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.
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.
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.
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.
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 on select summer Thursdays in the garden of Richmond’s history museum.
