Name: 4th Friday Art Shows and Opening Reception
Start: 2026-10-23
End: 2026-10-23

The 40-minute, historically narrated tours of the James River and Kanawha Canal operate throughout the season, seven days a week from May through October, and with varying hours in April and November. The boat tours travel along downtown Richmond's Canal Walk and review centuries of Richmond’s history, from Powhatan’s Chiefdom to the first commercially successful electric streetcar in the world, all while traveling in authentically styled boats. Tours depart on the hour from the canal’s Turning Basin at 139 Virginia Street, in Downtown Richmond. Boats can accommodate up to 25 passengers and are handicap accessible. Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis at the Turning Basin’s ticket kiosk and online 18 hours in advance by visiting RiverfrontCanalCruises.com. Canal Cruise private charters are also available as one- or two-hour private boat tours that are a favorite for reunions, birthdays, engagements, corporate retreats, churches, clubs, and so many more group outings. Private charters may be scheduled for any day and time during the season but must be reserved a minimum of two weeks in advance at RiverfrontCanalCruises.com.

Riverfront Canal Cruises

Richmond, Virginia's most popular Taphouse concept with 40 craft beers on tap. Featuring a full patio, arcade, event spaces and something on the menu for everyone! Happy Hour from 3:00PM - 7:00PM Wednesday - Friday with discounted apps & alcohol.

Southern Railway Taphouse

Canal Club

The auction houses in Shockoe Bottom frequently sold human "goods" along with corn, coffee and other commodities. Slave commerce was concentrated in the roughly 30-block area bounded by Broad, 15th and 19th Streets and the river. Davenport & Co., located at 15th and Cary Streets, was an auction house near the center of the district; portions of the building survived Civil War destruction and are now a part of the present building.

Auction Houses

Sexy Miami-esque Bar/Restaurant/Nightclub in Shockoe Slip Downtown RVA catering to the LGBTQIA+ Community!

Papi's

Seafood, hand-cooked steaks and lots of wine. Chesapeake-crab pasta, jumbo lump crab cakes and more. Jazz on Friday evenings.

Hard Shell

We Serve Jamaican food such as jerk chicken cooked on the grill/jerk pan the most famous way to be done. Oxtail, Curry Goat and more. Come and treat your taste buds to authentic Jamaican cuisine.

M&F Jamaican Cafe

BROWN'S ISLAND IS CLOSED FOR RENOVATION UNTIL OCTOBER 2026.  
Brown’s Island is an amazing, six-acre riverfront park located south of Tredegar Street between 5th Street and 12th Street on the James River. It was formed by the Haxall Canal and is part of the 1.25-mile riverfront Canal Walk. The Island connects to the James River Park System and is a very popular venue for outdoor concerts and festivals including the Friday Cheers concert series, Dominion Riverrock, and the Richmond Folk Festival. It is a favorite walking, running and biking area for locals and visitors alike. There are historical exhibits, public art and plenty of nature to explore. Discover the April 1865 exhibit that hangs over the James River and connects to the Potterfield Bridge, a popular biking and walking destination. Look for eagles, blue heron, osprey and more. Rent a mountain paddleboard during summer months from WaterfrontRVA! Head east along the paths towards 10th, 12th and 14th streets and you'll find over 75 restaurants in the Shockoe area and some unique shopping. Riverside Outfitters is rents mountain bikes, kayaks and paddleboards from 14th Street at the Mayo Bridge. There are great mountain bike trails on Belle Isle and along both sides of the river, as well as a bike skills course on the isle. Hit the streets and explore downtown on a bike as well! Paddling on the river is a wonderful way to experience the natural environment and nature in the middle of RVA’s downtown. There are some beautiful flatwater areas of the James for paddlers to cruise.

Brown's Island

A fresh new way to do breakfast and lunch

Benedict on Cary

Traditional dishes and lighter fare with Celtic music. Spacious outdoor deck and patio. Large parties welcome.

Sine Irish Pub & Restaurant

We’re a community of runners, hikers, bikers and ballplayers. We’re an outdoor playground, designed by Mother Nature, with class III and IV rapids running right through our downtown. A 52-mile bike trail runs along the James. The Richmond Marathon and Ukrop’s 10k are huge celebrations, and the whole region comes out to cheer on our local teams. In fact, we’re so sports-minded that the Washington Redskins have their training camp right in the center of the city. Add to that awesome hotels, beautiful venues, attractions, art, craft beer, more than 900 restaurants and a convenient location, and you’ve got a top choice for your next sports event. Welcome to RVA!

From indoor to outdoor facilities, the Richmond region has the fields, pitches, diamonds, venues and the dedicated staff to ensure your event is a huge success. 



Sports Richmond, VA

Join us on October 23rd, 2026, from 6–8 p.m. for the exciting opening reception of our new exhibits at Art Works. Meet the talented artists, enjoy live music, refreshments, and libations sponsored by RVA Thriving Artists, and celebrate another vibrant season of creativity and community. Embrace the Halloween spirit by dressing up in your favorite costume and join us for an unforgettable evening as we unveil our latest art exhibits. Immerse yourself works by Sky Dai, Johnye Bennett, Lew Lott, Carol Gruppé and *Unmask* curated by Susan Vaughan. The All Media Show features art by local artists. The Bridge Project will continue exhibiting Nathan Hosmer Nevarez until November 30th. Don’t miss out on this night of art and enchantment!

This event is free and open to the public, with convenient, free parking available. Exhibits will remain on view through November 14th, 2026 (unless otherwise noted). Carol Gruppé will remain up until October 31st. Also see 80+ working artist studios.

4th Friday Art Shows and Opening Reception

Business Type

Has Promotions Available

Special Features