More What’s Booming RVA: Jan. 22 to 29
Curated events, road trips, and event news in our one-of-a-kind Richmond calendar
Movies, music, inspirational education, boats and antiques, American Impressionist women artists road trip, and more. What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, January 22 to 29, 2026.
Explore:
- Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
- January 22 to 29 – below,
- Event news + a road trip – way below, and
- Our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
January 22 to 29, 2026
What’s happening in and around the Richmond region
Thursday, January 22
MLK Week Keynote Celebration. Conversations with community leaders, connection opportunities, art, music, food, and more. FREE, registration required, and non-perishable food items and coat donations welcome. January 22, 5 to 8 p.m., at the Institute for Contemporary Art, Richmond.
“After the Fire: Richmond in Defeat.” Dr. Nelson Lankford discusses Richmond’s rebirth after the 1865 fire, in a compelling look at a city reshaped by war. January 22, 6 p.m., at the American Civil War Museum, Richmond.
Laser Show: Led Zeppelin. See Boomer’s top picks.
“Back to the Future: The Musical.” A sensory-filled live experience based on the 1985 movie. Teenaged Marty McFly is accidentally transported back to 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his friend, Doc. Before he can return to 1985, Marty must make sure his high school-aged parents fall in love in order to save his own existence. Through January 25 at Altria Theater, Richmond.
“Gabriel: The True Story You Were Never Told.” See Boomer’s top picks.
Friday, January 23
Ephrat Asherie Dance with Arturo O’Farrill, “Shadow Cities.” Exhilarating choreography that remixes and reconnects various street and club dance styles blended with music featuring O’Farrill’s trademark Latin jazz sound. “Shadow Cities” explores what it means to be and to feel in-between. Jan. 23, 7:30 to 9 p.m., at Alice Jepson Theatre, University of Richmond.
Geno Marriott & The Spirit of Jazz. The contemporary smooth jazz and R&B group presents an energetic show combined with tight musical presentation and crowd interaction. Jan. 23, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Mike Epps. Raw, high-energy stand-up rooted in sharp storytelling, street-smart observations, and fearless honesty about relationships, family, and everyday struggles. Jan. 23 to 25 at Funny Bone, Richmond.
Richmond Boat Show. See Boomer’s top picks.
CHECK WEBSITES FOR WEATHER-RELATED CHANGES
Saturday, January 24
Just Fine – The Ultimate Mary J. Blige Tribute Band. The seven-piece band’s groove and sound provide amazing throwback memories and more recent feel good vibes from this musical icon. Jan. 24, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Sunday, January 25
Spilling the Tea on Colonial Tea. Why did the British and their colonies become tea drinkers? How was colonial tea service different from Victorian? See the types of tea available to colonists, including substitutes used during the boycott, and a demonstration of how tea was prepared. All ages. Jan. 25, 2 to 3:30 p.m., at Belmont Recreation Center, Henrico.
Tuesday, January 27
Hard Light Cinema at UR: “La Strada.” The 1954 Italian poetic neorealist drama by Federico Fellini follows a naïve young woman sold to a brutal strongman and carried along the dusty roads of postwar Italy. Giulietta Masina’s performance turns suffering into grace, as circus life, loneliness, and faith collide in one of Fellini’s most moving masterpieces. Jan. 27, 7 to 10 p.m., at Jepson Hall, University of Richmond.
Wednesday, January 28
Silver Screen Movie – “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.” The classic 2011 movie starring Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, and other veterans actors in a tale that inspires the process of aging and relationships. Jan. 28, 10 a.m., at Henrico Theatre, Henrico.
Candi Jenkins. The singer-songwriter from Fayette County, Kentucky, is making her mark in the country music scene. Kin to Conway Twitty, and her music emanates an authenticity that reflects the heart of the Bluegrass State. Jan. 28, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Thursday, January 29
Landscape Urbanism. A look at designing environments for the public good, highlighting projects from around the world and in Richmond, including the East Green project at the SMV. Jan. 29, 8 a.m., at the Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond.
Reimagining Gender: Esotericism, the Medieval Imagination, and the Proliferation of Identity. Presented by C. Libby, assistant professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Penn State University and author of “Engendering Feeling: Religious Affect, Transphobia, and Historicity.” Jan. 29, 4:30 to 6 p.m., at Humanities Commons, University of Richmond.
River in Winter: Atlantic Sturgeon. Matt Balazik of VCU presents the history of the Atlantic sturgeon in the James River and their return after years of decline, plus ongoing research. Jan. 29, 6 to 8 p.m., at Reedy Creek Nature Center, Richmond.
“The Gray House” Premiere Screening and Talk-Back. See Boomer’s top picks.
“From Poland with Love (and Detours).” Magdalena Adamek Faculty Recital presents pianist Dr. Magdalena Adamek, celebrating the richness and range of Polish piano music, with young guest artists. Exploring tradition and experimentation, featuring works by Chopin, Bacewicz, Szymanowski, Zarębski, and others. Jan. 29, 7 p.m., at Singleton Center, Richmond.
Ari Shapiro: Thank You For Listening. Known widely as an NPR journalist, Shapiro is becoming one of America’s beloved storytellers. His new cabaret solo show is hilarious and moving, adapting tales from his best-selling memoir, “The Best Strangers In the World,” into an evening of stories and songs about the power of listening to forge connections. Jan. 29, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Road Trips
Women, wine, and wildlife
“Abstract Expressionists: The Women.” Celebrating the vital and historically undervalued contributions of women to the first internationally renowned artistic movement born in the U.S. The exhibition covers four thematic sections: “The New York School,” “San Francisco Early Years,” “A Tale of Two Cities: New York and Paris,” and “Vocal Girls and Beyond.” Jan. 23 to April 26 at the Muscarelle Museum of Art, Williamsburg.
The Wool Factory Wine Festival. A celebration of Virginia’s small-batch wine and cider projects, with more than 35 wines and ciders. Jan. 24, 1 to 4 p.m., at The Wool Factory, Charlottesville.
Winter Wildlife Festival. Nature walks, birding tours, photography sessions, wildlife workshops, speakers, exhibits, and vendors. Jan. 24 to Feb. 1 at the Princess Anne Recreation Center, Virginia Beach.
News to Know
Science fun, plants as therapy, history blooms, John Legend
SMV Winter Programs. Science events for all ages. Adults can tickle their senses with lasers and Led Zeppelin (Jan. 22) and Prince (Feb. 12). They can learn about Landscape Urbanism at Sunrise Science (Jan. 29, FREE) and Senior Science Dome Night (Feb. 10). Or they’ll pair sensory fun with education at Science on Tap’s neon adventure (Feb. 7). At the Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond.
Growing Wellness: Plants, People and a Thriving Planet. Explore how gardens – from intimate personal spaces to expansive public landscapes – can heal individuals, strengthen communities, and support a healthier planet. Feb. 11 to 13 at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.
History Blooms Returns. A hands-on workshop, luncheon, presentations, and the Garden Club of Virginia’s Flower Arranging School, focused on Virginia history, gardening, and landscape preservation. Floral displays on view throughout the museum and center on the theme of Revolutionary Gardens. Feb. 20 to 22 at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
An Evening with John Legend: A Night of Songs & Stories. From recording studios to Broadway stages, from film sets to television screens, the American singer, songwriter, pianist, and record producer has proven himself a creative force who transcends boundaries. Tickets go on sale to the public on Jan. 23 at 10 a.m. Performance on April 8, 7:30 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Explore future events and ongoing exhibitions and performances here.
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