Richmond is a haven for artists, makers, and cultural trendsetters, many of whom can be found at the city’s equally diverse pop-up, vintage, and artisan markets.
Find a selection of craft and wellness vendors. Richmond Moon Marketheld at Stone Brewing, or attend the annual fungi extravaganza at Mushroom Mania. shop mystic market” Holiday-themed maker events include Pride Brunch Market and Trunk-or-Treat at Lakeside Love Shack in SB, as well as monthly Sip and Shop at The Vale Brewing Company in Scotts Addition and Forest Hill Avenue. Explore a variety of antiques and collector’s items. Odd Balls Collectibles Outdoor Flea Market Located at Merchants Walk Shopping Center in the West End.
For those nostalgic for the 1980s, ’90s, and early ’20s, Holly Clark’s retro vibes market offers a large selection of pop culture and fan art, as well as VHS tapes, DVDs, and toys. Clark, who recently opened a downtown store called Rewind Vintage with a similar inventory, said the gathering of retro vibes will continue this year. She has plans for Halloween and winter holiday pop-ups, and hopes to host additional events in the spring and summer.
“I have a deep passion for bringing retro products to the community and creating fun community spaces,” Clark says. “There’s a lot of love for it here.”
Mr. Clark is also one of the organizers. rva retro gamesRetro swap. Held three times a year at The Answer Brewpub, the swap meet features area vendors catering to retro gamers and related hobbies such as retro media and vintage electronics. Guests are also encouraged to bring games and media to sell or trade. RVA Retro Gaming will have a free-to-play museum at the event, where visitors can experience old gaming systems from Sega, Nintendo, Atari, Coleco, and SNK’s NeoGeo.
“We’re seeing a resurgence of interest in retro gaming, with more shops and pop-ups opening, and more local events including retro gaming areas,” says Ryan Shapiro, one of the RetroSwap organizers. “We are proud to be part of the thriving interest in retro gaming in Richmond’s arts and culture scene.”
In addition to shopping, many pop-up markets offer live music, food trucks, and other activities. This includes those focused on the arts Richmond Night Market Featuring music, dance, and performances by spoken word artists. Now in its eighth season, the gathering celebrates the city’s creativity and cultural richness through monthly markets featuring local artisans. Vendors sell a variety of products, from handmade jewelry and apparel to original artwork, natural body care products, home goods, and culturally inspired foods.
“Artisan markets are so important because they give local creators a direct platform to share their stories, build sustainable businesses, and connect directly with supporters,” says Melody Short, co-founder of Richmond Night Market. “They create a sense of place, provide cultural experiences, promote economic opportunity, and strengthen community pride. In a city like Richmond, where art and history are deeply intertwined, markets like ours help preserve tradition while nurturing the next generation of makers and entrepreneurs.”
stay connected
Source: Shopping & Style – richmondmagazine.com
