Enjoying all that is great about Richmond while saving money should be easy to do with this round up of FREE and cheap events in and around the city this week from Monday, November 30, 2020 to Sunday, December 6, 2020. From culture to the outdoors, literary to crafty, there are many FREE and low cost events all around the city that won’t break the bank. Use this calendar as a guide for cheap fun and an excuse to get out into the city and the greater community. Check out our many Thanksgiving posts including restaurants, caterers and groceries that will cater your meal no matter what the size.
With so many in need around our area, don’t forget to give back by volunteering in the community.
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This list is your ticket to a plethora of FREE and cheap events in Richmond, Virginia.
Attractions, fitness, nature, art or food. Richmond has a wide variety of events that are FREE or low cost. Each season means a whole array of indoor and outdoor options to enjoy in the city or beyond. It’s a good idea to check with venues about specific events. Even if it’s on this list, it’s possible that it’s canceled or changed.
Be sure to subscribe to email updates, follow @rvacheap on Twitter or like RVA (Richmond) on the Cheap on Facebook to stay in the know about the latest freebies & deals.
Treasures of Ancient Egypt: Sunken Cities exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts through JANUARY 18, 2021
Dive into one of the most astonishing underwater discoveries of all time. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts presents Treasures of Ancient Egypt: Sunken Cities. The exhibition is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see treasures recovered from two powerful ancient Egyptian cities that sank into the Mediterranean more than a thousand years ago. Destroyed by natural catastrophes in the 8th century AD, Thonis-Heracleion and Canopus were once mighty centers of trade, where Egyptian and Greek cultures merged in art, worship, and everyday life.
Monday, November 30, 2020
⭐️Tues., Dec. 1, 2020 – Holiday Tree Celebration-West Broad Village (2400 Old Brick Road Glen Allen, VA 23060)
West Broad Village is spreading holiday cheer throughout December at West Broad Village as they invite local charities in partnership with the West Broad Village shops to deck the halls. Participating shops and restaurants have paired off with local non-profits in a friendly competition to decorate the best holiday tree! Take a stroll through West Broad Village and enjoy the beautifully decorated trees. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite tree in support of the local non-profits. The winning tree’s non-profit will receive a $1,000 donation from West Broad Village. To vote, please text 55800 with the associated tree-keyword. The Holiday Tree Decorating winner will be announced on or after January 5, 2021.
⭐️ The 2020 Jingle Bell Bazaar is online this year, you can come out and join the special shopping event on Tuesday Dec 1, from 6-8PM at The Shops at 5807 Patterson Ave. Richmond. More Jingle Bell Bazaar info at https://s.ripl.com/gjzzr1
There are may more craft and holiday bazaars in December.
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
⭐️ Get advanced tickets for GardenFest for Fidos at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden which is on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2020 AT 4 PM – 10 PM
Dominion Energy Gardenfest of Lights at Ginter Botanical Garden is a holiday tradition in Richmond. Pre-purchased tickets & masks required; available online ONLY. Tickets are limited and have arrival times. November 23, 2020 – January 10, 2021 (CLOSED Dec. 24-25), Nightly 4-10 p.m.
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Thurs., Dec. 3, 2020 – Farmers & Artisan Market at Brambly Park, 1708 Belleville Street Richmond, VA 23230. Food, Drinks, Live Music and local Artisans selling handmade items.
Brambly Park is located at 1708 Belleville St., Richmond. Artisan Market is from 4-7pm on Thursday.
Thursday, December 3, 2020
⭐️ Read more about Richmond Drive Ins and great art movies to view at home.
⭐️ The Institute for Contemporary Art is now open to the public Friday through Sunday from 10 am – 6 pm. The exhibition Commonwealth runs through January 2021. FREE admission with timed tickets.
Admission is FREE and the art is edgy at the new Institute of Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University
Read all about Richmond area in-person and online fall craft shows, holiday bazaars and markets.
⭐️ Friday, December 4-Monday, December 14. – Atlas Holiday Market, Art 180, ART 180’s annual pop-up market featuring art, jewelry, crafts, and handmade goods by local artists just in time for gift giving season. Shop one-of-a-kind finds. Online shoppers will be able to choose between curbside pickup and shipping. In-person shopping will be limited to 5 at a time, masks required, at our Atlas Gallery in Jackson Ward. 114 W. Marshall St. Richmond.
Friday, December 4, 2020
⭐️ Sat. Dec. 5- Holiday Market at The Depot. Ashland. Market featuring some of the areas craftiest folks. 107 South Railroad Ave. Ashland
⭐️ 5 Dec. 2020 – 11am-4pm – Carytown Open Air Christmas Market (2810 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221)
Saturday, December 5, 2020
The Transportation Station exhibit at our Chesterfield location is a family favorites at the Children’s Museum. Children can explore a life-size fire truck and Greater Richmond Transit Company bus, then climb on the new CarMax Tire Tower. Come see for yourself! Reserve your tickets to play today: https://emuseum.c-mor.org/GeneralAdmission.aspx
⭐️ Find out where you can have brunch or take photos with Santa in the Richmond area.
Join Santa Claus for a COVID-safe event including Brunch, Christmas wishes and a family photo at bartizan!
The following dates and times are available:
Sunday, December 6th 10:00 AM, 10:30AM, 11:00AM
Sunday, December 13th 10:00 AM, 10:30AM, 11:00AM
Sunday, December 20th 10:00 AM, 10:30AM, 11:00AM
Santa will be taking masked Christmas wishes and socially distanced photos with each family. A 5×7 family photo is included for each group. Chairs and stools provided for spacing. Questions? Please contact melanie@doverhall.com
Sunday, December 6, 2020
Learn about more Richmond entertainment and arts events. And don’t forget to check the list of the Top FREE Things to Do in Richmond for more good ideas. Sign up for deals through Goldstar to learn about discounted events and shows in Richmond and nearby areas.
Be sure to subscribe to email updates, follow @rvacheap on Twitter or like RVA (Richmond) on the Cheap on Facebook to stay in the know about the latest freebies & deals.
More things to do in and around Richmond:
- Richmond’s Museums Highlight History, Art, Science and More
- The Ultimate List of RVA Parks and Playgrounds
- Bicycling routes around Richmond
- Richmond’s Public Pools & Splash Pads
- RVA Dog-Friendly Parks
- 12+ Free Things to do in Colonial Williamsburg
- RVA Historic Sites
- RVA’s Nearby Ski Resorts
- 50+ Things to Do in Richmond
- Orchards and Berry Farms
- Things to Do: RVA
- 50+ Events & Festivals
- Special Resources
- Military Discounts
- FREE for Kids (or really cheap)
- Garage, Moving, Estate Sales and more
- Metro Richmond Zoo
- Richmond boat launches and marinas
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