More What’s Booming RVA: July 3 to 10
Patriotic road trips, news, and events in Boomer’s one-of-a-kind, curated Richmond calendar
Pick your patriotic event, in RVA or one of our historic neighbors, plus find concerts, author events, theater, intriguing lectures, and more, and make plans for Richmond Shakespeare’s new season. What’s Booming, Richmond, Virginia, July 3 to 10, 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.
July 3 to 10
Thursday, July 3
The Oasis: A High Noon Summer Concert Series. Live music from The Trey & Erica Experience (vocal soul) in the Valentine Garden. FREE. July 3, noon to 1 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.
VA250 and Religious Freedom. See Boomer’s Top picks.
Friday, July 4
HAPPY 249th BIRTHDAY, USA!
Independence Day at Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier. Activities, musket and cannon demonstrations, programs such as Civil War weaponry, and an author presentation on “The Virginia Line in the Southern Campaign.” July 4, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pamplin Historical Park, Petersburg.
Revolutionary Richmond Bus Tour. Learn of Richmond’s role in the American Revolution, from Patrick Henry’s speech to Benedict Arnold’s raid, and explore how the legacy of the Revolution has been preserved and contested over the generations. July 4, 10 a.m. to noon, beginning at The Valentine, Richmond.
July 4th Naturalization Ceremony. Welcoming new U.S. citizens in an official ceremony (11 a.m., seating limited, also streamed live), reception (noon to 1 p.m.), and American treasures on exhibit with scavenger hunt (noon to 2 p.m.). July 4, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Liberty or Death Public Reenactment. Nine professional actors portray delegates to the Second Virginia Convention, held here 250 years ago, with Patrick Henry’s rousing words, “Give me liberty or give me death.” Plus a reading of the Declaration of Independence. July 4, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., at Historic St. John’s Church, Richmond.
Red, White, and Lights 2025. Music from the Richmond Symphony and guest band, food trucks, history and historical reenactments, and a laser light show. July 4, 4 to 10 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.
Fourth of July Celebration. Live music from BrassWind and the Dixieland Express, food vendors, entertainment, fireworks, and more. July 4, 5 p.m., at Chesterfield County Fairground, Chesterfield.
The Big Show. Richmond’s favorite Independence Day tradition presents Full Spectrum, Virginia Opera, the Richmond Concert Band, and fireworks. July 4, 5:30 p.m., at Dogwood Dell, Richmond.
Star Spangled Squirrels Fest. No home game? No problem! The Diamond hosts its annual – and final – Independence Day festival with live music, activities, food, drink specials, and fireworks. July 4, 6 to 9:30 p.m., at The Diamond, Richmond.
Patriotic Road Trips, July 4
Revolutionary celebrations
Fourth at the Fort. Part of VA250, the celebration of Virginia’s role in the founding of the nation, the day features ceremonies, activities, demonstrations, entertainment, patriotic music, sections highlighting Virginia history, art, and food and drinks, and a drone and fireworks show. July 4, 8:45 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., at Fort Monroe.
“Liberty Celebration” Salutes July 4. Take in interpretive programs, artillery demonstrations, and educational experiences on the challenges that faced our nation’s founders, including those who signed the Declaration of Independence and those for whom the rights of freedom and liberty did not yet apply. Highlights include the “Liberty Fever” film, 4th of July sing-along, conversation with Ben Franklin, unveiling of a circa-1790 portrait of George Washington by American artist Charles Peale Polk, and more. July 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the American Revolution Museum, Yorktown.
Independence Day at Poplar Forest. Meet Thomas Jefferson at his retreat property while taking in colonial-style entertainment, demonstrations by colonial artisans and craftspeople, archaeological displays, and more. July 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Poplar Forest, Lynchburg.
Independence Day in Colonial Williamsburg. Join George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and other 18th-century residents to step back in time with the sights, sounds, and spirit of 1776. Explore the historic buildings and view costumed interpreters at work. Honor U.S. history with readings of the Declaration of Independence, artillery demonstrations, patriotic musical performances, and a fireworks finale. Historic Area, Colonial Williamsburg.
Saturday, July 5
Meet Julia Child. See Boomer’s Top picks.
Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes. A dynamic group that came out of the Gamble-Huff music factory that produced groups like the Spinners and Stylistics. Credits include memorable love songs “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” (nominated for a Grammy), “The Love I Lost,” “Bad Luck,” “Wake Up Everybody,” and more. July 5, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Give Me Liberty Highlight Tour. Take a 30-minute highlight tour with VMHC staff of “Give Me Liberty: Virginia & the Forging of a Nation.” Advance registration required. Every Saturday from July 5 to Aug. 30 at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Sunday, July 6
Jazz Funk Soul. Saxophonist Everette Harp, keyboardist Jeff Lorber and guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. bring balance and harmony, an ebb and flow of laidback cool and driving intensity in their presentation of contemporary jazz. July 6, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Tuesday, July 8
Genealogical Virtual Event. Look at Your DNA from Different Angles. Hosted by GRIVA, the Genealogical Institute of Virginia. FREE, registration required. July 8, 7 p.m., online.
Wednesday, July 9
“Task Force Hogan: The World War II Battalion That Spearheaded the Liberation of Europe” with William R. Hogan. A fourth-generation soldier tells of his father’s tank battalion, the “Spearhead,” that led the charge on the front lines from Normandy into Germany – against impossible odds, technologically superior weaponry, and a fanatical enemy on its home turf. July 9, noon, at the Virginia War Memorial, Richmond.
“This Fierce People: The Untold Story of America’s Revolutionary War in the South.” Author Alan Pell Crawford examines the overlooked story of the critical part the South played in fighting the War, that the battles south of the Mason-Dixon line between loyalists and patriots who fought for independence were America’s first civil war. July 9, noon to 1 p.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.
Virtual Literary Virginia Book Club. Discuss “Simply Lies” by David Baldacci, hosted by the Library of Virginia. July 9, 6 p.m., online.
Profs & Pints Richmond: Peering into Volcanoes. See Boomer’s Top picks.
On the Air Radio Players. “An Hour of Dimension X,” an old-time radio show filled with live voices, live sound effects, and music. July 9 and 10, 7 to 8:30 p.m. each night, at Henrico Theatre, Henrico.
“Burial Tax.” See Boomer’s Top picks.
Thursday, July 10
Finding Your Revolutionary War Ancestors. If you may have ancestors who fought in or supported the American Revolutionary War, learn how to successfully research and document lineage and service. July 10, 10 a.m., at Belmont Recreation Center, Henrico.
The Oasis: A High Noon Summer Concert Series. Live music from Curvey Reid Trio (R&B) in the Valentine Garden. FREE. July 10, noon to 1 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.
(Re)framing Protest (NOW). A conversation about the intersection of art, activism, and public space with Richmond Free Press photojournalists Regina H. Boone and Sandra Sellars. In 2020, they documented acts of creative resistance, helping reshape Richmond’s cityscape, echoing current national calls for social justice. July 10, 6 p.m., at The Branch Museum, Richmond.
“Of Flesh and Blood.” The novel’s two authors, N.L. Lavin and Hunter Burke, about their macabre psychological thriller of a forensic psychologist tracking down the background of the Cajun Cannibal. July 10, 6 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.
Rejuice Your Summer Reading & Book Launch with Meg Medina. Summer reading suggestions and book talks for all age groups from children and young adult to fresh fiction and non-fiction recommendations. July 10, 6 to 8 p.m., at Book People, Richmond.
Talk | Frida’s America: Painting the Political. An examination of artist Frida Kahlo’s three years living in the U.S. – during the Depression, racial tensions, and the rise of fascism abroad – when she found her artistic voice and created blatantly political paintings. July 10, 6:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
Kim Waters. Heralded as “Simply one of the planet’s best saxophonists” by JazzTimes Magazine and the “Pied piper of Smooth Jazz” by Upscale Magazine, Waters has made his mark in urban smooth jazz and contemporary jazz. July 10, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Becoming Citizens Summer Intensive Class. A three-session intensive course preparing students to successfully complete the U.S. citizenship test, with opportunities to engage with experts in the history of Virginia and America and interact with original historical objects, maps, books, and documents. July 10, 17, and 24, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Richmond Symphony Summer Serenades. Early evening performances Thursdays in July of chamber music masterworks from three centuries. July 10, 17, 24, and 31, 6:30 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Get Groovy with Outdoor Concerts
Westchester Concert Series. Biweekly through Aug. 7 at Westchester Commons, Midlothian.
Innsbrook After Hours. Through Sept. 25 at Innsbrook Pavilion, Glen Allen.
Groovin’ in the Garden. Monthly through Oct. 2 at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.
Allianz Amphitheater. Through Oct. 21 at Allianz Amphitheater at the Riverfront, Richmond.
68th Festival of the Arts. Through Oct. 24 at Dogwood Dell, Richmond.
Support the local sports teams and have a blast!
News to Know
Richmond Shakespeare’s new season
Richmond Shakespeare Announces 27th Season Lineup. Five plays explore identity, ambition, and the contradictions of being human. “One of the most complicated things about being human is our constant negotiation with our own identities. In our lives we adopt roles, whether they are social, cultural, gendered, political or moral – to gain freedom, power, love,” says artistic director James Ricks.
- Jen Silverman’s “Witch,” Oct. 23 to Nov. 9 at Theatre Gym. A charming devil arrives in the quiet village of Edmonton to bargain for the souls of its residents in exchange for their darkest wishes. Elizabeth should be his easiest target, having been labeled a “witch” and cast out by the town, but her soul is not so readily bought.
- “King James” by Rajiv Joseph, Jan. 15 to Feb. 1, 2026, at Theatre Gym. “King” LeBron James’s years playing in Cleveland bring promise, prosperity, and renewal to a city in desperate need of all three. His tenure also unites Shawn and Matt in an unlikely bond forged by fandom. The men navigate their turbulent friendship through their shared love of basketball – and endless amiable arguments.
- “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare, March 27 to April 12, 2026, at Gottwald Playhouse. Ambition runs red in this gripping tale of power, prophecy, and betrayal. When Macbeth receives a haunting prediction from three mysterious witches, he and his wife set forth on a bloody path toward the throne of Scotland, no matter the cost.
- Richmond Shakespeare Festival begins with “As You Like It” by William Shakespeare at Agecroft Hall. Banished from court and cast into the Forest of Arden, Rosalind disguises herself as a boy and discovers that love, freedom, and self-discovery thrive far from the rules of society. As shepherds, fools, lords, and lovers wander through the woods, mistaken identities and unexpected romances blossom under the trees.
- Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” at Agecroft Hall. Lies, love, and low-stakes scandal collide in the deliciously absurd comedy of manners. Jack and Algernon each invent fictional alter egos, both conveniently named Ernest, to dodge social obligations and pursue romance, but their schemes unravel when their lies catch up with them.
Explore future events and ongoing exhibitions and performances here.
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