By early evening in Richmond, Virginia, the river parks above downtown are still busy with people finishing a paddle or a swim, and the music venues and breweries around the city are opening for the night.
Richmond's nightlife is built on live music and craft alcohol rather than on a single bar strip. It suits visitors who want to hear a band, work through a few breweries, or spend the late afternoon on the river before heading out.
Where to go out in Richmond
1. Live music clubs
Richmond has a substantial music scene, helped by the arts activity around Virginia Commonwealth University. Clubs cover a wide range of genres, including rock, indie, metal, punk, hardcore, alternative, blues, jazz, jam, country and bluegrass.
This suits anyone who wants a night built around a show rather than a meal. Both touring acts and local bands play here, so check what is on before you commit to a night.
2. Scott's Addition Beverage District
The Scott's Addition neighborhood, at the corner of Broad and Boulevard, holds twelve alcohol producers within walking distance of each other: breweries, cideries, meaderies and a distillery. The group is known as the Scott's Addition Beverage District.
This suits groups who want to move between several stops in one evening on foot. The breweries named in the district include Ardent Craft Ales, Bingo Beer Co., Isley Brewing Company, Strangeways Brewing RVA - Scott's Addition, Three Notch'd RVA Collab House, Vasen Brewing Company and The Veil Brewing Company.
3. Cideries and meaderies
The same district includes the cideries Blue Bee Cider, Buskey Cider and Courthouse Creek Cider, plus the meadery Black Heath Meadery and Reservoir Distillery.
This suits anyone who prefers cider, mead or spirits to beer. Because they sit within walking distance of the breweries, you can fold them into the same evening.
4. The James River and its parks
The section of the James River running through Richmond is a day-out destination in itself, with rapids right downtown and parks on both sides above downtown. The Pony Pasture section is a common starting point, with trails through the woods on both banks and smooth rocks where people swim.
This suits an afternoon rather than a late night, and pairs well with an evening in the city afterwards. Conditions are serious: the rapids closest to downtown can be dangerous without an experienced guide, the river has currents, sudden drop-offs and hidden rocks, and it is prone to severe flash flooding during rainstorms. Wear a life jacket when rafting or tubing, and do not wade or swim outside areas locals know to be safe.
How a night out unfolds
The sources describe daytime river activity and evening music and drinking rather than a set schedule. Plan the river for the afternoon, then move to a show or to Scott's Addition for the evening, since the district's producers sit within walking distance of one another.
Festivals and events worth timing a trip around
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation — 30 September
- Thanksgiving Day — 12 October
- Halloween — 31 October
- Remembrance Day — 11 November
- Christmas Eve — 24 December
Frequently asked questions
What kind of night out is Richmond known for?
Live music and craft alcohol. Clubs cover genres from rock and indie to metal, punk, blues, jazz, country and bluegrass, and Scott's Addition groups twelve producers within walking distance.
Where can you find several breweries close together?
In the Scott's Addition Beverage District, at the corner of Broad and Boulevard, where twelve alcohol producers sit within walking distance of each other.
Is the James River safe for rafting or tubing?
Only with care. The downtown rapids can be dangerous without an experienced guide, and the river has currents, sudden drop-offs and hidden rocks. Wear a life jacket, avoid wading or swimming outside areas locals know to be safe, and watch the weather, as the river floods rapidly in rainstorms.
When are the main holidays to plan around?
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on 30 September, Thanksgiving Day on 12 October, Halloween on 31 October, Remembrance Day on 11 November and Christmas Eve on 24 December.
Pick a show or a starting brewery, check the river conditions if you plan to be on the water, and build your evening from there.