Richmond Events

The Georgia country-pop breakout brings her Pink Pocket Pistol tour into The Broadberry with Tiffany Stringer and Macy Todd — a stacked lineup for a room this size. If you've been watching Willow blow up on TikTok, this is your last shot to catch her in a 500-cap venue before she's playing The National next cycle. Doors are early, floor gets tight by the opener, and the Broadberry's back bar is where you want to be if you actually want to hear yourself between sets.

LA's deadpan post-punk trio pulls into Richmond Music Hall with Philly ska heroes Catbite as support, which is honestly the kind of double bill that sells itself to anyone who's spent time on Bandcamp. It's a low-key, everybody-there-actually-wants-to-be-there kind of Friday. Music Hall runs efficiently — get a drink at the small bar before the opener starts and post up stage left for the best sightlines.

The Ballet opens its season with a Balanchine-anchored program celebrating America's 250th, and it runs across multiple performances during the window. Richmond Ballet punches well above its city size — if you've never seen them, this is a strong entry point. Check the date/venue on the ticket page since performances rotate; Studio Theatre shows are the intimate ones, Dominion Energy Center the full-scale option.

Traveling carnival with rides, midway games, and the funnel cake you're going to pretend you didn't eat. Multi-date run through the window — check the location for the day you're going, since the setup moves. Bring cash for ride tickets.

Two full days of dance, music, a marketplace, and — the reason most of us go — food from every region of India laid out under one roof downtown. Get there before 1 PM Saturday if you want to eat without standing in the chaat line for 25 minutes; the classical dance performances on the main stage are worth timing your visit around (check the schedule at the door). Free admission, easy parking in the Convention Center decks off 5th, and it's genuinely one of the most joyful weekends of the Richmond calendar. Bring cash for the vendors who move faster that way.

Full-tilt K-pop dance night, 18+, and one of the few nights in Richmond where the under-21 crowd actually gets a proper club experience. Expect group choreo breakouts, glow sticks, and a line that starts building around 8. Come dressed to move and prepared to make friends — this crowd is here for it.

Relationship-themed improv at Coalition for $12 — this is the sneaky-good date-night pick of the week. The cast pulls real dating stories from the audience and builds scenes on the spot; it works whether you've been together six weeks or six years. Grab a drink at Postbellum next door before the show, then walk over. Coalition is small — 60 seats — so buy in advance.

Virginia distilleries take over the VMHC for an evening of tastings woven through the galleries — bourbon, rye, gin, apple brandy, the whole state showing up. It's the museum's best fundraiser of the year and one of the most civilized ways to drink in Richmond. Wear something you'd wear to a wedding, eat beforehand (the food is snack-scale), and plan to walk the exhibits between pours.

The SPCA's weekend food-and-drink crawl kicks off with a pawty at the shelter Saturday morning and sends you out to participating restaurants and bars across the city with your dog in tow. It's the rare fundraiser where the "bring your dog" part is the actual point, not a gimmick. Check the participating-locations list before you go so you can map an efficient route — Scott's Addition anchors it, obviously.

Heavy rock at The Canal Club — Shockoe Bottom's dependable, slightly-dive-y live room that's been putting on shows for two decades. If you like your Saturday nights loud and your beer cheap, this is your play. Parking is easier here than most Richmond venues; the lots off Dock Street usually have space.

Two hours on the river bank pulling trash, and one of the best service-hour options of the fall for high school students. Bring closed-toe shoes and a water bottle; gloves and bags provided. Osborne is a beautiful stretch of the James most people never see, and the vibe post-cleanup — coffee, sunlight, satisfaction — is genuinely nice.

The site of the first ironworks in colonial America (1619) opens up for a free history day with living-history demos and guided walks along the creek. It's a small park most Chesterfield residents drive past without noticing — go, and you'll understand why preservationists care. Good for kids who like the "how things were made" angle.

Morning coffee-and-sweets pop-up benefiting HPAL. $12 gets you in; a low-key Saturday morning stop.

The official kickoff pawty at the shelter to launch the weekend's food-and-drink crawl. Bring the dog.

Henrico's annual bee-and-honey program at Belmont: live hive demos, tastings from local apiarists, and craft stations for kids. It's free, it's low-stress, and the honey samples alone are worth the trip. Solid Sunday-morning family plan.

County advisory meeting for older-adult services and advocacy in Hanover.

Sixty-six years running — this is one of Richmond's oldest and most-loved neighborhood food festivals. Lamb kebabs, kufta, lahmajun, and pastries the church ladies started prepping weeks ago. Free entry, food by the plate, and you can eat under the tent or take a box home. Come hungry, cash preferred, and don't skip the baklava.

The biggest and best of Richmond's church festivals — brats, spätzle, oompah bands, and a legitimately good German beer pour. It's set on the church grounds off North Sheppard and takes over the whole block; Friday night is the young-adult scene, Saturday afternoon is family time, Sunday is chill. Free entry, buy food and beer inside. Walk from the Fan if you can.

Early in-person voting for the general election opens in Hanover County on the 18th and runs through October 31. Check the county site for your specific location and hours.

Tolev is filthy, loud, and one of the most physical stand-ups working right now — she's the comic your friend who "doesn't really like stand-up" ends up quoting for a week. Funny Bone's 6 PM Sunday set is 21+; two-drink minimum, so budget accordingly. Book a table early; the good seats sell first.

Bookable ghost tour of Richmond's Capitol Hill — a fun date-night or out-of-towner activity. Reserve in advance.