Summer is just around the corner, and when met with so much free time, it can be difficult for students to choose how to spend their summer without being stuck to a screen. Additionally, it can feel like everything fun costs money. Chesterfield, Richmond, and the surrounding area, offers many opportunities to make meaningful summer memories.
Dominion Energy Riverrock May 15-17th 2026
From May 15th to May 17th, Dominion Energy is holding its annual outdoor sports and music festival, Riverrock. The free to enter festival is a celebration of Richmond’s outdoor culture rooted in the James river. Riverrock hosts a wide range of events including paddling, climbing, hiking, and music. Additionally, Dominion Energy will be hosting more than 15 food trucks. The festival is a display of Richmond’s vibrancy, celebrating nature, athletes, and artists alike.
VMHC IllumiNATION Thursday June 25, 2026 to Sunday June 28, 2026
The Virginia Museum of National History and culture is celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday with an evening of free family-friendly festivities ending with a video art display of America’s story. From 6pm to 9pm, VMHC IllumiNATION will be hosting a family-friendly block party, providing guests with after-hours access to the museum’s exhibits, live music, displays of Virginia’s culture from community members, a petting zoo, and five different food trucks. The VMHC parking will not be available to the public for this event.
“The VMHC’s parking lot will not be open to public parking during the event. Limited, first-come, first-served parking will be available at the First Baptist Church’s Robinson St parking lot – 2551 Monument Ave, Richmond, VA 23220. Limited street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood. Street parking is at the driver’s risk, and event organizers are not responsible for parking tickets or towing.”
Carytown Watermelon Festival Sunday, August 9th 2026
The 44th Carytown Watermelon Festival takes place August 9th, 10am to 6pm and is completely free to enter. Carytown Watermelon festival is a celebration of all things watermelon, featuring local vendors, food trucks and live music. The festival stretches from the entrance of Carytown to the Byrd Theater on W Cary Street. Although entry is free, it’s encouraged to bring cash for food and shopping.
For those who prefer quieter activities, Chesterfield County offers many free opportunities to get out of the house without stress. The Chesterfield public library system offers library cards for free! With 10 locations across the county, a wide range of books and informational sessions are available to access Monday to Thursday, from 9am to 8pm and Friday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm.
Additionally, Chesterfield is home to many parks that are free to enter, so you can appreciate our region’s natural beauty with ease. Namely, Rockwood Park is about ten minutes away from Clover Hill, housing a nature center featuring an array of native reptiles and amphibians.
