More What’s Booming RVA: Oct. 2 to 9
Curated events, road trips, and news in Boomer’s one-of-a-kind Richmond calendar
Kicking off the spooky season with a carnival of fires and Dracula events featuring Bram Stoker’s great-grandnephew! Plus humorous operas and absurdist dark comedy, dachshunds, music, a night hike, food and drink, road trips to see slow critters and fast polo, and more. What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, October 2 to 9, 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 performances.
October 2 to 9, 2025
Thursday, October 2
Designer Discussion. In “Confluence,” Vietnamese-American artist Kenny Nguyen transforms hand-cut silk into sculptural forms that blur the boundaries between painting, textile, and installation. The artist discusses his work. October 2, 6 to 9 p.m., at The Branch Museum, Richmond.
Opera in the Garden. Performances from emerging artists, plus a cash bar. FREE, registration encouraged. October 2, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.
“Through Our Teeth” with Pamela N Harris. Three teens investigate a murder, while each tries to hide their own complicated history with the dead girl, in this thought-provoking novel. October 2, 6 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.
“The Battle of Dinwiddie Court House.” One of the last offensive actions by the Army of Northern Virginia, on March 31, 1865, the Battle of Dinwiddie Court House resulted in a Confederate victory but set the stage for a Southern defeat at the Battle of Five Forks. October 2, 7 p.m., at Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, Petersburg.
Chatham County Line. Presenting a genre-bending live show, a blend of bluegrass, folk, country, and rock and roll. October 2, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Friday, October 3
Friday at the Museum. See and hear the stories of the people, places, and events that have shaped Henrico County. The Meadow Farm house, built in phases from 1820 to 1858, is now interpreted as the Sheppard home during the 1860s. Oct. 3, noon to 4 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum, Glen Allen.
RVA First Fridays. Stroll the art galleries along and around Broad Street, plus restaurants, shops, and other organizations, for live music, art, special events, tastings, and more. First Friday Art Trolley this week, dubbed Rhythm and Ride, sponsored by Elegba Folklore Society. Oct. 3, times vary at the venues around downtown Richmond.
Manchester Manifest. A First Friday Southside block party. Oct. 3, 5 p.m. to midnight, Richmond.
Museum District Art Walk. A curated collection of Richmond creatives and makers and food and beverage purveyors – exhibited on porches, patios, and yards. Oct. 3, 4 to 8 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture and surrounding neighborhood, Richmond.
The Carnival of 5 Fires. See Boomer’s top picks.
First Friday at the VMHC. Free museum admission, family-friendly activities, live music, food trucks. FREE. Sept. 6, 5 to 8 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Richmond.
Adult Night Hike. Ever wonder who stays awake while you sleep? Meet some of Maymont’s nighttime residents and learn about their nocturnal adaptations. 21+. Oct. 3, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Maymont, Richmond.
Virginia Opera Variations Series. Presenting “One Hour – Three Acts – #NoFilter,” three funny short operas exploring the untangling of modern relationships: “Service Provider,” a satire on our tech-obsessed culture set during a couple’s chaotic anniversary dinner; “The Whole Truth,” a witty tale of love, lies, and tangled truths portraying one woman’s inner desires and opposing social façade; and “Cinderella 99,” a pandemic-era family comedy of secrets that come out when a family ends up again under one roof. Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m., at Gottwald Playhouse, Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
The New Romance – The Ultimate ’80s Prom. A high-energy show, like a mix tape of ’80s music coming to life. Oct. 3, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
65th Armenian Food Festival. See Boomer’s top picks.
Vampire Weekend. Dacre Stoker, international author and great-grandnephew of Dracula’s Bram Stoker, comes to Richmond for three events, including a free creepy authors’ panel, a “Hunting Vampires” walking tour, and a workshop of discovery into Bram Stoker’s life. Oct. 3 and 4 at various venues in Richmond.
Blues, Blues and a Little More Blues. A musical revue featuring songs that are fun and meaningful and will have you tapping your toes to the beat of the blues. Oct 3 to 5, and Oct. 10 to 12, at Henrico Theatre, Henrico.
“Trendkill.” An absurdist dark comedy that follows Charlie as he grapples with the birth of his unplanned child in a surreal and dystopian America. Oct. 3 to 5 at Shafer Street Playhouse, Richmond.
Saturday, October 4
Military Makers Market. Showcasing items crafted by veterans and active-duty military families, from patriotic pieces to creative treasures. Oct. 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Virginia War Memorial, Richmond.
Dachtoberfest. A dachshund-themed event featuring dog racing, costume contests, raffles, vendors, beer and food trucks, speakers, agility demonstrations, and more. All dogs welcome. Oct. 4, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Richmond Raceway Complex, Richmond.
US American Revolution at Castlewood – “Valley Forge of the South.” The land at Castlewood was a Continental Army barracks in 1780 and 1781. As the hub for Virginia recruits, over 1,000 soldiers passed through before heading off to fight. The program includes the unveiling of historic signs, 18th-century living history, fife and drum music, reenactors, and an exhibit on the history of the barracks. FREE. Oct. 4, 10 a.m. to noon, at Castlewood, Chesterfield.
Family Treasures, Hidden Values. Take your family heirlooms or antiques to learn current value and care, with one-on-one consultation per item with professionals. Registration required. Oct. 4, 10 to 4 p.m., at Maymont, Richmond.
Powhatan Festival of the Grapes. See Boomer’s top picks.
Thrillers with Teeth: Page-Turners with Purpose. The panel discussion features authors known for purposeful prose: KT Nguyen’s culturally layered storytelling; Katharine Schellman’s fierce, justice-driven historical heroines; LynDee Walker’s fast-paced, journalistically savvy thrillers; I.S. Berry’s psychologically astute, morally complex spy fiction; and moderator John Copenhaver’s queer, noir-tinged historical mysteries. Oct. 4, 1 p.m., at Book People, Henrico.
A Poe Graveyard Tour. Tour the graveyard at St. John’s focusing on the life and work of Edgar Allan Poe, with stories about Poe’s mother and employer, both buried here, plus details from Poe’s life and other cemetery residents. The guide will also deliver recitations from some of Poe’s greatest poems. Oct. 4, 2 to 3 p.m., at Historic St. John’s Church, Richmond.
Richmond Renaissance: Lute and Guitar. Tudorcon hosts lutenist Ronn McFarlane and guitarist Andrew McEvoy performing ancient and modern music. Oct. 4, 8 p.m., at Agecroft Hall and Gardens, Richmond.
Gunhild Carling – Sweden’s Queen of Swing. The Swedish musical sensation sings swinging jazz standards, plays 11 instruments, juggles and tap dances, and plays three trumpets at once. Oct. 4, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Lucy Kaplansky. Shady Grove Coffeehouse presents the folk singer who brings heartfelt storytelling, clear vocals, and intimate, often reflective lyrics. Her songs mix personal themes with social commentary, carried by warm acoustic arrangements and a singer-songwriter sensibility. Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m., at Unitarian Universalist Community Church, Glen Allen.
Conrad M. Hall Symposium for Virginia History. Full day of 16 panels with 50 experts that highlight groundbreaking research into Virginia history, highlighting the theme of “revolution,” with a special keynote lecture. Oct. 4, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
2nd Street Festival. In its 37th year of celebrating rich local culture: abundant live music on multiple stages, walking tours, artist and food vendors, and more. Oct. 4 to 5, historic Jackson Ward, Richmond.
Archives Month at the Library of Virginia. Special events celebrating archival materials at the library, including tours, archivist talks, workshops, online webinars such as caring for old photographs, and more.
“The Power of Poison.” See Boomer’s top picks.
Sunday, October 5
Ronald Crutcher, Cello. The 10th president of the University of Richmond performs works by Beethoven, Eccles, Debussy, and Rachmaninoff, followed by an interview with Melody Barnes about his thematic memoir, “I Had No Idea You Were Black: Navigating Race on the Road to Leadership,” and his upcoming book, “America’s Achilles Heel: Inequity in Education as a Threat to American Democracy.” FREE. Oct. 5, 3 to 4:30 p.m., at Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond.
Music in the Park. Ben White, indie singer-songwriter, performs on the lawn by the old Stone House in one of Richmond’s legendary parks. Take blankets, lawn chairs, and a picnic, and take in music and fresh air. FREE. Oct. 5, 3 to 5 p.m., at Forest Hill Park, Richmond.
The Kingston Trio. Timeless music from three members who have links to and experience with the original group, recalling the iconic trio’s performances and their journey in folk music. Oct. 5, 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Monday, October 6
Lights, Camera, Purpose: Two Richmond-Made Emmy Award-Winning Documentaries. Belltower Pictures presents a two-night documentary screening series. Includes previews of upcoming documentaries, one-hour film screening and a 15-minute Q&A with the filmmakers and producers. Oct. 6, “Anahita,” and Nov. 10, “HEARD,” 6 p.m. (VIP) and 6:45 (GA), at the Byrd Theatre Richmond.
Marching Band Exhibition. See Boomer’s top picks.
Active Aging Week. Workshops, activities and events, including Active Aging Walk & Fitness Forum, home safety and fall prevention, job readiness, an intergenerational event, health and fitness expo, and more. FREE, for adults 50 and over. Oct. 6 to 12 at various venues in Henrico.
Tuesday, October 7
“Historic Homes of Virginia” Documentary Film Series. Virginia’s history lives in its homes, which hold craftsmanship, resilience, and stories. From grand estates to colonial townhouses, these buildings are living history. This series of short documentaries highlights these homes by uncovering their past, their preservation, and the people dedicated to keeping their stories alive. FREE, registration required. Oct. 7, from noon to 1 p.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.
“Widow’s Point” with Richard Chizmar & WH Chizmar. The father-son writing duo presents a cursed lighthouse. Oct. 7, 6 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.
Wednesday, October 8
StART: Paint and Sip. A morning of guided creativity and fellowship while creating a painting. Ages 50+. Oct. 8, 10 to 11:30 a.m., at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, Henrico.
George Washington and Slavery. George Washington was the only founder to present a plan to free his enslaved workers, but he lived with slavery and off slavery throughout his life. In this unflinching, fair, and balanced assessment of Washington and slavery, history professor Peter Henriques examines the dilemma that Washington and the nation faced and what his actions, or lack of actions, reveal about the man and the country. Oct. 8, noon to 1 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Virtual Talk: “Nationalism & Cosmopolitanism in the Creation of Richmond’s Confederate Monuments.” After the Civil War, in the effort to reverse the equalizing effects of Reconstruction, white Southerners set about reasserting the prominence of the South as a nation. They created monuments and other art honoring prominent figures from the Confederacy. Shaefer’s talk draws on his research in the Library of Virginia’s holdings. FREE, registration required. Oct. 8, noon to 1 p.m., online.
The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes with Chanel Cleeton. The author discusses her mysterious book with a legacy spanning from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day, uniting three women and their secrets. Oct. 8, 6 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.
Tell-Tale Talks: “One Man Poe.” Actor Stephen Smith has been hailed by critics across the UK as “the quintessential stage adaptation” of Edgar Allan Poe’s stories. Oct. 8, 6 to 8:30 p.m., at the Poe Museum, Richmond.
VCU Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Works by Joseph Wilcox Jenkins, Viet Cuong, Valerie Coleman, and John Philip Sousa. Oct. 8, 7 p.m., at Sonia Flahcevic Concert Hall, VCU, Richmond.
Thursday, October 9
History at the Memorial: Ensuring Fair and Secure Elections, with John O’Bannon. The chair of the Virginia State Board of Elections shares insights into the rules and procedures that help ensure fair, open, and secure elections in the commonwealth. FREE. Oct. 9, noon, at the Virginia War Memorial, Richmond.
Controversy/History | Common Good(s): Richmond’s Fraying Social Safety Net.Exploring the current landscape of public health and social services, including the transformative impact of harm reduction approaches to mental illness and addiction. FREE. Oct. 9, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.
Becoming Citizens. In this six–session course, museum staff prepare students to successfully complete the U.S. citizenship test, with civics and history lessons along with chances to interact with original historical objects, maps, books, and documents. Oct. 9, 6:30 p.m., at Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Lil Mo Mozzarella. The comedian leans into high-energy comedy, with quick, punchy sketches and catchphrases, including food humor, in a character-driven persona. Oct. 9, 7 p.m., at Funny Bone, Richmond.
Live from Laurel Canyon. Presenting “Songs and Stories of American Folk Rock” for an evening of live music and narrated stories of some of the most influential songwriters who lived in Laurel Canyon in the mid 1960s and ’70s. Oct. 9, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Willie Williams Band: Live at The Perk. Homegrown vocals drenched in Carolina twang and Memphis soul, blues and bluegrass-influenced guitar, plus showmanship and storytelling. Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.
Road Trips
Northern Neck 250 and slow critters
Northern Neck Discovery Symposium: We the People. Experts present topics including “Learning to Deal with Dissent: The New Nation in Crisis, 1798-1799,” a panel discussion on “Historic Spaces in Public Places,” and “Interpreting New Findings at Stratford Hall, Menokin, and Fones Cliffs.” Oct. 3 and 4 at Stratford Hall, Stratford.
Survival of the Slowest. Learn about the unexpected advantages of being slow and small. This exhibit features live animals that display these effective adaptations, such as a sloth, tortoises, hedgehogs, a tarantula, and more. Guests can meet and interact with some of these species and experience expert-led programs. Oct. 5 to Jan. 4, 2026, at the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach.
TIP Arena World Polo Championship. The championships come to the U.S. for the first time, bringing together elite teams from across the globe to compete. Oct. 5 to 12 at Roseland Farm at King Family Vineyards, Crozet.
News to Know
Improved accessibility on the Library website
Library of Virginia Website Upgrades to Enhance Accessibility. Online visitors are now able to access a wide range of accessibility and language support tools to customize their digital experience using Recite Me, a cloud-based assistive technology. To explore the accessibility support tool, visit the Library of Virginia website and click the blue universal access symbol launch button on the lower left of the screen.
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.
