Starting with a citywide water crisis the second week of January and ending with the election of the first woman to become governor of Virginia in November, the year 2025 was one of turmoil, triumph and trepidation in Richmond.

Over the year, dozens of protests took place, and many thousands took to the streets in defense of democracy, marching against polarizing figures like Elon Musk, President Donald Trump, as well as Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The protestors also rallied for various causes, including trans rights, workers’ rights, social security, human rights and defense of the U.S. Constitution.

Large music festivals such as Iron Blossom and the Richmond Folk Festival brought international stars to the city while smaller festivals like 804 Day put a spotlight on local talent. The new Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront opened in June, bringing a full slate of talent to the riverfront, including Neil Young, Jason Isbell, Widespread Panic, The Head and the Heart and James Taylor, to name a few.

Beloved William Fox Elementary School reopened after a devastating fire three years ago, while Virginia PrideFest carried on despite heavy rainfall threatening to cancel the event. And despite the heaviness of the local and national vibe, Richmonders came out in force for the 20th anniversary of the annual All The Saints Theater Company’s Halloween parade and for the first ever Cicada Parade, proving they still know how to have fun.

Just before giving her acceptance speech as the first elected female governor of Virginia, Abigail Spanberger reacts to seeing the children of a longtime supporter in the crowd.

Vampire Weekend lead singer Ezra Koenig raises a fist at the Iron Blossom Music Festival at Midtown Green on Sept. 20.

Nicole Subryan Bailey speaks at the “No Kings” rally at the Virginia State Capitol on June 14. Bailey is a volunteer for 50501 Virginia and the vice chair of the Chesterfield Democrats.

Wayne Dementi and Calvin Mayfield laugh together as they try the trust pose at the Trust Building/s, a Mending Walls event which took place at 1118 W. Main Street on May 24. The mural created by local artists Noah Scalin and Alfonso Perez Acosta is based on relatability to remind the country of the humanity in all of us.

Zarina Fazaldin attends the 250 Years of No Kings in America rally at historic St. John’s Church on March 23.

Richmond musician Deau Eyes performs at the soft opening of the Allianz Amphitheater on June 4.

Lexy screams out in protest at the “Rage Against the Regime” rally at Monroe Park on Aug. 2. Several speakers at the rally spoke against ICE, President Trump, the treatment of Palestinians and the rise of fascism in America.

Liquid Skin performs at Virginia PrideFest at Midtown Green on Sept. 27.

Alva Pope clutches the American flag at the No Kings Day rally at the Virginia State Capitol on Feb 17.

Ivy attends the “Rage Against the Regime” rally at Monroe Park on Aug. 2, where speakers decried the rise of fascism in America, ICE, the treatment of Palestine and President Trump.

Hundreds protest against President Trump, Elon Musk and Project 2025 on March 3 during a rally that started at Monroe Park and ended at the Virginia State Capitol.

About 150 people stage a die-in at the Virginia State Capitol in support of trans rights and against the murder of trans people on March 15. The Prides of March rally was organized by the Virginia chapter of the 50501 movement, a volunteer group whose stated goal is to nonviolently defend American democracy.

Mila Jam performs at Virginia PrideFest at Midtown Green on Sept. 27.

Antoni Szachowicz, director of actions for 50501 Virginia, carries a flag of resistance at the May Day Strong Rally on West Main Street on May 1.

Texas band Chaparelle kicks off the 40th season of Friday Cheers on Brown’s Island on May 2.

The cast of Hocus Pocus at the All The Saints Theater Company’s Halloween Parade in Monroe Park on Oct. 31.

A protestor stands in the fountain at Kanawha Plaza as he waves an upside-down American flag, a signal of distress, at the No Kings Rally on June 14.

Protesters react to Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin at the 250 Years of No Kings in America rally as he leaves St. John’s Church on March 23.

Protesters march against President Trump, Elon Musk and Project 2025 on March 4. The protest started at Monroe Park and ended at the Virginia State Capitol.

Rob “Berto” Lytle, the Los Hermanos Alacranes drummer performs at 804 Music Day on Aug. 2.

Country music singer-songwriter Melissa Carper performs at the Richmond Folk Festival on Oct. 11.

Abigail Spanberger’s family watches her give the acceptance speech after she was elected as the first female governor of Virginia on Nov. 4.

Tara Adams raises a fist during the United We Stand rally for voter empowerment and justice at the Virginia State Capitol on Nov. 3.

Officials from Richmond Public Schools hold a grand reopening of the William Fox Elementary School on Aug. 6, three-and-a-half years after a tragic fire gutted the building.

Veteran Southside rapper Radio B is known for creating platforms for artists such as Southpaw Battle Coalition and RVA Rap Elite, as well as the Flag on the Moon annual concert series (Jan. 25).

Legendary Ingramettes’ singer Almeta Ingram-Miller performs on the Center for Cultural Vibrancy stage at the Richmond Folk Festival on Oct. 12.

Reggae artist Meta Dia of Meta and the Cornerstones, performs at the Richmond Folk Festival on Oct. 12.

A couple holds hands at Virginia PrideFest at Midtown Green on Sept. 27.

Virginia State Senator and Lt. Governor hopeful Ghazela Hashmi speaks at the “250 Years of No Kings in America” rally in Church Hill on March 23.

Warriors in Bloom was the theme of the Richmond Renaissance Faire held at Agecroft Hall on Aug. 2.

Brady Heck of Richmond band, Holy Rollers, performs at Iron Blossom on Sept. 21.

Protestors line the corners of Cox and Broad near Short Pump to protest against Rep. Rob Wittman, R-1st, on June 7, citing his support for bills that would cut Medicaid, slash Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) and give tax breaks to billionaires.

Josephine, the founder of the first official Cicada Parade, organizes a merry band of bug-eyed participants who march around playing kazoos in Church Hill’s Jefferson Park on Aug. 16.

In thirty degree temperatures, a woman bundled in blankets watches people prepare for the Dominion Energy Christmas Parade on December 6.