More What’s Booming RVA: Sept. 18 to 25
Curated events, road trips, and news in Boomer’s one-of-a-kind Richmond calendar
Paw Paw Festival, two Oktoberfests, Mekong turns 30, salutes to America’s POWs and MIA, international films and dance, a play opening, authors, and more. What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, September 18 to 25, 2025.
Explore:
- Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
- The week ahead – below,
- Event news + a road trip – way below, and
- Our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
September 18 to 25, 2025
What’s happening in and around the Richmond region
Thursday, September 18
An Evening With Adriana Trigiani. Celebrate the publication of “The View from Lake Como” with the bestselling author, hailing from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Sept. 18, 5:30 to 8 p.m., at The Tuckahoe Woman’s Club, Richmond.
Missing in Action: The Search Continues, with Kelly McKeague. See Boomer’s top picks.
“An Unholy Traffic” – Free Virtual Talk with Dr. Robert Colby. Examining the continuation of slave trading during the Civil War and its effects on Southern society and freedom, and how the persistent trade in enslaved people impacted the enslaved, their lives, and families, and shaped the experience of the Civil War and its aftermath for all inhabitants of the South. Presented by the American Civil War Museum. FREE. Sept. 18, 6:30 p.m., online.
Laser Show: David Bowie. Thirteen Bowie hit songs spanning decades, set to lasers and lights in the Dome. Sept. 18, 6:30 and 8:15, at the Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond.
Rachel Scanlon. The co-host of the podcast and nationally touring live show “Two Dykes and a Mic” has also recently appeared on “Don’t Tell Comedy” on the Just For Laughs digital platform and on Comedy Central. Sept. 18, 7 p.m., at Funny Bone, Richmond.
Sister Hazel. First recognized for the 1997 adult alternative hit, “All for You,” the band has established itself across rock, alternative, and country genres. Sept. 13, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
“Out of Many, One” – VA250 Mobile Museum Experience in Hanover. The interactive “museum on wheels” brings key stories of Virginia’s rich history to locations across the state. Through Sept. 18, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Hanover County Museum of History & Culture, Hanover.
Mekong 30th Anniversary Celebration. Honoring the legendary Vietnamese restaurant that helped introduce the region to Vietnamese food and Belgian beers and other quality imports. Tapping of special beers, draft special, and special bourbons. Sept. 18 to 21 at Mekong, Richmond.
Friday, September 19
National POW/MIA Recognition Day and New Exhibit. See Boomer’s top picks.
Wagner and Haydn. The Richmond Symphony presents music from Beethoven, Saint-George, Wagner, and Haydn. Sept. 19, 3 p.m., at Randolph-Macon College, Ashland.
Silent Music Revival. Richmond’s live music silent cinema series presents silent-era films based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe, with a live score. Sept. 19, 7 to 9 p.m., at The Poe Museum, Richmond.
Treasures of the Earth Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show. Vendors showcasing silver, classic, estate, fashion, and handmade jewelry, loose stones and beads and supplies, museum-quality crystals and fossils, custom jewelers on site, Virginia minerals and dinosaur bones, and more. Sept. 19 to 21 at the Richmond Raceway Complex, Richmond.
St. Benedict Oktoberfest. One of RVA’s favorite celebrations of the German tradition, with authentic food, German and local beers, entertainment, and a stein-holding contest. Sept. 19 to 21 at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Richmond.
September Open House & Artist Reception. The unveiling of new exhibitions, including Adele Castillo & Students “And We’re Back!”; “Artwork of the James River Park System” to benefit FOJRP; a gallery member exhibition; and a juried all-media show, themed “Flowers.” Plus live music from Virginia Opera, a book reading by John Price, and book signing with Mary Burruss. Sept. 19, 5 to 8 p.m., at Crossroads Art Center, Richmond.
Lewis Ginter Fall Plant Sale. See Boomer’s top picks.
“Night Must Fall.” See Boomer’s top picks.
Saturday, September 20
Judy Kirby Book Signing. The author presents her book of inspiration, “Blurred Vision: A Journey of Faith and Sight,” highlighting her life since her diagnosis at age 20 of Stargardt’s macular degeneration. Sept. 20, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Books, Beads & More, Mechanicsville.
Pawpaw Festival and Races. Celebrating the largest edible fruit in Virginia with acoustic music, ranger-led programs, animal demonstrations, beer trucks, and optional 5- and 10-mile races. Sept. 20, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Powhatan State Park, Powhatan.
Richmond International Dance Festival. See Boomer’s top picks.
“Cash Crop.” Set in agricultural Virginia, the short film follows a Black farmer, Cecil Shell, as he navigates a landscape shaped by legacy, land, and looming change. As solar energy developments spread across the region, Shell grapples with the future of tobacco farming, Black landownership, and rural community life. Discussion following, led by writer and director Lorenzo Dickerson. FREE, registration required. Sept. 20, 2 p.m., at Black History Museum, Richmond.
Sharon Pajka Tours Haunted Virginia Cemeteries. The cemetery expert takes a spine-tingling journey of haunted cemeteries throughout the commonwealth. Sept. 20, 2 p.m., at Book People, Henrico.
The Dinner Detective Comedy Mystery Dinner Show. Solve an amusing mystery while eating dinner – and while knowing the culprit is somewhere among fellow diners. Sept. 20, 6 to 9 p.m., at Hilton Richmond – Short Pump, Richmond.
Bier-Garden. Maymont’s annual festival of food, beer, and fun presents a polka band, German folk dancers, stein-hoisting contests, a dachshund costume parade, a Marketplatz featuring artisanal food and hand-made gifts, Bavarian and Polish food, German and local craft beers, and kids’ activities – in a gorgeous outdoor setting. Sept. 20 and 21, 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Maymont, Richmond.
Mark Morris Dance Group, Dances to American Music. Featuring new choreography and signature works set to American music. Pre-show artist talk at 6 p.m., in Camp Concert Hall. Sept. 20, 7:30 to 9 p.m., at Alice Jepson Theatre, University of Richmond.
Iron Blossom Music Festival. A weekend of diverse music, food, and drink offerings. Sept. 20 to 21 at Midtown Green, Richmond.
The Passion of Carmen. Chia-Husuan Lin presents music by Taiwanese American composer Ke-Chia Chen, “A Lasting Bond,” a soaring hymn to a vanishing native culture. Plus works from Bizet and Schumann. Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m., and Sept. 21, 3 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Sunday, September 21
“Breathe, River” Sound Installation. Artist and composer Sara Bouchard presents an immersive sonic experience: a four-channel sound installation inside Richmond’s historic Pump House. FREE, donation suggested. Sept. 21, 1 to 4 p.m., at the Pump House, Richmond.
Tim Shropshire. The stand-up comedia, writer, and influencer brings clean and funny material to comedy clubs, churches, and colleges. Sept. 21, 6 p.m., at Funny Bone Richmond.
Monday, September 22
Kayaking with the Community. First timers and seasoned vets will be provided with everything needed for a safe and fun experience on the water. Sept. 22, 9:30 a.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.
Open University. The Shepherd’s Center of Richmond presents opportunities for older adults for lifelong learning and community service. Classes are led by qualified instructors in a variety of subjects. Mondays, Sept. 22, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., for 8 weeks, at several different locations.
Tuesday, September 23
“Body, Soul, and Bones” with Richard M. Timberlake. The author presents his latest thriller the story of a man whose purpose in life is slipping, from his careers with Marine Corps and the CIA, to his marriage falling apart and his daughter becoming independent – until his daughter becomes the victim of human traffickers. Sept. 23, 6 p.m., at Book People, Henrico.
“The Curious Calling of Leonard Bush” with Susan Gregg Gilmore. Young Leonard Bush buries his lost leg and saves his whole East Tennessee town in this winsome and miracle-making novel. Sept. 23, 6 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.
GRIVA Program, Virtual Meeting: Patrick Henry’s Red Hill – A Journey Through History. Exploring the final home and burial site of Founding Father Patrick Henry, including his family and the plantation he managed, and his influential life as a fiery orator and advocate for liberty. Sept. 23, 7 p.m., online.
Willie Williams. Shockoe Sessions Live presents a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and Richmond resident who blends country, soul, blues, and bluegrass. Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m., at In Your Ear Studios, Richmond.
Richmond International Film Festival. See Boomer’s top picks.
Wednesday, September 24
Silver Screen Movie – “A Complete Unknown.” The story of Bob Dylan’s early career, set in NYC in the early 1960s against the backdrop of music and cultural upheaval. Tickets and concessions just one dollar. Sept. 24, 10 a.m., at Henrico Theatre, Henrico.
What the Irish Taught Civil War Americans. Dr. Aaron Sheehan-Dean delves into his book, “Fighting With the Past: How Seventeenth-Century History Shaped the American Civil War,” and examines how Northern and Southern participants drew on differing interpretations of Irish history, particularly in their views on how the war should end – with generosity or punishment. Sept. 24, 6 p.m., at American Civil War Museum, Tredegar, Richmond.
Herbs & Spirits: A Mixology Class in Partnership with Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Spotlighting fresh, garden-picked herbs paired with gin-based cocktails, offering a sensory experience that celebrates fall flavors. Sept. 25, 6 to 8 p.m., at Gather & Hem, Richmond.
“Spread Me” with Sarah Gailey. The author discusses her darkly seductive tale of survival. A routine probe at a research station turns deadly when the team discovers a strange specimen in search of a warm place to stay. Sept. 24, 6 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.
Kadencia Orchestra. As part of RIFF25, the Afro-Puerto Rican musicians from Richmond present traditions of Bomba and Plena. Sept. 24, 7 p.m., at Révéler, Richmond.
Thursday, September 25
Virtual Book Talk with Richard Rothstein. The Library of Virginia presents the author of “The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America” and “Just Action: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted Under the Color of Law.” Rothstein shows how segregation in America is the byproduct of explicit government policies at the local, state, and federal level and how we can begin to address this situation. FREE. Sept. 25, noon to 1 p.m., online.
“The Shattering Peace” with John Scalzi. Science fiction master John Scalzi returns to the galaxy of the Old Man’s War series with the seventh book. Sept. 25, 6 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.
Fairyland Unhappy Hour. Inspired by Poe’s “Fairy-Land,” the music of Tiara & Andrew and Deau Eyes transport you to a strange and beautiful place. Food and drink available for purchase. Sept. 25, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Poe House, Richmond.
Music at Hardywood. Music presented by the Richmond Symphony, with beer and pizza available from the brewery. Sept. 25, 6:30 p.m., at Hardywood on Ownby, Richmond.
Rodney Stith. As part of RIFF25, “The Soul Singer” from Petersburg presents powerful urban retro soul, with classic R&B influences. Sept. 25, 8:30 p.m., at Révéler, Richmond.
Johnny White (accompanied by Emma Lynn White) & Melissa Quinn Fox. The 23-year-old White is known for his rich vocals, skilled guitar work, and crowd-connecting performances. Fox is recognized for story-driven songs and soulful vocals. Sept. 25, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
News to Know
Wild Virginia elk
See Wild Virginia Elk. Sneak lots of peeks at wild elk with the live elk cam from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. The last survivor of Virginia’s endemic population was killed in Clarke County in 1855, but DWR released 71 elk in Buchanan County between 2012-2014. Now the herd of 250+ can be seen every September and October at DWR’s Elk Viewing Area outside of Grundy at three viewing platforms and on bus tours through Breaks Interstate Park and DWR. Plus celebrate the animals at the annual Southern Gap Elk Fest at Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure, Oct. 23 to 25.
Road Trips
Revolutionary festival and film, plus historic whiskey
Revolutionary Festival and Ken Burns’s Film Screening. The festival offers a range of hands-on history activities and live music creating a fun and festive atmosphere for visitors of all ages. Plus a sneak peek screening of Burns’s anticipated documentary, “The American Revolution.” FREE (advanced registration required for film). Film screening at 7 p.m. Festival, Sept. 20, 3 p.m., at Yorktown Battlefield, Yorktown.
George Washington Whiskey Tasting. Tour the reconstructed working distillery and sample whiskey as it was made at Mount Vernon in George Washington’s distillery. Sept. 20, 2 to 5 p.m., at George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill, Alexandria.
Get Groovy with Outdoor Concerts
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.
Explore future events and ongoing exhibitions and performances here.
Follow What’s Booming on Boomer.
Sign up at the bottom of our website for our twice-weekly newsletter.
