Events and Tickets at The National Richmond

Events at The National range from rock and metal to hip-hop, country, comedy and special productions, with practical planning details below.

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Subtronics - 'Cyclops Invasion Tour' Richmond, VA - 02/19

8:00 p. m., mié, 19 feb 2020

feb

The National

Richmond

Events and Programming

The National remains an active indoor concert venue at 708 East Broad Street in downtown Richmond. Its calendar is built around touring music, with rock, indie, alternative, metal, punk, country, hip-hop, R&B, electronic music, jam bands and Americana all represented. Comedy, drag performances, live podcasts, tribute productions, dance parties and interactive events supplement the concerts. Shows frequently run several nights a week during busy touring seasons.

Recent programming illustrates how broad the room’s reach has become. The 2021 reopening-era calendar included Carbon Leaf, Madeon, Orville Peck, Shakey Graves, Umphrey’s McGee, Bad Religion with Alkaline Trio and comedian Nikki Glaser. In 2022, audiences saw Silversun Pickups, State Champs, Black Violin, Omar Apollo, The Menzingers, Dark Star Orchestra and The Infamous Stringdusters.

The 2023 calendar mixed Stephen Sanchez, Sexyy Red, The Lox, Third Eye Blind, Kiana Ledé, All Time Low, Hot Mulligan, Warren Zeiders, Craig Ferguson and Welcome to Night Vale. Highlights from 2024 included Belle and Sebastian, Underoath, Butcher Brown, Bilal, Matteo Lane, Wyatt Flores, Mammoth WVH, The Beaches, Starset and year-end bluegrass shows.

Programming remained similarly varied in 2025, with Carbon Leaf, 49 Winchester, That Mexican OT, Whitechapel, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Mario, King Princess, Franz Ferdinand, Cannibal Corpse, Breaking Benjamin, PUP, Jeff Rosenstock and comedians Jessica Kirson and Jonathan Van Ness. Recent 2026 bookings have included Spoon, Pavement, Bloc Party, The Breeders, American Football, Black Country, New Road, Watchhouse, Niko Moon and Qveen Herby.

The announced late-2026 program continues that range through pop-punk, indie rock, metal, electronic music, country, jam-band concerts and recurring local favorites. Listings already extend into 2027 with country-comedy, drag and underground-metal programming. Fan-maintained archives contain duplicate support-act entries, so their annual totals should be treated as an indication of frequency rather than an exact show count.

Richmond traditions matter here. Carbon Leaf has repeatedly played holiday or year-end dates, while The Infamous Stringdusters have staged multi-night New Year runs. Local and regional acts such as Butcher Brown, Fighting Gravity, The Legwarmers, Art of Noise and J. Roddy Walston have also returned. These hometown connections keep The National from feeling like an interchangeable stop on a national tour.

Tickets and Booking

Buy through the venue’s authorized online sales channel or directly from The National box office. The box office is currently open Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and normally opens one hour before doors on event nights. Third-party tickets cannot be verified in advance, and counterfeit, duplicated or invalid tickets may be refused. Mobile delivery is standard for many events.

Most concerts use one general-admission price, although reserved comedy, seated productions, VIP packages and premium balcony options may use several tiers. Recent advertised starting prices and limited promotions suggest that many standard shows fall broadly between the mid-$20s and $60 before fees. Major artists, reserved seating, VIP benefits and high-demand events can exceed that range substantially.

For a popular artist, purchase during the initial public sale rather than waiting for resale inventory. Presales may be offered by artists, promoters or membership programs before the general sale. Check whether a listing says general admission, reserved seating or balcony because special configurations can differ from the venue’s normal open-floor arrangement. Sold-out shows occasionally receive production holds or returned tickets, but door availability is never guaranteed.

About The National

The National is a 1,500-capacity, multi-level concert hall occupying approximately 12,000 square feet. The present setup combines an open standing floor with 300 padded balcony seats. A 42-by-32-foot stage, video monitors, five full bars, VIP rooms and adaptable event spaces allow the building to accommodate concerts, awards programs, benefits, corporate functions, weddings and private gatherings.

The theater was constructed in 1922–1923 after the Rex Theatre was demolished. Business partners John Pryor and Frank Ferrandini formed the First National Amusement Company for the roughly half-million-dollar project. Architect Claude K. Howell designed a flexible picture palace that could present silent movies, vaudeville, musical comedy and theatrical productions rather than functioning solely as a cinema.

Opening night was November 11, 1923. More than 2,000 people crowded into an auditorium designed for roughly 1,300 to see the silent film Her Reputation. The building included marble stairs, side boxes, a nursery, offices, restaurant and retail space, a basement billiard parlor and Virginia’s largest orchestra pit, with room for 24 musicians.

A major 1968 modernization converted the building into the Towne Theater. The $150,000 project installed a wide screen and stereophonic sound, covered the orchestra pit, altered the balcony and reduced seating to 1,096. The Towne became downtown Richmond’s final operating movie theater before closing on September 5, 1983, after a last screening of Hercules.

Preservationists secured the block in 1991 and began painstaking volunteer restoration. Decorative plaster and historic paintwork were uncovered layer by layer, and the building entered the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. A buyer acquired it in 2006, completed a $15 million rehabilitation using historic tax credits and reopened The National as a 1,500-person concert venue on February 21, 2008.

Seating and Layout

The default configuration is general admission. The sloping first floor is primarily standing room, while the balcony provides approximately 300 padded stadium-style seats with cup holders. Balcony seating is normally first come, first served, not assigned. Some comedy shows, special productions and rentals install reserved floor seating, so the event description takes precedence over the usual layout.

The floor delivers the most energetic experience. Arrive early for the front rail or stand farther back for easier bar and restroom access. The center balcony offers a broad, elevated view and is a good choice for visitors who prioritize comfort. Recent visitors have reported clear views even from rear-center balcony rows, although some seats behind a front railing may require leaning forward.

The members’ viewing area occupies the front of the balcony, about 50 feet from the stage, with tables, chairs and banquettes. It is not included with an ordinary general-admission ticket. The venue also has a private lounge, dedicated restrooms and a quiet historic nursery room for members. The accessible viewing platform is on the house-left main-floor riser and should remain available to patrons who need it.

Sound, Lighting and Production

The venue advertises a V-DOSC line-array sound system and significant acoustic treatment around the walls, proscenium, ceiling and dome. Public specifications list a 42-by-32-foot stage, approximately 4.5 feet high, with extensive overhead clearance for touring sound and lighting. Video screens and monitors relay the performance to areas away from the direct stage sightline.

The public-facing production information does not provide a current fixture-by-fixture lighting inventory, console list or detailed rigging load chart. Touring productions and private-event planners should therefore obtain an event-specific technical package rather than relying on general descriptions. As in many historic rooms, visitor opinions about individual mixes vary because results also depend on the touring engineer, artist volume and audience density.

Getting There and Parking

The National is at 708 East Broad Street, just east of North Seventh Street in downtown Richmond. Nearby options include Lot 67 at 623 East Broad Street, the 7th and Marshall garage at 601 East Marshall Street, a lot at 310 North Eighth Street, the Edison Garage at 112 North Eighth Street and the St. Paul’s garage at 111 North Eighth Street.

City-owned garages and lots generally charge about $5–$12 for evening or special-event parking, while private facilities set their own rates. Richmond parking meters cost $2.50 per hour where payment is required. Read every curb sign carefully because rush-hour restrictions, loading zones and temporary event controls can override normal meter rules. Surface lots are often quicker to exit than multi-story garages after sold-out shows.

Several local bus routes serve the Broad and Seventh stop, including Routes 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3C, 14, 50 and 78. The Pulse bus rapid transit line stops at the Convention Center around Fourth Street and Government Center around Ninth Street, leaving a walk of roughly two to three blocks. GRTC buses remain zero-fare, and normal network service operates into the late evening.

No permanent dedicated rideshare zone is publicly identified. Drivers can use legal curb space on Broad Street or a nearby side street when traffic controls allow. After a crowded show, walking one or two blocks toward Grace, Marshall or Franklin Street before requesting pickup can reduce delays. Never wait in a bus lane, active travel lane or garage exit.

Inside the Venue

Doors usually open one hour before showtime, although the exact schedule varies. Expect ticket scanning, ID checks where relevant and bag inspection. Five bars on the first and second floors sell beer, wine, liquor and nonalcoholic drinks. Cheese and pepperoni pizza are available by the slice. An ATM stands to the left after entering from Broad Street.

A seasonal coat check operates on the first floor during colder months. Smoking and vaping are prohibited indoors; an outdoor smoking patio is accessible on the right when facing the stage. Tour merchandise is commonly sold inside, but its location and payment methods vary. First-floor restrooms include accessible stalls, as do both VIP restrooms.

Phone photography is generally permitted, but flash is prohibited. Cameras with removable lenses require advance artist approval and a photo credential. Bags are searched, and prohibited items include weapons, pocket knives, chains, backpacks, oversized bags, outside food or drink, containers, umbrellas, mace, selfie sticks, CamelBaks and hula hoops. Shoes and shirts are required, and throwing any object can result in ejection.

Accessibility

The main entrance is accessible. The designated viewing area is on the house-left riser of the main floor, and an elevator is located house left on the first floor. All first-floor restrooms and both VIP restrooms contain accessible stalls. Visitors who need placement assistance should identify themselves to staff upon arrival. Sign-language interpreter requests should be submitted at least two weeks before the performance whenever possible.

Accessible parking is available in Lot 67, although availability may be limited during major events. Because downtown sidewalks, construction and parking arrangements can change, visitors with mobility requirements should allow extra time. The venue’s digital accessibility statement also provides a dedicated support process for guests using screen readers or encountering barriers online.

Nearby Food, Drinks and Hotels

Pre-show dining options within a short walk include La Grotta for Italian food, Fall Line Kitchen & Bar for contemporary American cooking, Gather & Hem for drinks and small plates, Julep’s for Southern cuisine and Perly’s for deli-style dishes. Penny Lane Pub is another popular downtown choice for a pint. Check service hours and reserve ahead on Friday and Saturday nights.

The closest hotels include the Hilton Richmond Downtown and Richmond Marriott, both roughly three minutes away on foot. Homewood Suites and The Commonwealth are about four minutes away, while the Omni, Delta, Berkeley and Linden Row Inn are generally within an eight- to ten-minute walk. Staying downtown removes the need to retrieve a car immediately after the encore.

Arrive downtown 45–60 minutes before doors if you need parking, an accessible viewing location, a balcony seat or a place near the stage. For reserved events, 30–45 minutes before showtime is usually sufficient. Late-night bus service, taxis and rideshare are available, but frequency and pickup times decline later in the evening.

What Makes The National Special

The National’s Italian Renaissance-inspired exterior resembles a stately villa, while its interior uses elaborate Adamesque plasterwork. Visitors can still see marble staircases, an illuminated oval dome, urns, swags, floral decoration, dancing figures, sphinxes, satyrs and film-reel motifs. Sculptor Ferruccio Legnaioli also created the nymphs and decorative frieze associated with the building.

One of its most unusual surviving spaces is the former nursery, discovered sealed during restoration. Its walls retain painted scenes of costumed children holding strings from which puppets hang. Combined with the old projection spaces, side boxes and traces of the orchestra pit, the room makes a modern rock show feel connected to Richmond’s silent-film and vaudeville era.

Since reopening, the stage has hosted Willie Nelson, Elvis Costello, Foo Fighters, Alice Cooper, Alice in Chains, The Flaming Lips, Wilco, Megadeth, The Avett Brothers, The Smashing Pumpkins, Widespread Panic and many others. More importantly, the restoration saved the last intact auditorium from Broad Street’s original Theater Row and returned regular nighttime activity to a long-neglected downtown block.

Its cultural value lies in that combination: a nationally recognized historic building, a practical mid-sized touring room and a gathering place for Richmond audiences. The city identifies The National as a key venue in its Arts and Cultural District, while the continuing flow of concertgoers supports nearby restaurants, bars, hotels, parking facilities and late-night transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people does The National in Richmond hold?

The current concert capacity is 1,500 people. Most of that capacity is on the open main floor, supplemented by approximately 300 padded balcony seats. Capacity can be lower for reserved-seating shows, corporate functions or productions requiring additional equipment, sightline buffers or larger front-of-house areas. Always use the configuration shown for the individual event.

Is The National an indoor or outdoor venue?

The National is a fully indoor, climate-controlled historic theater. Concerts generally proceed regardless of ordinary rain or heat. Severe weather can still affect travel, artist transportation or event operations. The smoking area is outdoors, so visitors using it should be prepared for the weather even though the performance itself takes place inside.

Are all shows at The National general admission?

No. Most concerts are general admission, with an open standing floor and first-come balcony seating. Comedy, spoken-word programs and selected productions may be fully or partly reserved. Read the ticket description carefully: a seat number indicates a reserved setup, while a general-admission ticket normally provides access to the public floor and available balcony seating.

What is the best place to stand for a concert?

The front-center floor provides maximum energy and artist interaction but is the most crowded area. Behind the densest crowd, near the center sound position, often provides a more balanced overall presentation. Visitors wanting an easy route to bars and restrooms may prefer the rear or side of the floor, where movement is generally easier.

Can a general-admission guest sit in the balcony?

Usually, yes. For a standard general-admission show, the approximately 300 balcony seats are available first come, first served. They are not guaranteed simply because you hold a concert ticket. Arrive near door time for the best chance of securing one, especially if standing for several hours would be difficult. Reserved events operate differently.

Does The National have an accessible viewing area?

Yes. Accessible viewing is provided on the house-left riser of the main floor. The main entrance is accessible, an elevator is located house left and first-floor bathrooms have accessible stalls. Ask a staff member for assistance when entering rather than waiting until the room fills, particularly at sold-out general-admission concerts.

Are children allowed at The National?

Shows are all ages unless the event listing states otherwise. Parents should consider the artist, expected crowd behavior, late finish and high sound levels before bringing children. Hearing protection is strongly recommended for younger guests. Age-restricted dance parties, comedy programs and special events will display their minimum age, and valid identification may be required.

Does The National have a clear-bag policy?

The published rules do not require every bag to be transparent, but all bags are searched. Backpacks and oversized bags are prohibited, making a small handbag or compact personal bag the safest choice. Rules may be tightened for a particular tour, so bring only essentials and avoid containers, outside drinks, umbrellas and other specifically banned items.

Can I bring a professional camera?

A camera with a removable lens requires an approved photo pass arranged through the artist’s representatives before the show. Venue staff do not issue those passes at the door. Phones and compact cameras are generally acceptable unless an artist imposes a stricter rule. Flash photography is prohibited, including flash from a phone.

Does The National sell food?

Food service is limited rather than restaurant-style. The venue advertises cheese and pepperoni pizza by the slice, ordered through its bars. Eat a substantial meal before arriving if you expect a long show. Outside food and beverages are not allowed, although guests with disability-related or medical needs should address accommodations with venue staff in advance.

Is there a coat check?

Yes, but it is seasonal. The first-floor coat check normally operates during the winter rather than throughout the year. Availability may depend on the event, so do not bring a bulky coat solely on the assumption that storage will be open. Small prohibited backpacks cannot be checked as a way around the bag rules.

How early should I arrive for balcony seating?

Plan to be in line before doors, ideally 30–45 minutes early for a high-demand show. Doors usually open about one hour before the advertised performance time. Earlier arrival improves your chance of a center balcony seat, front-floor position or accessible placement and provides time for security screening, ticket issues and buying refreshments.

Is street parking free after a certain time?

Some downtown spaces become free after posted enforcement hours, but rules vary block by block. Certain curb lanes prohibit parking during evening rush periods, and temporary signs may appear for construction or events. Never assume a meter is free because a nearby block is. City meters charge $2.50 per hour when active.

What is the easiest public transportation option?

The Pulse is usually the simplest option for visitors traveling along Broad Street. Use either the Convention Center station near Fourth Street or Government Center near Ninth Street, then walk a few blocks to Seventh. Local Routes 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3C, 14, 50 and 78 stop even closer at Broad and Seventh.

Can I smoke or vape during a show?

Smoking and vaping are prohibited throughout the indoor venue. A designated outdoor patio is located to the right when facing the stage. Access procedures can vary, so follow staff directions and keep your ticket or wristband available. Cannabis and other illegal substances remain prohibited regardless of whether they are smoked, vaped or consumed another way.

Why does The National look different from a modern concert hall?

It was designed as a 1920s picture palace and vaudeville theater, not as a contemporary black-box music room. Its marble, ornamental plaster, oval dome, side boxes and former orchestra pit survive from that era. The 2008 rehabilitation inserted modern concert infrastructure while retaining the architecture that earned the building National Register recognition.

Events and Tickets at The National Richmond

Subtronics - 'Cyclops Invasion Tour' Richmond, VA - 02/19

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