Ah July, the ways we love thee. Our hearts thump loudly for watermelon, fireworks, humidity, baseball and festivals. Yes, festivals.
This month starts loudly and then mellows with music, food, tomatoes, wine and beer. The National Beer Expo promises to be BIG. A big, frothing six-day festival of beer.
JULY 4
Fireworks, of course, fireworks. Check out the Fireworks Guide 2014 for firework dates July 3 – July 5.
All American 4th of July Celebration at Isley Brewing Company
Expect some music, food, beer and then catch the Diamond fireworks from the deck.
4 p.m. to close
Isley Brewing Company
1715 Summit Ave, Richmond, Virginia 23230
Were you going to the Diamond just to see some fireworks? Well, do that from the comfort of Hardywood, with a beer in one hand. Soul and rock all day from five Richmond bands, great eats from a dozen of your favorite gourmet mobile food vendors and plenty of beer to sip.
It all culminates in 4th of July fireworks display over the Diamond.
Hardywood’s Independence Day Celebration will be open to the public, all ages with no entry fee. Bracelets will be available for people 21-years of age and over to purchase draft and cans.
Beer tickets are $6
Cash encouraged to serve people faster.
Starts at 3 p.m.
2408 Ownby Lane, Richmond, Va.
JULY 5
2nd Smoke and Vine Festival at James River Winery
This is a wine and cigar festival with music that raises money for children with disabilities and special needs. There will be a beer truck as well as delicious foods and specialty vendors.
EARLY BIRD TICKETS $20
ADVANCE TICKETS $25 (wine glass sold separately)
VIP TICKETS $35 (includes glass and special VIP seating)
Band, DJ & 5 wine tastings are included in ticket price.
4pm – 10pm at
James River Cellars Winery
1100 Washington Hwy, Glen Allen, VA
JULY 11- 13
Halifax Jazz and Blues Festival
Don’t miss the 8th Annual Halifax Jazz and Blues Festival, a great community event showcasing amazing local talents.
The festival takes place at the historic Halifax Triangle, formed by Halifax Street, South Avenue — also known as The Avenue — and Harrison Street.
The Triangle and the venues around it have played host to such legendary talents as James Brown, Tina Turner, and Otis Reading. Kick off on Friday evening with “A Tribute to Mitchell Malone.” Saturday will be all the way live and Sunday’s Gospel Explosion will feature “A Tribute to Doris Bland.”
July 11, 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.
July 12, 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.
July 13, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Halifax Street at South Avenue intersection
Petersburg, Va.
July 12
Hanover Tomato Festival
This will mark the 36th year of the festival. The tomato takes center stage, but there are plenty of family activities. Expect crowds along with delicious treats.
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pole Green Park
8996 Pole Green Park Lane
Mechanicsville, VA 23005
Don’t forget to check out the A-List for community events!
JULY 15 – JULY 20
Capital Ale National Beer Expo
Maybe call it Hops City instead of River City with the six days of celebrating artisan-made American Craft beer that lie ahead.
From July 15-20 breweries from across the country will gather in Richmond to showcase over 200 of today’s best craft beers. There will be a collection of events happening in and around Richmond.
Attendees can purchase tickets to individual events, or select from various ticket combo packages allowing for the purchase of tickets to multiple events while saving money.
The main event of the week will be the Walk-Around Grand Tasting, which will feature over 150 craft beers from around the country. That will be held July 19 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Click for complete schedule and pricing.
Greater Richmond Convention Center
403 North Third Street
Richmond, VA 23219
JULY 17 – 19
The 31st annual festival promises lot of music over three days. The festival is co-sponsored by the Mineral Fire Department.
There will be hot food concessions and camping. Music is rain or shine.
July 17, Noon to 11 p.m.
July 18, Noon to 11 p.m.
July 19, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
One day ticket, advance/$25, or at the gate/$30
Three day pass, advance/$65, or at the gate/$75
Walton Park
301 East Sixth Street
Mineral, Virginia 23117
JULY 19-20
Center of the Universe Brewing Company will be hosting the Summer Moon Music Festival to celebrate the day that man walked on the moon 45 years ago. This year, COTU has kicked it up a notch making it a two-day festival with a charity tie-in.
There will be 12 local and regional bands. The event is free to the public and will feature multiple food vendors including fresh oysters from Anderson’s Neck Oyster Company.
This year, the bands will be battling it out for their charity of choice with COTU matching the winner’s funds for the same charity. The RVA Makers will also be on hand to display their artisan works.
This is a rain or shine event with two expansive 900 square foot tents on hand.
July 19, Saturday, Noon to 10 p.m.
July 20, Sunday, Noon to 8 p.m.
Free
Center of the Universe Brewing Co.
11293 Air Park Rd.
Ashland, VA 23005
July 26
Chesterfield Food Bank Food Truck Fest
Bring just two nonperishable food items and gain free admission to all the fun.
There will be activities for the children, vendors, crafts, music and let’s not forget about the most delicious local food trucks could be round up! There will be a voting contest for favorite truck.
A fundraiser for Chesterfield and Colonial Heights food bank.
Noon to 8 p.m.
10300 Courthouse Rd
Chesterfield, VA
Continuing events throughout July:
Dogwood Dell: Music, Visual Arts throughout the summer.
Innsbrook After Hours: July 2, 9, 16, 23, 24, 30, 31st. Also, August, September and October shows.
Movies in the Park: Starting June 20, and then every Friday until August 22. Free.
Music in the Park: All shows take place on Sundays with spring shows beginning at 6:00 p.m. and fall shows beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Quirk Lawn Chair Movie Series: Takes place the fourth Saturday of each month, through October. Bring or pull up a chair in the parking lot beside the gallery. July movie is (500) Days of Summer on July 26.
