Summer Outdoor Concerts & Movies in the Park Across Richmond and Central Virginia

Richmond's newest outdoor concert venue opened in 2025 along the James River and continues to draw major national acts throughout summer 2026. This is a ticketed venue (not a free park series), but the riverside setting and open-air atmosphere make it a can't-miss summer experience.

Summer 2026 highlights:

• Bob Dylan with Lucinda Williams & Jimmie Vaughan — July 23
• O.A.R. with Gavin DeGraw & Lisa Loeb — July 26
• The Black Keys with Eddie 9V — August 1
• 5 Seconds of Summer — August 9
• Kehlani — August 29
• Goo Goo Dolls with Neon Trees — September 1
• Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration — September 3

Tickets: Vary by show. Check Ticketmaster or the venue website.

Family tips: The amphitheater is a professional concert venue with reserved and general-admission lawn seating. Lawn tickets are great for families — bring blankets and arrive early to claim a good spot. Food trucks and concessions are on-site.

What: Richmond's longest-running free outdoor performance series, now in its 69th year. The Festival of Arts features a full summer of live music, dance, theater, and musical performances at the open-air Dogwood Dell Amphitheater in beautiful Byrd Park.

When: Performances run from June through October, typically on evenings and weekends. The 2026 schedule is released by Richmond Parks & Recreation throughout the spring.

Fees: Free — all performances are open to the public at no charge.

Family tips: This is one of the best free family outings in the city. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket and settle in on the natural amphitheater hillside. Byrd Park has restrooms, a playground, and plenty of open space for kids to run around before the show. Check rva.gov/parks-recreation/dogwood-dell for the latest performance schedule.

What: Outdoor concerts set among the stunning Cochrane Rose Garden at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. The series features both national touring acts and acclaimed local artists, with performances throughout spring, summer, and fall.

When: Multiple dates across the season — check the Lewis Ginter calendar for the current schedule.

Fees: Garden admission required (members get in free). Non-member admission: typically $16 adults, $13 seniors, $11 children ages 5–12; free for children 4 and under.

Family tips: This is a uniquely beautiful concert experience — imagine live music surrounded by thousands of blooming roses in golden-hour light. Arrive early to stroll the gardens before the music starts. Check lewisginter.org for the full lineup.

What: Maymont hosts outdoor concerts on its Carriage House Lawn, including the popular Summer Kickoff Concert and the "Mile of Music" series featuring mini-concerts by the Richmond Symphony across the estate grounds.

When: Select dates throughout the spring and summer — check the Maymont events calendar.

Fees: Suggested grounds donation of $10 per adult. Children free.

Family tips: The Maymont grounds are 100 acres of gardens, wildlife habitats, and historic buildings — arrive early and make an afternoon of it. Kids love the petting zoo and Italian formal gardens. See maymont.org for the schedule.

What: Hardywood hosts live music year-round at both its Richmond taproom and West Creek location in Goochland — including local artists, Richmond Symphony pop-up performances, and rotating weekend acts.

When: Regular weekend and evening performances throughout the summer. Check Hardywood's events calendar for specific dates.

Fees: Free — no admission or cover charge. Food trucks are usually on-site.

Family tips: Hardywood is family-friendly and dog-friendly, with large outdoor patios and lawn space. The West Creek location in Goochland is especially roomy with wide-open space for kids. Check hardywood.com for the music schedule.

What: One of the most popular outdoor concert series in the Richmond area, After Hours brings a mix of national headliners and beloved tribute bands to the Innsbrook Pavilion stage all summer long.

When: Late May through late summer, typically Thursday–Saturday evenings. Gates usually open at 5:30 p.m. with music starting at 7:00 p.m.

Summer 2026 headliners:

• 38 Special — June 26
• KC and The Sunshine Band — July 9
• The Marshall Tucker Band — July 11
• Hanson — August 8
• Tracy Lawrence — August 13
• Indigo Girls — August 16
• Brothers Osborne — August 21
• Blues Traveler & Gin Blossoms with Spin Doctors — August 27

Tickets: Vary by show — lawn/general admission typically $20–$45. Check innsbrook.org for details.

Family tips: Lawn seating is general admission — bring blankets or low-back lawn chairs for a comfortable evening. Food trucks and beverages are available. The Hanson and Indigo Girls dates are especially great for families with kids who love singalong music.

What: The Henrico Community Band performs free outdoor concerts on three summer evenings at the historic Walkerton Tavern, one of the region's most charming outdoor venues.

When: Three dates in 2026 — June 25, July 30, and August 27, all starting at 7:00 p.m.

Fees: Free

Family tips: This is a true community event — families bring picnics and enjoy live concert band music under the stars at a beautifully preserved historic tavern. The setting is relaxed and small-town friendly. Kids are welcome, and the open grounds give them room to explore.

What: A weekly indoor movie series for kids every Wednesday morning all summer long at the historic Henrico Theatre — just $1 per ticket. While not an outdoor event, this is a beloved Henrico summer tradition that keeps kids entertained on weekday mornings.

When: Every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. throughout the summer

2026 featured films include:

• Sing — June 3
• Angry Birds — June 10
• Home — June 17
• Goat — July 1
• Zootopia 2 — July 8
• Kung Fu Panda — July 15

Tickets: Just $1 per person.

Family tips: At one dollar, this is the best deal in Henrico for entertaining kids on a Wednesday morning. The Henrico Theatre is a lovingly maintained historic venue, which makes the experience extra special. Arrive early for best seats.

What: Henrico County periodically hosts free outdoor movie screenings at parks including Three Lakes Park and the Eastern Henrico Recreation Center. Screenings are typically announced throughout the spring and summer.

Fees: Free

Family tips: These screenings are family-friendly and draw a relaxed, neighborhood crowd. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Check henrico.gov/rec for dates as they are announced.

What: Hanover County's free outdoor concert series brings live bands and food trucks to different county parks from April through September. It is one of the most popular community events on the Mechanicsville/Hanover calendar.

When: Select evenings from April through September, typically 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

2026 locations and dates include:

• Pole Green Park, Mechanicsville — April 3 (kicked off the season)
• Historic Hanover Courthouse — May 1
• Poor Farm Park — June 2026
• Additional dates continue through September at rotating park locations

Fees: Free

Family tips: This is the quintessential small-town summer concert experience — live music, food trucks, fresh air, and your neighbors. Pole Green Park is one of Hanover's nicest parks with a playground and trails, so plan to arrive early and let the kids play before the band starts. Check the Hanover County events calendar for the full schedule.

What: A free outdoor concert series at the Westchester Commons shopping center in Midlothian, featuring live bands every Thursday evening throughout the summer.

When: The 2026 season kicked off on June 9 and continues through the summer. Performances run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Fees: Free

Family tips: Westchester Commons has restaurants and shops surrounding the concert area, so you can grab dinner beforehand and settle in for the show. Plenty of open space for kids. The atmosphere is casual and community-focused.

What: Chesterfield County hosts a series of outdoor "After Hours" concerts at various parks and venues throughout the summer. Specific dates and performers are announced periodically by the county.

When: Throughout the summer — check the Chesterfield County website for the latest announcements.

Fees: Free

Family tips: These concerts are designed to be accessible community events. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Check chesterfield.gov for updates.

What: The Pocahontas Premieres entertainment series brings concerts and performances to the beautiful Heritage Amphitheater inside Pocahontas State Park — Virginia's largest state park at nearly 8,000 acres.

Notable 2026 event: The Richmond Symphony performs at the Heritage Amphitheater on September 12, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Fees: Virginia State Park parking fee applies ($10 weekdays, $15 weekends/holidays). Performance admission varies.

Family tips: Arrive early and explore the park — there are miles of hiking and biking trails, the Aquatic Center, a nature center, and the Civilian Conservation Corps museum. Camping and cabin rentals are available for a full weekend getaway. Check dcr.virginia.gov for the full Pocahontas Premieres schedule.

What: The "Village Movies in the Park" series returns for 2026, screening family-friendly films outdoors at parks in the Chesterfield/Powhatan corridor.

When: Dates are announced throughout the season — typically one or two screenings per month on warm summer evenings.

Fees: Free

Family tips: Bring blankets, pillows, and a cooler with snacks — these are classic movie-under-the-stars nights. The audience is overwhelmingly young families, so the vibe is relaxed and kid-friendly. Check local community boards and Macaroni Kid Chesterfield for the schedule.

What: New Kent County's annual Independence Day celebration typically includes live music, food, family activities, and a fireworks display.

When: July 3, 2026

Fees: Free

Family tips: This is one of the biggest community gatherings of the year in New Kent. Arrive early to get a good spot for fireworks. Check New Kent Parks & Recreation for the full schedule of activities.

What: New Kent Winery hosts live musical performances with pop-up food vendors on select weekends throughout the summer. The winery's outdoor patio and lawn area make for a relaxed, scenic evening.

When: Select weekend afternoons and evenings — check newkentwinery.com/calendar for the current schedule.

Fees: No admission charge; wine and food purchased separately.

Family tips: The winery welcomes families and has plenty of outdoor space for kids to run around while the adults settle in with a glass of wine and live music. Bring a blanket for the lawn.