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!
ONGOING
Imagining Best Products
Now through June 21 | The Branch Museum of Design
Step into a fascinating chapter of Richmond’s design history, Imagining Best Products, an exhibition exploring how a local retail company transformed everyday storefronts into groundbreaking works of architecture and art. Through original drawings, models, and photographs, discover the bold creative vision behind the iconic Best Products stores that helped redefine retail design around the world.
India’s Great Mughals: Art, Power, and Opulence
Now through August 23 | Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA)
Experience the grandeur of one of history’s most dazzling empires in this special exhibit, India’s Great Mughals: Art, Power, and Opulence. Featuring more than 200 exquisite works — from jeweled treasures and lavish textiles to intricate paintings and royal armor — this breathtaking exhibition immerses visitors in the beauty, innovation, and global influence of the Mughal Empire’s golden age.
Ashland Fourth Fridays
June 26, July 24, August 28 | Ashland Farmer’s Market
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.
New Kent Farmers Market
Saturdays, Now through August | New Kent Farmers Market Pavilion
The New Kent Farmers Market is a producers-only market, showcasing a wide range of fresh, Virginia-grown products every Saturday. You’ll find everything from fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms to honey, meats, and handmade goods—all grown, made, or crafted locally by the producers themselves. With a commitment to supporting local agriculture, this market is the perfect place to pick up fresh produce, baked goods, and unique crafts while experiencing a taste of Virginia.
Liberty or Death Reenactment: Summer 2026 Series
Sundays, June 7 – September 6 | Historic St. John’s Church
“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 the Declaration of Independence.
We the People
Now through September 7 | Virginia Museum of History and Culture (VMHC)
Explore the story of immigration in Virginia with We the People: The World in Our Commonwealth, an exhibition that highlights centuries of journeys from around the globe, sharing personal stories of opportunity, resilience, and community that have shaped Virginia’s identity and its place in America and beyond. With immersive environments, historical objects, and multimedia narratives, We the People brings to life the voices of those who helped define the Commonwealth.
Colonial Downs’ Horse Racing Season
Thursday-Sundays, June 25 – September 7 | Colonial Downs Racetrack
Spend the summer at Colonial Downs Racetrack, where live Thoroughbred racing returns with exciting competition, themed events, and family-friendly fun. Fan-favorite race days like the adorable Corgi Races and the crowd-pleasing Wiener Dog Races add even more excitement to the season, making Colonial Downs a can’t-miss summer tradition.
Flying Squirrels Inaugural Season at CarMax Park
Now through September | CarMax Park
Slide into home at CarMax Park — the new home of the Richmond Flying Squirrels! Opened this spring for its inaugural season, CarMax Park offers a massively upgraded fan experience. New amenities include a beer garden, kids’ play area, lawn and picnic terraces, an art walk, and improved accessibility for guests with disabilities. Grab your tickets and get ready to GO NUTZ!
Allianz Amphitheater 2026 Season
Now through October 3 | Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront
Spend your summer nights along the James River riverfront at Allianz Amphitheater, where an exciting lineup of concerts brings world-renowned artists and unforgettable live performances to the city’s newest outdoor music venue. From rock legends and country stars to indie favorites and pop acts, the 2026 season offers the perfect soundtrack for a night out in RVA.
Promise and Peril: Recent Acquisitions in American Landscape Photography
Now through October 4 | Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA)
Explore the evolving story of America’s landscapes through a powerful photographic lens in Promise and Peril: Recent Acquisitions in American Landscape Photography. Featuring striking works spanning more than 150 years, this thought-provoking exhibition examines both the beauty of the natural world and the environmental and cultural impact of human ambition across the American landscape.
Latino Farmers Market
Now through October | Chesterfield Technical Center
Celebrate the flavorful Latino culinary excellence and local craftsmanship as you an indulge in the tastes of authentic salsas, empanadas, and sweet delights from a stellar lineup of vendors. Perfect for foodies seeking their next culinary adventure, this is your invitation to be part of a cherished community gathering.
Pocahontas Premieres
Various Dates, Now through October 17 | Pocahontas State Park Heritage Amphitheater
From symphonies and bluegrass to Led Zeppelin and Jimmy Buffet tributes, 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
Thursdays through October | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
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!
Dissent! Liberty & Loyalty in Early Richmond
Now through January 31, 2027 | The Valentine
In this though-provoking exhibit, step into a turning point in American history, 1770s-1830s, when the Richmond Region took center stage as Virginians wrestled with how, and if, they would truly fulfill the ideals of the Declaration of Independence.
Survival of the Slowest
May 23 through September 7 | Science Museum of Virginia
Get ready for a wild adventure that proves slow can be spectacular! Survival of the Slowest invites you and your family to explore how animals often labeled “slow,” “small,” or “weak” use unexpected adaptations to survive—and even thrive—in the natural world.
Alebrijes: Dream Creatures of Mexico
June – September | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Discover the magic of Mexican folk art through this enchanting outdoor exhibition, that features towering, hand-crafted fantastical creatures inspired by traditional Mexican folk art, transforming the Garden into a vibrant celebration of culture, imagination, and artistry.
RESCUE
July 13 – January 17, 2027 | Science Museum of Virginia
Discover high-stakes heroics and hands-on adventure in RESCUE, an immersive new exhibition opening this summer. From piloting a life-sized rescue helicopter to navigating emergency response simulations, visitors of all ages can step into the action and explore the science, technology, and teamwork behind real-world rescue missions.
JUNE
Cheers to 100 Years & Summer Kickoff Concert
June 5-6 | Maymont
Kick off the summer at Maymont’s Summer Kickoff Concert on Friday, featuring live music, outdoor dining, and a lively atmosphere under the stars at one of Richmond’s most scenic estates. Then return Saturday for Cheers to 100 Years, a free community celebration packed with mansion and garden tours, animal encounters, live entertainment, food trucks, and family-friendly fun honoring Maymont’s centennial year.
Ashland Strawberry Faire
June 6 | Randolph-Macon College
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.
Richmond SailFest
June 12-14 | Dock Street Park & Intermediate Terminal (3101 Wharf Street)
Kick off Central Virginia’s countdown to America’s 250th anniversary with the awe-inspiring arrival of magnificent international tall ships on the James River. This free weekend festival will include ship tours, live music, performances, historical re-enactors, and art and history exhibitions.
2026 National Speech & Debate Tournament
June 14-19 | Various Locations, Altria Theater
The debaters are coming! Experience the energy, intellect, and excitement of the 2026 National Speech & Debate Tournament as thousands of the nation’s top student competitors gather in the Richmond Region for one of the world’s largest academic competitions. The week culminates with championship final rounds at Richmond’s iconic Altria Theater, where the country’s best young speakers and debaters will take the stage in a powerful showcase of ideas, storytelling, and civic discourse.
Juneteenth Celebrations
Multiple Dates | Various Locations
Make the Richmond Region your destination for celebrating Juneteenth, a significant holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. This June, take part in multiple weekends of festivities in RVA and explore our curated list of events celebrating freedom and honoring legacies including community gatherings, musical performances, and more.
Dine Out for Pride
June 21-27 | Various Locations
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.
IllumiNATION
June 25-28 | Virginia Museum of History and Culture (VMHC)
Watch the Virginia Museum of History & Culture come alive after dark during VMHC’s IllumiNATION, an immersive outdoor experience featuring massive video art projections mapped across the museum’s historic façade. Blending sweeping visuals, historic imagery, dramatic music, and artistic light effects, this dazzling four-night spectacle transforms the building itself into a larger-than-life storytelling canvas celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
JULY
Americana
Opens July 2 | The Branch Museum of Design
Explore the stories and symbols that have shaped America’s identity at Americana. Through fashion, advertising, media, and iconic cultural imagery — from cowboy hats and Hollywood westerns to NASA astronauts — this exhibition examines how design has helped define the American experience both at home and around the world.
Fourth of July Events
July 3-5 | Various Locations
Celebrate Independence Day across the Richmond Region with fireworks, live music, family fun, and patriotic festivities happening all weekend long. From the dazzling pyrotechnics of Kings Dominion’s Star-Spangled Nights to hometown celebrations in New Kent and Chesterfield, visitors can enjoy festive Fourth of July traditions at a variety of locations throughout the region.
Hanover Tomato Festival
July 10-11 | Pole Green Park
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!
Trains, Trucks, & Tractors: Titans of Transportation
July 11-12, July 18-19 | Keystone Truck & Tractor Museum
All aboard at the Keystone Truck & Tractor Museum! Explore 9,000 sq. ft. of model train displays, a LEGO city model, and legendary vehicles like a 1949 Peterbilt Super Truck and a vintage VA State Police car, all included with museum admission.
Black Pride RVA Weekend
July 16-19 | Multiple Locations
Celebrate joy, identity, and community at this fun and welcoming celebration of Richmond’s Black LGBTQ+ community. With parties, performances, and powerful conversations, it’s the perfect time to experience the city’s culture and connect with the people who make it shine.
AUGUST
Richmond International Dragon Boat Festival
August 1 | Robious Landing Park
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!
Festival of Racing
August 1 | Colonial Downs Racetrack
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.
804 Day
August 1 | Shockoe Bottom
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, Radio One, along with nonprofits for a day of local live music and more showcasing the best of RVA in August.
Richmond Jazz and Music Festival
August 8-9 | Maymont
Experience one of the East Coast’s premier music events, set against the backdrop of historic Maymont. For two unforgettable days, the park comes alive with the sounds of jazz, funk, soul, and blues performed by world-renowned artists and emerging talent alike.
Carytown Watermelon Festival
August 9 | Carytown
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 Weekend: Craftsman Truck Series 250 & Cup Series Cookout 400
August 14-15 | Richmond Raceway
Rev up for an adrenaline-filled weekend for the Richmond Raceway’s 80th anniversary when 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.
Down Home Family Reunion
August 14-15 | Abner Clay Park
Experience African American folklife at this beloved cultural celebration filled with world music, dance, storytelling, artisan vendors, and family-friendly activities. Presented by the Elegba Folklore Society, this lively two-day festival also features interactive demonstrations, children’s programming, and delicious down-home cuisine that showcase the richness of African and African American heritage.
Chesterfield County Fair
August 28 – September 5 | Chesterfield Fairgrounds (10300 Courthouse Road)
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
August 29 | Downtown Ashland
If you’ve never been to Ashland, Virginia, look no further than the Ashland Half Marathon, sponsored by Sports Backers, to find yourself exploring this charming town! 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.
Happily Natural Festival & Urban Farm Expo
August 29 | Fifth District Mini Farm (2227 Wise Street)
Celebrate culture, wellness, and community at the Happily Natural Festival, a one-of-a-kind Richmond experience featuring live music, local vendors, art, workshops, farm tours, and holistic health programming. This annual festival brings together food, culture, and social connection, offering visitors an inspiring weekend rooted in creativity, sustainability, and community empowerment.
SEPTEMBER
Virginia Pridefest
September 12 | Midtown Green
Celebrate love, diversity, and inclusivity at VA Pridefest, the city’s largest celebration of the LGBTQ community. With headliners like Tank and the Bangas and Crystal Waters, the festival promises unforgettable music, entertainment and community spirit. Proudly sponsored by OutRVA.
Run Richmond 16.19
September 12 | Abner Clay Park
Witness over 400 years of Black history up close during the Run Richmond 16.19 run-or-walk event. This cultural event offers 16.19k and 6.19k course lengths with sites and landmarks along the way commemorating the sacrifices and achievements of the African American community. Gear up to celebrate unity in diversity during this impactful event.
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.
