5 Affordable Events In Richmond This Summer

This two day festival caters to pretty much everyone in Richmond! From May 17 to 19 there will be nearly 40 different events featured in the schedule. You can participate in activities such as bouldering, yoga, kayaking, skimboarding, and racing. For entertainment, the festival will include free concerts and a SUP Dog Show! Some of the bands in the lineup include Palmyra, The Stews, and Sam Grisman Project. I highly recommend attending this festival if you’re looking for nonstop entertainment and outdoor fun!

In a more peaceful environment, the Grace Arents Gardens will host Flowers After Five on select Thursday nights throughout the summer! These events will include live music shows from 5 to 8 p.m. in the gardens where food and drinks will be available. The performance lineup for 2024 has not yet been released, but it is expected to feature several local Richmond favorites! Tickets can be purchased upon arrival or online, but members can get in for free. This is definitely more of a lowkey and calming way to spend your evening, but it’s definitely worth trying out!

Returning for May and June of 2024, Friday Cheers is one of the most popular events held on Brown’s Island. Friday Cheers is a series of concerts that will occur weekly on the grounds! Tickets are only $10 in advance and $15 at the door. A season pass is available for just $65. The season line up is set to release in a few weeks, so I’d recommend getting your tickets as soon as possible. This is the perfect way to experience Richmond’s riverfront along with some amazing music!

A community and cultural favorite, The Juneteenth Festival is coming back to Richmond this June to enhance the annual celebration of African American culture and freedoms! This event will feature educational speakers, live music, emotional cyphers, dancing, and absolutely delicious food. If you’re looking for some historical enrichment along with an enjoyable and informative festival, I highly recommend stopping by. The exact dates and locations of the festival events will be announced in the coming weeks!

Taking place on the first Friday of every month, Richmond’s First Fridays events will take over the beloved blocks of downtown. Art galleries, local shops, and the best eats participate in the ongoing artwalk event! This is the perfect opportunity to enrich yourself in Richmond and what it has to offer, without paying much at all. The majority of First Fridays will also include live street performances and small business vendors in common areas! Keep an eye on your calendar and try to set aside your first Friday of the summer for some good food and talented art.