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With the opening of its first theater in 1786, Richmond has always put a great emphasis on the cultural arts. A busy calendar of theater, music and festivals has made the downtown area a popular spot to spend an evening. The renovated Shockoe Bottom area is the hub of clubs and a variety of music, and Carytown is a lively neighborhood for strolling and window-shopping after dinner. The Parks, Recreation and Community department operates many city-funded activities throughout the year including outdoor concerts and festivals.
Cinema & Theater
The Landmark Theater is the place to see big shows in Richmond–Broadway musicals, the Richmond Symphony and the annual performance by the Richmond Ballet of the Nutcracker Suite. The 3500-seat venue was designed so that all seats have a good view of the stage. For fans of Shakespeare, the Encore Theater Company performs the bard's classic works outdoors in the Elizabethan Garden at Agecroft Hall. The 15th-century Tudor mansion provides the perfect setting.
The historic Empire Theatre, built in 1910, is home to the Theatre IV company, which performs plays designed especially for children and teenagers. The troupe's year-round program includes both classic plays and new productions. The Carpenter Center for the Performing Arts was built in 1928 as a movie theater and now houses the Virginia Opera. Performances by the Richmond Ballet and Richmond Symphony are also featured. Housed in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Theatre Virginia presents a variety of musicals and plays.
Cinemas can be found throughout the city and suburbs, but for a special movie experience visit the Byrd Theater in Carytown. This magnificent hall shows the latest box-office hits in a glamorous atmosphere of marble, hand-painted murals and chandeliers. On Saturday evenings, an original Wurlitzer organ entertains guests before the movie starts.
Music & Dance
Music from classical to contemporary can be heard in the bars, clubs and concert halls of Richmond. The Richmond Symphony performs throughout the year with a mixed program; some concerts are specifically designed to introduce younger audiences to the classic composers. Among the best ballet companies in the country, the Richmond Ballet performs throughout the state of Virginia and also runs the renowned School of Richmond Ballet, which caters to all levels of dance ability.
The sultry sounds of jazz are perfect for hot summer nights in the South, and Richmond has many places to listen to live musicians. Bogart's Back Room in The Fan district is popular music joint, with jazz and blues every Friday and Saturday evening. Medley’s in Shockoe Bottom is famous for its blues bands, which perform throughout the week. For contemporary tunes, see who is playing at The Tobacco Company Club or at the Main Street Grill.
For those who have more energy, dance clubs abound in the downtown area. Kick up your heels to the sounds of rock and roll, country and the South’s own beach music at Lightfoot’s or the Peppermint Lounge. Most clubs vary themes each night, so check the local paper ahead of time. Club Fahrenheit is the "in" place to be seen, so expect crowds, but go for the fun atmosphere.
Every Friday evening in the summer, the city presents "Fridays at Sunset." This series of jazz concerts has become a favorite way to start off the weekend.
Festivals
Throughout the year Richmond commemorates its cultural heritage with festivals and events celebrating holidays, seasons and historical events. The Maymont Flower and Garden Show in February is held indoors at the Richmond Centre and features all sorts of plants and garden accessories. It is a great place to get landscaping ideas before spring arrives.
At the River City Real Beer Festival, held in June, vendors pour out samples of brews from around the world. Listen to live music and feast on fresh seafood as well. A summer-long Festival of the Arts is held at the city-run Dogwood Dell. Activities include theater and dance performances, music programs from reggae to pop and the Ha’Penny Stage for children.
Virginia is horse country and one of the best ways to celebrate that is at the Strawberry Hill Races. The steeplechase event takes place in April and proceeds benefit the Richmond Symphony and other community and cultural organizations. It is generally an all-day affair with visitors bringing picnics and enjoying the entertainment.
The traditional start to the harvest season is the State Fair and Virginia’s is held here in the state capital. Livestock shows, cooking competitions, an arts and crafts market, live entertainment and food make the event fun for everyone. The Virginia Harvest Celebration at the Farmers Market focuses on produce and southern cooking with demonstrations by local chefs.
Although relatively small, Richmond is a city with a wide variety of activities to appeal to its diverse population. For specific information, pick up a copy of the Richmond Times-Dispatch or Punchline Weekly.
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