What’s Booming RVA: Old News and New Year

By Annie Tobey | December 23rd, 2025

Boomer’s top picks for the week ahead


An old image of a New Year's Eve party at a jazz club. Old news and new year. From Everett Collection Inc.

Dig into history, honor Kwanzaa, and celebrate the changing of the calendar. In Boomer’s top five picks – What’s Booming RVA: Old News and New Year.

Published early so Boomer staff can enjoy the holiday break. 


Richmond & the Republic: Court End Neighborhood Walking Tour

Commemorate #VA250 with Richmond’s Federal-era history. In the years following the American Revolution, Court End became an affluent area where power players gathered near the new Virginia State Capitol. Learn about Richmond’s early churches, the origins of the Medical College of Virginia, and the legacies of urban slavery.

Dec. 26 to 28, meeting at The Valentine, Richmond.

TheValentine.org 

Capital City Kwanzaa Festival

Celebrate the season with the Elegba Folklore Society at one of the East Coast’s largest annual Kwanzaa celebrations. Enjoy a rich cultural experience featuring a traditional ceremony, live performances, workshops, activities for children, and an African market.

Dec. 27, 1 to 7 p.m., at Greater Richmond Convention Center, Richmond.

EFSinc.org 

VMHC Used Book Sale

Bring your gently used hardcover and softcover fiction and nonfiction books to the museum store daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Dec. 28. Books should be in good condition and have a historical theme.⁠

Sale: Dec. 30 to Jan. 11 at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

VirginiaHistory.org 

Smooth Jazz New Year’s Eve Party

A convivial atmosphere with smooth jazz, drinks, and hors d’oeuvres with Richmond folk music at Congregation Or Ami’s popular NYE Party. This event is ideal for those who want to celebrate but wish to be home by midnight. A Richmond tradition since 2011.

Dec. 31, 7:30 to 10 p.m., at Congregation Or Ami, Richmond.

RichmondFolkMusic.com

New Year’s Eve Featuring The Jangling Reinharts

Celebrate New Year’s with the Richmond-based roots-rock band presenting covers from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s.

Dec. 31, 8:30 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond

TinPanRVA.com 

Check websites for more details, including prices and registration requirements.


More of What’s Booming in Richmond besides Old News and New Year

More fun to fill your plate

And more to throw on your calendar:

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