Richmond

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Richmond with Sabrina Moreno and Karri Peifer.

Axios Richmond

Standard

A picture of the Richmond skyline with the letters RIC

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Richmond.

Axios Richmond Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Richmond Alerts

Alert

Richmond Members

Membership

Axios Richmond Partners

How $17 Richmond concert tickets can end up costing $140

Local venues say resale sites can leave fans paying huge markups for tickets still on sale.

News

Professional ticket resellers add an estimated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$4.5 billion a year in unnecessary costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/08/25/second-hand-ticket-fees-cost-billion" data-vars-content-id="84ed38c6-0fe0-47cd-81b3-d0b6b5b1acb0" data-vars-headline="How $17 Richmond concert tickets can end up costing $140" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/08/25/second-hand-ticket-fees-cost-billion" target="_self">$4.5 billion a year in unnecessary costs</a> for fans going to live events, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator report" data-vars-click-url="https://cdn.vanderbilt.edu/vu-URL/wp-content/uploads/sites/412/2026/08/03190151/How-to-Save-Audiences-11-Billion-on-Live-Events.pdf" data-vars-content-id="84ed38c6-0fe0-47cd-81b3-d0b6b5b1acb0" data-vars-headline="How $17 Richmond concert tickets can end up costing $140" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cdn.vanderbilt.edu/vu-URL/wp-content/uploads/sites/412/2026/08/03190151/How-to-Save-Audiences-11-Billion-on-Live-Events.pdf" target="_blank">new Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator report</a>. Why it matters: Concertgoers pay steep markups on top of the original ticket price, while local venues are often left dealing with angry fans over sales they never made.

Virginia felony voting errors collide with Question 3

Hundreds of registrations were wrongly denied or canceled, and it's unclear whether that impacted voting.

Virginians are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deciding whether to overhaul felony voting rights" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/09/21/virginia-early-voting-2026-elections-guide" data-vars-content-id="6a14108b-0934-45c4-9fbb-042894a7a336" data-vars-headline="Virginia felony voting errors collide with Question 3" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/09/21/virginia-early-voting-2026-elections-guide" target="_self">deciding whether to overhaul felony voting rights</a> as the state cleans up hundreds of voter registrations wrongly denied or canceled over felony records — including dozens in the Richmond area.Why it matters: It&#x27;s still unclear how many eligible voters couldn&#x27;t cast ballots in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Virginia&#x27;s August primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/08/03/virginia-primary-election-guide-whats-next-voters" data-vars-content-id="6a14108b-0934-45c4-9fbb-042894a7a336" data-vars-headline="Virginia felony voting errors collide with Question 3" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/08/03/virginia-primary-election-guide-whats-next-voters" target="_self">Virginia&#x27;s August primary</a> because of the errors, or whether any have encountered problems during early voting.

Virginia's fall foliage show is just weeks away

Colors should begin popping in western Virginia in October before reaching Richmond in November.

Leaf-peepers, mark your calendars: Virginia&#x27;s fall color show should get underway in earnest by mid-October, according to a map on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Explore Fall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.explorefall.com/fall-foliage-map" data-vars-content-id="84bf422c-a2ae-4804-8c85-ca77201b8517" data-vars-headline="Virginia&#x27;s fall foliage show is just weeks away" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.explorefall.com/fall-foliage-map" target="_blank">Explore Fall</a>.Why it matters: We&#x27;re just a few weeks away from gorgeous fall colors, or as we call it, Richmond at her prettiest.

VMFA makes historic restitution of enslaved artist's work

The deal marks the first time VMFA has recognized an enslaved artist's heirs as a work's owners.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Virginia Museum of Fine Arts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/22/vmfa-s-next-chapter" data-vars-content-id="44a0107e-fc76-4478-98f7-cd99c73d6448" data-vars-headline="VMFA makes historic restitution of enslaved artist&#x27;s work" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/22/vmfa-s-next-chapter" target="_self">Virginia Museum of Fine Arts</a> restored ownership of a stoneware jug in its collection to the descendants of the enslaved artist who created it nearly 200 years ago, the museum <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced" data-vars-click-url="https://www.vmfa.museum/press/vmfa-restores-ownership-of-work-by-enslaved-artist-david-drake" data-vars-content-id="44a0107e-fc76-4478-98f7-cd99c73d6448" data-vars-headline="VMFA makes historic restitution of enslaved artist&#x27;s work" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.vmfa.museum/press/vmfa-restores-ownership-of-work-by-enslaved-artist-david-drake" target="_blank">announced</a> this week. Why it matters: David Drake couldn&#x27;t own or profit from the pottery he created while enslaved. Nearly two centuries later, VMFA is recognizing his descendants as the jug&#x27;s rightful owners — and paying them to reacquire it.

Hardywood buys Starr Hill in major Virginia beer deal

Hardywood's Starr Hill acquisition gives the combined company nine taprooms across Virginia.

Richmond&#x27;s own <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hardywood" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/29/hardywood-low-cal-beer-james-river-richmond" data-vars-content-id="261ed640-e9ae-4b95-af9d-edbb50a3e8ef" data-vars-headline="Hardywood buys Starr Hill in major Virginia beer deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/29/hardywood-low-cal-beer-james-river-richmond" target="_self">Hardywood</a> Park Craft Brewery just acquired Starr Hill, bringing Virginia&#x27;s two largest craft brewers under one company.Why it matters: Hardywood is becoming an even bigger force in Virginia&#x27;s craft beer industry, just months after it took over some production for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Legend Brewing Co" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/06/25/richmond-breweries-legend-hardywood-partnership" data-vars-content-id="261ed640-e9ae-4b95-af9d-edbb50a3e8ef" data-vars-headline="Hardywood buys Starr Hill in major Virginia beer deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/06/25/richmond-breweries-legend-hardywood-partnership" target="_self">Legend Brewing Co</a>.

Danger Pie opens Friday inside of Blanchard's on Morris 

The backyard pizza obsession turned Richmond pop-up is starting a residency at the Morris Street spot.

After years of backyard pizzas and occasional pop-ups, Nick Walthall&#x27;s Danger Pie is opening Friday inside of Blanchard&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on Morris Street." data-vars-click-url="https://www.google.com/maps?sca_esv=99fa615e217dff4e&amp;rlz=1C5FPJB_en___US1207&amp;output=search&amp;q=blanchard%27s+morris+street+location&amp;source=lnms&amp;fbs=ABfTbFVyMZGZf1hfvX9uKjN_-G8c4u0nXx4bEIpwm1lnNH832U1CFDVh7aOiOPRjGOuZstt_nxzrSnOg4tchlRbr2-t3jWBY1u5bgZssstUoe13f3UsjJHcQKeEgIN3HUVv0jhdJ0AUH86KOaRUiiUJrtT4Jbt1kCiK3reFVhmDMWz8b7gGrnUZgkjnBZEpCRXQvchQGTx-VYx3caZrBHOXUtni53wzLJg&amp;entry=mc&amp;ved=1t:200715&amp;ictx=111" data-vars-content-id="c42ff11c-aebb-487e-a471-caf2cb2ed2af" data-vars-headline="Danger Pie opens Friday inside of Blanchard&#x27;s on Morris " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.google.com/maps?sca_esv=99fa615e217dff4e&amp;rlz=1C5FPJB_en___US1207&amp;output=search&amp;q=blanchard%27s+morris+street+location&amp;source=lnms&amp;fbs=ABfTbFVyMZGZf1hfvX9uKjN_-G8c4u0nXx4bEIpwm1lnNH832U1CFDVh7aOiOPRjGOuZstt_nxzrSnOg4tchlRbr2-t3jWBY1u5bgZssstUoe13f3UsjJHcQKeEgIN3HUVv0jhdJ0AUH86KOaRUiiUJrtT4Jbt1kCiK3reFVhmDMWz8b7gGrnUZgkjnBZEpCRXQvchQGTx-VYx3caZrBHOXUtni53wzLJg&amp;entry=mc&amp;ved=1t:200715&amp;ictx=111" target="_blank">on Morris Street.</a>Why it matters: The open-ended residency is the biggest step yet for the brewer-turned-pizza maker&#x27;s pizza obsession — one he hopes could eventually become a full-time job.

Papi's Creamery brings cult-favorite ice cream drops to Richmond

The Yorktown ice cream maker will sell limited weekly pint drops from a pickup spot near Willow Lawn.

Food and Drink

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Papi&#x27;s Creamery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.papiscreamery.com/" data-vars-content-id="b0e6f94c-d101-4cc3-97f3-1b1f7cc0164a" data-vars-headline="Papi&#x27;s Creamery brings cult-favorite ice cream drops to Richmond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.papiscreamery.com/" target="_blank">Papi&#x27;s Creamery</a> — a scratch-made ice cream business out of Yorktown — is opening a Richmond pickup spot.Why it matters: Papi&#x27;s has developed a cult following in Hampton Roads — and Richmonders can get in on the fun starting this week.

Sunday Bagel opens Jackson Ward shop after years of pop-ups

Come for the bagels. Stay for the draft iced coffee and very Instagrammable bathroom.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sunday Bagel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/sundaybagelrva/" data-vars-content-id="2a1786d0-e6fa-480a-9ce1-61100ef5305d" data-vars-headline="Sunday Bagel opens Jackson Ward shop after years of pop-ups" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/sundaybagelrva/" target="_blank">Sunday Bagel</a>, a popular, long-running Richmond pop-up, has found a permanent home in Jackson Ward.Why it matters: Fans used to have only a few hours to snag a bagel at weekend pop-ups that drew long lines and often sold out.<ul><li>Now they have seven hours a day and five days a week to get their fix.</li></ul>

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Richmond

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

Things to Do

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Social Club" data-vars-click-url="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" data-vars-content-id="6d3deaa8-d074-44ef-9498-4d59824e85b6" data-vars-headline="Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Richmond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" target="_blank">Axios Social Club</a> is bringing readers together for dinner in Scott&#x27;s Addition Historic District on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Your city is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

Richmond's Paix Coffee wins two international medals

The Museum District roaster earned medals for two coffees in a blind U.S. and Canada competition.

Richmond&#x27;s own <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Paix Coffee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/paixcoffeeroasters/" data-vars-content-id="a28a6af9-d188-4c31-a1f1-f34924c2a4a8" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s Paix Coffee wins two international medals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/paixcoffeeroasters/" target="_blank">Paix Coffee</a> won two medals at this year&#x27;s Global Coffee Awards.Why it matters: Richmond coffee is now internationally acclaimed.

Cheba Hut brings its stoner sandwich shtick to RVA

The Midlothian shop opens Friday with toasted subs, local beer, giveaways and a $420 cash drop.

Virginia&#x27;s first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cheba Hut location" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chebahut.com/locations" data-vars-content-id="a592a478-da0f-4aeb-9bec-1268e75f71ad" data-vars-headline="Cheba Hut brings its stoner sandwich shtick to RVA" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chebahut.com/locations" target="_blank">Cheba Hut location</a> opens Friday in Midlothian, bringing the Colorado-based chain&#x27;s full stoner shtick to RVA. Why it matters: The marijuana-themed sandwich joint is known for toasted subs like White Widow and Kali Mist that are &quot;alright, alright, alright.&quot;

Study: Food insecurity hits nearly half of Central Virginia households

Feed More's service area is seeing widespread hunger as grocery and utility costs squeeze budgets.

Just over half of Virginia families with children experienced <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="food insecurity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/11/27/food-insecurity-virginia-data" data-vars-content-id="29c2aec0-7e88-4cfa-aab6-858b4949dd7c" data-vars-headline="Study: Food insecurity hits nearly half of Central Virginia households" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/11/27/food-insecurity-virginia-data" target="_self">food insecurity</a> at some point in the last year, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new study" data-vars-click-url="https://vafoodbanks.org/hunger-in-virginia/" data-vars-content-id="29c2aec0-7e88-4cfa-aab6-858b4949dd7c" data-vars-headline="Study: Food insecurity hits nearly half of Central Virginia households" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://vafoodbanks.org/hunger-in-virginia/" target="_blank">new study</a> of hunger in the state. Why it matters: The report offers one of the clearest looks at hunger in Virginia at a time when many families are dealing with high grocery costs and big changes to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal food assistance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/07/21/henrico-chesterfield-powhatan-food-benefits-decline" data-vars-content-id="29c2aec0-7e88-4cfa-aab6-858b4949dd7c" data-vars-headline="Study: Food insecurity hits nearly half of Central Virginia households" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/07/21/henrico-chesterfield-powhatan-food-benefits-decline" target="_self">federal food assistance</a> programs.

Guy Fieri is coming to Mechanicsville for a tequila signing

The Food Network star will meet fans and sign Santo Tequila bottles at Virginia ABC on Sept. 29.

Celebrity chef Guy Fieri will be in Mechanicsville next week to sign bottles of his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tequila" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DdUUJWrmFRx/" data-vars-content-id="759dc9d4-154f-4856-a478-7a681a01826b" data-vars-headline="Guy Fieri is coming to Mechanicsville for a tequila signing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DdUUJWrmFRx/" target="_blank">tequila</a> brand and meet local fans.Why it matters: It&#x27;s your chance to get up close to the Mayor of Flavortown.

Former Palani Drive becomes Lily's Italian Bistro

The former Palani Drive is now an Italian bistro from the couple who previously owned Lola's.

The longtime owners of Goochland restaurant Lola&#x27;s Farmhouse Bistro are back in the kitchen — this time with a smaller neighborhood spot in the Near West End: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lily&#x27;s Italian Bistro" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lilysbistrorva.com/" data-vars-content-id="6ea5eff6-51f1-44c7-9f9a-4e0940f2eadd" data-vars-headline="Former Palani Drive becomes Lily&#x27;s Italian Bistro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lilysbistrorva.com/" target="_blank">Lily&#x27;s Italian Bistro</a>.Why it matters: The owners — Ronnie Hussey and her chef-husband Tommy Hussey — came out of retirement to breathe new life into the former <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Palani Drive" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/palanidrive/" data-vars-content-id="6ea5eff6-51f1-44c7-9f9a-4e0940f2eadd" data-vars-headline="Former Palani Drive becomes Lily&#x27;s Italian Bistro" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/palanidrive/" target="_blank">Palani Drive</a>, which closed over the summer after nearly 30 years in business.

Food and Drink 🍽

Hardywood buys Starr Hill in major Virginia beer deal

Danger Pie opens Friday inside of Blanchard's on Morris

Papi's Creamery brings cult-favorite ice cream drops to Richmond

Sunday Bagel opens Jackson Ward shop after years of pop-ups

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Richmond