listening to the sweet sounds of Andrew Alli & Josh Smalls! Get your chill on as you wash it all down with some of the finest brews from Väsen Brewery (They're even brewing a special Cozy Ale with Väsen for this event!), HIKE Hopped Seltzer and Ninja Kombucha!

Richmond’s biggest block party in the heart of Shockoe Bottom is back! Enjoy a day of music performances across multiple stages and a hometown celebration of all things Richmond. Experience live music from some of Richmond's most diverse indie talents, with the food, drink, arts, culture, and community energy that makes the 804 thrive.

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Check out the list of nonprofits, businesses, vendors, and charities on-site for 804 Day 2025.

JamPacked Craft Beer & Music Festival is made for the intersection of those of us who appreciate live jam music and craft beer. Once again, JamPacked 2025 will feature 30 local, regional and national craft breweries each offering two of their juicy wonders. To make selections even more flexible, this year the festival will feature cider, canned cocktails and a no-alcohol beer! Along with some delicious brews, enjoy performances by Lotus, Moon Taxi, Spafford, and more!

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Check out breweries on-site, stage lineup and food offerings on the JamPacked website.

Get ready to experience Richmond’s freshest new tradition! The Richmond Grower’s Market is a producer-only farmers market launching in May 2025, dedicated to local food, community connection, and small business growth.

Located at Legend Brewing Co. in the heart of Manchester, this vibrant market will run every Saturday morning from May 3 through October 25, offering a curated selection of:

• Locally grown produce
• Artisan foods and goods
• Fresh flowers, herbs, and more

Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront will be a first of its kind 7,500-capacity amphitheater coming to Downtown Richmond this Summer 2025!

Kicking off it's first show on June 6, the venue will offer a vibrant destination for life music and entertainment during the summer months. Placed alongside the James River and Historic Tredegar, the amphitheater offers stunning views of Downtown Richmond and is set to make Richmond a must visit destination for your favorite performers!

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With artists like Boyz II Men, Steve Martin & Martin Short, and Dave Matthews Band taking the stage this summer, the Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront will surely be the regions hotspot for unforgettable performances!

Luckily for us, there are tons of fun things to do in Richmond, VA. Check out our downtown calendar, chock-full of RVA events.

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Written by Hunter Bonniwell

Updated by 2025 Marketing Intern, Kiera James