Virginia’s capital has tons to offer beyond history. From game cafes and trivia nights to annual cons, there’s a thousand nerdy things to do in Richmond, VA that will make you wish you’d visited sooner.
For the Con-Goers
Anime Richmond
Kicking off the list is an event that’s fast approaching so get your tickets now. On July 19, 2025, Anime Richmond will hit the city. This one-day convention celebrate all things anime and more. Special guests will include comics writer Amy Chu and Wayne Grayson, voice of Joey Wheeler in Yu-Gi-Oh! and Michelangelo in the 2003 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The best part? General tickets are under 20 dollars and free for kids under ten!
GalaxyCon Richmond
Blast off into Sci-Fi and Fantasy worlds at GalaxyCon, coming March 19-22, 2026 to the Greater Richmond Convention Center. This event will have all of the exciting attractions you can expect from a convention. Think meeting celebrities from Star Wars, cosplay contests, photo-ops, and hundreds of vendors. GalaxyCon also has fun additions like “Tattoo Row” where you can get tatted right at the con or “After Dark” events like themed raves and Cosplay Cabaret.
Nightmare Weekend
If you’re ready for spooky season and Summerween just isn’t cutting it, this October 17-19, 2025 is the weekend to look forward to. The same creators bring you GalaxyCon’s creepy little sister. Nightmare Weekend will feature all kinds of haunting vendors, cosplay contests, and special guests from cult classics. Some notable guests lined up are James Jude Courtney (Michael Myers himself) and Danny Lloyd of The Shining.
ImmerseCon
Another quickly approaching RVA event is ImmerseCon, happening August 30-31, 2025. This is the intersection of STEM and gaming. On the STEM side of things, visitors can meet professionals to learn about careers in the field, watch robotics demonstrations, and more. For the gamers, learn to play a range of tabletop games and even watch the RVA Esports Championship go down in real time. The beauty of this con is that it connects nerd life to real-world careers and innovation.
Richmond ComiCon
Richmond ComiCon will take over Richmond Raceway on two upcoming occasions according to the website. The first will begin on September 6, 2025 with another event taking place on November 22, 2025. Based on the information available now, con-goers can expect a range of exhibitors to enjoy as well as costume contests. Other guests and attractions will likely be announced closer to the event dates.
For the Gamers
Unplugged Games Cafe
If you can’t make it to one of the events above, no need to worry. Richmond is home to many permanent gathering spots where you can enjoy all things nerdy. One of the most popular is Unplugged Games Cafe where you can kick back, relax, and enjoy gaming in a cozy atmosphere. Gamers do have to purchase an eight dollar pass to play but given the 1,445 games available to choose from, the price is worth it. There’s also food to order while playing, including vegetarian and vegan options. If you’re looking for something even more special, Unplugged hosts all kinds of events. Join or watch game tournaments like the Pokemon Cup or try your hand at game design at monthly meetups.
Battlegrounds
Walk into Battlegrounds and you’ll be greeted by walls full of games from tabletops to cards. This store has a wide selection that will appeal to any type of gamer and knowledgeable staff willing to help pick out the best game for you. Free gaming tables let community gather to play. They also offer host lessons for newbies and tournaments for the experts. Whether you choose to buy and go or break open a game on the spot, this is not the store to miss.
DawnStar Video Games
Another gaming hot-spot to check out is DawnStar. This store is well-known for their retro games selection and their arcade, dubbed the StarCade, that visitors can enjoy for a small fee. One of the most exciting events DawnStar hosts is a Smash Bros tournament every Thursday at 6 pm. They also offer Magic The Gathering events and make a great hosting place for birthdays.
For the Adults
Bingo Beer Co
Looking for something adults-only but just as fun? Look no further than Bingo Beer Co. They have a wide selection of beer, wine, and cocktails available as well as food to go along with your drinks. But what makes Bingo Beer Co special is its atmosphere. Arcade games, both nostalgic and new, line the walls. Pool and pinball are other options for guests to engage in, and this is just on a regular day. Special events like weekly trivia nights and bingo liven up the place even more.
The Basement
The Basement is an RVA treasure dedicated to supporting local artists and the wider Richmond community. Nestled into the arts district, this welcoming venue is home to a theatre, bar, and lounge displaying local artists’ works. Everyone from theatre lovers to gamers will find an event for them. See a Shakespeare adaptation or a new local theatre production. Watch a drag or burlesque show. Check out a gaming tournament or trivia night. Do all this with a drink on the side and your evening is set.
Starr Hill Brewery
Starr Hill Brewery lights up at night as people gather inside and outside on its rooftop. The brick-laid building houses a large offering of beers and other spirits. But one of the best parts of Starr Hill is the weekly trivia nights. These trivia nights are hosted every Monday and cover all kinds of topics like pop culture and music. Other fun events include Drag Bingo and Drag Brunch with themes like Wicked and Men in Black adding to the fun.
For the Readers
The Poe Museum
As an avid reader myself, The Poe Museum is one of my favorite attractions in Richmond. This beautiful little brick building is a tribute to Edgar Allen Poe’s life and works that captures all the macabre charm of his words. Don’t be fooled. This museum is small but mighty. It’s home to “the largest collection of Poe memorabilia, ephemera, and artifacts” along with a collection of his manuscripts and letters. Behind the main house is the Enchanted Garden. There you’ll be greeted by a Poe shrine, vines from the writer’s mother’s grave, and easter eggs for readers. Stop by the museum to explore or attend a special event like an UnHappy Hour. Oh, and while you’re there, keep an eye out for some of the black cats that roam the grounds. One answers to Edgar.
Ellen Glasgow House
Another stop for the literary-minded is the Ellen Glasgow House. Unlike The Poe Museum, this building was actually Glasgow’s home from 1887 to 1945. Ellen Glasgow was a native Virginian and Richmond local whose works turned a critical eye to Virginian society and the woman’s place in it. Her final novel, In This Our Life, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize. The Glasgow House was recently purchased so visitors will have to admire from a respectable distance. However, a closer look at the writer’s legacy can be found in Hollywood Cemetery, located on South Cherry Street, where Glasgow’s grave rests.
Abi’s Books & Brews
This perfect cross between cafe and bookstore is not too far from VCU’s campus. Abi’s Books & Brews offers plenty of used books, including a corner dedicated to Edgar Allen Poe himself. It also serves up freshly-brewed coffee, pastries, and even gelato to enhance your reading experience. Banned book clubs, children’s storytimes, and trivia nights are just some of the exciting extra event offerings you can attend.
