19 Things To Do In Richmond, VA In Summer 2024

19 Things To Do In Richmond, VA In The Summer (2024)

As a kid, summertime was probably the most fun, care-free time of your life. Whether it’s a carnival, baseball game, or swimming, summer activities have a nostalgia in a class of their own. RVA is full of these activities that will bring you back to childhood days. Follow our list of things to do in Richmond during the hottest months of the year, and you’ll feel the freedom of being a kid again. Whether it’s embracing the heat or escaping the heat, there’s something for everyone!

Related: Summer Events & Festivals in Richmond.

Or you can read our activity guide for Fall, Winter, and Spring.

Find Dead Rock At Belle Isle

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 Grateful Dead would party after playing shows in the ’70s (and before they were banned from Richmond in the ’80s). Take a swim in the James River and explore Belle Isle till you find it, or take the guess work out and do a quick Google search. We’ll keep the location a secret so you can decide, but here’s a hint: the rock has a huge skull painted on it.

Attend One Of The Many Summer Festivals

Bring the childhood memories of summer celebrations back to life with all of the summer festivals that Richmond has to offer! From the Watermelon Festival to the Hanover Tomato Festival, from the Shakespeare Festival to Jazz Festival, these events ensure you’ll have something exciting to do on those hot summer days. The only problem will be waiting for them to come back around next summer!

Book A Guided Hiking Tour

Explore the James River and its beautiful surrounding areas on a guided hiking tour! 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! 

Picnic At Richmond’s Scenic Overlooks

The semi-secret overlooks of Richmond are abundant, and hands down some of the best spots at which to enjoy a day off. Grab food to go from one of the dozens of casual-fast restaurants with picnic-ready food and head to Jefferson Park, or Libby Hill, or the Floodwall, or…

Take A White-Water Rafting Tour

Did you know Richmond is the only place in America that has Class IV rapids running straight through the city? 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.

Attend Friday Cheers

If you’ve ever wondered what the best concert venue is, here’s your answer: Brown’s Island. It sits on the edge of the James River, lined with train-track bridges on one side and the downtown skyline on the other. The musical acts at Friday Cheers are hand-picked for their talent and ability to bring excitement downtown (Alabama Shakes was one of the headliners before they became famous). Dance and chat the night away as you feel like a true part of the Richmond community and listen to the summertime tunes. 

Catch Fireworks (And Some Baseball) At A Squirrel’s Game

There’s something about a baseball game that gets us feeling all 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 will often feature some of Richmond’s best firework displays! Catch a game on those nights and be mesmerized by the lights!

Enjoy Drinks On A Patio

Summertime means outdoor seating! Tons of Richmond restaurants and cafes double in size during the summer with al fresco dining. Check out our list of some of the best outdoor dining and patios in the city.

Rent Our Climate-Controlled Bus

Did you know Discover Richmond Tours has a climate-controlled, 14-passenger shuttle bus? Rent it for a day with your favorite people and let us take you around the city, or even outside RVA! We know all of the good drinking spots within a 1-hour drive, and you already know about our food expertise. Plan your own event or let us help you craft a fun day on our bus. Did we mention it’s got great AC?

Find Thrills At King’s Dominion Or Busch Gardens

Kings Dominion is tucked out of sight a few miles north of Richmond, while Busch Gardens is a bit more of a drive (roughly 45 minutes) south of Richmond, but both are worth the trip! There’s just something about heading to a theme park on a hot day and spending the time riding thrilling rides and eating carnival food with your friends and family. Both parks are open every day during the summer!

Catch A Movie At The Drive-In

Imagine sitting on the hood of your car (or inside your car if it’s too hot outside, because summer) while watching a movie on the huge screen in front of you, and the nighttime sky above you. There aren’t many drive-ins left, but the Goochland Drive-In Theater remains a great place for a now-unique experience and new releases!

Play With Butterflies

Have you ever heard that a butterfly landing on you means good luck? Well, increase your odds of good luck by stepping into the magical world of Butterflies LIVE at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden! You’ll find yourself in the presence of thousands of fluttering butterflies, without a barrier between you. Unlike a zoo exhibit, the glass wall has been brought down and you truly get to spend time among these gorgeous creatures.

Explore Three Lakes Nature Center

Explore an extensive set of nature trails and then visit the nature center to understand what’s happening beneath what the eye can see. With an aquarium and free admission, the Three Lakes Nature Center and Reserve is a cheap and educational way to entertain the kids or spend an afternoon alone. And for just being a short distance outside the city, it sure is quiet and tranquil.

Check Out Downtown Richmond and the Main St. Station

Main Street Station is a beautiful, historic building that’s worth your attention. It recently underwent a major revitalization, along with the 17th Street Farmer’s Market right next door. And just across the road, there’s always a new art installation hanging from the giant bridges above. There are several fascinating murals in the area (thanks to the Richmond Mural Project) and you’re bound to pass a few no matter which way you walk.

Learn About Capitol Square On A Scavenger Hunt

There’s lots of history to be explored around Richmond’s Capitol, and several ways to explore it. You can picnic on the grounds; you can head inside of the Capitol building; or you can take a fun, interactive scavenger hunt of the Downtown/Capitol Grounds with Discover Richmond Tours’ scavenger hunt!

Escape The Heat At The Byrd Theatre

Check out The Byrd Theatre, a gorgeous, 1920s movie palace showing movies you didn’t get a chance to see while they were in theaters. The Byrd is an inexpensive and aesthetically-pleasing option for a night out and a good way to escape the heat of summer. Grab lunch or dinner at one of the dozens of great options nearby before heading in for the movie!

Feel Chic At Quirk Hotel

Walk into Quirk Hotel and you’ll feel like you’ve slipped into Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel. Have a coffee (or a cocktail) at Maple & Pine downstairs and enjoy the beautifully decorated lobby, or grab a drink on the Q Rooftop Bar for a spectacular sunset. Don’t forget to check out Quirk Gallery before you leave!

Visit A Lavender Farm

The Lavender Fields Farm is Central Virginia’s largest organic herb and vegetable farm, featuring small fields and greenhouses covered in purple lavender and other vegetation. Purchase everything you need to start your own garden, and learn all about herb and vegetable gardening, container gardening, and more in one of the many classes offered. Also (and this is important), they sell lavender ice cream!

You Might Also Like: