Okay Richmond folks, let's talk weekend plans. I've lived here six years and still get surprised by what this city offers. When people search for things to do in Richmond VA this weekend, they're not just looking for bullet points - they want the real scoop. You're probably wondering: What's actually worth my time? How much does it cost? Is it kid-friendly? Let's cut through the noise.
Heads up - last month I dragged three friends to that new rooftop bar everyone's raving about. Great skyline views, sure, but shockingly overpriced cocktails ($16 for basic gin-tonic!). We bailed after one drink and found this cozy speakeasy behind Bookbinders downtown... more on that later.
Richmond Outdoor Adventures This Weekend
Fall weather makes this prime time for outdoor things to do in Richmond VA this weekend. The James River is calling.
James River Park System Exploration
Seriously, this is Richmond's crown jewel. Start at Belle Isle (parking lot at Tredegar St) - it's free and open sunrise to sunset. The suspension bridge gives killer views. Last Sunday I saw folks tubing despite the chill!
| Activity | Location | Hours | Cost | Tips from Locals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belle Isle Hiking | 300 Tredegar St | Sunrise-Sunset | FREE | Wear grippy shoes - rocks get slippery |
| Pony Pasture Rapids | 7310 Riverside Dr | 6am-9pm | FREE | Best sunrise spot in town |
| River City SUP Rentals | Reedy Creek Entrance | 9am-5pm Sat/Sun | $25/hour | Online reservations required |
Watch out for cyclists on Buttermilk Trail! I nearly got clipped last month when stopping for photos. They come flying around bends.
Richmond Cultural Hotspots
When people ask me about Richmond weekend activities, museums always come up. Here's what's special this week:
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA)
Always free general admission (200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd). Their special exhibit "Fabergé: His Masters and Artisans" runs through November ($10-15). Honestly? It's stunning but crowded. Go right at 10am opening.
Confession: I got stuck behind a tour group last Saturday staring at some tiny jeweled egg for 20 minutes. Pro tip - skip the cafe lines and walk two blocks to 821 Cafe for killer nachos.
Hollywood Cemetery Moonlight Tour
This isn't your average graveyard. Twilight tours run Friday/Saturday at 6:30pm ($22 adults). You'll see presidential graves and hear wild Richmond history. Bring flashlights!
| Venue | What's Special | Hours | Cost | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VMFA Fabergé Exhibit | Imperial eggs + jewelry | Fri-Sun 10am-5pm | $10-15 | Walk-ins welcome |
| Hollywood Cemetery Tour | Twilight history walk | Fri/Sat 6:30pm | $22 | Requires online booking |
| Black History Museum | New Gabriel Prosser exhibit | Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm | $10 | Parking lot behind building |
Richmond Food Scene This Weekend
Richmond weekend plans need good eats. Three can't-miss food experiences:
Must-Try Richmond Bites
- Perly's Delicatessen (111 E Grace St) - Their matzo ball soup cures hangovers. Seriously. Opens 8am weekends. Expect 20-min waits.
- ZZQ Texas Craft Barbeque (3201 Moore St) - Opens 11am Saturday only. Get there by 10:30am unless you want sold-out signs. Worth the hype.
- Rappahannock Oyster Bar (320 E Grace St) - $1.50 oysters 4-6pm Fri/Sat. Their Old Salt oysters? Life-changing.
| Restaurant | Special Weekend Deal | Price Point | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perly's Delicatessen | Weekend brunch menu until 3pm | $$ (Sandwiches $14-18) | Retro Jewish deli |
| ZZQ BBQ | Saturday-only burnt ends | $$$ (Plates $16-24) | Texas roadhouse meets craft beer |
| Rappahannock Oyster Bar | $1.50 oysters 4-6pm Fri/Sat | $$$ (Dinner $25-40) | Upscale seafood |
That "hidden speakeasy" I mentioned? It's The Jasper behind McCormack's Whisky Grill. Look for the unmarked door left of Bookbinders. Cocktails $12 but actually balanced properly.
Family-Friendly Richmond Activities
Finding kid-approved things to do in Richmond this weekend shouldn't be stressful. These work for all ages:
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
(1800 Lakeside Ave) Their "GardenFest of Lights" starts this weekend! 5-10pm nightly ($8-14). Dress warm - those paths get chilly.
Science Museum of Virginia
(2500 W Broad St) New Deep Ocean IMAX film ($9-13). Regular admission $13-16. Pro tip: Parking costs extra - use street spots on Robinson.
The Children's Museum next door? Packed on weekends. Like, claustrophobia-inducing packed. Go right at opening or skip it.
Richmond Entertainment and Nightlife
After-dark things to do in Richmond VA this weekend range from chill to wild:
The National Concert Lineup
(708 E Broad St) Friday: Indigo Girls ($45-75). Saturday: 90s cover band Totally Rad ($15). Both shows 8pm doors. Sound quality here is unbeatable.
Carytown Bowling
(3411 W Cary St) Glow bowling Friday/Saturday nights ($25/hr per lane). Their tater tots? Fried golden perfection.
| Venue | Weekend Highlight | Hours | Cost | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The National | Indigo Girls (Fri), Totally Rad (Sat) | Doors 7pm | $15-75 | Music lovers |
| Carytown Bowling | Glow bowling + craft beer | Fri/Sat until 2am | $25/lane per hour | Groups |
| Tang & Biscuit | Shuffleboard tournament (Sat 8pm) | 4pm-2am | Free entry | Casual socializing |
Can we talk about parking near The National? Absolute nightmare. Last month I ended up paying $20 for a sketchy lot. Take Uber/Lyft or park at VCU decks ($5 after 5pm).
Free Things to Do in Richmond This Weekend
Zero-budget Richmond weekend activities exist! My favorites:
- Canal Walk Murals - Start at 139 Virginia St. New "Richmond Mural Project" pieces near 14th Street. Instagram gold.
- Maymont Japanese Garden - Grounds free 10am-5pm. The koi feeding (11am/3pm) mesmerizes kids.
- Libby Hill Park Sunset - Best city views. Bring blankets - those wrought iron benches freeze your butt off.
Richmond Weekend Events Calendar
Quick-glance weekend highlights:
| Day | Event | Location | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday | VMFA Fabergé Exhibit | VMFA | 10am-5pm | $10-15 |
| Friday | Hollywood Cemetery Tour | Hollywood Cemetery | 6:30pm | $22 |
| Saturday | South of the James Market | Forest Hill Park | 8am-12pm | FREE |
| Saturday | GardenFest of Lights | Lewis Ginter | 5-10pm | $8-14 |
| Sunday | Brunch & Bluegrass | Brambly Park Winery | 11am-3pm | Food/drink only |
Richmond Weekend FAQs
Let's tackle frequent questions about things to do in Richmond VA this weekend:
What's the best way to get around Richmond during weekend activities?
The Pulse bus runs Broad Street every 15 minutes (free through 2023!). For Carytown/Shockoe Bottom, scooters work but watch for potholes. Parking decks cost $1-2/hour downtown.
Are Richmond attractions open on Sundays?
Most museums/attractions open noon-5pm Sunday. Restaurants? Brunch spots get slammed 11am-1pm. Breweries open later (usually 12pm).
What should I avoid in Richmond this weekend?
The I-95/64 interchange near Short Pump - Saturday midday construction backups stretch for miles. Also, VMFA parking fills by noon.
Best rainy-day options for Richmond weekend activities?
Virginia Holocaust Museum (free, powerful), Virginia Museum of History & Culture ($10), or indoor climbing at Peak Experiences ($22 day pass).
Traffic alert: Avoid Boulevard Bridge Saturday 10am-2pm - marathon closures. Take Huguenot Bridge instead.
Final thoughts? Don't overschedule things to do in Richmond VA this weekend. Pick two anchor activities per day then wander. Some of my best Richmond moments happened stumbling upon random block parties or live music in Jackson Ward. Check @RVATodo on Twitter for real-time updates. Now go get your weekend started!
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