Richmond: A City for All

Inclusivity is at the heart of Richmond. This vibrant capital boasts a diverse population, and its commitment to equality ensures it welcomes travelers of all backgrounds. With a schedule packed with events that celebrate the area’s rich multicultural heritage and city initiatives aimed at supporting Black and LGBTQ communities, Richmond represents the new South, honoring its complex history while advancing towards a brighter future.

Since 2021, the Human Rights Campaign has awarded the city a flawless score on its Municipal Equality Index, and the notable removal of Confederate monuments in recent years has sent a strong message. Here’s a glimpse into the people, places, and events that contribute to the lively cultural fabric that locals lovingly refer to as RVA.

Champion Black-owned businesses and cultural initiatives

Once the hub of the domestic slave trade in North America, Richmond is a place where it’s estimated that one in four African Americans can trace their lineage. The city’s profound Black history, a significant and at times painful part of its heritage, has fostered a thriving Black community that is essential to Richmond’s contemporary identity.

Known as the "Harlem of the South" and "Black Wall Street," the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood remains the heartbeat of the city's Black cultural scene. The Elegba Folklore Society hosts cultural events, including the Capital City Kwanzaa Festival, Juneteenth, A Freedom Celebration, and the Black Book Expo, celebrating African and African American heritage.

This vibrant area is home to the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia and the historic Hippodrome Theatre, which once showcased legends like Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong. After its careful restoration, it continues to be a community staple. Don’t miss out on dining at Mama J’s, famous for its crispy fried chicken and delightful pineapple-coconut cake, before or after a performance.

The Richmond Region boasts a notable number of Black-owned businesses, including some of the city's favorite dining spots. Chef Mike Lindsey leads the Lindsey Food Group, the largest independent restaurant group in the area. His offerings include the "new Southern" bistro Lillie Pearl, the globally-inspired Farm + Oak, and the event venue Red Bird Social. Wine enthusiasts turn to Lance Lemon and Kristen Gardner Beal, who manage a wine delivery service called RichWine and Penny’s Wine Shop, known for its selection of low-intervention natural wines.

Beyond food and wine, notable Black-owned enterprises include the health and beauty shop Adiva Naturals; Book Bar, which aims to enhance literacy in urban settings while highlighting BIPOC authors and characters; as well as BareSOUL Yoga and the Well Collective, dedicated to creating spaces for the Black community. To keep up with local Black culture, check out BLK RVA, a complimentary travel guide that highlights events and happenings in the city.

Discover a diverse range of flavors in the local dining scene

Richmond’s restaurant landscape is one of the prime places to experience the city’s cultural diversity. Here, you can indulge in a variety of flavors, from Texas-style barbecue at ZZQ and Southern soul food at Croaker’s Spot to authentic international dishes like Indian at Lehja, Ethiopian at Nile, Salvadoran at El Pope, Cuban at Kuba Kuba, and Vietnamese at Pho Tay Do.

Local favorite Perly’s serves delightful Jewish cuisine, while JewFro offers a creative blend of Jewish and African dishes. In Church Hill, Metzger presents German-inspired classics, including pork schnitzel and Hasenpfeffer. Over in the West End, Stella’s is renowned for its modern Greek offerings like flaming saganaki and flavorful keftedes.

Annual celebrations such as the RVA Latino Festival, Lebanese Food Festival, Armenian Food Festival, and Richmond Greek Festival provide excellent chances to indulge in the diverse culinary offerings of the city’s multicultural community.

Making places accessible for everyone

Richmond is making strides in accessibility for individuals of all abilities, featuring improved public transportation and specialized training for local businesses in accessibility certification. Attractions like Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Kings Dominion, and the Virginia Holocaust Museum proudly display the official VisitAble seal, confirming their commitment to disability inclusion through proper training and certification.

For families with children, Park365 is a vast playground designed to be inclusive for everyone, while the Children’s Museum of Richmond hosts complimentary monthly events for kids with disabilities. The Virginia Repertory Theatre offers sensory-friendly performances, and the Science Museum of Virginia collaborates with the Autism Society of Central Virginia to provide free sensory backpacks filled with items like sunglasses, fidget toys, and noise-canceling headphones.

Celebrating Diversity in RVA

LGBTQ visitors and their allies will discover a supportive and welcoming environment in Richmond, home to numerous organizations, businesses, and events dedicated to cultivating a more inclusive community. OutRVA serves as the official program of the city’s tourism department, promoting LGBTQ tourism and sponsoring VA Pridefest, Virginia’s largest Pride celebration.

In the Scott’s Addition neighborhood, the nonprofit Richmond Triangle Players champions queer artistry with programs centered on the LGBTQ experience. The Richmond Men’s Chorus, part of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses, also contributes to the local performing arts scene.

Notable LGBTQ-friendly spots include Godfrey’s, known for its lively drag brunch, and Babes of Carytown, which features an energetic volleyball court. On Sundays, the beloved burger joint Cobra Cabana offers a special on “Gay Fil-A” chicken sandwiches, with part of the proceeds supporting Side By Side, a nonprofit organization dedicated to Virginia’s LGBTQ youth. These sandwiches often sell out quickly, reflecting both their popularity and Richmond’s commitment to supporting meaningful causes.