Rachel Nicholas, Staff Writer
Summer is coming full blast to Richmond and there are many things to do across the city. Whether you are planning ahead or just taking things one day at a time, something is always happening.
From VCU and its surrounding neighborhoods to across the James River, there is an event for everyone. Here are a few to start with.
Dance the night away at Maymont Park
Celebrating 100 years and hosting its annual summer concert series, Maymont’s spokesperson Melissa Abernathy said the goal is to “create a space where people can slow down and experience both music and landscape together.”
Expect picnics spread across the lawn accompanied by a plethora of musical talent — upcoming shows to include the Punch Brothers and Carbon Leaf — as well as different tours of the gardens that surround the Gilded Age mansion.
More information about their events can be found on their website, maymont.org.
Refresh and relax with local watermelons
It would not be summer in Richmond without the Carytown Watermelon Festival. Organized by Three One One Productions and held every August, the festival has grown from a neighborhood gathering into a citywide tradition with arts and craft vendors, live music across multiple stages, street performers and more watermelons including watermelon-themed contests.
Many participating shops and restaurants offer special promotions or watermelon-inspired menu items. The festival will be held Aug 9.
More information about their events can be found on their website, carytownwatermelonfestival.com.
Find your rhythm at Richmond’s raves
For those looking to stay out a little later, Richmond’s rave and electronic scene is quietly thriving. From warehouse-style pop-ups to club nights featuring regional DJs and touring acts, there is almost always something happening if you know where to look. Platforms like EDM Train track upcoming shows across the city, making it easier to find everything from house and techno sets to bass-heavy lineups.
Venues rotate and spaces can be unconventional, but more information on where and when can be found on EDM Train’s website, edmtrain.com/richmond-va.
Cool down at the James River waterfront
For those who do not wish to trek farther south to find a summer splash pad can look no further than Reedy Creek along the James. The area offers shaded swimming areas surrounded by the calm flow of the river, and is home to several species of birds, turtles and marine life. Visitors can park on 42nd Street or the Reedy Creek headquarters where several of the trailheads are located.
More information can be found on their website, jamesriverpark.org
Take a stroll around the park
Noted as Virginia’s largest state park, Pocahontas Park remains a key destination for fans of hiking, biking, camping and those who want to embrace the outdoors. The park’s landscape of hardwood forest, wetlands and lakes offers more than 90 miles of trails alongside Beaver Lakes — the perfect fishing spot that is home to bass, bluegill and catfish.
Just 20 miles southwest of Richmond, visitors can reserve picnic shelters and more at dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/pocahontas