So, it’s New Year’s Eve. The drinks are poured, the fireworks are loaded, and before the clock strikes midnight, let’s take a moment to sift through the rubble of the year that was. Richmond in 2024—messy, beautiful, endlessly fascinating. Thanks for sticking with us through it all and pushing our readership to all time highs. Be safe out there tonight, and we’ll catch you in 2025.
Richmond Music of Right Now Reader’s Poll
Richmond loves its music, and for good reason. This city’s soundtrack goes back to the DIY punk anthems of the ’80s—raw, unpolished, and full of life. It’s a rhythm that defines us, stubborn and unrelenting. This year’s poll? A massive hit, proving once again that Richmond takes its music seriously. Missed it? No worries—we’re doing it all over again in a few weeks for 2025. Dive in HERE.
World’s Largest Surf Park?
Yes, you read that right. A surf park—and not just any surf park, but allegedly the “world’s largest”—is coming to Chesterfield County. Or so they say. Naturally, Richmonders and beyond were hooked. How is this possible? When does it open? Is it even real? The skepticism was palpable, but the curiosity was even stronger. This story had everyone from locals to international surf enthusiasts clicking, speculating, and side-eyeing. Will it live up to the hype? Who knows. But you can bet we’ll be there, towel in hand, the day those artificial waves start rolling—if they ever do. Read it HERE.
Richmond Gun Hole
It started with a casual text from Goad Gatsby: “Should we write about the Gun Hole?” Honestly, we weren’t sure it mattered. The Gun Hole has been around forever—a relic of the city’s grittier days. But this story caught fire. A few days after it went viral, the city scrambled to cover it up, sparking heated debates about priorities. They’ll slap a bandaid on a sinkhole if it embarrasses them, but the potholes tearing up your tires? Good luck. The Gun Hole became a symbol—a weird, absurd reminder of what this city used to be and the price we pay for change. Read it HERE.
Richmond Named #1 Town to Visit by CNN
“Fake news,” some called it. But this little write-up struck a nerve. Transplants and tourists cheered, while locals bristled at what comes next: soaring rents, clogged streets, and a city teetering on an identity crisis. Richmond’s getting its flowers, sure, but it’s also getting crowded. Love it or hate it, this story marked a turning point. Read it HERE. And our commentary on it HERE.
Pharrell Comes to Town
When Pharrell’s in town, you feel it. This year, he rolled through to shoot parts of his autobiographical movie, and the city collectively lost its mind. Everyone wanted a piece—DMs asking for insider info, cars cruising by hoping for a glimpse. Pharrell’s movie drops in 2025. Read it HERE.
Chandler Matkins is a Rapper
A few years back, we sat down with Chandler Matkins, a rapper with a knack for TikTok virality. Fast forward to now, and he’s one of the most talked-about names in Richmond music. This year, he dropped a video that went nuclear, cementing his place in the scene. He’s heading to New York soon, but there’s still time to catch him live. Don’t miss your chance. Read it HERE.
Vasen Moving to Forest Hill
Another brewery opening a second location—big deal, right? But this one is. Vasen is leaving its mark on Scott’s Addition, and now it’s moving to Forest Hill, across the street from Richmond’s reigning favorite, The Veil. Throw in the beloved KoBop food truck, and you’ve got a trifecta that has locals buzzing. Forest Hill’s about to level up. Read it HERE.
We Went to Waynesboro
It started with a simple invitation: “Come to Waynesboro and take a look around.” Two hours later, we found ourselves in a town at a crossroads—part industrial relic, part burgeoning arts hub. Women entrepreneurs are reimagining downtown, the art center feels like something out of a bigger city, and there’s a brewery/venue that fits 800 people. The response? Huge. More people read this piece than live in Waynesboro. Go figure. Read it HERE.
Who is Richmond’s Next Mayor?
Few things mattered more this year than Richmond’s mayoral race. Danny Avula steps into the hot seat, and the next four years are his to shape. Politics dominated the city’s consciousness in 2024, and now the real work begins. What kind of legacy will Avula carve out? Time will tell. Read it HERE.
Sticky Rice Turns 25
Sticky Rice isn’t just a bar—it’s a mood, an era, a cornerstone of Richmond’s nightlife. For a generation, it was the place to be, where the sushi was solid, the drinks were strong, and the vibe was unmatched. Our look back on Sticky Rice at 25 felt like the end of an era—a nostalgic toast to a place that defined so many nights (and mornings after). Read it HERE.
