Join Us for First Friday!
By Will Melton · April 1, 2026 · 3 min read read
Category: Local News
Neighborhoods: Jackson Ward
Channel RVA hosts April 3 block party at West Broad StudiosChannel RVA will host a community block party at West Broad Studios on April 3 to celebrate the local arts scene and the opening of its ne...
Channel RVA hosts April 3 block party at West Broad Studios
Channel RVA will host a community block party at West Broad Studios on April 3 to celebrate the local arts scene and the opening of its new downtown headquarters.
The event coincides with the monthly First Fridays arts walk in the Richmond Arts District. By opening the parking lot at 316 W. Broad St. to the public, the independent media outlet aims to establish a physical presence in the Monroe Ward neighborhood. The gathering serves as both a housewarming for the organization and a contribution to the street-level energy that defines the downtown corridor.
A new anchor in the Arts District
The move to West Broad Studios places Channel RVA in the center of the city’s cultural hub, situated between the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University and the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood. Will Melton, publisher and editor-in-chief of Channel RVA, announced the event during a March 31 livestream, noting that the organization intends to use its fenced-in outdoor space to host the community. The party will feature live music, beer, hot dogs, and snacks for attendees.
"We're just gonna hang out and have a good time and celebrate the arts and celebrate our existence in our new office," Will Melton, publisher and editor-in-chief of Channel RVA, said during the announcement.
Melton also noted that while the event is free and open to the public without a required RSVP, an optional registration link will be provided in the organization’s newsletter to assist with logistics and food planning.
The location at 316 W. Broad St. sits within walking distance of several established galleries and landmarks, including 1708 Gallery and the Quirk Hotel. The First Friday Art Trolley is expected to operate along its usual route on April 3, potentially bringing additional foot traffic to the West Broad Studios lot. This expansion of physical infrastructure for an independent media outlet marks a shift toward place-rooted journalism in RVA.
Context of media and public art
The celebration follows a thematic precursor at The Valentine museum. On April 2, the museum will host its "Controversy/History" series, focusing on the "Common Good(s): The Forecast for Public Arts and Media." This session explores how media and art intersect to shape the public’s understanding of the city, a topic that aligns with the Channel RVA mission to provide matter-of-fact reporting on local systems.
According to Melton, the April 3 event is designed to be an informal "throw down" that prioritizes community connection over formal programming. By utilizing the parking lot for a public gathering, the organization joins other local businesses in reclaiming outdoor spaces for social use, a trend that has persisted in neighborhoods like Scott’s Addition and Manchester. The presence of a dedicated media studio on Broad Street provides a new venue for creators and journalists to engage directly with the public.
Event details and logistics
The party is scheduled for Friday, April 3, 2026. Organizers have not yet named the specific musical acts or the local brewery providing the beverages, though they confirmed that details would be released through official digital channels.
Location: West Broad Studios, 316 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA.
Date: Friday, April 3, 2026.
Admission: Free; no RSVP required.
Features: Live music, beer, hot dogs, and snacks.
As the city continues to see development along the Broad Street corridor, the establishment of independent media hubs like West Broad Studios offers a counterpoint to corporate office growth. The event provides an opportunity for residents to meet the people behind the reporting while navigating the various gallery openings that define the First Fridays experience.
Disclosure: Channel RVA is owned by Xponent21, the parent company of West Broad Studios.