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 all you can eat crab festivals, 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 Riverrock and #RockTheOutdoors as you discover new ways to experience Richmond’s amazing outdoor scene!

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Festival Open Hours

Friday, May 19

• 5-9:30 PM

Saturday, May 20

• 12-9:30 PM

Sunday, May 21

• 12-5 PM

See 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!

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Friday Cheers returns for its 38th season in 2023 as Richmond’s longest running concert series showcasing some of the nation’s hottest touring bands and all-time regional favorites.

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Check out the full lineup of artists.

Enjoy some great shows from the Broadberry on Brown's Island! With artists like Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Young the Giant, and Jason Isbell, these outdoor shows in Richmond are sure to be a summer highlight!

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. 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!

Experience the vibrant showcase of African American creators, crafters, farmers, and growers at the renowned RVA Black Farmers Market. This eagerly anticipated Richmond summer event returns to a Historic Jackson Ward outdoor venue, providing a platform for individuals to share their exceptional talents with the Richmond community. Immerse yourself in the diverse array of offerings, where creativity and skill come together to create a truly remarkable experience!

Get ready for the ultimate blast from the past with the highly anticipated 80's Was the Greatest on Brown's Island! Prepare to be amazed by incredible acts such as "JEEZY" (The SnoMan), the iconic "DRU HILL" featuring SISQO in celebration of their 25th anniversary, Grammy-nominated sensation "MARSHA AMBROSIUS" from the duo Floetry, hip-hop legend "KOOL MOE DEE," and the unstoppable force of "BE'LA DONA," DC's renowned all-female Go-Go Band.

Hammers & Ales is an all-day party and community give-back event on Brown's Island Saturday, June 10th. The Hammers & Ales party side features live music, local beer & food trucks, and tool-themed games. The give-back experience includes team-sponsored build projects where participants use ToolBank materials, tools, and instructions to hand-build outdoor furniture and placemaking features that are donated to local community groups. This year, teams will choose from hand-building a park bench, picnic table, or a dog house. The outdoor furniture and placemaking features will be donated to James River Park and the doghouses go to Ring Dog Rescue.

Richmond's All You Can Eat Crab Festival is back on Brown's Island! Indulge in delicious hot and fresh crabs, live music featuring the legendary DJ Kool and En'Novation Band & Show with DJ Joe Fu and DJ Drake, along with food and merchandise vendors!

Virginia PrideFest is a FREE event celebrating Virginia's LGBTQ+ community with performers, vendors, food, live music and more! This year's festival will close with a special performance from Tegan and Sara - don't miss it!