More What’s Booming RVA: May 15 to 22
A one-of-a-kind, curated look at Richmond events plus day trips and news
Take a road trip for hot air balloons and wine, put Air Supply’s 50th anniversary on the calendar, and fill the week with music, art, lectures, nostalgia, food, an ice cream treat for your dog, and more. What’s Booming, Richmond, Virginia, May 15 to 22, 2025.
Featuring:
- Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
- The week ahead – below, and
- Our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
May 15 to 22, 2025
Thursday, May 15
Celebrating Virginia’s First Ladies. Join First Lady of Virginia Suzanne Youngkin and three former First Ladies of Virginia as they discuss the role of FLOVA and its impact on the Commonwealth. May 15, 5:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
“Digging All Night & Fighting All Day” Virtual Book Talk. Author Paul Brueske discusses the Civil War siege of Spanish Fort and the Mobile Campaign, 1865. Hosted by the ACWM. May 15, 6:30 p.m., online.
“Mary Ball Washington: The Untold Story of George Washington’s Mother.” Author Craig Shirley discusses his book. May 15, 7 to 8 p.m. (reception at 5:30 p.m.), at Historic St. John’s Church, Richmond.
Darrell Scott. The multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter has had songs recorded by more than 70 artists, including The Chicks, Keb’ Mo’, Faith Hill, Sam Bush, Kathy Mattea, and Tim McGraw. May 15, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Fan Arts Stroll. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Friday, May 16
Open House and Artist Receptions. Three exhibition openings and a far-out costume contest. May 16, 5 to 8 p.m., at Crossroads Art Center, Richmond.
- “Dress Like Mrs. Roper” Contest + Member ’70s-Themed Exhibition. A far-out art opening night celebration, complete with a costume contest of kaftans, chunky jewelry, and red wigs. Includes prizes, live music, food, and complimentary beer and wine. Sponsored by Virginia Pride. The exhibition runs through June 29.
- Juried All-Media Show. Through June 29.
- Clay Creations: A Ceramic Celebration Opening Reception. Through June 30.
The Nighthawks. A long-standing, wacky Pennsylvania mix of hillbilly music and rhythm. May 16, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
VMFA Shop Garden Market. Garden-themed curated collection of botanical-inspired art, unique garden decor, and handmade treasures. May 16 to 18 at Robins Sculpture Garden, VMFA, Richmond.
Lebanese Food Festival. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Dominion Riverrock. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Pocahontas Premieres: The Deloreans. Presenting an ’80s tribute band from the time of neon lights, big hair, and iconic music. May 16, 7 p.m., at Pocahontas State Park amphitheater, Chesterfield.
Saturday, May 17
Celtic Festival. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
27th Annual Asian American Celebration. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Dog Ice Cream Social & Fundraiser. Ice cream sandwiches for pups (and humans), dog bandannas, pet adoptions, and plenty of craft beer. Hosted by Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches, benefiting Ring Dog Rescue. May 17, noon to 3 p.m., at Ardent Craft Ales, Richmond.
One Branch at a Time: Family Tree Workshop. A beginner’s workshop including a family tree template, overview of resources, how-to on genealogy research, and how-to on interviewing relatives. May 17, 2 to 4 p.m., at The Springs Recreation Center, Henrico.
Health Equity Community Conversations: Powerful Legacies – Racism, Inequality, and Healthcare for African Americans. Through discussions and Q&A sessions, the program highlights health disparities, celebrates the contributions of Black healthcare professionals, and fosters actionable solutions. May 17, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Black History Museum of Virginia, Richmond.
Norman Brown. The introspective and spiritual Grammy-winning guitarist is a multiplatinum-selling and chart-topping guitar guru. May 17, 2 and 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
From Sea Songs to Vintage Pop. The spring concert of the Richmond Allied Voices Men’s Chorus. May 17, 4 p.m., at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Richmond.
Beyond the Headstones: A History of Poplar Grove National Cemetery – FREE Sunset Walking Tour. Explore how a quiet part of Flower’s Farm became Poplar Grove National Cemetery, the final resting place for more than 6,000 soldiers. Meet at 8005 Vaughan Rd. FREE. May 17, 6 p.m., at Petersburg National Battlefield, Petersburg.
Symphonie Fantastique. Richmond Symphony presents the hallucinations of Hector Berlioz, the tympani thunderclap of Antropolis by Gabriela Ortiz, and Borodin’s “Polovtsian Dances.” May 17 at 8 p.m. and May 18 at 3 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
The Enchantment of Debussy. Presenting the entire set of 24 Debussy Préludes. May 17 at 7 p.m. and May 18 at 3:30 p.m. at Marburg House, Richmond.
Sunday, May 18
Vinyl Pop Up. Vinyl records from Plan 9 and local vendors, accompanied by music from DJ Billy Crystal Fingers. May 18, noon, at Bingo Beer Co., Richmond.
A Case of Unwise Passions: The Mystery at Glenlyvar. This 1791 murder was so macabre that even the physical landmarks have all but disappeared. The presentation examines the criminal case that rocked 18th century Virginia in which John Marshall and Patrick Henry were notable defense lawyers. Ages 16+. May 18, 2 to 3 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.
Waging War on the Homefront: World War II in Henrico. Eighty years ago, World War II was nearing the end. Henrico residents had been supporting the war effort. Dig beyond Victory Gardens into lesser-known happenings. Ages 10+. May 18, 2 to 3:30 p.m., at Belmont Recreation Center, Henrico.
Antique Melody Show – Outdoor Swing Jazz Concert. The local swing favorite presents gentle rhythms and old-time melodies. May 18, 3 p.m., at The Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen.
The Carole King & James Taylor Story. Passionate renditions of the performers’ popular duets, such as “Fire & Rain,” “I Feel the Earth Move,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” and more. May 18, 4:30 p.m., at The Beacon Theatre, Hopewell.
All Creation Sings: A Concert Presented by the Worship Ministry. Classical selections from Haydn’s “Creation” and Gustaf Holst’s “The Planet,” hymns, and more. FREE. May 18, 7 to 8 p.m., at First Baptist Church, Richmond.
Monday, May 19
Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Program. Performances from String Sinfonietta, Camerata Strings, and Youth Concert Orchestra. FREE. May 19, 7 p.m., at Carpenter Theatre, Richmond.
Tuesday, May 20
Demystifying AI. Can artificial intelligence actually help you write a resume, map out your next novel, or decode data science? Or are we just feeding the algorithm? Two experts unravel the mystery of AI. FREE. May 20, 6 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Wednesday, May 21
Always Order the Pie (and Sometimes You Should Order It First). Columnist and author Bill Lohmann talks about the newly released third edition of his book, “Backroads and Byways of Virginia.” May 21, noon, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Senior Making: Stained Glass. Through this interactive workshop in The Forge, learn how stained glass is made and create colorful art to display at home. FREE, registration required. May 21, 4 to 5:30 p.m., at the Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond.
Thursday, May 22
Building Connections: How STEM and LEGO Strengthen Family Bonds.Richmond natives Benjamin Edlavitch and David “Poppy” Levine, the first grandparent-grandchild team featured on the LEGO Masters competition show, share how LEGO-building brought together their interests in architecture and engineering. May 22, 8 a.m., at the Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond.
Senior Party and Resource Fair. Information from county departments and community organizations, plus games and dance. May 22, 10 a.m. to noon, at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, Henrico.
“Richmond on Film: A City in the Spotlight.” Presenting local history, film, and community storytelling highlighting Richmond’s role in cinema, as a filming location and the setting for stories on screen, including curated clips from films shot in and around the city. FREE. May 22, 5:30 p.m., at Richmond Main Library, Richmond.
Abraham Lincoln & George McClellan. Examining McClellan’s reputation as a skilled organizer but hesitant commander, leading to his clash with President Lincoln, and how their political rivalry shaped the war. May 22, 6 p.m., at the American Civil War Museum, Richmond.
Murder Mystery Unhappy Hour. Solve the mystery to a background of live music, a poetry reading, food truck and libations, and more. May 22, 6 to 9 p.m., at The Poe Museum, Richmond.
“Smoke.” Cadence presents the Enid Graham play, a dark horror comedy that encapsulates meaningless preoccupation and capitalistic gaslighting as our country becomes further divided. May 22 through June 7 at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.
Support the local sports teams and have a blast!
- Richmond Flying Squirrels
- Richmond Kickers
- Richmond Ivy
- Tri-City Chili Peppers – opening night May 22
Road Trips
Hot air balloons and music in the parks
Wind Balloons and Tunes Festival. Balloon rides (including tethered rides), monster truck rides, live music, food, drink, glow balloons at dusk, and plenty of wine. May 16 to 17 at Wind Vineyards, Tappahannock.
Virginia State Park Music Series. Get outdoors, settle into your blanket or chair, and enjoy the music. Festivals and regular series throughout the state, with a variety of music. Here’s just a sample:
- Belle Isle State Park features Music by the River
- Caledon State Park features Songs in the Woods
- Douthat State Park features Saturday Evening Showcase
- Pocahontas State Park features Pocahontas Premieres
- Westmoreland State Park features Music on the Cliffs
News to Know
Fireflies, Air Supply at 50, and Shakespeare
Firefly Festival. The festival offers the chance to see fireflies lighting up the nighttime sky from the iconic High Bridge, part of a rails-to-trails pathway. The family-friendly festival includes food trucks, firefly experts, and insect displays. Tickets usually sell out, so buy well in advance! June 20 and 21, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., at High Bridge Trail State Park, Rice.
Air Supply – 50th Anniversary Celebration. With nearly 50 years making music, the rock duo of the ’80s are still going. Nov. 23 at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
26th Annual Richmond Shakespeare Festival. Featuring “Cyrano de Bergerac” by Edmond Rostand (May 22 to June 3) and William Shakespeare’s beloved “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (June 19 to July 20) at Agecroft Hall, Richmond.
Explore future events and ongoing exhibitions and performances here.
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