Brown's Island Event Rentals
Company benefits, marathons, concerts and festivals. What do all of these have in common? They can all happen on Brown’s Island in Downtown Richmond!
NOTICE: BROWN'S ISLAND WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR CONSTRUCTION FROM NOVEMBER 2025 - OCTOBER 2026.
About Brown's Island in Richmond
Brown's Island is an amazing, six acre riverfront space that accommodates up to 16,000 people and provides a beautiful backdrop for a variety of events. The event space has been home to events like the Richmond Marathon, Virginia Pride, Stone's Throwdown in RVA and the Annual Komen Central Virginia Race for the Cure! Brown's Island is located in the heart of Downtown Richmond, and also serves as the venue for one of Richmond's favorite summertime concert series, Friday Cheers.
How to Hold an Event on Brown's Island
Did you know that Venture Richmond supports Downtown Richmond events that draw more than 1 million people each year? We champion the Downtown Richmond area in all that we do, and strive to bring events to the city that will showcase Richmond’s beautiful downtown riverfront. However, while we handle the rental of some beautiful and unique downtown spaces, we do not serve as an event production company.
To have your application processed, your event date must be at least 90 days from the submission of your application.
As you prepare to rent Brown’s Island for a special event, we want to share with you all of the things you should consider before deciding to hold an event in our public space. Putting on an event usually takes months of preparation because of the need to consider the following:
Permits and Licenses Required for Events on Brown’s Island
To host any event on Brown’s Island, organizers must secure the following permits and licenses:
- City of Richmond Business License – Required for all event producers hosting an event within the city.
- General Liability Insurance – A policy of at least $1 million, obtained through your insurance provider.
- ABC License – Required if alcohol will be sold or served.
- Health Permit – Required for the sale or distribution of any type of food.
- Vendor Business Licenses – Each food and merchandise vendor must have their own business license.
- Building Permits – Needed when staging, tenting, or other structures exceed standard size (detailed specifications can be provided).
Important Note: In addition to the permits and licenses listed above, organizers should be aware that other documentation may also be required depending on the scope and nature of the event. Venture Richmond staff will provide guidance on additional requirements as needed.
Each one of these licenses has an application and approval process that can take several weeks to several months. There are also fees associated with acquiring each of these permits.
Parking, Traffic & Street Closings
In order for event staff, volunteers, VIPs and general event attendees to get to the event, they need to have a place to park. Several different parking areas accommodate varying numbers of vehicles. We will gladly provide you with information about who to contact for each of these needs.
Security, Fire & Medical Services
We can help you arrange basic security for the event. However, you are required to contact RMC Events three to six weeks before the event to ensure adequate security staffing for the number of attendees expected at the event. The cost of additional security is your responsibility.
Creating an Event Set-up Map & Site Plan
In order to hold an event, you must provide a copy of a site plan or event map of exactly where everything will be positioned on Brown’s Island.
This site plan must be presented to us three weeks prior to the date of the event. Failure to do so will mean cancellation of the event.
Setting Up & Taking Down
The following is a list of things that many events held on Brown’s Island and the Turning Basin require:
- Staging
- Sound (speakers, microphones, sound mixer, sound board operator)
- Tents
- Tables/chairs
- Signage
- Tickets
We can provide you with a comprehensive list of local companies who can help set up particular needs for the event. However, these and many other aspects of the event coordination and set-up are the sole responsibility of the Brown’s Island renter.
Payments for Brown's Island Rentals
Rental fees* for events include:
- $6,000 for renting the island for one day
- $2,000 fee to be able to set up your event the day before
*These fees are current and are subject to change without notice.
Interested in Filming on Brown's Island?
If you have additional questions, please feel free to email us at contactus@venturerichmond.com
Rental Application
Please Note: Completion of the application does not guarantee approval.
2027 applications will be posted in 2026.