Rock out at these Richmond live music venues

Hear that? It’s the scintillating sound of Richmond’s live music venues beckoning you to a performance you’ll never forget.

There’s a stage for any type of tune in the River City. To get to know them all, you must do three things: Put your hands in the air, wave ‘em like you just don’t care, then lay your eyes (and ears) on our guide.

Popular venues

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fuzzy Cactus, 221 W. Brookland Park Blvd.

All shows are 21+ at this Northside rock and roll bar.

Photo by RICtoday

Outdoor settings

Brown’s Island, 500 Tredegar St.
Capacity: 16,000

Several groups bring outdoor concerts to the island, including The National, WNRN, the Broadberry. The site also hosts Friday Cheers and festivals throughout the year.

Virginia Credit Union LIVE!, 900 E. Laburnum Ave.
Capacity: 6,000

The Richmond Raceway plays hosts to this ongoing series, which brings big names like Ringo Starr and Train to the River City. Pro tip: Show your Virginia Credit Union debit or credit card for free parking at Lot D.

Maymont, 1000 Westover Rd.
Capacity: 5,000 (Carriage House Lawn)

Maymont hosts its own concerts including a summer kickoff show, but outside series also use the park as home base — including the Richmond Jazz and Music Festival and the Music at Maymont series.

After Hours Concert Series, 13191 Dawn Blvd.

Head to Meadow Event Park in Doswell for this ongoing music series which brings bigger names in country, pop, and hip-hop.

Photo by RICtoday

Intimate spaces

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.

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.

Gallery5, 200 W. Marshall Ave.
Capacity: 75-100

Concerts and events at this venue come with attached art galleries to peruse as well as a bar. You’ll find local artists here, plus recurring jazz nights.

Dominion Energy Center Rhythm Hall, 600 E. Grace St.
Capacity: ~300

A more casual corner of the Dominion Energy Center is home to the Legends On Grace series of cabaret-style seated shows.

Richmond Public Library Main Branch, 101 E. Franklin St.
Capacity: 80 (Gellman Room)

It’s common to find live music on First Fridays in the Gellman Room or on the outdoor steps of the library.

Restaurants, bars, and cafes

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.

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 cooler 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.

Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, 2410 Ownby Ln. (Richmond), 820 Sanctuary Trail Dr. (West Creek)

Both Hardywood locations know how to throw a party, and that typically includes live music from your favorite local acts topped off with quality pours.

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.

River City Roll, 939 Myers St.

This bowling alley and restaurant rolls deep with local and visiting artists performing most weekends.

Another Round Bar & Grill, 7515 Brook Rd.

This venue is a local favorite for hardcore metal, rock, and more.

Photo by RICtoday

Party settings

The Canal Club, 1545 E. Cary St.
Capacity: 450+

Dance nights, DJs, live performers + more rock Shockoe at this classic Richmond 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.

Switch Pop Up Bar, 13 W. Broad St.

This Arts District basement nightclub hosts DJ and dance nights — or bring the live music yourself at Tipsy Karaoke.

Photo by RICtoday

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.

PopUp RVA at The Diamond

This weekly outdoor market hosts live music to enjoy while you peruse vendor offerings.

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 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 Summer Concert Series at The Valentine

Enjoy a free mid-workday concert at noon on select Wednesdays during the summer in the garden of Richmond’s history museum.