Richmond summers hit different. The live music, the patios, the markets, the trails, the local shops buzzing with regulars, the makers and creators doing what they love right here in your neighborhood. This city has more to offer in a single season than most places manage all year, and there truly is something for everyone. We rounded up 10 categories to help you mix and match to find the perfect summer adventure this season, so that no matter what you’re looking for, there’s always something to do in Richmond, with a little help from local businesses, of course.
Something to Watch in RVA
Richmond’s live entertainment scene is stacked all summer long, with something for every kind of crowd. Catch a Richmond Flying Squirrels game at the newly opened CarMax Park, embrace soccer fever and cheer for the Richmond Kickers on the pitch at City Stadium, or grab seats at Allianz Amphitheater for a summer concert. For something with a little more old-school charm, The Byrd Theatre is a Richmond icon worth experiencing, showing everything from timeless classics to cult favorites, and The Tin Pan brings incredible live music in an intimate setting year-round.
Something to Sip in RVA
There’s a sip for every palate in Richmond, from wine and beer to spirits and smoothies, and don’t forget about the local tea room options. Stop by a tasting at Sip Societe, explore craft spirits at Belle Isle Craft Spirits (their Rocket Pop ready-to-drink cocktail is perfect for celebrating America’s 250th or the 4th of July), or settle into a specialty coffee at Grit Coffee. Queen’s Library Tea Room recently opened its new tea room, and it is a must for an elevated afternoon tea experience on a lazy summer day, while The Beet Box keeps it refreshing with plant-forward smoothies and juices.
Something Sweet in RVA
No summer is complete without a little indulgence, and Richmond’s dessert spots do not disappoint. While we love our ice cream shops, and have an incredible selection to choose from, we’ve got other options, too. From cupcakes to cinnamon rolls, Cameo Cakery & Café’s menu offers much more than just full-sized cakes, or pop into Coco & Hazel for over-the-top milkshakes as beautiful as they are delicious. Fancy a decadent French-style pastry without the jet lag? Head to the newcomer micro-bakery, Le Petit Morceau. And if you’re ready to go all in, Shyndigz is here to make all of your dessert dreams come true, stacking the counter with cookies, bars, cakes, and puddings. They also just opened a 24/7 vending machine, so yes, dessert at midnight is now a perfectly reasonable plan.
Something Delicious to Enjoy Outside in RVA
Richmond summers are made for picnics, patio hangs, and eating al fresco. From fried chicken to made-to-order sandwiches, stock up on picnic favorites at Ukrop’s Market Hall, Libbie Market, or Union Market. Looking for a boxed lunch option? Montana Gold Bread Co., Sally Bell’s Kitchen, and Homemades by Suzanne have the perfect picnic spreads in portable form. Ready to elevate your spread? Leek & Thistle and Supper Club round out the options when you want something a little more curated. Our favorite spots to enjoy these foods? We’ve got you covered with this guide.
Something to Do Outside in RVA
Richmond’s outdoor scene is seriously underrated. Gear up for a trail ride with a bike from Agee’s Bicycles, hit the river with Riverside Outfitters for paddling and kayaking, or join a Sports Backers training team if you’re working toward a fall race. For classic summer fun, Bogey’s Sports Park has mini golf covered. And if you’re ready to go vertical, Canopy Adventure Park puts you up in the trees.
Something Creative in RVA
Summer is a great excuse to finally try that class you’ve been eyeing. Paint N’ Play RVA and All Fired Up are perfect for a fun activity with friends or family while Hand/Thrown offers pottery classes for all skill levels. For enjoying the creative efforts of others, Crossroads Art Center is a staple of the RVA creative community, worth visiting any time of year.
Something to Shop in RVA
Richmond’s local boutiques cover every corner of your shopping list. Ladles & Linens is a kitchen and cooking lover’s dream, Twig and 5th & Main deliver on gifts and accessories, and Fraiche is the place for home decor plus wedding and baby finds. Hunt for vintage treasures at Jujubees, find the perfect new summer staple at Mamie’s Apothecary, or browse the perfectly curated shelves at Tweed for summer entertaining and hostess gifts. Keva Style, Thnk Collective, and Odd Bird round out the accessories and gifts category, and Beasties is worth a stop for its eclectic mix and dedicated local section.
Something to Learn
Summer is the perfect time to pick up a new skill. Take a cooking class at Mise En Place Cooking School, learn needlepoint at The Stitching Studio, or get your hands dirty with a workshop by Strange’s or The Freckled Flower Farm. Create your dream ice cream flavor with Sweet Wynns or find your rhythm with a class at Jigby’s Dance Studio.
Something for Self-Care
Self-care looks different for everyone. This summer, Richmond’s local businesses make it easy to show up for yourself in whatever way you need most. The Well Personal Fitness offers personalized training to help you feel your best, BoHo Fit Studios offers a variety of classes from yoga, pilates, and cycle to help you feel grounded and motivated, and Mango Salon has you covered for a summer refresh. If the summer chaos has your home in need of a reset, Minima Organizing can help you get your space (and your mind) in order.
Something to Tour
Richmond is one of the most historically rich and visually interesting cities on the East Coast, and summer is a great time to explore it. Discover Richmond’s extensive mural collection with RVA Tuktuk, take a ghostly walk with Haunts of Richmond, explore the newly expanded conservatory and grounds at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, or cruise the Canal with Venture Richmond’s Canal Boat Cruises. Richmond’s museum scene alone could fill your whole summer. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture (don’t miss their America’s 250th Anniversary IllumiNaTION celebration this June), The Valentine, the American Civil War Museum, and the Science Museum of Virginia are each distinctly unique and worth a visit.
Cover Image: Riverfront Canal Cruises
