Richmond’s music scene is always alight with energy, from sell-out riverfront stages hosting big names to unsuspecting corner markets humming with underground talent. We’re here to help you find your crowd — Richmond has lots of ‘em.
Concert halls
Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel St.
Capacity: 3,500
Formerly the Mosque Theater, the Altria is home to Broadway in Richmond performances as well as national tours. Pro tip: There are concessions on the first, second, and third floors.
The National, 708 E. Broad St.
Capacity: 1,500
This downtown venue hosts a variety of performers from up-and-coming rappers to larger indie acts to reunion tours. Plus, catch favorites from the local tribute scene and stand-up comedy.
Dominion Energy Center: Carpenter Theatre, 600 E. Grace St.
Capacity: 1,800
This classic Richmond venue hosts traveling acts as well as many performances by the Richmond Ballet and Richmond Symphony.
The Broadberry, 2729 W. Broad St.
Capacity: 500
Grab a seat at the 60-foot bar or a table, or join the crowd and enjoy an intimate concert experience. The venue also hosts dance parties, trivia nights, and album release parties.
Richmond Music Hall, 619 E. Main St.
Capacity: 300
Attached to Capital Ale House, this venue brings a variety of genres downtown, from metal to folk to hyperpop. It also hosts drag brunch and record-release events.
Outdoor settings
Brown’s Island, 500 Tredegar St. (Temporarily closed for construction)
Capacity: 16,000
Several groups bring outdoor concerts to the island, including The National, WNRN, and The Broadberry. The site also hosts the seasonal Friday Cheers concert series (which will be on hiatus this year due to construction).
Allianz Amphitheater, 350 Tredegar St.
Capacity: 7,500
This new riverfront venue has quickly risen as one of Richmond’s most star-studded stages.
Virginia Credit Union LIVE!, 900 E. Laburnum Ave.
Capacity: 6,000
The Richmond Raceway plays host to this ongoing series, which brings big names to the River City. Pro tip: Show your Virginia Credit Union debit or credit card for free parking at Lot D.
Intimate spaces
The Camel, 1621 W. Broad St.
Capacity: 130
See your favorite local artist or an indie up-and-comer at this dynamic venue. Pro tip: You can also nab tickets for Camel concerts at Plan9 Music in Carytown.
Gallery5, 200 W. Marshall Ave.
Capacity: 75-100
Concerts and events at this venue are always brimming with local creativity and sound.
In Your Ear Studios, 1813 East Broad St.
Capacity: 50
This broadcasting and media production company hosts Shockoe Sessions Live, a weekly studio-style concert series. It’s like NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, but all local talent.
Mocha Mart, 700 Idlewood Ave.
One of the most recent fascinations in Richmond’s music scene — an Oregon Hill corner store awakened by the underground music scene.
Restaurants + bars
The Tin Pan, 8982 Quioccasin Rd.
Capacity: 220
This Henrico venue offers a bar, comfort food menu, and a rotating schedule of local live performers.
Bandito’s, 2905 Patterson Ave.
Capacity: 50-80
Head to the venue a little early for happy hour drinks and taco specials. The performance stage is separate from the restaurant area, but you can filter in and out for refreshers.
Cobra Cabana, 901 W Marshall St.
This grunge- and metal-friendly bar in The Fan hosts local bands on the back patio.
Fuzzy Cactus, 221 W. Brookland Park Blvd.
All shows are 21+ at this Northside bar seeking talent in Richmond’s “rock and roll, punk, metal, indie, and weirdos scene.”
Get Tight Lounge, 1104 W. Main St.
Check out the schedule of free shows during Happy Hour to find your next local favorite, or get tickets for special performances.
Breweries
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, 2410 Ownby Ln. (RVA), 820 Sanctuary Trail Dr. (West Creek)
Both Hardywood locations know how to plan a good hangout, and that typically includes live music from your favorite local acts and a few pints.
Main Line Brewery, 1603 Ownby Ln.
This brewery has indoor and outdoor stage areas and frequently hosts free admission events, including local shows and open mic nights. Bonus: The outdoor stage area has heaters for the chillier months.
Starr Hill Beer Hall + Rooftop, 3406 W. Leigh St.
Rock out at a local rooftop concert or bring your fur baby — pets are welcome on the first-floor heated patio.
Brambly Park Winery, 1708 Belleville St.
Take in live tunes from the covered patio while you enjoy drinks and dinner, or dance the night away in the open stage area.
Party settings
The Canal Club, 1545 E. Cary St.
Capacity: 450+
Dance nights, DJs, and live performers get more raucous than the cobblestone streets at this staple Shockoe club.
Ember Music Hall, 309 W. Broad St.
Expect EDM and a variety of other genres at this relatively new downtown venue.
Fallout, 117 N. 18th St.
This nightspot is typically exclusive to members, but often hosts public events, including DJ nights and performers.
River City Roll, 939 Myers St.
This bowling alley and restaurant rolls deep with local and visiting artists performing most weekends.
Annual events with live music
Richmond Night Market at 17th Street Market
This seasonal outdoor market brings performers to the main stage while you shop, eat, and meet local makers.
Festival of Arts at Dogwood Dell
Each summer, the city’s free Festival of Arts brings local live music to Dogwood Dell on the weekends, plus a handful of shows at different venues around town.
Flowers After 5 at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
This weekly seasonal series takes place on Thursday evenings from Mid-May until October. Stroll the gardens, enjoy local tunes, and bring your pup for Fidos After 5 on select nights.
Dominion Energy Jazz Café at the VMFA
Enjoy a variety of jazz most Wednesdays in the museum’s Cochrane Atrium. The free shows are presented in partnership with Richmond Jazz Society.
Jazz at the Fountain at Byrd Park
This summertime series brings local jazz artists for a free outdoor concert at Fountain Lake.
The Oasis: A High Noon Summer Concert Series at The Valentine
Enjoy a free mid-workday concert on select summer Thursdays in the garden of Richmond’s history museum.
Music at Maymont at Maymont
Capacity: 5,000 (Carriage House Lawn)
Every summer, folks flock to the carriage house lawn for a series of outdoor concerts.
