General Activities
1. Maymont- an amazing outdoor park for all ages. Take little ones here to visit the goats, play in the Japanese gardens, and see bears. They'll be occupied for hours. Entrance to the park is free, but a $5 donation is suggested.
2. The Science Museum of Virginia. For non-members a day pass to see the exhibits costs $11. Another popular spot for kids, but no one is too old to visit the Science Museum. See rats play basketball, attend a healthy cooking tutorial, and visit the interactive live animal farm where you can see snakes, creepy crawlies, and honey bees.
3. Belle Isle. Travel down to the Hollywood Rapids to tan on a popular set of rocks or walk further up to the first break in the dam to enjoy more peace and quiet and take a dip. Be sure to check the water levels before going because if they are over 5 feet, a life jacket is required. Bike on the new biking trails or go for a run on the loop around the island.
4. Visit other parts of the James. Take a walk down the pipe to reach Pipeline rapids. Park near the Civil War Center and enter the river near the popular sand bank. Bring an inner tube and float down the river starting at Pony Pasture.
5. Go on a bike ride in the Fan or travel down the historic cobblestones on Monument Avenue.
6. Go to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Guided tours are available for 10-50 adults. It's open from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 365 days a year and general admission is free.
7. Go to Deep Run Park. Bring pets, soccer balls, Frisbee, and a picnic.
8. See a movie at the Byrd theater in Carytown.
9. Enjoy gelato from Gelati Celesti.
10. Walk around Carytown.
11. Watch the sunset from the Churchill Overlook.
12. Go to the Forest Hill Farmers Market on a Saturday morning to enjoy fresh produce from local farmers. Stop by the market from 8.a.m.–noon and come hungry.
13. Walk around historic Hollywood Cemetery.
14. Go to the Children's Museum of Richmond. It's open from 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. and admission is $8.
15. Go to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.
16. Have tea at the Jefferson Hotel.
17. Take a tour of the Virginia Capitol Building.
18. Take a walk around Byrd Park.
Specific Events
19. Attend the Festival of the Laugh, a series of standup comedy events that will be held to determine who is the funniest person in Virginia. This contest is the first of a nationwide series of comedy festivals to find the funniest person in each state. Festival locations will be in the West End, Short Pump, and Innsbrook areas and the entrance fee is $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
20. Go to the Ashland Strawberry Antique Fair in Ashland, Virginia, on June 6 at Hickory Creek Antiques. Great finds at great prices, rain or shine.
21. Attend the Stone Soul Music & Food Festival on June 6 at the Richmond International Raceway from 1 p.m.–8 p.m. There will be music from Future, Jodeci, Faith Evans, James Fortune, Anthony Lewis, The Migos, TK & Cash, and many more. Parking is free and tickets can be purchased at etix.com.
22. Richmond is such a cool city that it has a festival devoted just to bacon. Go to the 17th Street Farmer' Market on June 14 to enjoy bacon-centric dishes from over 40 Richmond restaurants and their respective food trucks. Proceeds benefit the Enrichmond Foundation.
23. Go to the Richmond Vegetarian Festival on June 20 at Bryan Park from noon–6 p.m. The festival is in its 13th year and has become a popular event for vegetarians and carnivores alike.
24. Attend the Arts & Culture Xpo at the Science Museum of Virginia on June 27. There will be food trucks, stage performances, art demonstrations, and the opportunity to interact with individuals from over 50 non-profit art and culture organizations. Admission is free.
25. Get a group of friends together and participate in the GlowRun at Maymont on July 11. The run is a 3 mile non-timed run/walk for people of all ages who love glow sticks, fun, and seeing Maymont in a new light. The race starts at 7:30. Visit www.glowrunrva.com for more information and registration.
26. Go to America On Tap's Event in Richmond at the International Raceway on August 1 from 2:30 p.m.–6 p.m. The event showcases over 100 releases from some of America's best craft breweries and live music. Buy your ticket before July 1 to save $20.
27. Go to the 10th Annual Filipino Festival on August 7 and 8. Admission is free and will guarantee delicious food and colorful entertainment at Henrico's Our Lady of Lourdes Church. You don't want to miss the largest Filipino festival in Virginia!
28. The Watermelon Festival in Carytown on August 9 from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Enjoy watermelon dishes at local restaurants in Carytown, live music from over 60 musicians, local vendors, and over 3,000 watermelons. This is the biggest one day festival in the whole state of Virginia!
29. The Brew-B-B-Q Festival at the 17th Street Farmers Market brings together the best barbecue and craft beer in Richmond. All Richmond craft breweries will be on hand and admission is free.
30. Watch the fireworks from Belle Isle for July 4th!
This is by no means a comprehensive list, but I hope it will help make your summer in Richmond an awesome one!
