August Top Picks
August always reminds us of Black women… Warm. Bright. Joyous. As we close out Leo season and head toward the end of summer, The Richmond Seen presents our top events that’ll bring that same sentiment.
As always, The Seen is on the scene.
Here are our top picks for August:
8|2–8|5: The 3rd Annual Richmond Music Week
The week kicks off August 2 with 804 Day, a music and arts festival at 17th Street Market. Performances include Nickelus F, Kaay Taurus, and more. Ant the Symbol will be at In Your Ear Studios for Shockoe Sessions Live.
Go to @RichmondMusicWeek for more details.
8|2: Melodic and SpinCity 804
DJ Melodic will be pulling out the vinyl and spinning at Get Tight Lounge from 8p–11p.
8|5: Ant The Symbol at Shockoe Sessions Live
Richmond producer, Ant The Symbol, will be performing live at Shockoe Sessions Live. Starts at 7:30 pm.
Get tickets to Shockoe Sessions Live.
8|6-8|8: The Richmond Jazz & Music Festival
The Richmond Jazz Festival kicks off with Straight No Chaser. A downtown jazz suite in the city.
8|9-8|10: The Richmond Jazz Festival at Maymont Park featuring Richmond’s own Alexandar Mack & Ronnie Luxe, T.I, Masego, Dru Hill, Jodeci, Legacy Band and so much more! Gates open at 1p both days. Tickets here.
8|9: Bodies of Labor: Hands That Built a Nation
BHMVA hosts a guest lecture and meet-and-greet with the artists of their current exhibition.
Free to the community from 2p–4p.
8|10: Jay Bordeaux presents: Belly—The Artistic Experience
Music and art curated by Richmond-based artist Jay Bordeaux.
Show starts at 7p at Seasons Restaurant. More information here.
8|14: Weinstein Author Series at the Library of Virginia
Featuring award-winning poet, author, and professor Crystal Wilkinson and her latest book, Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts: Stories and Recipes from Five Generations of Black Country Cooks—a lyrical culinary journey exploring the legacy of Black Appalachians through storytelling and nearly 40 comforting recipes.
FREE. Register at @libraryofva.
8|22: 2025 BLK RVA Community Awards
The BLK RVA Community Awards, presented by Wells Fargo, is a true celebration of the history, resilience, innovation, and economic impact of the Black community in the Richmond Region. This event is a powerful testament to Black excellence, showcasing the achievements and contributions that continue to shape our vibrant cultural landscape.
Tap in for more information!!
8|23: The Broadberry presents Chandler Back Home with special guest O-Z, Lex Bratcher and Billy Marchiafava.
Doors open at 7p. Show starts at 8p.Tickets here.
8|29–8|31: Happily Natural Festival — 22nd Anniversary
• 8|29: The Black Farm Tour (9a–4p) at the African Burial Ground, Shockoe Bottom.
• 8|30: Festival and Urban Farm Expo at Fifth District Mink Farm (starts 11a), featuring performances by Talib Kweli.
• 8|31: Another Black and Beautiful Brunch (11a) at Sankofa Community Orchard.
More details: Happily Natural Festival
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Recurring Faves:
• Wumami Food Truck — Check page for pop-up dates and locations.
• Chromatic Jazz Mondays at Chromophore Artspace, 6p–9p.
• Southside Contemporary Art Gallery — Echoes of the Nile, a solo exhibition by Nigerian-born artist Data Oruwari.
Opening reception: 8|1, 7p–9p. Check site for gallery hours.
• Rest & Release: A Gentle Restorative Yin Yoga Experience
Presented by Remsoul Wellness every 2nd and 4th Sunday at Chromophore Artspace. Register at RemSoulWellness.
