Celebrating the revolutionary spirit in Richmond, VA

In this milestone year, the Richmond Region in Virginia takes center stage with a powerful lineup of exhibitions and events marking America250.

Richmond Region Tourism is highlighting this legacy through its Always Revolutionary campaign, which invites travelers to explore the people, places and ideas that have shaped the region.

“In 2026, our localities are bringing history to life through stories that reflect the diverse people, cultures and communities who have shaped this region, while also showcasing the innovative Always Revolutionary spirit,” said Katherine O’Donnell, President & CEO of Richmond Region Tourism.

A Milestone Year

Visitors can take part in America’s founding story at sites across the Richmond Region. They can stand where Patrick Henry delivered his legendary call for liberty at Historic St. John’s Church, explore Patrick Henry’s only surviving home at Scotchtown, and tour the Virginia State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson. At The Valentine First Freedom Center, visitors can explore the lasting impact of the Statute for Religious Freedom, one of Virginia’s most influential contributions to democratic ideals.

New Kent County adds some of the region’s most significant connections to the Revolutionary story. Visitors can explore the grounds of St. Peter’s Parish Church, rumored to be the wedding site of George and Martha Washington, and stay overnight at the historic New Kent Ordinary, one of America’s oldest roadside taverns. Nearby, the James Lafayette Monument honors an enslaved man who became a key American spy during the Revolutionary War.

History continues in places shaped directly by the war itself, including Colonial Heights, named for the colonial forces stationed along the Appomattox River during the fight for independence.

In Chesterfield County, Henricus Historical Park brings 1611 to life at the second successful English settlement in the New World, where early foundations of American society were formed along the James River.

The Richmond Region also illuminates the places and people often left out of traditional narratives. Opening April 19, the restored Skipwith–Roper Cottage in Richmond’s Jackson Ward will honor Abraham Peyton Skipwith, the first known Black homeowner in the neighborhood, circa 1793.

That broader approach to history also includes new efforts to examine the region’s role in slavery and its lasting impact. Opening April 9, the Shockoe Institute‘s Expanding Freedom exhibit at Main Street Station will provide new context for understanding Richmond’s role in the domestic slave trade and its legacy.

The Always Revolutionary digital trail guides visitors to key historic sites across the Richmond Region, highlighting the places where events unfolded.

2026 Commemorations

Throughout the year, visitors can experience landmark exhibitions and events tied to America’s 250th anniversary. Richmond Sailfest (June 12–14) welcomes international tall ships to the James River for a free, festival-style weekend of performances and history.

At the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Revolutionary Allies (March 7–Nov. 1) and We the People (March 21–Sept. 7) explore the people and partnerships that shaped the nation. The museum will also host IllumiNATION (June 25–28), a large-scale outdoor sound and projection show illuminating America’s 250-year story across its block-long façade.

At the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, exhibitions and outreach programs in 2026 will examine the American Revolution and its ideals through art, including a gallery exhibition focused on George Washington and artistic interpretations of the Revolution, as well as a statewide mobile exhibition exploring themes of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Historic St. John’s Church continues its iconic “Liberty or Death” reenactments on summer Sundays, while Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown hosts the Governor Celebration on Sept. 19. At The Valentine, Dissent! Liberty & Loyalty in Early Richmond (Feb. 26–Jan. 31, 2027) examines the tensions of a young nation. The Branch Museum of Design presents Americana (opening July 2), exploring the symbols and stories that shaped American identity.

Revolutionary Voices

The Richmond Region’s story is defined not only by moments, but by the people whose voices challenged convention. Visitors can explore the legacy of poet Edgar Allan Poe at the Poe Museum, walk in the footsteps of Maggie Lena Walker at the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, and learn about figures such as John Marshall, Henry “Box” Brown, and Virginia Randolph.

Revolutionary ideas took form here, from the world’s first successful electric streetcar system, introduced in Richmond in 1888, to student-led civil rights protests.

That tradition of innovation continues today. Introduced in 2025 at Kings Dominion amusement park, Rapterra, the world’s tallest and longest launched wing coaster, illustrates how revolutionary ideas in engineering and design continue to emerge in the Richmond Region.

Once an industrial district, Scott’s Addition has transformed into one of the region’s most dynamic areas, known for its mix of breweries, restaurants, creative businesses and residential development.

Revolutionary Spirit

CarMax Park, the new home of the Richmond Flying Squirrels, opens April 7 and anchors a new era of baseball and entertainment in the Diamond District. A longtime tradition also reaches a milestone as Richmond Raceway celebrates its 80th anniversary, honoring decades of racing history.

The region’s momentum is driven by its people and neighborhoods. Richmond’s legacy of Black business excellence, rooted in Jackson Ward, remains a defining force. That creativity is especially visible in the region’s ever-evolving food scene, including national recognition for chefs such as Leah Branch of The Roosevelt, a recent James Beard Award nominee.

Several attractions will debut major enhancements in 2026. Maymont celebrates its 100th anniversary as a public park with the spring reopening of its mansion and expanded Virginia Wildlife Trail. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will unveil its reimagined Conservatory in spring 2026, doubling the iconic domed structure in size. Later in the year, Brown’s Island will debut a revitalized riverfront.

VisitRichmondVA.com

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