Caught a show at The Canal Club in Richmond last week for the first time, and it was such a fun experience. From the outside, the building has this classic warehouse vibe that fits right in with the historic feel of the area. There's a big sign so you can't really miss it, and the overall look is super inviting if you're into that old-school industrial style. When you up to the entrance, you'll go up the stairs to find the staff checking your tickets. Once you're inside, the place opens up into a big, open floor plan with a solid mix of standing room and a few spots to sit along the wall. The layout works well for concerts, the sightlines are good, and everything feels close to the stage even if you're not right up front. The inside keeps that warehouse feel going. It's exposed brick, high ceilings, just a bit gritty in a cool way. The bar is off to the side and stretches pretty long, so grabbing a drink was quick! Bartenders were friendly and the drink selection covers the basics. Nothing wild, but you'll find everything you need for a good night out. I went to see Jutes for the first time, and it was such an awesome show. The energy in the room was electric, and the sound quality was surprisingly clear for a venue this size. Everyone seemed to be having a great time, and you could feel the crowd's excitement the whole set! This was definitely a solid spot for live music in Richmond. I love a small concert venue, and would definitely go back for another concert! read more

See all

Great venue for live music in RVA! I came here on a Friday night to see a lineup of metal bands. Getting in was seamless: I.d., a wristband, and bag scan since I brought my Fanny pack. There's a full-bar, but they didn't have any non-alcoholic beer options, only sodas and a couple of juices. I was upstairs, but they do have a downstairs section of their venue. I will be going back. read more

Canal Club - New American Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

The venue provides an environment where you feel that "live music" connection with the artist as well as the other spectators. The bar staff moves the patrons through efficiently. read more

Great venue for seeing live metal. Usually gets pretty packed since there is a thriving metal scene in Richmond. We make the drive down from the DMV since it's a lot easier to get to than spots in DC or Baltimore and parking is cheap (or free) and plentiful. read more

Canal Club - The Acacia Strain with NO BARRICADES - New American Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

See all

Roomy, friendly, helpful The bands are are hard, the alcohol is reasonable. There's space to thrash and plenty of space to sit. I can stand for short periods of time, but I need to sit. The staff was so nice and helpful. read more

Canal Club - New American Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

We went here for a concert last night and the venue overall is okay, definitely nothing special. Parking could be difficult if you get there late enough. There are multiple pay to park lots near by including one directly next to venue. The email I got with my tickets stated doors opened at 5, so we got there at 4. Come to find out doors open at 6. After waiting in line we got our IDs checked and upon entry they scanned our tickets. I was flabbergasted that we didn't go through ANY type of security. No "let me see your bag" or even walk through a metal detector. For the venue itself we were upstairs. It's an odd layout with wooden beams. I personally think that's asking for an injury when the inevitable mosh pit opens. The beams itself can hinder your view for sure. There were also tables off to the left and in the back right corner for those who wanted to sit. The sound crew was set up next to a huge hole in the floor that had railing around it (the hole was intentional but lacked a rationality). Overall our tickets were $20 and the venue wasn't horrible. I'd probably come back if a band were enjoyed played here. read more

6/21/25. I'm a 24 year old man. They have a 50 year old lady working the door who thinks she's guarding the white house, there were a total of 5 people in there including the 2 women I dropped off, I simply wanted to say bye to my wife like I said and fix her skirt. The lady puts her hands up and says I can't come in, after I clearly just stated i'm just dropping them off, I want to say bye to my wife and tell her to call me 20 minutes beforehand so she'll be safe. As i'm doing so there is a man and his son waiting to be checked in as she just stares at me saying bye to my wife and proceeds to say i'm holding up the line as if it's flooding down the stairs out the door. 2 people. 5 people in the club total. 30+ min before check in time. No need for the disrespect and sitting on a high horse. She's old enough to be my mother and has amounted to working at The Canal Club so I see the frustration but better etiquette and training is needed. read more

I went to a intimate concert here to see Jade Novah, Jared Brady, and Dondria. It was such a fun night, and I enjoyed being so close to the stage. The only downside is you had to stand for a couple hours. The only tables were on the side of the room but they were too far to see once everyone stood in front of the stage. My feet and back were killing me by the time it was all over lol. We had VIP tickets and got a do a meet & Greet with Jade Novah. We were sad to find that didnt include a photo op with Jared, but my daughter went up to him and got one anyway. He was super nice and happy to take a pic with her. Jade was very friendly and interacted with the fans as well. The show itself was very nice, the DJ Mike Gdnss kept the crow hyped up we were ready by the time the artists came out. read more

I was incredibly impressed by this space. Went to see one of my favorite band perform and the experience was exceptional. Despite being a "small" club, the upstairs where the event was hosted was huge, which I definitely appreciated since we are still in the middle of a pandemic. Lots of places to sit between sets, huge bar, merch area wasn't cramped like it is at many venues. Also lots of security, which is always important to keep everyone safe at hardcore shows. Clean bathrooms, they do have a food menu too. Was super impressed and as an out of towner, and now knowing this is a solid venue, I will definitely make sure to watch there schedule to potentially make the trip up again. read more

Canal Club - Capstan upstairs absolutely killing it! - New American Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Canal Club is a little concert dive right near the canal. The venue itself is about as thoughtful as the business name. That is to say, it's nothing special but is a decent place to see rock bands. I attended the Emery show earlier in the week in the upstairs room. Since I skipped two of the four openers, I don't know if there was a line outside to get in. I walked right in, gave my name and ID, and was given a wristband to say I was of age. I appreciate that they didn't stamp my hand like other venues. It was surprising that they didn't want to see my mobile ticket, though. But I guess they did see my ID so that counts. It's not the type of place that has a coat check on chilly nights. Most people seemed to keep their jackets on even though it wasn't too cold inside. I put mine on my purse. My first stop was the bar. It didn't take me more than three minutes to get served -- rare for concert halls -- and my cider cup was $5. They don't offer local crafts, but they do have Angry Orchard, Lagunitas IPA, and one other well-known one that I can't recall right now. The room has several beams in the center, and they can definitely hinder stage views like others have said. I personally appreciated the pillars for two reasons: 1. It was way past my workweek bedtime, so it helped support my attempt to stand upright/not sleep. 2. It blocked the mosh pit. I was right next to it but never got bumped. The show I attended was super intimate and only $10. Once the band was done playing, one of the members even hopped down and started chatting with us. It was so awesome! Bathrooms here are also not terrible. Like they're grungy, yeah, but they don't smell bad and they have toilet paper/soap/running water, so I'm a fan. Would I return? Sure, if a band I really wanted to see was stopping in and the price was right. read more

See all

Can't believe I hadn't been here before. This place is like a concert dive bar; mostly cover bands and rock shows it seems. I came for an emo night. If you've never been and it's empty, it's easy to miss the entrance which is on a diagonal. There were only a few people of front when I arrived, so getting in was easy. The inside isn't elaborate, again dive bar vibe. But the layout is great for bands! read more

I really enjoy the Canal Club. They were the last place I saw a show at before the pandemic shut down live music back in March 2020. I went to see Bad Omens. Now they are open back up for business and they have a great line up! They bring in some great metal and rock acts. Local bands as well as national bands that are on the rise. They have seating but to get a good view of stage, you need to stand in the main area. Pretty small stage do views are great. Sound system good as well. Cheap drinks and beers. Food is basic and not great. I'd eat beforehand somewhere else. But this is a great venue to check out metal and rock bands for cheap and have a good time. So glad they are back! Live music is back! read more

See all

I always have a great time here whether with friends or alone. Has really good atmosphere

Sorry excuse for "security" personnel i've ever seen. My 2 month old puppy is better trained on how to return a ball than they are common civility read more

No frills place but a decent little venue. Was here for IV and the Strange Band. Staff was friendly, beer is cold and the sound is good. Plenty of parking right near the venue. read more

It is a loud venue and two sets of ear pro are a good idea. The staff at the bar are quickly overwhelmed. The floor staff are jerks and get threatening over nothing. There are several places to charge your phone if you so choose. I'm knocking a star off for the particularly tall staff member with the shaved head. I often see him being yelled at and told to tone it down. If you tap him by accident, expect to be roughed up. If he gets pushed into you, you're the at fault party. If there is a fight in front of him, he'll ignore it until the participants are friends again. read more

Came for an event. Two Vegas bombs and two specials (that were small) cost 44. After 2 rounds, the bartender (blonde) let us know she would not serve us anymore because we hadn't tipped yet. Her drinks were watered down and not worth the amount paid and to be told that was it. I've never denied a drink to a customer because I hadn't been tipped, by drink 2 nonetheless. Also I heard a couple of girls talking and they were lied to about the price. Terrible ccustomer service all around. read more

Not the best venue in Richmond, but a staple nonetheless. The inside is definitely starting to show its age, and the prices have somehow horrifically stayed the same. $1 for a little 6-ounce cup of water?! $3 for a bottle? I can't help but think of that scene with Chris Rock and Isaac Hayes from the movie, I'm Gonna Git You Sucka. "Let me get a sip for fifteen cents!" Prices aside, they do manage to bring a decent slew of bands here every now and again. The only downside is the large wooden supports that can sometimes block your view of the stage if the show happens to be upstairs. The security can also be a bit aggressive, so if you are into stage dives and crowd surfing, make sure you do it at a downstairs show instead of upstairs or you may be forcefully removed with no refund. I wouldn't order food here, either, even though they do serve it. Since this place isn't open every day, I assume the kitchen isn't maintained very well and the friers are probably as old as the venue itself. Parking can also be a bit of a bear, since they do not have a private lot, and share business space with a lot of the bars and restaurants nearby. There is a metered lot nearby, but it can cost you up to $6 depending on the night. Not the best, but not terrible. C- read more

Great venue that attracts top tier metal shows. I can't praise this venue highly enough. The security though is made up of some of the scariest people I've seen. Watch your behavior, children. read more

The place brings in some AMAZING talent! The acoustic are fantastic, food is at a great price, and the general community of the people who attend is always great! I'd give this place 6 stars if I could! read more

Canal club is the place to go in Richmond for live music. Mike always kills it at the door and makes everyone feel right at home. Brian with security is always there to make everyone feel secure and taken care of. The staff here are top notch, the prices are good, and the acoustic are a-okay. Give it a try: read more

This is probably the worst place to see a live act. The sound sucks, the staff are assholes and the location is terrible. I should have been paid to go there. I would have given no stars but it wouldn't let me. read more

Showed up at 6:45 for a show with 6:00 doors, 7:00 start, didn't get in until 7:40. Also took two attempts and over 20 minutes per attempt to get some drinks at the bar. Giant hole in the floor, their solution is to permanently bar it off and leave it as a giant hole. Not planning to come here again. read more

Canal Club - Big hole in the floor - New American Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

See all

I love the canal club It's such an amazing environment to local artist and is helpful more then any other venue the drinks are always good and the food is reasonable for a bar read more

Very nice live band called "TENNISHU". WGWN I TELL YOU this band was awesome yes they were. When in Richmond look this band up. Only down side they have bo straws at all.. read more

saw the plot in you, holding absence, thornhill, and banks arcade. set up well, the bands were amazing, and the place did a great job and being fun but not being sketchy read more

A dirty, grimy, dilapidated place to see music played far more loudly than the size of the venue would demand. There were several artists painting in the back while the musicians played, and ample cigarette smoke for everyone to "enjoy." All that said, if every electronic you own is Apple, if you like smoking cigarettes because you think it's still rebellious, if you were fans of *insert band name* before they went main-stream, this is your kind of place. With the building in the state it is, one might expect to get cheap booze here. Not so. A small plastic cup which probably wouldn't hold a can of soda (soda, right?) will run 5-6 bucks. I'm giving them an extra star simply because I know there are people would would love this kind of place. I'll never be back, though, even if I move back to Richmond. read more

Favorite live music venue in Richmond, Virginia! Bar prices are great compared to other venues, food is wonderful and there are booths/tables to sit at (have a full menu with everything from salads, steak and cheese wraps which I highly recommend, subs, mac & cheese bites, wings/tenders, fries/tots/mozz sticks, burgers, etc.) and the staff cannot be beat. Security does a great job keeping everyone safe and Aspire Presents brings some amazing artists here. Canal Club has been around over 15 years and is a Richmond staple (as Forbes magazine recently mentioned). Highly recommend seeing a show here. They definitely do not limit themselves to one genre and some artists that I've seen here over the years include: Circa Survive, I Prevail, Crown The Empire, Odesza, Illenium, Skrillex, Edwin McCain, Sick Puppies, Panic! At The Disco, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Aaron Carter, Rookie of the year, Conditions, Secondhand Serenade, GLO Paint Party, United Blood, lots of Baddvss and Bassment raves, Drake Bell, Danny Worsnop of Asking Alexandria, Doyle of the Misfits, Good Charlotte, Tribal Seeds, The Original Wailers, Derek Trucks, 2 Skinnee J's, Coheed and Cambria, Robert Earl Keen, Ben Folds, Robin Thicke, SOJA, A Day to Remember, Great Big Sea, Dave Davies of the kinks, Chris Botti, Rippingtons, etc. Be sure to support the local artists they bring here too- those have been some of my favorite shows. For parking, there's a very large city paid-parking lot located right beside the building. Always have a great time here. Thanks for everything, Canal Club! read more

I've come to Canal Club for "rave" type events at this venue and my husband likes some of the punk rock bands which have played here. We like the atmosphere and vibe. The entire staff including the bartenders and security staff are friendly, efficient, and helpful. The dance floor is spacious and the booths are a comfortable alternative to the high top tables. Also, I'm impressed by the fact this night club seems to manage to keep their bathrooms clean and stocked compared to many other clubs I've frequented. Tip: Watch were you park in Shock Hoe Bottom the towing companies here are sharks. If the lot outside the club is full (which is usually the case) find legal street parking with in the perimeters. read more

Not a bad place to see a show. Sure it could use a renovation and a clean up but once the lights are out and the music is pumping does that really matter? I have been here twice, once up stairs and once downstairs. I only had a few beers on my last visit, but they were cheap and cold, which is exactly how I like them. Staff was courteous, I would definitely return. read more

I got to see my favorite band, VHS Or Beta, at this club on 04/12/08. I see a lot of bands play here in Vegas, so I appreciate getting out of town to see a band in a new venue. The Canal Club was pretty big, the drinks were cheap, and the service was good. I like that there was no barricade and I was watching the band from about a foot in front of them. Only bummer was that the girl I was with left her credit card there by accident, and she couldn't get it until the following Wednesday. read more

Small stage, over priced drinks. I bought 2 drinks $15, then asked for a cup of tap water.....I was charged $1. Wtf.....who does that? What next, $1 to use the restroom? The band Super Bob was awesome though! read more

Came in here over the weekend to see a friends band play. Their set was great, but I can't say that I was impressed so much with the building itself. Definitely a dive bar if I ever saw one. All the drinks are served in plastic cups. A beer (not even 12oz) will run you $4, even for domestic. Soda in the same sized cup will cost you $3. No clue what the food in this place is like. I will say this in credit to the Canal Club, I didn't fear for my life when I went to the bathroom. The stage not extremely big, the band I went to see has 6 members and with all their equipment they barely fit on stage. One major downside to the set up here are the beams that run the length of the building and limits the spots where people can stand to see. I suppose I would return to the Canal Club if I really wanted to see that act but this place could really use a bit of a facelift. I think it would do wonders for the volume of business they get. read more

DIVE! Came here for the Blockhead show in April. It was also the same night of the mustache contest. Both shows were great! Lady at the check in table handling the guest list was a miserable bitch. She hated her job and anyone that talked to her. The bartenders had no personality and didn't say much, which is ok because they were busy. I tried to order a beer 10 minutes before closing time and was denied. I was sober. The bartenders just wanted to go home. No big deal. I asked for water instead and they put ice in a plastic cup and filled it up for $1. Yeah, $1 for a CUP of water. Not a bottle. Canal Club is a dive. The stage is small. The sound is ok. It did seem to be the busiest performance venue in Richmond that night. read more

I had a good experience seeing a show that was not crowded, so I had great views, room to dance, no line at the bar/bathroom. However, reading other reviews about crowds I can see how this could be unpleasant. The place is not big and its not arranged very well. The outside is sketchy too, not much signage or anything. Will come back only if there is a band I really want to see (and hopefully not everyone else wants to see) read more

The Canal Club is okay, not my favorite venue in RVA, but if there's bands I like playing then I go. A perk about this venue is that they have booths you can sit in while you're waiting around, and their bar isn't horribly priced either. Be aware that you will probably have to pay for parking, I've never been lucky enough to find a free spot! read more

Dive in! This place, like you'll see from most reviewers, is in fact a dive club. It's been a staple for local and touring punk rock bands for many, many years. I don't go here to get food or drinks, but I would definitely say that the drink prices are a little too high. Also, if you want a little cup of water it'll cost you $1. A bottle will cost you $3. The floor is carpeted, and if you jump a lot it feels a little bit like it will cave in. I've never seen a show downstairs here, but some bands will play downstairs as well. The Canal Club has character, and I think that's a big part of the reason why it's still around after all these years. Yes, it is divey, but the music and other entertainment they bring in keeps the people coming! Something to check out if you are down in Shockoe Bottom and a good show is going on. read more

Went there last night to see a show that I had bought a ticket for online, and the place was locked and dark. Several other would-be attenders arrived, so I know it wasn't just me. Nothing listed on their website. Nothing posted on their door. Nothing on their answering machine message. This venue will never see another penny from me. read more

This is a fairly decent music venue. Is it old? Sure. Is it loud? Yep. Can it get cramped? Absolutely. But there are some great non-mainstream headliners that come through here, and it's located conveniently at the bottom of the Bottom. This place could use a face lift for sure, but that aside, the staff are great, the bartenders are efficient. read more

The bartenders were cool, security and front people were as well but this one chic from the kitchen was just miserable. She basically told us we had to move for her to put someone else's food in front of us. She was basically yelling at us to move. The numbers for the food were to the right of where we were sitting. Soooooo yeahhh, awkward. We ended up leaving earlier because it just wasn't that great. I've heard really good things about this place, I just guess we came on a bad night. read more