Oct 14, 2026 - Culture

Salsa nights are popping up all over Richmond

Sabrina Moreno

A rooftop party inside a glass-walled venue under a blue-gray metal roof; a crowded dance floor with people mingling under string lights, while cars park along a street below. — A glimpse of a salsa night at Havana. Photo: Courtesy of Moments of Moy and Mambo Bones

Richmond's salsa and bachata scene is finding more dance floors, with recurring parties at breweries, rooftops and bars across the region and organizers reporting growing crowds.

What's behind it: Richmonders are looking for more than a night out, Mambo Bones Salsa Dance Studio co-leader Vanessa Remmers tells Axios.

Some arrive on their therapists' recommendations. Others want an alternative to the club scene, where they can exercise, make friends and connect with strangers.

The studio, which has had 318 events on Eventbrite since opening last year, also keeps its parties free or $5, with beginner-friendly lessons.

And the parties have grown to up to 200 people, Remmers says.

Zoom out: The dance circuit includes events from RVA Bachata, Virginia is for Salsa Y Bachata Lovers and Salsa Connection Dance Company.

Where it's popping up:

🍸 Bars: The Park is having a salsa, bachata and merengue night on Halloween. $17.

🌆 Rooftops: Havana '59 on Thursdays (of course) and Oct. 25. Each is $5 at the door.

🌊 Waterfront: The Lilly Pad every Thursday through Oct. 29. $7.

🖼️ Museums: The Valentine, with free beginner lessons Oct. 29.

🏨 Hotels: ALoft Richmond in Short Pump every Friday and Saturday. $5.

🍻 Breweries: Every second Sunday at the Veil in Scott's Addition. Next one is Nov. 8. $5.

The bottom line: "Salsa and bachata dancers will dance anywhere," Remmers says. "You can be solo. But you're not lonely."

Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the ticket price for the Lilly Pad events and reflect an updated venue for the Oct. 25 event.

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Salsa nights are popping up all over Richmond

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