Trying to put together a list of the best shows in Richmond these days is becoming a pretty hard thing to do. The city is busy, but at least it’s not boring. There are more shows, festivals, DJ nights, and random Tuesday concerts happening in the River City than at any point we can remember.
So think of this less as a definitive guide and more as a field guide for surviving summer in Richmond without accidentally spending your entire paycheck by July. And if we missed something, send it to hello@rvamag.com. We’re trying to keep up too.
So without further ado, here’s what’s happening this summer, and why you might want to be there.
MAY 2026
May 21–24: Rooster Walk 16 at Pop’s Farm
Rooster Walk returns to Pop’s Farm in Martinsville for its 16th annual festival with four days of live music, camping, art, food, and community programming.
This year’s headliners include St. Paul & The Broken Bones, moe., Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Kitchen Dwellers, and Keller Williams. Additional performers scheduled throughout the weekend include Mountain Grass Unit, Eggy, Maggie Rose, Dumpstaphunk, John Brown’s Body, Shadowgrass, Clay Street Unit, Yarn, Holy Roller, Dizgo, Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast, Tan & Sober Gentlemen, Isaac Hadden, Sol Driven Train, Florencia & The Feeling, Mountain Walrus, Big Fat Gap, Jules & The Agreeables, and many others. The festival lineup spans jam bands, bluegrass, Americana, funk, reggae, soul, and roots music, continuing the genre-blending approach Rooster Walk has become known for over the years.
May 25: Daydream Fest at Main Line Brewery
Daydream Fest returns to Main Line Brewery for its fifth anniversary celebration with a lineup highlighting Richmond’s independent music scene across soul, indie rock, jazz, funk, hip hop, reggae, and experimental music. This year’s performers include Bio Ritmo, Mighty Joshua, Weekend Plans, Erin & The Wildfire, Charles Owens Trio, Hotspants, Ant The Symbol, Radio B, Dan & The Fam, and Cellists of the Richmond Philharmonic. The one-day festival, organized by BariPete Productions, will also feature local vendors, food, craft beer, and community programming throughout the day.
May 26–31: Charged Up Fest III at Various Richmond Venues
Charged Up Fest returns to Richmond for its third annual weeklong festival centered around hip hop, live music, wellness, entrepreneurship, and community programming. Curated by Richmond artist Noah-O, the festival will feature concerts, beat battles, comedy shows, networking events, wellness panels, and art activations across multiple venues throughout the city. This year’s events include the Charged Up Impact Awards at Common House, the “Leading The Charge” wellness panel at ICA Richmond, the Producers Cup Beat Battle at Black Iris, and the Noah-O Birthday Concert at The Broadberry, alongside additional community-focused programming throughout the week.
May 30: Love Club International at LOSO
Love Club International returns to Richmond for a night at LOSO hosted by Alex Delany and Constantine Giavos, the duo behind the long-running dance party series that became a staple of Richmond nightlife in the 2010s. Originally launched during their time in New York, Love Club blended disco, synth-pop, house, and late-night dance music into events that developed a strong following both in Richmond and beyond. The May 30 event marks the party’s return after an extended hiatus and comes alongside new music releases from the project. The night is expected to focus on disco, dance music, and club-oriented selections alongside original productions and guest collaborations.
May 31: The Minneapolis Uranium Club Band, K9, Hard Copy, and Black Button at Cobra Cabana
The Minneapolis Uranium Club Band makes its first Richmond appearance at Cobra Cabana as part of Sonic Dustbowl XIV, alongside K9, Hard Copy, and Black Button. Known for its offbeat blend of punk, post-punk, and art rock, Uranium Club has developed a cult following through a mix of angular instrumentation, deadpan performance style, and satirical songwriting.
June 2026
June 9: Passion Pit at The National
Indie pop band Passion Pit returns to Richmond for a performance at The National. Known for songs like “Sleepyhead” and “Take a Walk,” the group remains a major draw for fans of late-2000s indie pop and electronic music.
June 10: Hot Mulligan with Joyce Manor at Kanawha Plaza
Hot Mulligan and Joyce Manor bring a mix of emo, punk, and pop-punk to Kanawha Plaza as part of Richmond’s growing slate of outdoor summer concerts.
June 11: Cowboy Junkies at The National
Canadian folk and alternative country group Cowboy Junkies perform at The National with a catalog that spans more than three decades.
June 12: Ryan Bingham and The Texas Gentlemen at The National
Ryan Bingham returns to Richmond alongside The Texas Gentlemen for a night of Americana, roots rock, and country songwriting at The National.
June 12–13: LOSO Weekend at LOSO
LOSO hosts a two-night dance music weekend on June 12 and 13 featuring Richmond and Detroit DJs, producers, and party collectives. The June 12 lineup includes Party Liberation Foundation alongside Crenshaw, The Reinholder, ImOcean, and Wrath. On June 13, Detroit DJ and producer Sillygirlcarmen returns to Richmond with support from Haley Phillips.
July 16–19: Tonal Recall at Get Tight Lounge
Local promoter and creative collective Good Day RVA returns with “Tonal Recall,” a four-night showcase at Get Tight Lounge featuring a lineup of Richmond underground and indie acts. The series marks a rare reappearance for the group, which became known in the 2010s for documenting and supporting Richmond’s DIY music scene through live sessions, videos, and local show promotion. The lineup includes Hot Dolphin, Snack Truck, Pinkish, Blush Face, Spooky Cool, Rikki Rakki, Navi, Mutwawa, Mebus, White Laces, Antiphons, and Night Idea. The event leans heavily into Richmond music nostalgia while reconnecting artists and audiences tied to the city’s independent music community over the last decade.
June 17: Everclear at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
90s alternative rock band Everclear performs at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden as part of the venue’s summer concert series.
June 18: Zack Fox at The National
Comedian, rapper, and internet personality Zack Fox brings his live show to The National for a performance expected to blend music, comedy, and crowd interaction.
June 19: Lord Huron at Richmond Raceway
Indie folk band Lord Huron performs at Richmond Raceway with a catalog that includes the multi-platinum hit “The Night We Met.”
June 20: Subhumans with Total Chaos at Richmond Music Hall
UK punk veterans Subhumans join Total Chaos for a Richmond Music Hall show featuring two longtime staples of the international punk scene.
June 27: Dylan Marlowe at The Broadberry
Country artist Dylan Marlowe brings his current touring run to The Broadberry for a summer stop in Richmond.
July 2026
July 3: Birthday Cake at Ember Music Hall
Birthday Cake returns to Ember Music Hall on July 3 for a club night built around dance music, party culture, and late-night DJ sets. The event features music from Mistro, DJ Hoody & Friends, and Hunting Dog, alongside themed visuals, party props, and the event’s recurring “Cake Drop Ritual.”
June 8: Restrictor Plate, Harlekin, Cycle of Abuse, and Not One of Them at Bandito’s
Richmond Hardcore Shows and Rival Booking present a heavy hardcore and slam lineup at Bandito’s featuring Restrictor Plate, Germany’s Harlekin, Philadelphia’s Cycle of Abuse, and Richmond band Not One of Them.
July 9: Straight No Chaser at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
A cappella group Straight No Chaser brings its mix of pop, vocal harmonies, and comedy to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden as part of the venue’s summer concert series.
July 10: Khalid at Allianz Amphitheater
R&B singer Khalid performs at Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront as part of his current touring run. The Grammy-nominated artist is known for hits including “Location,” “Talk,” and “Young Dumb & Broke.”
June 10: Deceptor, Maldevera, Eradicant, and BoneWretch at Cobra Cabana
North Carolina thrash band Deceptor and Texas death metal group Maldevera bring a touring package to Cobra Cabana alongside Richmond bands Eradicant and BoneWretch.
July 11: The Marshall Tucker Band at Innsbrook Pavilion
Southern rock veterans The Marshall Tucker Band return to the Richmond area for a performance at Innsbrook Pavilion featuring songs from across the group’s decades-long catalog.
July 12: The Strokes at Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront
New York rock band The Strokes will perform at Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront on July 12. The band remains one of the most influential acts to emerge from the early-2000s garage rock revival.
July 13: Earl Sweatshirt + MIKE at The National
Rappers Earl Sweatshirt and MIKE bring their collaborative tour to The National for a show centered on experimental and introspective hip hop.
July 14: Band of Horses + Dinosaur Jr. at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Band of Horses and Dinosaur Jr. share the bill at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden for a summer concert combining indie rock, alternative rock, and guitar-driven classics from both bands’ catalogs.
July 14: American Football at The National
Influential emo and indie rock band American Football performs at The National with the atmospheric sound and intricate guitar work that helped define the genre.
July 19: Fruit Bats at The Broadberry
Indie folk project Fruit Bats brings its current tour to The Broadberry for a Richmond stop this summer.
July 22: Cat Power at The Broadberry
Singer-songwriter Cat Power performs at The Broadberry with a catalog spanning indie rock, folk, blues, and alternative music.
July 22–26: FloydFest 26: Daydream at FestivalPark
FloydFest returns to FestivalPark in Floyd County this summer with a five-day lineup headlined by Tedeschi Trucks Band, My Morning Jacket, Stephen Wilson Jr., and Lukas Nelson. Additional artists scheduled throughout the festival include Larkin Poe, Railroad Earth, The Dip, Andy Frasco & The U.N., The Word featuring Robert Randolph, John Medeski & North Mississippi Allstars, Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast, The Creekers, Penelope Road, Tyler Ramsey, Zach Person, Zion Marley, Organ Fairchild, Isaac Hadden, Florencia & The Feeling, and many others. Known for combining roots music, jam bands, Americana, bluegrass, funk, and outdoor camping culture, FloydFest remains one of Virginia’s largest independent music festivals. The event also features workshops, late-night performances, art installations, local food and beverage vendors, and family programming throughout the week.
July 23: Bob Dylan with Lucinda Williams and Jimmie Vaughan at Allianz Amphitheater
Bob Dylan returns to Richmond this summer for a performance at Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront alongside Lucinda Williams and Jimmie Vaughan. Now more than six decades into his career, Dylan continues to tour regularly with sets that pull from across his catalog while reworking songs in ways that rarely sound the same twice. The Richmond stop brings together three longtime figures in American songwriting, blues, rock, and country music for one of the summer’s highest-profile shows.
July 25: Pavement at The National
Influential indie rock band Pavement returns to Richmond for a rare performance at The National. The reunion tour continues to draw longtime fans of the band’s influential 1990s catalog.
July 29: Jesse Welles at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Singer-songwriter Jesse Welles performs at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden as part of the venue’s summer concert series.
July 31: Djo at Allianz Amphitheater
Djo brings his current tour to Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront. The indie-pop project from actor and musician Joe Keery has grown rapidly in popularity with younger audiences through a mix of psychedelic pop and alternative rock.
August 2026
August 1: JamPacked Craft Beverage & Music Festival at Kanawha Plaza
JamPacked returns to Kanawha Plaza on August 1 with a full day of live music, craft beverages, and outdoor festival programming in downtown Richmond. This year’s lineup features Oteil & Friends, Big Something, Neighbor, and Sidechick, with additional performances from Oteil Burbridge, Steve Kimock, Jason Crosby, Johnny Kimock, Tom Guarna, and Lamar Williams Jr. The annual festival combines jam bands, funk, rock, and improvisational music with regional craft beer and beverage vendors, continuing its run as one of Richmond’s larger summer music events along the riverfront.
August 1: The Black Keys at Allianz Amphitheater
Rock duo The Black Keys bring their blues-influenced garage rock sound to Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront as part of the band’s current touring run.
TBD: 804 Day Music and Community Festival at 17th Street Market
The annual 804 Day Music and Community Festival is expected to return to 17th Street Market this summer with live music, local vendors, food, and community programming centered around Richmond culture and artists. Additional details, performers, and the official event date have not yet been announced.
August 7: Watchhouse at The National
Folk duo Watchhouse performs at The National with a catalog centered around acoustic songwriting, harmonies, and contemporary Americana music.
August 8–9: Richmond Jazz and Music Festival at Maymont
The Richmond Jazz and Music Festival returns to Maymont this summer with a lineup headlined by neo-soul artist Erykah Badu.
Additional performers scheduled throughout the weekend include Grammy-winning vocalist Samara Joy, rapper Lupe Fiasco, and R&B artist Leon Thomas, alongside dozens of acts spanning jazz, soul, funk, hip hop, and contemporary R&B. Held annually at Maymont, the festival remains one of Richmond’s largest summer music events, drawing national touring artists and regional performers to the city each year.
August 9: 5 Seconds of Summer at Allianz Amphitheater
Australian pop rock band 5 Seconds of Summer brings its latest tour to Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront for a summer stop in Richmond.
August 14: Indigo Girls at Innsbrook Pavilion
Folk rock duo Indigo Girls perform at Innsbrook Pavilion with a catalog spanning more than three decades, including songs that helped define the Americana and folk scenes of the 1990s.
August 19: Chris Stapleton at Allianz Amphitheater
Country artist Chris Stapleton returns to Richmond for a performance at Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront. Stapleton remains one of the biggest touring acts in country music, known for his blend of Southern rock, blues, and traditional country songwriting.
September 2026
September 1: The Goo Goo Dolls at Allianz Amphitheater
The Goo Goo Dolls perform at Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront as part of the band’s current touring run. The group remains known for a catalog of alternative rock and pop hits spanning more than three decades.
September 3: Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration with the Richmond Symphony at Allianz Amphitheater
The Richmond Symphony joins members of the Jerry Garcia Band for a symphonic celebration of Jerry Garcia’s music at Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront on September 3. The performance features Melvin Seals, Jacklyn LaBranch, Tom Hamilton, Grahame Lesh, John Morgan Kimock, and Kanika Moore performing arrangements drawn from Garcia’s catalog alongside the Richmond Symphony. The event blends orchestral performance with the improvisational and psychedelic influences associated with Garcia’s music and the broader Grateful Dead universe.
September 10: Empire of the Sun at Allianz Amphitheater
Australian electronic pop duo Empire of the Sun brings its “Ask That God: Afterlife” tour to Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront on September 10. Known for elaborate visuals, theatrical live performances, and songs including “Walking on a Dream” and “Alive,” the group blends synth-pop, electronic music, and arena-scale production into one of the more visually ambitious tours coming through Richmond this year. Support for the show includes Polo & Pan and Midnight Generation.
September 11: Cheekface at Richmond Music Hall
Los Angeles indie rock group Cheekface brings its spoken-word-inspired style and deadpan songwriting to Richmond Music Hall for a fall performance.
September 19–20: Iron Blossom at Midtown Green
Iron Blossom returns to Midtown Green for its fourth year with headliners LCD Soundsystem and Jack White. Additional artists scheduled include Portugal. The Man, Phantogram, Dijon, Kevin Morby, Geese, Die Spitz, Night Idea, and Shera Shi among others. The two-day festival continues its no-overlapping-sets format across two stages in downtown Richmond.
September 23: Violent Femmes at Kanawha Plaza
Violent Femmes return to Richmond for an outdoor performance at Kanawha Plaza. The influential Milwaukee band remains known for songs including “Blister in the Sun,” “Gone Daddy Gone,” and “Add It Up.”
TBD: Virginia Pridefest at Midtown Green
Virginia Pridefest is expected to return to Midtown Green this fall for another full day of live music, drag performances, food vendors, community organizations, and LGBTQ+ programming in downtown Richmond. Organized annually by Diversity Richmond, the free outdoor festival has become one of the city’s largest and most visible community celebrations, drawing thousands of attendees each year. The 2026 lineup and official event date have not yet been announced.
September 29: Mt. Joy at Allianz Amphitheater
Indie folk rock band Mt. Joy brings its “World Tour 2026” to Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront as part of the group’s 10th anniversary celebration. Known for songs including “Silver Lining,” “Astrovan,” and “Orange Blood,” the Philadelphia-based band has grown into one of the larger touring acts in the indie folk and alternative scene over the last decade.
Photo by Joey Wharton
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