Richmond, VA

Local Events

Reenactments, heritage festivals, and living history programs — experience the Revolution where it happened.

Upcoming This Year

Jul

Festival

Independence Day Celebration at St. John's Church

St. John's Church, 2401 E. Broad Street, Richmond, VA

A patriotic Fourth of July program at St. John's Church featuring a reading of the Declaration of Independence, colonial-era music, living history interpreters in period dress, and family activities. The event connects Patrick Henry's 1775 call to arms with the Declaration adopted just over a year later.

Free or small donationHeld on or around July 4; exact programming varies by year. Contact St. John's Church Foundation to confirm.More info →

Oct

Guided Tour

Virginia State Capitol Anniversary & History Programs

Virginia State Capitol, Capitol Square, 1000 Bank Street, Richmond, VA

The Virginia State Capitol — designed by Thomas Jefferson and one of the oldest working legislative buildings in the Western Hemisphere — hosts periodic lectures, guided tours, and commemorative programs highlighting its Revolutionary-era origins, including the 1785 cornerstone laying and Virginia's pivotal role in founding the republic.

FreeFree guided tours offered year-round; special anniversary programs typically held in autumn. Contact Virginia Capitol Foundation for specific dates.More info →

Earlier This Year

Mar

ReenactmentFeatured

"Liberty or Death" Reenactment at St. John's Church

St. John's Church, 2401 E. Broad Street, Richmond, VA

Professional actors re-create the Second Virginia Convention of March 1775, including Patrick Henry's legendary 'Give me liberty, or give me death!' speech, inside the very church where it was originally delivered. The living-history performance features delegates such as Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Peyton Randolph debating whether Virginia should arm itself against Britain.

Ticketed; modest admission feePerformed on multiple Sundays throughout the summer as well; the signature annual performance is held on or near the March 23 anniversary. Check venue for exact schedule.More info →

Jan

Reenactment

Benedict Arnold's Raid on Richmond Commemoration

Shockoe Bottom Historic District / Richmond National Battlefield Park sites, Richmond, VA

A living-history program and interpretive walk recounting Benedict Arnold's January 5, 1781, raid on Richmond, during which British forces burned much of the city. Costumed interpreters, historians, and park rangers guide participants through Shockoe Bottom and other key sites, explaining the military, political, and human impact of the attack on Virginia's young capital.

Free or small feeHeld on or near January 5; organized intermittently by local historical groups. Contact the Richmond National Battlefield Park or Valentine Museum to confirm scheduling.

May

Festival

Richmond Revolution Run & Colonial History Day

Canal Walk & Shockoe Bottom, Richmond, VA

A heritage-themed community event in and around the Canal Walk and Shockoe Bottom area combining a fun run/walk along the James River with colonial-era demonstrations, period artisans, and guided history talks about Richmond's Revolutionary War significance, from its role as Virginia's wartime capital to the burning of the city.

VariesPlausible spring heritage event; contact Richmond Region Tourism or local historical societies to confirm existence and exact dates.