More What’s Booming RVA: April 2 to 9
Curated events, road trips, and event news in our one-of-a-kind Richmond calendar
Spring into spring in Richmond with Easter events, concerts, a beautiful evening for First Fridays, a new season at a new stadium for the Flying Squirrels, and more. In What’s Booming, April 2 to 9, 2026.
Explore:
- Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
- April 2 to 9 and two road trips, below
- Our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
April 2 to 9, 2026
What’s happening in and around the Richmond region
Thursday, April 2
Community PechaKucha. Rapid-Fire Artist Talks from VisArts staff, teachers, and residents. Come at 5:30 for snacks and mingling, presentations at 6, then open studio time and information on the artists-in-residence program. FREE, RSVP recommended. April 2, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at VisArts, Richmond.
Controversy/History. In Common Good(s): The Forecast for Public Arts and Media, experts discuss the landscape of public, independent, and community-supported arts organizations in Richmond. Audience questions and comments encouraged. FREE, registration suggested. April 2, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.
VA Rep for All: “Primary Trust.” Virginia Repertory Theatre bring the Pulitzer Prize-winning play to the community. Kenneth, a man whose world is defined by routine, is faced with the loss of his job and the familiar structure of his life and forced to confront a new reality. FREE, reservations recommended. April 2, 7 p.m., and April 3, 2 p.m., at Petersburg Library & Cultural Events Center, Petersburg.
Becoming Citizens Community Resource Fair. Corresponding with the new “We the People” exhibition and as part of the Becoming Citizens course, the VMHC hosts local community organizations sharing information about resources and programs, plus self-guided scavenger hunts, family crafts, and light refreshments from Stella’s Market. FREE. April 2, 6:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
The Civil War Sacrifice of Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Jerry Akeny shares the story of Somerset County, Pennsylvania, which lost more than 400 of its men in the American Civil War, examining the experiences of fallen soldiers and comrades, the people who supported them in life and mourned them in death. April 2, 7 p.m., at Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, Petersburg.
Robert Cray Band. Blues icon, soul man, rock and roller: Robert Cray is all these things – and more. His mastery of guitar, soulful voice, and skills as a band leader and performer cement his status in American roots music. April 2, doors at 6:30 p.m., at Beacon Theatre, Hopewell.
Marvels of Media. A range of short films with a focus on films by autistic media makers. Through April 4 at Byrd Theatre, Richmond.
“A Field of Curiosity” Opening. Art auction items will be on display, to be auctioned off at the Mad Hatter Art & Design Auction on April 24. from April 2 to 24 at The Branch Museum of Design, Richmond.
“Punch Boys and Dinettes.” In this country-western style musical, the waitresses at the Double-Cupp Diner (the Dinettes) make music with the Pump Boys from the gas station next door. Through April 25 at Swift Creek Mill Theatre, South Chesterfield.
Friday, April 3
The Fab Four. The Beatles tribute features music of the Beatles film, “Help!” April 3, 7:30 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Saturday, April 4
Dominion Energy Family Easter. See Boomer’s top picks.
Henrico in 3D: Images of Varina, 1864-1865. Have you ever seen a 160-year-old photograph in three dimensions? See images of sites around Varina during the Civil War, such Fort Harrison, Cox’s Landing, and Varina Farm. National Park Ranger Mike Gorman explores the stories and details of these unique photographs. 3D glasses provided. April 4, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Henrico Theatre.
Ruff Canine Club’s Easter Party. Take your pup for treats for both of you and pics with the Easter Bunny from 1 to 4 p.m. April 4, noon to 8 p.m., at Ruff Canine Club, Richmond.
Fowl & Foam. Chicken victuals from chicken-focused food trucks and plenty of beer, including new and limited-release brews to pair with fowl. April 4, 1 to 5 p.m., at Center of the Universe Brewing, Ashland.
Virginia’s Black Artists and Art History. Learn of Virginia African American artists while exploring art history and legacy across mediums and through time. All ages. April 4, 2 p.m., at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, Henrico.
Global Sounds. See Boomer’s top picks.
1964 The Tribute. Recreating an early 1960s Beatles concert, with period instruments, clothing, hairstyles, and banter. April 4, 4:15, at Beacon Theatre, Hopewell.
Kevin Burt & Big Medicine. The award-winning multi-instrumentalist and singer has mastered blues harmonica, guitar, and vocals. His soul-inspired presentation is unique and personal. April 4, 7 p.m., at The Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen.
Bill Frisell Trio ft: Rudy Royston & Thomas Morgan. The Bill Frisell Trio presents genre-blurring music that weaves jazz, Americana, and subtle avant-garde textures. April 4, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Sunday, April 5
Easter on Parade. Monument Avenue is closed to auto traffic, between North Allen and Davis, to allow a parade of people and pets in their Easter best with bountiful bonnets. April 5, 1 to 5 p.m., along Monument Avenue, Richmond.
Sunday Artisan Market at Brambly Park. Local makers at an open-air market selling handmade home décor, art, jewelry, apparel, ceramics, and more. Dog- and kid-friendly. Sundays, April 5 to Dec. 20, 1 to 5 p.m., at Brambly Park, Richmond.
Monday, April 6
Steve Bassett. See Boomer’s top picks.
Tuesday, April 7
Richmond Flying Squirrels Home Opener. See Boomer’s top picks.
Wednesday, April 8
Senior Science: Beetle Pinning. Explore the art and science of beetle pinning and work with a scientist to preserve your own specimen. Learn about what makes the frog-legged leaf beetle unique and how and why scientists work with beetles. April 8, 8 to 10 a.m., at the Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond.
Tell-Tale Talks Featuring: Joshua Barton. “How beautiful it is and how easily it can be broken”: The Tarnished Mirror of Southern Gothic Literature. April 8, 5:30 p.m., at The Poe Museum, Richmond.
VCU Choirs Spring Concert. Performances by VCUarts Music ensembles, Choral Arts Society, and Vox Concordia, in addition to guest acapella ensembles the Notochords and the Ramifications. April 8, 7 p.m., at Singleton Center, 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 been a creative force transcending boundaries. April 8, 7:30 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Jazz & Contemporary Combos. UR student jazz combos performing rock, blues, swing, and more. FREE. April 8, 7:30 p.m., at Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond.
Thursday, April 9
“Opium Slavery: Civil War Veterans and America’s First Opioid Crisis.” During the Civil War, the use of opium and morphine made opiates essential to wartime medicine, leaving thousands of soldiers addicted. Authorities compounded the problem by branding addiction as a matter of moral weakness, unmanliness, or mental infirmity. Author Jonathan S. Jones unearths the poorly understood stories of opiate-addicted Civil War veterans and provides historical context for the modern opioid crisis. April 9, noon, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Road Trip
Emancipation Day, Easter decoys and art
Emancipation Day at Menokin. A celebration of the end of slavery in Richmond County and Essex County, Virginia. In “Emancipation Day Stories: Getting Strength From the Ancestors,” a panel discusses local history, self-emancipation, familial stories, and the connections to the spirit of the 250th. Reception following. FREE, registration required. April 3, 6 p.m., at Menokin, Warsaw.
45th Annual Easter Decoy & Art Festival. Chincoteague Island hosts the annual festival of artisans, collectors, and guests from near and far to celebrate the rich artistic and cultural traditions of Chincoteague Island and the Eastern Shore. More than 70 exhibitors, including decoy carvers, painters, potters, and more. April 3 and 4 at the Chincoteague Combined School, Chincoteague.
Explore future events and ongoing exhibitions and performances here.
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