Top Things to Do in Varina & Richmond This Summer

Summer in the Richmond area is something special, and if you live in Varina or eastern Henrico, you are sitting right in the middle of the best of it. From the banks of the James River to the trails and parks just minutes from Bartlett Rd, there is no shortage of ways to fill your calendar. Here is my curated guide to making the most of summer 2026 in Varina, Henrico, and Richmond.

Summer Festivals & Events You Won't Want to Miss

The summer calendar in Richmond is packed with festivals and community events, and many are just a short drive from Varina. Here are the highlights for 2026:

• Friday Cheers — This long-running summer concert series on the James River riverfront brings live music, food trucks, and a incredible view of the downtown skyline every Friday evening. It is the perfect way to kick off a summer weekend.
• Carytown Watermelon Festival — A Richmond tradition. Live music, street vendors, and more watermelon than you can eat, all up and down Cary Street. It is pure summer fun.
• Richmond Night Market — A weekly summer market featuring local vendors, food, and entertainment. Great for an evening stroll with the family.
• Flowers After 5 — Every Thursday evening at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, enjoy live music, craft beverages, and the gardens open late until 9 PM. A lovely way to beat the heat.
• Live at the Barn — Henrico's free summer concert series is a local gem. Pack a blanket and catch live music under the stars at locations around the county.
• Richmond Water Lantern Festival — Taking place August 22 in Henrico, this magical evening event lets you launch a glowing lantern onto the water. It is unforgettable, especially for kids.
• Iron Blossom Music Festival — A major Richmond festival drawing top national acts to the riverfront. Past lineups have included Vampire Weekend, Khruangbin, and The Lumineers.

Where to Eat & Drink Near Varina

Richmond has earned a reputation as one of the best food and craft beer cities on the East Coast, and the neighborhoods closest to Varina hold their own. A few of my personal go-tos:

• Triple Crossing Beer — With locations in Fulton and downtown, Triple Crossing is a local staple. Their Fulton taproom on Hatcher Street is the closest brewery to Varina, serving excellent IPAs, stouts, and a solid food menu.
• Hardywood Park Craft Brewery — A Richmond institution. Their West Creek location is a great summer spot with outdoor seating, live music, and seasonal specials like watermelon wheat and peach saison.
• Bono's Caribbean — Right on Williamsburg Rd in eastern Richmond, this spot serves up flavorful Caribbean plates that hit the spot on a summer evening.
• The Veil Brewing Co. — Located in Scott's Addition, The Veil is known for its hazy IPAs and creative sours. The taproom is always buzzing and worth the 15-minute drive from Varina.
• Legend Brewing Co. — A classic Richmond brewpub with a rooftop patio overlooking the James River skyline. The view alone is worth the trip.

Outdoor Adventures on Your Doorstep

One of the biggest perks of living in Varina is the incredible outdoor access. Here is how to make the most of it this summer:

Virginia Capital Trail. This 52-mile paved trail from Richmond to Williamsburg runs right through eastern Henrico. The Varina trailhead is minutes from 1343 Bartlett Rd, making it easy to bike, run, or walk along the James River. Early morning rides are especially peaceful in the summer heat.

Dorey Park. A Henrico County favorite with walking trails, a pond for fishing, disc golf, an off-leash dog park, and a spray park for kids. It is a one-stop shop for a full day outside.

Taylor Farm Park. Henrico's newest community park in the Varina District features a spray park, zip line, treehouse, mountain bike trails, and a skate park. It is absolutely worth a visit this summer.

James River Park System. Belle Isle, Pony Pasture, and the Floodwall are all accessible from the Richmond side of the river. The flat-water sections of the James are great for tubing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Deep Bottom Park. A quieter spot right in Varina with Civil War earthworks and direct James River waterfront access. Perfect for an afternoon picnic away from the crowds.

Family-Friendly Summer Fun

If you have kids, summer in Henrico County is a goldmine of low-cost, high-fun activities:

• Visit the Spray Park at Taylor Farm Park — it is free and perfect for hot afternoons.
• Catch a free concert at Dogwood Dell Amphitheater in Byrd Park. The summer festival of arts runs through July and August.
• Explore the Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park — a living-history farm with animals, gardens, and hands-on exhibits for kids.
• Take the Riverfront Canal Cruise in downtown Richmond. A narrated boat ride through the Kanawha and Haxall Canals is both fun and educational.
• Pick fresh fruit at Market-Miller Orchards — their Peach Festival on August 8 is a can't-miss family tradition.
• Attend National Night Out in August at your local Henrico community center — bounce houses, games, food, and a great chance to meet your neighbors.

Seasonal Highlights You Should Know

Summer in Virginia means long, warm evenings are made for being outside. A few seasonal things I always recommend:

• Farmers markets. The Henrico Farmers Market and the South of the James Market are in full swing through summer. Fresh produce, local honey, baked goods, and flowers.
• Outdoor movies. Several Henrico parks host free movie nights on summer weekends. Bring a blanket and some popcorn.
• Evening cookouts. With the deck, pool, and fenced yard at 1343 Bartlett Rd, you have the perfect setup for hosting. The summer sun sets late, giving you hours of evening light.
• Beach day trips. Virginia Beach is about 90 minutes east on I-64. A morning departure gets you to the oceanfront by mid-morning for a full day of sun and sand.

The Bottom Line

Summer in Varina and the greater Richmond area is as good as it gets. Whether you are hitting the Capital Trail on a Saturday morning, grabbing a cold beer at a Scott's Addition taproom, or cooling off at Taylor Farm Park with the kids, there is something for everyone within a 15-minute drive of eastern Henrico.

If you are thinking about making Varina your home, I would love to show you around — the neighborhood, the trails, the local spots. There is a reason I love living and working in this community, and summer is the best season to see it for yourself.