Live Music Venues in Richmond: RVA Music Scene

Richmond's music scene is as diverse as its history. RVA offers a vibrant venue landscape with strong local support. Here's your complete guide.

The Richmond Music Scene

Richmond has produced GWAR, Lamb of God, and a thriving punk/metal scene, but the city's musical diversity extends far beyond heavy music.

Key Music Districts

Carytown Shopping district with venues and bars.

Scott's Addition Brewery district with growing venue scene.

Downtown/Shockoe Bottom Entertainment district with larger venues.

The Fan Residential neighborhood with intimate venues.

Iconic Richmond Venues

The National

• Capacity: 1,500
• Genre: All genres
• The Vibe: Richmond's premier venue in a 1923 theater. Beautiful and essential.

The Broadberry

• Capacity: 400
• Genre: Indie, rock, eclectic
• The Vibe: Scott's Addition venue with excellent bookings.

The Camel

• Capacity: 200
• Genre: Indie, rock, punk
• The Vibe: Carytown institution. Essential RVA venue.

Richmond Music Hall

• Capacity: 600
• Genre: All genres
• The Vibe: Scott's Addition venue with diverse programming.

Gallery 5

• Capacity: 200
• Genre: Punk, experimental, DIY
• The Vibe: Arts space with adventurous bookings.

Venues by Capacity

Small (Under 200)

• The Camel (200 cap) - Indie, rock
• Gallery 5 (200 cap) - Punk, experimental
• Fuzzy Cactus (100 cap) - Punk, dive bar
• Cary Street Cafe (100 cap) - Acoustic, local

Medium (200-800)

• The Broadberry (400 cap) - Indie, rock
• Richmond Music Hall (600 cap) - All genres
• Canal Club (500 cap) - All genres
• The Tin Pan (300 cap) - Acoustic, folk

Large (800+)

• The National (1,500 cap) - All genres
• Altria Theater (3,500 cap) - All genres
• Virginia Credit Union LIVE! (6,000 cap) - Major acts

How to Book Richmond Venues

For Emerging Artists

1. Start at The Camel - RVA's essential small venue
2. Embrace the diversity - Richmond has more than metal
3. Build Mid-Atlantic routing - Richmond connects to DC, Baltimore, Raleigh
4. Network locally - The scene is supportive

For Touring Artists

1. Book The National - Richmond's best room
2. Don't skip Richmond - Real market between DC and Raleigh
3. Route the East Coast - Richmond is well-positioned
4. Appreciate the history - RVA has deep musical roots

Explore More Venues

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