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With the opening of its first theater in 1786, Richmond has always put a great emphasis on the cultural arts. A busy calendar of theater, music and festivals has made the downtown area a popular spot to spend an evening. The renovated Shockoe Bottom area is the hub of clubs and a variety of music, and Carytown is a lively neighborhood for strolling and window-shopping after dinner. The Parks, Recreation and Community department operates many city-funded activities throughout the year including outdoor concerts and festivals.

Stage and Screen

The Landmark Theater is the place to see big shows in Richmond – Broadway musicals, the Richmond Symphony and the annual performance by the Richmond Ballet of the Nutcracker Suite. The 3500-seat venue was designed so that all seats have a good view of the stage. For fans of Shakespeare, the Encore Theater Company performs the bard's classic works outdoors in the Elizabethan Garden at Agecroft Hall. The 15th-century Tudor mansion provides the perfect setting.

The historic Empire Theatre, built in 1910, is home to the Theatre IV company, which performs plays designed especially for children and teenagers. The troupe's year-round program includes both classic plays and new productions. The Carpenter Center for the Performing Arts was built in 1928 as a movie theater and now houses the Virginia Opera. Performances by the Richmond Ballet and Richmond Symphony are also featured. Housed in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Theatre Virginia presents a variety of musicals and plays.

Cinemas can be found throughout the city and suburbs, but for a special movie experience visit the Byrd Theater in Carytown. This magnificent hall shows the latest box-office hits in a glamorous atmosphere of marble, hand-painted murals and chandeliers. On Saturday evenings, an original Wurlitzer organ entertains guests before the movie starts.

Music and Dance

Music from classical to contemporary can be heard in the bars, clubs and concert halls of Richmond. The Richmond Symphony performs throughout the year with a mixed program; some concerts are specifically designed to introduce younger audiences to the classic composers. Among the best ballet companies in the country, the Richmond Ballet performs throughout the state of Virginia and also runs the renowned School of Richmond Ballet, which caters to all levels of dance ability.

The sultry sounds of jazz are perfect for hot summer nights in the South, and Richmond has many places to listen to live musicians. Bogart's Back Room in the Fan district is popular music joint, with jazz and blues every Friday and Saturday evening. Medley's in Shockoe Bottom is famous for its blues bands, which perform throughout the week. For contemporary tunes, see who is playing at The Tobacco Company Club or at the Main Street Grill.

For those who have more energy, dance clubs abound in the downtown area. Kick up your heels to the sounds of rock and roll, country and the South's own beach music at Lightfoot's or the Peppermint Lounge. Most clubs vary themes each night, so check the local paper ahead of time. Club Fahrenheit is the “in” place to be seen, so expect crowds, but go for the fun atmosphere.

Every Friday evening in the summer, the city presents “Fridays at Sunset.” This series of jazz concerts has become a favorite way to start off the weekend.

Festivals

Throughout the year Richmond commemorates its cultural heritage with festivals and events celebrating holidays, seasons and historical events. The Maymont Flower and Garden Show in February is held indoors at the Richmond Centre and features all sorts of plants and garden accessories. It is a great place to get landscaping ideas before spring arrives.

At the River City Real Beer Festival, held in June, vendors pour out samples of brews from around the world. Listen to live music and feast on fresh seafood as well. A summer-long Festival of the Arts is held at the city-run Dogwood Dell. Activities include theater and dance performances, music programs from reggae to pop and the Ha'Penny Stage for children.

Virginia is horse country and one of the best ways to celebrate that is at the Strawberry Hill Races. The steeplechase event takes place in April and proceeds benefit the Richmond Symphony and other community and cultural organizations. It is generally an all-day affair with visitors bringing picnics and enjoying the entertainment.

The traditional start to the harvest season is the State Fair and Virginia's is held here in the state capital. Livestock shows, cooking competitions, an arts and crafts market, live entertainment and food make the event fun for everyone. The Virginia Harvest Celebration at the Farmers Market focuses on produce and southern cooking with demonstrations by local chefs.

Although relatively small, Richmond is a city with a wide variety of activities to appeal to its diverse population. For specific information, pick up a copy of the Richmond Times-Dispatch or Punchline Weekly.







Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

17th Street Farmers' Market


Fresh from the farm
17th & Main St
Richmond, VA 23219
United States
+1 804 646 0477
http://www.17thstreetfarmersma...
For more than 200 years, this market has been Richmond's favorite spot to shop for fresh fruit and vegetables. Local farmers peddle red, ripe Hanover tomatoes, sweet Silver Queen corn, huge, crisp cucumbers and other items essential to southern dishes like okra, butterbeans and snap beans (so-called because of the brisk "snap" sound they make when broken in half for boiling). You can also find creamy, thick homemade cheese, fresh flowers for that special someone and antiques and collectables in this fun, bustling environment.

Review © 2007, Wcities
17th Street Farmers' Market photo by Philip Sheldrake
Photo: Philip Sheldrake
17th Street Farmers' Market photo by jinric
Photo: jinric
17th Street Farmers' Market photo by Kevin Wenzel
Photo: Kevin Wenzel
17th Street Farmers' Market photo by Sandi Wiggins
Photo: Sandi Wiggins
17th Street Farmers' Market photo by Randall Benton
Photo: Randall Benton
17th Street Farmers' Market photo by brickweekly
Photo: brickweekly
17th Street Farmers' Market photo by Alicia Hutcherson
Photo: Alicia Hutcherson
 

 
Agecroft Hall


A trip back in time
4305 Sulgrave Rd
Richmond, VA 23221
United States
+1 804 353 4241
http://www.agecrofthall.com
This Tudor house once overlooked the Irwell River in Lancashire, England. It was moved, in 1929, to this site, reminiscent of the original, overlooking the James River in Richmond's Windsor Farms neighborhood. Agecroft contains furnishings dating from 1485 to 1660 including an interesting 1610 lantern clock that tells time only on the hour. Landscape artist Charles Gillette designed the gardens. They include an Elizabethan knot garden as well as one based on a pond garden at England's Hampton Court Palace.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Agecroft Hall photo by Luke Sharrett
Photo: Luke Sharrett
Agecroft Hall photo by phoebe reid
Photo: phoebe reid
Agecroft Hall photo by Douglas Colquhoun
Photo: Douglas Colquhoun
Agecroft Hall photo by Don Boyd
Photo: Don Boyd
Agecroft Hall photo by Phillip McCoun
Photo: Phillip McCoun
Agecroft Hall photo by Laura
Photo: Laura
 

 
Bogart's


Casual with a touch of elegance
203 North Lombardy St
Richmond, VA 23220
United States
+1 804 353 9280
Bogart's is a comfortable, casual neighborhood 'speakeasy' where students and professionals gather over drinks or dinner. Located in the historic Fan district, it is a convenient place to stop after visiting nearby museums or enjoying a walking tour of the area. Bogart's has a well-rounded beer selection and the food is very good. The juicy steak is one of the highlights of the traditional American menu. Bogart's also has live music. A jazz and blues club is open in the back room on Friday and Saturday nights.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Bogart's photo by Rob Moore
Photo: Rob Moore
 

 
Byrd Theater


Return to cinema's Golden Age
2908 W Cary St
Richmond, VA 23221
United States
+1 804 353 9911
http://members.tripod.com/~g_c...
This dazzling movie palace was built in the early 20th century. Italian marble and elegantly painted murals fill the interior. A balcony and theater boxes overlook the auditorium below and on Saturday evenings, a Wurlitzer organ, which once accompanied silent movies, is played. The audience can sing along; the words are displayed on the screen. The staff dresses in 1920s clothing. Second-run movies are shown here daily. The Byrd also features Saturday midnight movies for really low prices. The Byrd also hosts special movie events like a Halloween screening of Nosferatu with a live band accompanying the silent film.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Byrd Theater photo by www.portigal.com
Photo: www.portigal.com
Byrd Theater photo by Charley & ErinWilson
Photo: Charley & ErinWilson
Byrd Theater photo by Andy Johnson
Photo: Andy Johnson
Byrd Theater photo by Chelsea Washington
Photo: Chelsea Washington
Byrd Theater photo by Ellen
Photo: Ellen
Byrd Theater photo by Melanie
Photo: Melanie
Byrd Theater photo by Katharina Weilandt
Photo: Katharina Weilandt
Byrd Theater photo by Kelli
Photo: Kelli
Byrd Theater photo by prissynme
Photo: prissynme
 

 
Carytown


Richmond
United States
Along the west end of Cary Street is Richmond's version of New York's Greenwich Village or Washington DC's Georgetown. Boutiques, cafes and ethnic restaurants line the streets where some of the city's best people-watching can be done. Everything from used bookstores and antique shops to specialty food stores and art galleries have been established in this former residential neighborhood making it a perfect place for a Saturday afternoon stroll. For those who need a break from all the shopping, coffeehouses are in abundance--more per square mile than anywhere east of Seattle. For something more substantial, restaurants range from casual eateries like Carytown Burgers and Fries to fine dining at Acacia.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Carytown photo by Tamara Dunn
Photo: Tamara Dunn
Carytown photo by Sean Leahey
Photo: Sean Leahey
Carytown photo by The Anti-ZIM
Photo: The Anti-ZIM
Carytown photo by cara s
Photo: cara s
Carytown photo by Teddy Taylor
Photo: Teddy Taylor
Carytown photo by Crystal Paras
Photo: Crystal Paras
Carytown photo by suzzah
Photo: suzzah
Carytown photo by jim
Photo: jim
Carytown photo by Billy Hylton
Photo: Billy Hylton
Carytown photo by GYLo
Photo: GYLo
Carytown photo by John Hassler
Photo: John Hassler
Carytown photo by Nancy P
Photo: Nancy P
Carytown photo by Eliseo Soto
Photo: Eliseo Soto
Carytown photo by Pete Conti
Photo: Pete Conti
Carytown photo by Sarah
Photo: Sarah
Carytown photo by Mark Davis
Photo: Mark Davis
Carytown photo by Michael McGinnes
Photo: Michael McGinnes
 

 
Carytown


Trends and treats
Cary St
Richmond, VA 23221
United States
http://www.carytown.org
Carytown is a treasure trove of specialty stores and restaurants. Stroll down the sidewalks and explore antique stores, salons, vintage clothing stores, coffee places, bookshops and more. On and off street parking is plentiful. The eateries represent many different kinds of food, from Mexican at Nacho Mamma's to French-Asian at Indochine or Indian at Farouk's. The shops include Premiere Costumes, The Compleat Gourmet, Pink and Leo Burke Furniture. These and other stores have sidewalk sales in the spring and fall and open houses on December Sundays. In August, the street comes to life with the Watermelon Festival.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Carytown photo by Rajiv Perera
Photo: Rajiv Perera
Carytown photo by Travis Stansbury
Photo: Travis Stansbury
Carytown photo by Sam Chase
Photo: Sam Chase
Carytown photo by Alison Inconstanti
Photo: Alison Inconstanti
Carytown photo by Danny Tiet
Photo: Danny Tiet
 

 
Dogwood Dell Festival of Arts


Arts in the park
1300 Blanton Avenue
Richmond, VA 23220
United States
+1 804 646 3355 / +1 804 646 1437
http://www.ci.richmond.va.us/d...
Climb the 240-foot Georgian bell tower for a great view of Byrd Park, a spot filled with people lounging on the grass and playing Frisbee with or without their pets. On summer evenings, a free performing arts festival here draws hundreds of picnicking spectators. Bring along your own food and drinks and join them on the grass. The Richmond Ballet, bands and theater groups perform. A spectacular Fourth of July fireworks display is the highlight of the festival.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Downtown


Richmond
United States
A charming blend of old and new, Richmond's city center is made up of commercial, residential and government buildings. Capitol Square, the seat of Virginia State government, is a good place to begin a visit to the city. On the grounds are the Virginia State Capitol, the second oldest in the country, the Executive Mansion, home of the governor and the historic Bell Tower which houses the Visitor Center. Nearby are the Museum and White House of the Confederacy and St. Paul's Church, reminders of the period during the Civil War when Richmond was the capital of the Confederate States. The The Valentine Museum depicts the city's history through artifacts, paintings and the Federal-style Wickham House, which dates back to 1812. Richmond recently experienced a downtown renaissance when old tobacco warehouses along the James River were converted into residential and commercial space.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Downtown photo by carobe
Photo: carobe
Downtown photo by Ross Catrow
Photo: Ross Catrow
Downtown photo by Mike Cornwell
Photo: Mike Cornwell
Downtown photo by MrSuhail
Photo: MrSuhail
Downtown photo by T. Chris Elliott
Photo: T. Chris Elliott
Downtown photo by lauren e. gallagher
Photo: lauren e. gallagher
Downtown photo by stefani bachetti
Photo: stefani bachetti
Downtown photo by peace_mindfulness
Photo: peace_mindfulness
Downtown photo by wasinmanlekha
Photo: wasinmanlekha
Downtown photo by dmspilot00
Photo: dmspilot00
Downtown photo by Daniella Jaeger
Photo: Daniella Jaeger
Downtown photo by Tina Babb
Photo: Tina Babb
Downtown photo by Anthony Burns
Photo: Anthony Burns
Downtown photo by Brian Swarts
Photo: Brian Swarts
 

 
Landmark Theater


Like a fairy-tale palace
6 North Laurel Street
Richmond, VA 23220
United States
+1 804 648 0546
Minarets and mosaics adorn this enchanting building. It seems to have leapt out of the Arabian Nights onto Richmond's Laurel Street. Marbled halls, columns and more elaborate mosaic work fill the interior and you almost suspect a genie might be waiting around the next corner. This theater, formerly called The Mosque because of its Middle Eastern look, was built in 1926 by the Shriners as their Acca Temple Shrine. The city purchased it in 1940 and restored it in 1994-95. Guided group tours are available by appointment.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Landmark Theater photo by Andrew Greene
Photo: Andrew Greene
Landmark Theater photo by Michael Vallejo
Photo: Michael Vallejo
Landmark Theater photo by SecondChld
Photo: SecondChld
 

 
Richmond Shakespeare Festival


Annual Shakespeare fest
4305 Sulgrave Road
Richmond, VA 23221
United States
+1 804 232 4000
http://www.richmondshakespeare...
Have a box-dinner picnic in an Elizabethan knot garden, then watch a Shakespeare play; all on the lawn of a home that was built in Shakespeare's time. Richmond's Encore Theater Company performs in the summer months on the lawn at Agecroft Hall, a Tudor house moved to Virginia from England. Performances include the traditional Shakespeare offerings along with original works and "actor pieces".

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
River City Beer & Seafood Festival


Revel by the River
7th & Tredegar St
(Brown's Island)
Richmond, VA 23220
United States
+1 804 788 6466
http://www.citycelebrations.or...
Numerous regional microbreweries and vendors set up shop at this festival and offer a chance to sample more than 40 hand crafted domestic and imported beers. Taste delicious brews like Rappahannock Ale, Legend and Work Beer. Then enjoy the musical entertainment and some of the best seafood in town. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Tasting mugs are available for a fee.

Review © 2007, Wcities
River City Beer & Seafood Festival photo by Maura Boyle
Photo: Maura Boyle
 

 
Shockoe Slip/Shockoe Bottom


Richmond
United States
Originally part of Richmond's commercial district, this newly renovated part of town is the hot spot for trendy restaurants and lively entertainment. Its location along the river, cobblestone streets lit with gaslamps and old warehouses converted into shops make it a great place for an evening stroll. The quaint Berkeley Hotel, Awful Arthur's--a Richmond favorite for steamed oysters and crabs--and the historic Tobacco Company restaurant are highlights of a visit to Shockoe.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Shockoe Slip/Shockoe Bottom photo by John G. Hendron
Photo: John G. Hendron
Shockoe Slip/Shockoe Bottom photo by John G. Hendron
Photo: John G. Hendron
Shockoe Slip/Shockoe Bottom photo by Rian Galbreath
Photo: Rian Galbreath
Shockoe Slip/Shockoe Bottom photo by Randall Benton
Photo: Randall Benton
Shockoe Slip/Shockoe Bottom photo by ron_hudson1
Photo: ron_hudson1
Shockoe Slip/Shockoe Bottom photo by susan ogden
Photo: susan ogden
Shockoe Slip/Shockoe Bottom photo by Melissa Koch
Photo: Melissa Koch
Shockoe Slip/Shockoe Bottom photo by M. Boycourt
Photo: M. Boycourt
Shockoe Slip/Shockoe Bottom photo by Saintbridge
Photo: Saintbridge
Shockoe Slip/Shockoe Bottom photo by heytimguesswhat
Photo: heytimguesswhat
 

 
State Fair of Virginia


Viva la fair!
600 E Laburnum Ave
(Richmond Raceway Complex)
Richmond, VA 23222
United States
+1 804 569 3200 / +1 800 588 3247
http://www.statefair.com
Wander through the glittering lights of the Midway, filled with rides like the Ferris wheel and carousel. Visitors to the fair can also take a thrilling helicopter ride, watch a rodeo, enjoy nightly fireworks and visit the State Fair Nursery and Equine area, where livestock is on display. Sampling of traditional fair fare like candy apples, cotton candy and elephant ears adds to the whole experience. Special events include concerts at the Classic Amphitheatre, showcases of regional products and a living history village. Gate Admission: weekends $11, weekends $13, 11-day pass $19-26. Discounts for kids and seniors; advance sale tickets and season passes are available.

Review © 2007, Wcities
State Fair of Virginia photo by Caryn Thurman
Photo: Caryn Thurman
State Fair of Virginia photo by Caryn Thurman
Photo: Caryn Thurman
State Fair of Virginia photo by Charles Thorns
Photo: Charles Thorns
State Fair of Virginia photo by Rachel D. Muse
Photo: Rachel D. Muse
State Fair of Virginia photo by Seth Roberts
Photo: Seth Roberts
 

 
Strawberry Hill Races


Thrills at Strawberry Hill
6515 Colonial Downs Parkway
Richmond, VA 23124
United States
+1 804 966 7223
http://www.strawberryhillraces...
Richmonders flock to the Strawberry Hill Races each year. The tradition of tailgating and wagering has continued here for 68 years with throngs of people creating an almost Kentucky Derby-like atmosphere. This is not just a time to watch thoroughbreds compete, but to have a giant party as well. A week of events includes a mounted squad ride through Shockoe Bottom and a casino night. Live and silent auctions precede the festival. Colonial Downs is about 20 minutes from Richmond. Take I-64 east to Exit 214.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Strawberry Hill Races photo by Jon Lumpkin
Photo: Jon Lumpkin
Strawberry Hill Races photo by Dena Clavier
Photo: Dena Clavier
Strawberry Hill Races photo by 2007 Hokie
Photo: 2007 Hokie
 

 
The Fan


Richmond
United States
Richmond's first suburb is so named because the streets fan out from Monroe Park creating wide lots and avenues, which are lined with stately homes. Several types of architecture are represented here including Queen Anne, Tudor, Spanish and what is believed to be the largest collection of Victorian buildings in the country. Monument Avenue is a showcase of these gracious homes as well as a tribute to Confederate heroes with statues of Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis among others. The Avenue also features a statue of tennis great and Richmond native, Arthur Ashe. Today the neighborhood is more urban than suburban and has a diverse population and quaint restaurants and pubs.

Review © 2007, Wcities
The Fan photo by Jason T Coleman
Photo: Jason T Coleman
The Fan photo by James C. Hill
Photo: James C. Hill
The Fan photo by Sarah Holden
Photo: Sarah Holden
The Fan photo by Michael Pittman
Photo: Michael Pittman
The Fan photo by punkpapa
Photo: punkpapa
 

 
Theatre IV


Theatre for children
114 W Broad St
Richmond, VA 23220
United States
+1 804 783 1688 / +1 804 344 8040 (Box Office)
http://www.theatreiv.org/
In attendance, Theatre IV is the second largest children's theater in the nation. The glorious Empire Theater, once one of Richmond's glamorous movie houses, stages lively productions given by this local and regional touring company. The company attracts superb talent. VCU Performing Arts School a local college noted for its theater program sends many of its graduates.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Theatre Virginia


Professional productions
2800 Grove Ave
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Richmond, VA 23226
United States
+1 804 353 6161
Founded in 1955, Theatre Virginia offers high-quality traditional theater. Its talented professional actors present plays like a musical adaptation of the Christmas favorite, It's a Wonderful Life. Previous seasons have produced classics such as My Fair Lady and Sweeney Todd and recently, an original piece by American screen star Steve Martin. The theatre has a strong ensemble and offers well-directed productions. Theatre Virginia also sponsors "New Voices," a program that encourages young playwrights by producing their work.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Tobacco Company Club


Like three places in one
1201 East Cary St
Richmond, VA 23219
United States
+1 804 782 9555
Live music plays most nights in the first floor bar of this historic Shockoe Slip warehouse restaurant. The basement club is alive with music and dancers and the top two floors offer dining in a delightful atmosphere. Lovely antiques including an elaborate iron elevator, stained glass and 19th-century tobacco advertisements fill this entertainment complex. A marvelous Sunday brunch, one of the top dessert tables in town and delectable entrees can all be found at the Tobacco Company. The dinner menu includes prime rib with seconds on the house.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Tobacco Company Club photo by Robert Stringer
Photo: Robert Stringer
Tobacco Company Club photo by Lynn Shipp
Photo: Lynn Shipp
 

 
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts


Galleries galore
200 North Boulevard
Richmond, VA 23220
United States
+1 804 340 1400
http://www.vmfa.state.va.us/
This museum contains comprehensive collections of works from ancient times to the present. Permanent exhibits include pieces from ancient Greece, a tapestry hall, a medieval chapel and the largest collection of Faberge eggs outside of Russia. A regular schedule of temporary exhibits rounds out this comprehensive art museum. A peaceful sculpture garden provides a place for a quiet rest beside the rushing fountains. Admission is free, although USD5 donations are suggested.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts photo by charles chen
Photo: charles chen
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts photo by Sam Chase
Photo: Sam Chase
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Richmond - Art & Entertainment"
Richmond
Richmond - Historical Background
Richmond - Neighborhood Guide
Richmond - Where to Stay
Richmond - Dining & Drinking

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