What to Do, Eat & Explore This Week in Richmond, the James River & the Heart of Central Virginia
Richmond · Henrico · Chesterfield · Hanover · Mechanicsville
"August in Richmond is special. The summer crowds have thinned just a bit, the James River is still warm enough for tubing, and the evening air carries that golden light that makes this city shine. Whether you are new to the area or a longtime local, this week is packed with ways to enjoy Central Virginia before the school buses start running again."
— Shannon Russell, MRP
Welcome to this week's edition of local picks! I am focusing on the heart of Central Virginia this week — Richmond city, Henrico, and the James River corridor. Whether you are here for a PCS move, considering a relocation, or have lived here your whole life, there is something on this list for you. Let's get into it.
Things to Do This Week
Friday Cheers on Brown's Island
Friday Cheers is a Richmond summer tradition. The weekly outdoor concert series on Brown's Island brings national and regional touring acts to the James River waterfront. This Friday features headliners with a mix of indie rock and soul, with the Richmond skyline and river providing a stunning backdrop. Gates open at 6 PM, music starts at 7. Bring a blanket or a low chair, grab dinner from one of the local food trucks on site, and settle in for a perfect late-summer evening on the island. Tickets are $15 at the gate and the crowd is always welcoming and family-friendly.
Concert DetailsBelle Isle River Tubing & Hiking
August in Richmond means getting on the James River. Belle Isle is the city's most popular river destination, with hiking trails, rocky overlooks, flatwater swimming holes, and the famous pipeline rapids. On a hot Saturday, grab an inner tube and float the calm sections of the river, or hike the 2.5-mile loop trail around the island that takes you past abandoned quarry ruins, Civil War-era canal locks, and breathtaking views of the downtown skyline. The bridge to the island is on the south side of the river at 22 S. Pear St. Parking fills up early, so arrive before 10 AM or ride your bike on the Capital Trail.
Park InfoMaymont Evening Garden Stroll
Maymont is a 100-acre historic estate and park in the heart of Richmond, and its gardens are at their peak in late summer. The Japanese Garden, Italian Garden, and Arboretum offer cool, shaded paths, koi ponds, and cascading waterfalls that feel worlds away from the city. The estate is open for self-guided strolls, and the Maymont Nature Center and farm animals (including the famous otters) make it a hit with kids. Entry to the grounds is free, though parking donations are appreciated. The later afternoon light makes for spectacular photographs through the gardens.
Visit Maymont17th Street Farmers Market
Richmond's oldest continuously operating farmers market is a weekend ritual for locals. Running since the 1700s, the 17th Street market is set in a historic brick plaza in Shockoe Bottom and features dozens of vendors selling local produce, pasture-raised meats, artisan breads, honey, fresh-cut flowers, and prepared foods. Late summer means you will find the best tomatoes of the year, Silver Queen corn, peaches, melons, okra, and field peas. Grab a breakfast taco from a food vendor and wander the stalls while a local musician plays. It is a true Richmond community experience.
Market InfoFamily Movie Nights in the Park — Henrico County
Henrico County Recreation and Parks hosts its summer Family Movie Night series on select Friday evenings. August 7 features a family-friendly animated feature on a giant inflatable screen at Deep Run Park. Bring blankets, low chairs, and picnic snacks. The movie starts at dusk, but families start arriving around 7 PM to claim spots and let the kids play on the adjacent playground. Popcorn and drinks are available for purchase from the park concession stand. This is one of the last outdoor movie nights of the summer, so do not miss it.
Movie ScheduleLibbie Mill Summer Concert Series
The Libbie Mill Midtown neighborhood in Henrico hosts free outdoor concerts on the central green throughout the summer. The August 13 show wraps up the series with a live local band. Libbie Mill is a walkable mixed-use development with excellent dining options, so you can grab a bite at Metzger Bar & Butchery or one of the other restaurants on the plaza before settling in on the lawn for the show. The concerts are family-friendly with plenty of space for kids to run around, and the on-site ice cream shop stays busy throughout the evening.
Event DetailsBeverly's Ice Cream & Scoop Shop Crawl
August is National Ice Cream Month's final stretch, and Richmond has some of the best scoop shops on the East Coast. Make it a mission to visit Beverly's (the original in Bellevue or the new outpost at Libbie Mill) for their rotating seasonal flavors. Other standouts include Charm School Soft Serve in Scott's Addition for creative swirls, Scoop in Carytown for classic hand-dipped, and Gelati Celesti for their 40+ ever-changing flavors. My personal late-summer recommendation: anything with local Virginia peaches or blackberries in it. The fruit is at its peak right now.
Where to Eat This Week
Lillie Pearl
Upscale Southern comfort food in a stunning Shockoe Bottom space. The fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and cast-iron skillet cornbread are Richmond classics. Great for a date night or celebrating an offer acceptance.
The Fancy Biscuit
A Manchester neighborhood gem serving creative biscuit sandwiches and Southern sides for breakfast and lunch. The pimento cheese biscuit with fried chicken and house-made pickles is unforgettable.
Garnett's Cafe
A Fan District institution known for incredible sandwiches, salads, and homemade desserts served in a cozy, art-filled space. Their chicken salad, tomato pie (summer staple), and mile-high carrot cake are local legends.
The Daily Kitchen & Bar
A health-conscious but thoroughly satisfying spot in Henrico with bowls, salads, sandwiches, and house-made kombucha. Great for a post-hike lunch after Belle Isle.
Late-Summer Buyer Activity Heating Up
As we settle into August, I am seeing a noticeable uptick in buyer activity across Richmond, Henrico, and Chesterfield. Families who missed out on homes earlier in the summer are back in the market, and military families with fall PCS orders are actively house hunting. Inventory is holding steady, but well-priced homes in good condition are still going under contract within the first week. If you are thinking about buying this fall, getting pre-approved now puts you in a strong position for the late-summer listings still coming to market.
Schedule a Buyer ConsultationRichmond and Central Virginia are truly special in August. The energy is different here in late summer — the river is full of people, the markets are bursting with local produce, and the concerts on the riverfront remind you why this city keeps being named one of the best places to live in the country. If you are new to the area, I hope this list helps you feel more at home. If you have lived here a while, I hope it reminds you of something wonderful you have not done in a while.
As always, if you are thinking about buying, selling, or relocating to this area, I would love to help. Call or text me anytime at 804-803-1080 or book a free consultation.
Shannon Russell
Military Relocation Professional (MRP) & Realtor
Shannon helps families find their place in Virginia, from first-time buyers to military families PCSing to the area. She covers Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover, New Kent, and the Hampton Roads region.
Call Shannon at (804) 803-1080