Don't miss out on the hottest events happening in the Richmond Region this summer! From live music and out-of-this-world exhibits to art festivals and culinary feasts, there's something for everyone to enjoy this season. Check out this roundup of the region's top events and be sure to visit our full regional events calendar for even more updates!
All Summer Long
Kings Dominion Golden Summerbration
Kings Dominion
Now through August 3
Join the party and celebrate the amusement park’s 50th anniversary with high-energy performances, interactive entertainment, and all the thrills you know and love! With festive vibes, nonstop fun, and new events all summer long, the Golden Summerbration is a can’t-miss experience.
Tri-City Chili Peppers Baseball
Shepherd Stadium
Select days, Now through August
Catch the excitement of summer baseball with the Tri-City Chili Peppers as they light up Shepherd Stadium in Colonial Heights for another thrilling season! With fan-favorite theme nights like Cosmic Baseball and a roster of collegiate talent, it’s the perfect way to enjoy America’s pastime in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.
Ultimate Dinosaurs
Science Museum of Virginia
Now through September 1
From the swift Eoraptor to the towering Giganotosaurus, explore how continental drift shaped the evolution of these extraordinary dinosaurs during the Mesozoic Era! Ultimate Dinosaurs offers a rare opportunity to discover lesser-known dinosaurs and understand the powerful connection between ancient Earth’s shifting continents and the diversity of life they nurtured, all in a fun and interactive setting.
Liberty or Death Reenactment
St. John's Church
Sundays through September
“Give me liberty or give me death!" Since 1976, St. John’s Church Foundation has presented historical reenactments of the Second Virginia Convention of March 1775 at its original location. Experience history for yourself every Sunday through the end of the summer as we mark the 250th anniversary of Patrick Henry’s iconic speech.
Richmond Night Market
17th Street Market
2nd Saturdays through December
Come out to the Richmond Night Market, recently named one of the USA Today 10Best night markets, to celebrate RVA’s small businesses, artists, and makers. Shop handmade goods, groove to live music and DJs, get creative in the interactive MakerSpace, and grab a bite from local food vendors.
Pocahontas Premieres
Heritage Amphitheater at Pocahontas State Park
Select dates, Now through October
From symphonies and bluegrass to 80s throwbacks and a Taylor Swift tribute, Pocahontas Premieres brings a dynamic lineup of concerts to the Heritage Amphitheater in Pocahontas State Park from May through October. Grab your tickets, pack a blanket, and enjoy performances in one of Virginia’s scenic outdoor venues.
Flowers After 5
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Select Thursdays, Now through October
Head to RVA’s prized botanical garden on Thursday nights to stroll through the gardens, listen to live music, and enjoy food and drinks. With a new band every week, settle in for a relaxing night under the stars. Plus, every second and fourth Thursday, bring your dogs for Fidos After 5 when the garden partners with the Richmond SPCA!
Dogwood Dell Festival of the Arts
Byrd Park
Select Dates, June - October
Get ready for a summer of free live music, theater, and dance in Byrd Park. From reggae and rock to Shakespeare and show tunes, there’s something for everyone under the stars. Bring a blanket, grab some friends, and soak up some of the best RVA summer vibes at Dogwood Dell.
Ayida Art Exhibit
Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU
June 27, 2025 - March 6, 2026
Don’t miss Ayida at the ICA, a bold and beautiful new exhibit that celebrates Caribbean culture, history, and spirit through powerful art. Featuring works by five artists, including sculpture and photography, this show explores the deep roots of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, all inspired by Haitian poet and activist Assotto Saint.
Ashland Fourth Fridays
Downtown Ashland
June 27, July 25, and August 22
Every fourth Friday, see artists, musicians, and performers as they take over Downtown Ashland! Ashland Fourth Fridays showcases the local artists that make the community creative, as local businesses open their doors to share music, cuisine, and artistry.
June
Friday Cheers
Brown's Island
Now through June 27
Celebrate one of RVA’s favorite outdoor concert series, Friday Cheers, bringing emerging and established artists to the scenic riverfront every Friday in June. Soak up the music, the skyline views, and the unbeatable Richmond vibes all season long!
Dine Out for Pride
Various Locations
June 1-8
In celebration of National Pride Month, grab a specialty sip or delicious local bite for a good cause! Make plans to Dine Out for Pride and try a signature item at your choice of 20+ participating local restaurants! $1 from each specialty item purchased will be donated to Out RVA and Diversity Richmond.
Maymont Summer Kickoff Concert
Maymont
June 6
What better way to launch into summer than music under the stars at Maymont! Join in on the fun on the Carriage House Lawn for an evening of yacht rock vibes and classic tribute tunes. Bring some family and friends and settle in for a night of feel-good music.
Ashland Strawberry Faire
Randolph Macon College
June 7
Ashland Strawberry Faire has been a beloved tradition since 1982, celebrating community, local businesses, and, of course, strawberries! Held every June on the Randolph-Macon College campus, this family-friendly event features over 300 vendors, live music, demonstrations, and delicious treats from their row of dessert vendors along Sweet Lane.
Bramble on Tribute Fest
Brambly Park
June 7-8
Rock, funk, soul, and everything in between — Bramble On Fest features two nights of tribute bands to light up your weekend! From the Allman Brothers, Journey, and Foo Fighters to James Brown, Amy Winehouse, and David Bowie, the lineup is stacked with high-energy performances you’ll be talking about all summer.
Official Pride Bar Crawl
Various Locations
June 21
Join hundreds of proud partygoers for a rainbow-filled day of drinks, drag, and dancing across the city’s most inclusive bars, with drink specials, swag, and an epic after-party. Your ticket helps support LGBTQIA+ non-profits, so come dressed loud and proud and ready to celebrate Pride Month.
July 
Red, White, & Lights: Fourth of July Celebration
Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park
July 4
Head to Crump Park for a free, family-friendly evening packed with music, food trucks, bounce houses, face painting, and even historical reenactments. The night wraps up with a spectacular laser light show and live music from the Richmond Symphony, so bring your lawn chairs and get ready for a night to remember!
Star-Spangled Nights
Kings Dominion
July 4-5
Celebrate the Fourth of July weekend with thrills and fireworks! Spend the day riding coasters and cooling off at Soak City, then stick around for a stunning fireworks show set to patriotic music — one of the biggest displays in the region. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a summer day with family, fun, and some red, white, and boom!
Chesterfield 4th of July Celebration
Chesterfield Fairgrounds
July 4
Celebrate Independence Day at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds! Enjoy family-friendly fun with a Kids Zone, food vendors, live music, special entertainment, and a dazzling fireworks display.
Hanover Tomato Festival
Pole Green Park
July 14-15
You say tomato, we say head to the Hanover Tomato Festival! This free, family- and pet-friendly outdoor event celebrates the region’s famous Hanover tomatoes, known for their unbeatable flavor. Enjoy live music, delicious tomato-themed dishes, local artisans, kids activities, and more. It’s a true summertime tradition you won’t want to miss!
New Kent Food Truck Palooza
Kentwood Heights Baptist Church
July 18
Savor the flavors of New Kent County at their Inaugural Food Truck Palooza! This exciting event features a lineup of food trucks, local craft vendors, and a lively community atmosphere celebrating the unique culinary and creative talents of New Kent County.
Trains, Trucks, & Tractors: Titans of Transportation
Keystone Truck & Tractor Museum
July 19-20 & July 26-27
All aboard at the Keystone Truck & Tractor Museum! Explore 9,000 sq. ft. of model train displays, legendary vehicles like a 1949 Peterbilt Super Truck and a vintage VA State Police car, and a LEGO city model, all included with museum admission.
August
Richmond International Dragon Boat Festival
Robious Landing Park
August 2
Led by the rhythmic beat of a drum, teams of 20 synchronized paddlers, one drummer and one steersperson race 500 meters up the river in 40-foot canoes rigged with decorative Chinese dragon heads and tails. Join in on the fun as the excitement of this outdoor festival is blended with a 2,500-year-old tradition!
804 Day
Shockoe Bottom, 17th Street Market
August 4
Dance, sing, eat, and drink as one community that makes up the 804 at the largest block party in RVA! Join Shockoe Records, 17th Street Market, and Radio One, along with nonprofits, local live music, and more in this showcase of the best of RVA on 8/04.
Richmond Jazz and Music Festival
Maymont
August 8-10
Experience one of the East Coast’s premier music events, set against the backdrop of historic Maymont. For three unforgettable days, the park comes alive with the sounds of jazz, funk, soul, and blues performed by world-renowned artists and emerging talent alike.
Festival of Racing
Colonial Downs Race Track
August 9
Don’t miss a fun-filled day of horse racing action at Colonial Downs’ annual Festival of Racing! Home to two state-of-the-art racing surfaces, including the Secretariat Turf Course, the widest grass surface in North America, and the second largest dirt track in the country, this event offers a top-tier stage for equine athletes. Plus, enjoy free general admission, family activities, and live entertainment throughout the day.
Carytown Watermelon Festival
Carytown
August 10
It’s Virginia’s largest one-day festival, taking over Richmond’s eclectic “Mile of Style” for a day full of excitement, delicious bites, and fun! Offering live performances and all the watermelon you would ever want, this festival is the perfect way to spend the day with friends and family while soaking in the summer energy of the Richmond Region.
NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400
Richmond Raceway
August 14-16
Rev up for an adrenaline-filled weekend at Richmond Raceway as the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400 returns this August! Experience the thrill of high-speed racing under the lights on this legendary short track, with even more excitement during the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series finale the night before.
Chesterfield County Fair
Chesterfield County Fairgrounds
August 22-30
Give a sweet farewell to summer by heading to the Chesterfield County Fair for wholesome fun including live music, carnival rides, a petting zoo, tasty fair food, a parade, and much more. Be sure to check out their special events happening all week!
Ashland Half Marathon
Ashland Station
August 23
If you’ve never been to Ashland, Virginia, look no further than the Ashland Half Marathon to find yourself exploring this charming town! Sponsored by Sports Backers, enjoy an escape to small-town Virginia and run 13.1 miles along rolling hills, picturesque fields, and maybe even see a train or two.
ImmerseCon
Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa at Short Pump
August 30-31
Dive into the world of tech, games, and imagination at this 2-day STEM and gaming festival. From tabletop adventures and e-sports showdowns to cosplay, robotics, and indie game developers, there’s something for every level of gamer, geek, and curious mind.
RuPaul's Drag Race: Werq the World Tour 2025
Altria Theater
September 2
The queens are sashaying into the Richmond Region! RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World hits the stage for a glitzy night of fierce fashion and killer performances. Hosted by Jimbo as Joan Rivers, this over-the-top “awards show” features your favorites like Daya Betty, Jaida Essence Hall, Kim Chi, and more.
There's so much to explore in RVA!
For even more things to do across the Richmond Region this summer, check out our regional events calendar.
