In recent years, Richmond has consistently topped lists naming it one of the best cities and regions to visit, and for good reason. From rich history and a vibrant arts scene to the outdoor playground that surrounds Richmond, there’s truly something for everyone.
Sometimes, though, we don’t fully appreciate what’s right in our own backyard. Let 2026 be the year you explore all that our region has to offer, much of it made possible by the locally owned businesses that shape Richmond’s character. Call it a bucket list, a to-do list, or a set of goals. However you frame it, here are 26 things to try in Richmond in 2026, all rooted in local experiences.
Taste the Local Flavor in RVA
Richmond has an incredible food and beverage scene. From farm to table restaurants to the celebrated craft beer scene, take a bite out of all that RVA is serving in 2026.
- Take a tour with Discover Richmond Tours. From neighborhood food tours to brewery excursions, get a taste of the greater Richmond food scene in just an afternoon.
- Bar hop with RVA Tuk Tuk. Grab your friends and spend an afternoon hopping around to your favorite breweries, cideries, bars, and pubs in the most unique transportation Richmond has to offer.
- Take a bite out of Richmond’s thriving local bakery scene. From longtime bread favorites, including Sub Rosa Bakery, Montana Gold Bread Company, and Idle Hands Bread Company, to newer additions, including Petit Four and Janet’s Café and Bakery, the Richmond bakery scene is rising, and deliciously proofed.
- Find a new favorite treat at Tokyo Market, a Japaense specialty market in Carytown, and the perfect spot to find that viral TikTok snack you can’t get out of your head.
- Check out your local Farmer’s Market. From RVA Big Market to Birdhouse Farmer’s Market, Richmond boasts exceptional markets during the week and on the weekend to stock your shelves with locally grown produce and artisanal goodies.
- Tour Richmond’s own soy sauce factory. Each fall, Henrico’s SAN-J opens its doors for a day of tours and workshops exploring the world of fermentation.
- Treat yourself to afternoon tea. Savor delicious tea sandwiches and sip on the finest teas in Richmond when you enjoy the time-honored tradition of afternoon tea at The Queen’s Library Tea Room (new location coming in 2026) or The Jefferson Hotel.
- Toast in the clouds at one of Richmond’s rooftop bars. From longtime favorite Q Rooftop Bar at Quirk Hotel to the newest roof downtown, Solaire, toast to 2026 while enjoying Richmond’s stunning skyline and views.
Soak in the Local Sounds & Scenes in RVA
From live music to theatrical performances, stunning paintings to provocative sculptures, Richmond’s thriving arts scene offers a wealth of opportunities to see, explore, and soak in.
- Catch a screening at Richmond’s grand movie palace, The Byrd Theatre, and enjoy a live Mighty WurliTzer Organ performance by the talented Bob Gulledge before the film.
- Enjoy a performance at one of Richmond’s incredible performing arts theaters including Altria Theater, Virginia Repertory Theatre, Richmond Triangle Players, or Firehouse Theatre.
- Soak in the music at Allianz Ampitheater. While Friday Cheers is on hold for 2026 due to construction on Brown’s Island, you can still enjoy outdoor music on Richmond’s riverfront at the new amphitheater, which opened last summer.
- Tune into a concert at one of Richmond’s more intimate music venues, including The Broadberry, The Tin Pan, Ember Music Hall, or Richmond Music Hall.
- Explore Richmond’s art scene with a visit to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU, Quirk Gallery, Gallery5, Crossroads Art Center, or the Eric Schindler Gallery.
Get Outside in RVA
From the James River to the Capital Trail, there are plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy Richmond’s natural playground in 2026.
- Hit the James River rapids with Riverside Outfitters or RVA Paddlesports. Whether you prefer rafting or kayaking, these guides will expertly guide you through Richmond’s unique class IV urban rafting experience.
- Zip through the trees with Richmond’s own ropes course and zip line experience, Canopy Adventure Park.
- Take a Riverfront Canal Cruise along the James River and Kanawha Canal for the perfect combination of history and scenic waterfront views of Richmond.
- Stroll through Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and enjoy the stunning gardens and blooms which change with the seasons.
- Visit one of Richmond’s beloved baby animals, the new porcupettes at Maymont or Metro Richmond Zoo’s beloved pygmy hippo, Poppy.
- Take a bike tour with Basket & Bike or rent a bike and hit the Capital Trail solo.
Step into History in RVA
Richmond has no shortage of historical sites and attractions. Here are a few can’t-miss experiences for 2026.
- Explore local history at The Valentine or dig into Virginia’s past at The Virginia Museum of History and Culture. Take a walking tour with the Richmond Tour Guys, or take it a step further and become an RVA Tourism Ambassador with Richmond Region Tourism’s I am Tourism Ambassador program.
- Get spooked with historic tales on a ghost tour with Haunts of Richmond which offers six different tour options.
- Travel back to Tudor England with a visit to Richmond’s own Tudor manor, Agecroft Hall, a centuries-old mansion that traveled across the ocean and reconstructed overlooking the James River in the 1920s.
- Explore Richmond’s expansive museum scene, including The American Civil War Museum, Virginia Holocaust Museum, the Science Museum of Virginia, the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia, The Poe Museum, or The Branch Museum of Design.
Explore Something New in RVA
There’s no better time than a new year to try something new, from learning to pushing yourself, or just stepping outside of your day to day routine, Richmond is filled with new opportunities in 2026.
- Take a workshop or class and learn something new for 2026. From candle making at Wick and Sip, to ice cream pints at Sweet Wynns, cooking classes at Mise en Place, and knife making at Join or Die, there’s always something to learn in Richmond.
- Looking to challenge yourself physically in 2026? Join a training team for an upcoming Richmond race with Sports Backers.
- Visit a new local business. Whether it’s a business you’ve saved on Instagram, or a place a friend mentioned, make time to stop in somewhere new in 2026. Search 100s of local businesses in our Find Local RVA business directory.
