In recent years, Richmond has been getting more recognition for its dynamic music and performance arts scene. In 2019, Forbes even named the city “The Underground Music City Everyone Needs To Visit.” The Richmond community continues to foster the growth of all genres of music and styles of art. “Richmond has grown into an epicenter of arts and culture,” says Venture Richmond. We’ve compiled a list of incredible ways to experience some of the unique live performances offered in the River City.

Agecroft Shakespeare Festival

An ode to the 16th century— right here on the James River. Agecroft Hall (and Gardens) was built in England in the 16th century and brought over piece by piece in 1926. It is now located in the Windsor Farms neighborhood of Richmond and serves as the grounds for the Richmond Shakespeare Festival. Taking place for more than 20 years, the festival is known to be an unforgettable experience. Guests enjoy up-close seating on the lawn while actors perform in the courtyard of the Tudor home each summer. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind event! For tickets and more information, click here.

The Basement

The Basement takes pride in putting on the most unanticipated and expressive performances. The leadership team believes in using artistic expression in their performances to “demonstrate, illustrate, and clarify the human condition.” Nestled downtown in the Arts District, guests may feel as if they’re entering an underground club when accessing the venue, which is a part of the Coalition Lab. Visitors must first find the black gated steps on the side of the building, then follow the steps under the warm and inviting sign before heading straight down to the bright blue door— and there you have it, The Basement! For a list of shows at this secluded spot, click here.

The Broadberry

The Broadberry has been host to many musical legends— from the Ramones to Pat Benatar. Since making a name for itself in 2014, The Broadberry has upgraded its amenities and production abilities and moved away from its original 80s vibe, making it a perfect place for a variety of shows, events, and special occasions. Local owners, Lucas and Matt, have created a large and beautiful space that is intended to be standing room only and is finished with a sixty-foot bar as well as first-come-first-serve tables. Shows typically run Thursday-Saturday every month. For a list of upcoming shows, click here.

Coalition Theatre

Coalition Theater is a humble, nonprofit theater committed to supporting live comedy in Richmond. In the Summer of 2009, before being established as the Coalition Theater, the founders debuted the Richmond Comedy Coalition. Their shows took off and they were booked for monthly shows before they knew it. The Theater’s goal is to always create funny and unique performances that highlight long-form improv comedy and to care for the growing comedy arts community in Richmond. For more information, click here.

Friday Cheers

Friday Cheers is the longest-running concert series in Richmond, happening each summer on Brown’s Island and often featuring a variety of both up-and-coming artists and as well as some familiar favorites. Friends, family, and loved ones gather each week to sit alongside the James River and listen to some of the country’s most popular bands and regional legends. The series, which typically runs May through June, has been named Style Weekly and Richmond Magazine’s Best Concert Series and Richmond Magazine’s Best Music Festival for many years in a row. To view the current season’s lineup, click here.  

Richmond Triangle Players

Surrounded by all things rainbow and triangles, the Robert B. Moss Theatre is home to the Richmond Triangle Players, a nonprofit professional theater company. The Richmond Triangle Players have been around for almost 100 years and have always made it their mission to support and celebrate the growth of queer artistry. RTP has put on hundreds of plays over the years, all intended to be life-changing and based on true LGBTQ+ experiences. For more information about the theater and upcoming shows click here.