Summer Activities Happening in Richmond, Virginia
As a kid, I remember summertime as the most fun, care-free time of life. From carnivals to baseball games to days at the beach or pool, summer activities evoke nostalgia in a class of their own. RVA is full of activities that will conjure memories of carefree childhood days, and help create new ones. Here I’m sharing a handful of suggested things to do in Richmond during the hottest months of the year. Whether it’s embracing or escaping the heat, there’s something for everyone.
Take a Guided Tour
Richmond has a killer food scene, so it’s very hard to pare down the many options here. Discover Richmond Tours solves that problem for you with available food tours in Carytown, Church Hill, Scott’s Addition, or The Arts District. I think that food tours are a great way to explore the food and history of this great city and maybe meet a few new people along the way.
Guided hiking tours are an excellent way to explore the James River and its beautiful surrounding areas. You’ll discover the hidden Pipeline Walk, the park’s most unique feature; cross the James via two separate pedestrian bridges, see Civil War-era ruins on Belle Isle and learn how they used to function; and best of all, be in the middle of nature, right in the heart of downtown RVA!
Did you know that Richmond is the only place in America that has Class IV rapids running straight through the city? I always encourage rafting enthusiasts to take advantage of these backyard rapids and sign up for a guided rafting trip from RVA Paddlesports or Riverside Outfitters. Not into the thrills that rafting brings? Sit by the rocks at Pony Pasture Park for a more relaxing day.
Check Out Local Entertainment
Maybe check out WNRN Presents Lucy Dacus & Courtney Barnett with Samia on July 29th at Brown’s Island. Brought to you by The Broadberry Entertainment Group this summer, you can enjoy an assortment of acts along downtown RVA’s riverfront at one of the best outdoor venues in Richmond, Brown Island.
If you’re available on August 13th, you really should pop over to the JamPacked Craft Beer and Music Festival at Brown’s Island. JamPacked is literally too much great stuff in one place: environmentally conscious craft brewers, inspiring bands, and concert goers who want a better future! The Festival is meant to be both inspirational and aspirational in that the planners are committed to creating a waste-free event utilizing only recyclable materials.
Additionally, Crabs and Beers by the James is an all-you-can-eat Crab Festival that is sure to provide lots of hot and fresh crabs, live bands, food vendors, merchandise vendors, and more. Held this year on August 27th at Brown’s Island, the featured bands are Butcher Brown Band, Legacy Band, Joe Fu, DJ Drake, and DJ Sir RJ.
Explore Parks and Markets
Every park has its own little legend, and Dead Rock is Belle Isle’s secret claim to fame. This elusive rock is said to be where the Grateful Dead would party after playing shows in the ‘70’s (and before they were banned from Richmond in the ‘80s). Maybe go on a search for it yourself! Take a swim in the James River and explore Belle Isle until you find it. Or, you can always remove the guesswork and do a quick Google search. I’ll keep the location a secret so you can decide, but here’s a hint: the rock has a huge skull painted on it!
The Richmond Night Market is an open-air night market located at 17th Street Market in downtown Richmond, that takes place the 2nd Saturday of every month (August 13th and September 10th). You’ll find a variety of handmade products and independent artists/makers, live music, diverse cultural programming, activities for all ages, and more.
Attend a Baseball Game
There’s something about a baseball game that gets us feeling nostalgic. Whether it’s the pace of the game, the hotdogs, the beer, or the cheesy entertainment, seeing a Flying Squirrels game, will bring you right back to the good ol’ days. Throughout the summer, Squirrels home games sometimes feature some of Richmond’s best firework displays! Catch a game on those nights and be mesmerized by the lights!
I’m sure that I only shared a smattering of all that Richmond has to offer in summer time. It should get you started if you haven’t already begun to enjoy all that is Richmond. Feel free to reach out to me any time. I’m happy to help.
