More What’s Booming RVA: Feb. 19 to 26

Concerts galore, serial killer gore, books and lore, pets to adore, and so much more! What’s Booming, February 19 to 26, 2026.

Explore:

• Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
• February 19 to 26 and a road trip – below,
• Our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.

February 19 to 26, 2026

What’s happening in and around the Richmond region

Thursday, February 19

National African American Read-In. See and hear notable figures from the greater Richmond community deliver prose and poetry readings throughout the galleries. This powerful display of storytelling pairs evocative and powerful works by African American artists and authors. Feb. 19, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.

A Conversation with Coretta Scott King. Experience a powerful historical interpretation honoring Coretta Scott King, renowned author, singer, and civil rights leader. FREE, registration required. Feb. 19, 6:30 p.m., at LaPrade Library, North Chesterfield.

“The Invincible Twelfth” with Benjamin Cwayna. Join the American Civil War Museum for a virtual talk on the bold, costly legacy of the 12th South Carolina Infantry. The Infantry took part in nearly every major engagement of the war in the Eastern Theater. It became known for its drill and discipline and its impetuous, devastating, and sometimes reckless attacks and counterattacks. Feb 19, 6:30 p.m., online.

Danielle Wiebe-Burke Faculty Viola Recital. Mexican-Canadian violist Wiebe-Burke is an internationally recognized performer and educator. Feb. 19, 7 p.m., at Singleton Center, Richmond.

The Dave Matthews Tribute Band – Tomorrow We Die Tour. A time machine to the ’90s, an era of tape trading, sing-alongs, and exploration into a new sonic landscape spearheaded by complex guitar riffs, soaring violin melodies, smooth sax lines, and explorative drumming. Feb. 19, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Serial Killer Speakeasy. Delve into the dark histories of Bundy, Dahmer, Gacy, and Gein, four infamous stories paired with crafted cocktails inspired by each chilling tale, served in atmospheric settings. Feb. 19 to 21 at Hanover Tavern, Hanover Courthouse.

Friday, February 20

“North of the Grove” Book Chat. Join author William Ashanti Hobbs. In this modern epistolary novel, a reluctant father-to-be is assigned to mentor and ultimately save the life of 9-year-old David Troy. Can he outrun his own trauma and selfishness to learn what David and his mother have to teach him? FREE, registration required. Feb. 20, 6 p.m., at Resist Booksellers, Petersburg.

Let’s Groove Tonight. See Boomer’s top picks.

History Blooms. 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 throughout the weekend. Feb. 20 at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond. Highlights include:

• David Pippin: A Revolutionary Design – 9:30 a.m.
• Leslie Harris: Stewardship and Your Garden: A Quiet Revolution – 2 p.m.
• Peter J. Hatch: Thomas Jefferson’s Revolutionary Garden – 2 p.m.

Saturday, February 21

Living History Museum at the BHMVA. An interactive showcase with community youth dressing as historical Black figures to provide education to visitors. Feb. 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Black History Museum, Richmond.

Black-Owned Vendor Market. Vendors, live music, dance demonstrations, and activities. FREE. Feb. 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Beulah Recreation Center, North Chesterfield.

Pet Expo. Dogs and their humans can browse exhibitors of products and services and play at the lure course. Plus puppy races, contests, demonstrations, adoptable dogs, live music, and more. Supporting the Henrico Human Society. Feb. 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Richmond Raceway Complex, Richmond.

Psychological Thrillers. Authors LynDee Walker and Christina Kovac  discuss the genre of psychological thrillers as well as their own works. Feb. 21, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Book People,  Henrico.

Convergence: Dance, Drum, Food, Culture. Master classes on rooted and fiery African dance and drumming, followed by a dinner of African food and meaningful conversation in this 100th Black History Month. Feb. 21, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, Richmond.

Culturescape Saturdays: Black History Month Celebration. A new series exploring the intersections of art, culture, history, and community across Virginia. The first in the series honors Black artists and storytellers, with a pop-up exhibition highlighting local Black artists, a genealogical presentation, resource sharing, and more. FREE. Feb. 21, noon to 3 p.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.

Richmond Beer Fest. See Boomer’s top picks.

Dead People’s Stuff Vintage Market. Vendors present a range of vintage goods. Feb. 21 and 22 at Triple Crossing Beer – Fulton, Richmond.

The Wildcat: Sparring in the Jim Crow South. Learn the ropes of boxing in the Jim Crow South with the story of a Jackson Ward native, the “Pride of 2nd Street,” in the early 20th century, plus the colonial roots of the sport. Feb. 21, 2 to 3 p.m., at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, Henrico.

First Impressions. The Chamber Music Society of Central Virginia showcases the first string quartets of composers like Haydn and Mozart and Richmond’s Riley Peters. FREE. Feb. 21, 2 p.m., at Richmond Main Public Library, Richmond.

A Tribute to Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops. The Richmond Symphony presents beloved works like the “1812 Overture,” selections from “The Sound of Music,” and more. Feb. 21, 3 p.m., at Carpenter Theatre, Richmond.

Kadencia! Using bomba, plena, and salsa to promote Puerto Rican culture. Pay what you can. Feb. 21, 2026, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.

The Honey Dewdrops. Shady Grove Coffeehouse presents the Americana-roots and Appalachian folk duo. The two musicians felt the push-and-pull between their roots in the Appalachian Mountains and their home in urban Baltimore before relocating to Staunton. You’ll hear it in their harmony-soaked songs, the mastery of their instruments’ acoustic tones, and in their songs, which reflect the hard realities of today. Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m., at Unitarian Universalist Community Church, Glen Allen.

The Dinner Detective Comedy Mystery Dinner Show. Solve an amusing mystery while eating dinner – and while knowing the culprit is somewhere among fellow diners. Feb. 21, 6 to 9 p.m., at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Richmond.

Richmond Environmental Film Festival. See Boomer’s top picks.

Sunday, February 22

Strangeways Self Care Sunday Market. Browse local artists and makers offering handmade home décor, art, jewelry, woodworking, handmade apparel, and more. Feb. 22, noon to 5 p.m., at Strangeways in Scott’s Addition, Richmond.

Locks and Love: Hair Jewelry. How do you remember friends and family that have moved away or died? If you lived long ago, you may have kept a lock of their hair, perhaps weaving it into rings, necklaces, wreaths, and other objects. Discover the art and history of hair jewelry. Feb. 22, 2 p.m., at Dorey Park, Henrico.

Carnival of the Animals. A musical menagerie comes to life in this whimsical family-friendly program featuring Camille Saint-Saëns’ “The Carnival of the Animals.” Packed with humor, imagination, and vivid musical storytelling. Feb. 22, 3 p.m., at Carpenter Theatre, Richmond.

Beethoven: Upstart Genius. By the age of 30, Beethoven had captured the attention of Viennese audiences with his charismatic piano playing and provocative compositions. CMSCVA highlights the legendary composer’s first quartets. Feb. 22, 4 p.m., at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, Richmond.

ROCK to End Alzheimer’s. Three local bands – Funhouse, Dead Letter Officers, and Naughty Little Monkey – team up for this fundraiser for research on Alzheimer’s and dementia. Feb. 22, 4 p.m., at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Richmond.

Tuesday, February 24

Virginia War Memorial – 75 Years, A Living Tribute to Their Sacrifice. See Boomer’s top picks.

“Landscapes of Freedom: Restoring the History of Emancipation and Citizenship in Yorktown, Virginia, 1861–1940.” Author Rebecca Capobianco Toy tells of freedpeople during the Civil War era, acts of wartime emancipation, and self-governing enclaves. She traces the effect of Reconstruction policy and its rollback, its effects on the lives of Black citizens, and more. Feb. 24, noon, livestreamed and in person at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

Joseph Jenkins Roberts: From Petersburg to the Presidency of Liberia. A former U.S. diplomat to Liberia, Joel Maybury, examines Petersburg’s Joseph Jenkins Roberts and other Virginians instrumental to establishing the Republic of Liberia. FREE. Feb. 24, 6 to 7:45 p.m., at Petersburg Public Library, Petersburg.

Matt & Caroline’s Curious Quintet. Blending the golden age of swing, New Orleans jazz, and classic American song, re-imagined with fresh energy, the ensemble weaves together Matt’s vibrant horn with Caroline’s expressive voice and otherworldly theremin textures. Feb. 24, 7 p.m., at Révéler Experiences, Richmond.

Wednesday, February 25

Silver Screen Movie – “Claudine.” All tickets and concessions just one dollar. Feb. 25, 10 a.m., at Henrico Theatre, Henrico.

“Hi-Hat Hattie” – Celebrating the legacy of Hattie McDaniel. See Boomer’s top picks.

Thursday, February 26

“Ever Ready to March”: Black Soldiers in the Spanish-American and Philippine-American Wars. The Virginia War Memorial presents a livestream look at the U.S. global war in 1898 in the Caribbean and the South Pacific. The 9th and 10th Cavalry and the 24th and 25th Infantry Regiments consisted primarily of Black soldiers in a segregated military. Their story was recorded at the time in “The Richmond Planet.” FREE, registration required. Feb. 26, 2 p.m., online.

Sons of Cream. The band Cream was one of the first rock supergroups to emerge from the British rhythm and blues movement of the 1960s. They fused their love of the blues with elements of pop, rock, psychedelia, folk, and African rhythms. Now, the family legacy lives on. Feb. 26, doors at 6:30, at Beacon Theatre, Hopewell.

Road Trip

Antiques Galore

78th Annual Antiques Forum: That the Future May Learn From the Past. The program commemorates 250 years of American independence, celebrates 100 years of collecting and bringing history to life at The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and explores past inspiration and future influence through the lens of material culture and the decorative arts. Feb. 19 to 25 at Colonial Williamsburg.

News to Know

Dooley noted

Maymont Mansion Open House & Garden Party. After a two-year preservation project, the Dooley Mansion at Maymont is once again open to visitors! Celebrate with live entertainment, games and craft activities on the lawn, food trucks, vintage cars, historical group vendors, and Charleston dance lessons, plus mansion walk-throughs and guided tours of the main floor of the mansion. FREE. March 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Maymont, Richmond.

Explore future events and ongoing exhibitions and performances here.

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