On June 28, Carytown will once again become a place where reality takes a smoke break. Wizards will be slouched on bar patios like it’s perfectly normal, elves will wander somewhere between Révéler and New York Deli, and if you squint hard enough, you might see a dragonborn waiting in line at 7-Eleven, trying to buy a Gatorade with a gold piece.
It’s called the Drinkers & Dragons Fantasy Bar Crawl, brought to you by Markster Con Production. The concept is simple enough: dress like someone who knows what a charisma modifier is, wander between bars, complete light-hearted “quests,” and drink just enough to forget that Richmond in June feels like living inside a mouth.
Participants are encouraged to show up in full regalia — wizards, rogues, warlocks, knights, bards, the whole chaotic party. Along the way, there are challenges to complete, drinks to earn, and strangers to bond with. It’s the kind of social contract that only works when everyone agrees to be ridiculous at the same time.
And while it might look like a one-night costume party with a light ale problem, it’s actually a window into something much bigger. Richmond has a real-deal Dungeons & Dragons scene — a whole network of storytellers, dice-slingers, and late-night map-drawers who do this sort of thing regularly, minus the Fireball shots. It’s theater, therapy, and friendship disguised as a game.
And if that sounds silly to you, congratulations. You’re probably overdue for an adventure.
The Party Doesn’t End at Last Call
Richmond has a legitimate D&D culture, with dozens of games running weekly across the city. Whether you’re a first-timer curious about how to roll a character or a veteran dungeon master looking for a new campaign to torment, there’s a place for you to play.
Start with r/RVADandD, a local Reddit hub where players regularly post open game invites, share world-building tips, and promote workshops designed specifically for beginners. It’s friendly, it’s active, and it’s full of people who would probably love to explain the difference between a sorcerer and a wizard if you’re into that kind of thing.
Want something more in-person? Check out:
- One Eyed Jacques in Carytown — a local classic with regular tabletop nights.
- Battlegrounds in Midlothian — recommended by multiple players for casual game nights and campaign meetups.
- Waterloo Games in Mechanicsville — hosting everything from board games to D&D one-shots.
And if you’re looking to test the waters without committing to a full campaign, Goblins & Growlers puts on beginner-friendly one-shots around town, often in breweries or cafes. Mechanicsville Nerds also runs public sessions, often geared toward new players.
You’ll also find groups on Discord, Facebook (search “Richmond DND”), and even MeetUp, including the long-running Scott’s Addition Board Game Society, where D&D is just one of many games in play.
Support RVA Magazine. Support independent media in Richmond.
In a world where corporations and wealthy individuals now shape much of our media landscape, RVA Magazine remains fiercely independent, amplifying the voices of Richmond’s artists, musicians, and community. Since 2005, we’ve been dedicated to authentic, grassroots storytelling that highlights the people and culture shaping our city.
But we can’t do this without you. A small donation, even as little as $2 – one-time or recurring – helps us continue to produce honest, local coverage free from outside interference. Every dollar makes a difference. Your support keeps us going and keeps RVA’s creative spirit alive. Thank you for standing with independent media. DONATE HERE.
You can also show your support by purchasing our merch HERE.
