More What’s Booming RVA: March 5 to 12
Curated events, road trip, and event news in our one-of-a-kind Richmond calendar
Concerts free and paid, theatrical openings, wine, coffee, and whiskey, authors and lectures, a Queen laser show, and so much more! What’s Booming, March 5 to 12, 2026.
Explore:
- Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
- March 5 to 12, event news + a road trip – below,
- Our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
March 5 to 12
What’s happening in and around the Richmond region
Thursday, March 5
Bond Millen Gallery Opening Reception. Featuring “REACH,” works by Jackie Battenfield, Kazaan Viveiros, and Naomi McCavitt. On view through April 18. Reception March 5, 5 to 7 p.m., at Bond Millen Gallery, Richmond.
What Does Liberty Mean to You? A panel discussion featuring three first-generation Chinese Americans. March 5, 6 to 7 p.m., at Historic St. John’s Church, Richmond.
“Uprooted.” The short documentary film explores a Black community’s decades-long battle to retain its land as officials in Newport News established and expanded Christopher Newport University. Followed by discussion. March 5, 6 p.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.
A Night of Magic & Laughter! The Weinstein JCC’s largest fundraising event of the year. Food from executive chef Ari Augenbaum, live music, inspiring stories, and a comedy magic show by Erick Olson. March 5, 6 to 10:30 p.m., at Weinstein JCC, Richmond.
Martha Spencer and the Wonderland Country Band. The singer-songwriter, mountain musician, and dancer from the mountains of Virginia grew up in a musical family and learned to play guitar, fiddle, banjo, bass, dulcimer, and mandolin as well as to flatfoot/clog at a young age. March 5, 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
“Dr. Mary Walker, the Little Lady in Pants.” Dr. Matt Farina discusses a woman who graduated from Syracuse Medical School in 1855, one of few women physicians. When the Civil War broke out, she requested an appointment as an assistant surgeon in the Union Army, but was refused. She volunteered her services instead, and eventually became the only female doctor in the Union Army – and spent nearly five months as a POW at Castle Thunder in Richmond. March 5, 7 p.m., at Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum, Petersburg.
Cory Blake, Guitar. The long-time faculty member at UR presents a concert of varied musical genres, including classical, Celtic, original compositions, and electro acoustic soundscapes. Joined by his wife, flutist Amy Thompson Blake and percussionist and tabla player Kevin Johnson. FREE, registration encouraged. March 5, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Recital Hall, University of Richmond.
Jazz4Justice in Richmond. Desiree Roots performs on this night to raise awareness and funds for legal aid and jazz education. March 5, 7:30 p.m., at the Singleton Center, Richmond.
“Beauty and the Beast.” See Boomer’s top picks.
“Primary Trust.” See Boomer’s top picks.
Richmond Environmental Film Festival. A range of films celebrating the Earth and highlighting concerns such as shrinking habitats, endangered species, pollution and plastics, and more – as well as positive steps toward fixing problems. FREE. Through March 7 at various venues around Richmond.
Virginia Wine Expo 2026. Savor a celebration of great wine and food, including wine, masterclasses and SMOKED, a partnership of whiskey, wine, and smoked cuisine. The signature Walk-Around Grand Tastings highlight 30+ Virginia wineries, 10+ distilleries, international wines and incredible specialty food. Through March 8, at various venues around Richmond.
Friday, March 6
First Fridays. Free museum admission, family-friendly activities, live music, café specials, and more. FREE. Sept. 6, 5 to 8 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Richmond.
“Untitled: The Art of Jaraz Jenkins,” Directed by Paul Lewis. A film featuring the Richmond artist and VCU graduate Jaraz Jenkins, who survived personal tragedy, a life on the street, and jail-time to build a new, creative, and positive future. FREE. March 6, 6:30 p.m., at Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU, Richmond.
Belvedere Series: Owls at Belvedere. The innovative string quartet includes two members from Kronos Quartet, performing form-defying works. March 6, 7:30 p.m., at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Richmond.
“unEarthed.” Fuse Ensemble presents works by a diverse range of living classical composers, with stunning films and visuals by Richmond conceptual photographer, fine artist Sarah Aha. March 7, 7:30 p.m., at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.
Bindlestiff Family Cirkus. Blending classic American circus traditions with a modern twists, through circus feats, comedy, and old-time vaudeville. This high-energy performance celebrates the weird, the wonderful, and the wildly entertaining. All ages. March 6, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.
Richmond Home + Garden Show. Explore home improvement specialists, gardening ideas, more than 250 exhibitors, and multiple celebrities. March 6 to 8 at Richmond Raceway Complex, Richmond.
Kelsey Cook. With a quick wit and sharp observations, the comedian feels like a best friend. She turns her most embarrassing moments into relatable conversation. March 6 and 7 at Funny Bone, Richmond.
Saturday, March 7
Saturday at the Museum. Learn how the Palmore family adapted to the Great Depression, the introduction of electricity to the house, and was still waiting for indoor plumbing. A small exhibit room displays part of the family’s collection of antique sewing and kitchen implements. March 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Clarke-Palmore House, Henrico.
Lake Anna Home Tour. Explore homes and vacation rentals and indulge in bites and sips throughout the tour. March 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., around Lake Anna.
WOW Tour: Women of Woodland. Learn about influential women buried at Woodland Cemetery: revolutionary members of the local medical field, Zenobia Gilpin and Elizabeth Gaiters, community helper Elnora Branch, and educator Florence Ragland. March 7, 11 a.m., at Woodland Cemetery, Richmond.
“A Ghastly Catastrophe” with Deanna Raybourn. The author chats about the latest Veronia Speedwell mystery. March 7, 1 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.
From the Wonderland to the Hippodrome. From the 1880s through the 1930s, Richmond welcomed African American entertainers. Hear of the intersecting stories of Amanda Thorp, the designer of the Hippodrome Theater, and Sherman Dudley, a famous comedian and founder of the Dudley Circuit, and how they shaped Richmond’s lively era of entertainment. March 7, 2 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.
Book Talk with Bert Dunkerly. The author presents his book, “An Explorer’s Guide to America’s Revolutionary War,” about wartime towns, battlefields, and landmarks, and people. March 7, 6 to 8 p.m., at Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown, Beaverdam.
Brahms and Dvořák. Brahms’ fourth and final symphony, Neal Cary on the impassioned Cello Concerto, a new work, and more. March 7, 7:30 p.m., and March 8, 3 p.m., at Carpenter Theatre, Richmond.
Richmond Coffee Festival. See Boomer’s top picks.
Sunday, March 8
Remember to set your clocks forward!
Mobile Soul Sunday. Culture, cuisine, and community: food vendors, musicians, DJs, and live entertainment and artists. March 8 at Monroe Park, Richmond.
Trail Ride Line Dancing Class. Learn about the history of Trail Ride groups and their Black cultural roots, then learn to dance this blend of soul, R&B, and country. FREE. March 8, 1 to 2 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.
Hello Hopewell. See Boomer’s top picks.
Early Spring Concert. Presented by the Richmond Concert Band FREE. March 8, 4 p.m., at Hermitage High School, Henrico.
The American Dream. Richmond Philharmonic Orchestra celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary, with Williams’s “Liberty Fanfare,” Steffe’s “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and more. FREE. March 8, 4 p.m., at St. Christopher’s School Arts Center, Richmond.
The Irish Tenors. Breathing new life into traditional songs. March 8, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Monday, March 9
“Born Yesterday.” A 1950s Academy Award Best Picture Nominee, as part of the 1950s Monthly Movie Series. All tickets just 75 cents. March 9, 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Tuesday, March 10
A Tale of Two Spies. Rose O’Neal Greenhow of Washington, D.C., and Elizabeth Van Lew of Richmond used their position in society to conduct clandestine activities behind enemy lines during the American Civil War. Presenting a comparative biography exploring their wartime successes and failures. March 10, 10 a.m. to noon, at Varina Area Library, Henrico.
Live Music with Liz Nance and Russell Lawson. The Richmond duo performs popular classic songs, including pop, country, bluegrass, Irish and American folk, oldies, light rock, and jazz. Guitar and mandolin accompany vocals and harmonies. Box lunches afterward. Reservations requested. March 10, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Reveille United Methodist Church, Richmond.
Wednesday, March 11
Senior Science: Mosaic Coasters. Head to The Forge makerspace to create a pair of mosaic coasters from ceramic tile and wood. Ages 60+. March 11, 4 p.m., at the Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond.
River City Sing: Songs for Blooming. A community song circle, surrounded by nature. No musical experience necessary. March 11, 6:30 p.m., at Living Water Community Center, Richmond.
Glen Phillips – Winter 2026. During almost 40 years with Toad the Wet Sprocket, Phillips helped create the band’s folk/pop sound with honest, introspective lyrics. He has released solo albums and collaborated on projects ranging from Mutual Admiration Society (with members of Nickel Creek) to the experimental Remote Tree Children. March 11, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
“Out the Mud.” See Boomer’s top picks.
Thursday, March 12
“A Promise Delivered: Ten American Heroes and the Battle to Rename Our Nation’s Military Bases.” The commission tasked with renaming nine prominent army bases in 2020 combed through years of American history, heard from tens of thousands of Americans, and ultimately chose 10 Americans whose heroics reflect the collective best America. The book looks at the process and why these men and women represent our country and how their lives help America aspire toward a better future .March 12, noon, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Controversy/History: The Next Stop for Public Transit. Hear from experts and share your perspective on topics that matter to Richmonders, this year highlighting the theme of “Common Good(s).” FREE. March 12, 6 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.
History Notes: The World in Our Commonwealth. Learn about rare VMHC collection items then hear musical selections created by immigrant composers, played by a Richmond Symphony chamber ensemble. The works reflect the dynamic journeys and cultural intersections of how immigrants and global influences have shaped Virginia and American identity. March 12, 6 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Laser Show: Queen. The music and lasers will rock you. March 12, 6:30 and 8:15 p.m., at The Dome, the Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond.
“Once We Pledged Forever.” Marine Ivan Ingraham discusses his 2025 novel, based on actual events during and after his 24-year career. It’s a military adventure tale of betrayal and revenge, the ethical uncertainties of war, and the lifelong consequences of military actions. FREE, registration requested. March 12, 7 p.m., at Hanover Tavern, Richmond.
“The Play’s the Thing: Much Ado About Nothing Prepared.” This Bardalicious workshop shows how to create your own Shakespearean character through language and movement. Fully adaptable to various mobility needs and preferences. March 12, 7 to 9 p.m., at Agecroft, Richmond.
Sue Foley. Shady Grove Coffeehouse partners with the Cultural Arts Center to present the award-winning blues guitarist as she offers her “One Guitar Woman,” her solo acoustic tribute to female pioneers of guitar. Foley covers these artists’ songs and absorbs their style and soul. March 12, 7 p.m., at Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen.
Los Straitjackets & Deke Dickerson – Rockin’ Dance Party. Guitar instrumentalists, using the music of the Ventures, The Shadows, Link Wray, and Dick Dale as their starting points. March 12, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Road Trip
Opera paired with history
Opera in Williamsburg: Thomas Jefferson, Life and Liberty (Frazier). From Todd Frazier’s Jefferson oratorio, adapted for soprano, tenor, actor, violin, chorus ensemble, and piano. With Renee Fleming as the soprano soloist. March 7, 2 p.m., at the Music Center of the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg.
News & Announcements
Falcon cam, community read, Cap2Cap
Richmond Falcon Cam. Watch the city’s nesting pair – count the eggs, see the chicks hatch, and watch them take off! Ongoing till the chicks fledge.
Walter Mosley for All Henrico Reads. The bestselling author of “Gray Dawn” and other Easy Rawlins mysteries, including “Devil in a Blue Dress” (produced in film, starring Denzel Washington), and more, is the feature artist for the annual event from Henrico Library. The community is invited to read the book, discuss it in library book groups (see webpage for dates and libraries), and come to the FREE event with the author: March 26, 7 p.m., at Henrico Sports & Event Center, Glen Allen.
Cap2Cap Bike Ride. Celebrating 21 years of cycling adventures and community. Two days of group rides and races, from a family fun ride to a full century and a two-day challenge with up to 200 miles – and course support along the way, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.. May 8 and 9 along the Virginia Capital Trail, Richmond to Jamestown.
Explore future events and ongoing exhibitions and performances here.
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