More What’s Booming RVA: April 23 to 30

The Last What’s Booming! Trains, plants, Swine & Brine, Sips & Scams, books and authors, concerts, news, and more. What’s Booming, April 23 to 30, 2026.

Boomer goes national!

We’re expanding our content to reach readers from all over and discontinuing local-only events. Thanks for exploring Richmond with us – stay with us for the next chapter!

Explore:

• Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
• April 23 to 30, event news + a road trip – below, and
• Our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.

April 23 to 30, 2026

What’s happening in and around the Richmond region

Thursday, April 23

“Terroir” Exhibition Opening. A solo exhibition of new work from Charlottesville-based painter Isabelle Abbot, focusing on the Virginia landscape for a meditation on place. Exhibition continues through June 6. April 23, 5 to 7 p.m., at Bond Millen Gallery, Richmond.

UnHappy Hour. A space-age themed dance party. Out of this world drinks and eats from Stone Brewing and 1115 Mobile Kitchen. Ethereal sound waves from Rikki Rakki and Shera Shi. Outer-space inspired costumes encouraged. April 23, 6 to 9 p.m., at The Poe Museum, Richmond.

Mountainfilm on Tour. A collection of outdoor films featuring legendary mountaineers, environmentalists, filmmakers, authors, scientists, and artists. April 23, 6 p.m., at Henrico Theatre, Highland Springs.

Beth Macy, “Paper Girl: A Memoir of Home and Family in a Fractured America.” The 2026 Carole Weinstein Author Series presents the NYT bestselling author, including for “Dopesick.” FREE, registration required. April 23, 6 to 7:30 p.m., in the Lecture Hall, Library of Virginia, Richmond.

Own Your Narrative: Crafting Your Personal Brand. Tell your story with clarity and confidence. Through guided reflection and creative exercises, uncover your strengths and values to begin shaping a personal brand for your professional journey. April 23, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at North Courthouse Road Library, North Chesterfield.

“The Bacchae of Euripides: A Communion Rite.” The play by Wole Soyinka confronts the unyielding scars of colonialism, viewed through the lens of West African tradition and Yoruba culture. April 23 to 26 at Singleton Center, Richmond.

Historic Garden Week. Take in the beauty of green spaces – private landscapes, public gardens, and historic sites – in Richmond and throughout the commonwealth. Through April 25, throughout Virginia.

Richmond Restaurant Week. Two dozen local restaurants offer their own custom prix fixe menu, with more than $5 of each meal going to benefit Feed More. Through April 26 at multiple restaurants, Richmond.

“The Wiz.” The groundbreaking twist on “The Wizard of Oz” tells the tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world, backed by an iconic score of soul, gospel, rock, and ‘70s funk. Through April 26 at Altria Theater, Richmond.

Friday, April 24

WNC Lagniappe Brilliance Beyond Boundaries. Innovators Dr. Brezenski (autism expert) and Chef Wong (Shark Tank contestant) share their thoughts with attendees at a female entrepreneurs’ lunch event. FREE to attend (food extra). April 24, noon to 2 p.m., at Eggspectation, Richmond.

Brandy Clark. Presenting sharp, character-driven songs that blend classic country storytelling with modern wit and emotional depth. Her music pairs plainspoken honesty with rich melodies, exploring everyday lives with humor, empathy, and a touch of grit. April 24, doors 6:30 p.m., at The Beacon Theatre, Hopewell.

The Hot Club of Cowtown. Western swing music from the Austin-based trio, kicking out fast licks and smooth vocals. April 24 at 7 p.m., at The Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen.

An Evening with Livingston Taylor. The musician is so much more than James Taylor’s brother! He picked up the guitar at 13 and kicked off a 50-year career, writing, performing, teaching, and more. April 24, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

National Fencing Championships. Watch 16 Olympians, 5 Paralympians, and 2,000 other competitors face off, with epee, foil, and saber. FREE. April 24 to 27, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, Richmond.

Saturday, April 25

Independent Bookstore Day. Jump on the Greater RVA Indie Bookstore Tour for merch, book giveaways, contests, and more. Promotions vary at the 11 diverse participating Richmond-area bookstores. April 25 throughout the Richmond region.

Herbs Galore. See Boomer’s top picks.

Ashland Train Day. Model trains, monster machines, food trucks, food, music, shopping, train ride options, and more. April 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., downtown Ashland.

Arbor Day Celebration and Plant Sale. Pioneering educator Virginia Randolph held the first Arbor Day program for an African American school in Virginia. Carry on her legacy at this celebration, with food trucks, vendors, a plant sale, tours of the Virginia Randolph Museum, and information on trees, plants, and the environment. April 25, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Virginia Randolph Museum, Glen Allen.

RVA One Day Choir. Singers of all levels come together to learn one song in a few hours – no singing experience needed, all welcome. Singing “Let it Be” by The Beatles. April 25, noon to 4 p.m., at First Unitarian Universalist Church, Richmond.

Shakespeare’s Birthday: A Celebration of the Bard. See Boomer’s top picks.    

Swine & Brine. Pork, seafood, and beer festival features local vendors, including Rappahannock Oyster Co., Belmont Butchery, ZZQ, El Taconazo, and more. Plus a full lineup of Ardent beers as well as local cider and Cava Spanish sparkling wine. April 25, noon to 8 p.m., at Ardent Craft Ales, Richmond.

Walk, Run, Roll. Sheltering Arms Institute will host its annual event to raise awareness and funds in recognition of April’s Limb Loss & Limb Difference Awareness Month. FREE. April 25, 1 to 4 p.m., at Sheltering Arms Main Campus, Richmond.

Baseball and Richmond Bus Tour. See Boomer’s top picks.

Sips & Scams in Richmond. Combining the knowledge of how to protect yourself from fraud with the pleasures of fine wine. This unique event is designed to educate and entertain, with the opportunity to learn about common scams while savoring a selection of wines. Presented by AARP. April 25, 2 to 4 p.m., at 11008 Washington Highway, Glen Allen.

M.S.G. Acoustic Blues Trio. Traditional Piedmont blues, influenced by the likes of Archie Edwards, Etta Baker, and Cephas & Wiggins. The group presents old-fashioned house party tunes and blues ballads, eliciting laughs with witty originals. Presented by Richmond Folk Music. April 25, 7:30 p.m., at Congregation Or Ami, Richmond.

James Saxsmo Gates. The iconic saxophonist’s soulful arrangements, with a passion and a bell-like tone quality to capture jazz enthusiasts. April 25, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., at Révéler, Richmond.

Henry Cho: The Empty Nest Tour. Presenting clean, family-friendly comedy rooted in everyday observations and his Korean American upbringing in the South. His laidback style blends self-deprecating humor with gentle storytelling. April 25, 8 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

Laura Ann Singh + Rosette. See Boomer’s top picks.

Sunday, April 26

“Lab to Love”: A Conversation with Melanie D.G Kaplan. The local author and journalist discusses her new book, “Lab Dog: A Beagle and His Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research.” Curious about her adopted beagle’s past and the broader world of animal research, Kaplan and the former lab dog, Hammy, embarked on a quest for answers. April 26, 1 to 2:30 p.m., at Richmond SPCA Auditorium, Richmond.

Bored Teachers: Is It Friday Yet?! Comedy Tour. They’ve graded the papers, survived the staff meetings, and lost their last ounce of patience … and now they’re taking it out on stage. Bored Teachers returns with new jokes and relatable teacher comedy. April 26, 3 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

Rock & Roll Piano Recital. Many songs start on a piano, and by the time they make it out into the world, there isn’t even any piano on the track. This event is an exploration of the early stages of those songs featuring musicians sharing stripped down renditions of their songs with only a piano and their voices. April 26, 4 p.m., at Révéler, Richmond.

Monday, April 27

Why Gettysburg Matters. Professor of U.S. political history Dr. Adam Smith argues that ever since the news of Confederate defeat spread on July 4, 1863, Gettysburg has been imagined as a place of national “rebirth,” vital to the story of American nationhood. April 27, 6 p.m., at American Civil War Museum – Tredegar, Richmond.

Tuesday, April 28

“The Crown’s Silence: The Hidden History of the British Monarchy and Slavery in the Americas.” Author Brooke Newman discusses her new book, a revelatory history of the British monarchy’s centuries-long involvement in the transatlantic slave trade and colonial slavery. Newman traces how successive monarchs authorized, financed, profited from, and defended systems of African bondage across the Atlantic world. April 28, noon, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

Wednesday, April 29

Silver Screen Movie – “Hope Springs” (PG-13). After 30 years of marriage, a middle-aged couple attends a week-long counseling session to work on their relationship. Tickets and concessions just one dollar. April 29, 10 a.m., at Henrico Theatre, Highland Springs.

“Culture Keepers: Voices of the Land.” See Boomer’s top picks.  

Nightmares and Creativity. Profs & Pints Richmond presents a look at the relationship between frightening dreams and creative achievements. April 29, 6 p.m., at Triple Crossing – Fulton, Richmond.

Making Housing Fair: From the Capitol to City Hall. Two leaders shaping housing policy in Richmond – Delegate Rae Cousins and Mayor Danny Avula – sit down with Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia (HOME) to answer one big question: How can local government and nonprofits work together to expand equal access to housing? April 29, at 6:30 p.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.

Thursday, April 30

“Creating an Informed Citizenry” – Book Talk with George D. Oberle III. The historian discusses his new book on knowledge and democracy in the early American republic, which examines early debates in the US over how to educate the people. April 30, noon to 1 p.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.

Historic Richmond Animals Short Story Tour. A 30-minute gallery tour featuring stories about iconic animals from Richmond’s history. FREE. April 30, 6 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.

“Prince: Black, White & Color” with Steve Parke. Prince left a lasting impression on the world. The guests for this event will share their firsthand experiences with him and discuss this photography book commemorating the 10th anniversary of Prince’s passing. April 30, 6 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.

Richmond Coin and Currency Show. Over 55 tables of dealers with US, foreign, and ancient coins and currency to buy, sell, and trade. Free parking, admission, and appraisals. April 30 to May 2 at ACCA Shriners Center, Richmond.

Announcements & News

Asian American culture, Virginia wildlife, and thought-provoking lectures

Asian American Celebration. Dance performances, immersive activities, 14 cultural booths highlighting the traditions, history, and artistry of Asian communities, food representing flavors from across Asia – from beloved street foods to regional specialties – and the Asian Marketplace, for arts, textiles, jewelry, and culturally unique goods. May 2, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, Richmond.

Virginia Wildlife Trail Grrrrand Reopening. Stroll along newly improved pathways, discover new interpretive signage, welcome the new porcupines and coyotes, wander past live music, catch animal enrichment sessions and keeper talks, and support the food trucks. FREE. May 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Maymont, Richmond.

An Evening with Ambassador Roger Carstens. What does it take to lead when the stakes are high and the path forward isn’t clear? Join Ambassador Roger Carstens, former U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, for a conversation about leadership, trust, and decision-making in the most challenging environments. Ambassador Carstens will share lessons from his years navigating complex international crises, offering insight into how to stay grounded under pressure, make difficult decisions with confidence, and move forward even when outcomes are uncertain. May 7, 7:30 p.m., at Weinstein JCC, Richmond.

Richmond Forum 2026-2027. From the future of learning and the forces shaping our global economy, to the secrets of happiness and our neighbors to the north, this season showcases timely ideas, big questions, and meaningful conversation. The upcoming season includes:

• Nov. 21: TBA
• Jan. 16, 2027: Dr. Laurie Santos, Why We’re So Bad at Being Happy
• Feb. 13, 2027: Sal Khan, Classroom Reboot
• March 20, 2027: Baroness Dambisa Moyo, Tectonic Shifts in Global Trade
• April 17, 2027: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Oh, Canada!

Road Trip

Plants from a presidential garden

Spring Plant and Garden Sale. Shop for heirloom vegetables, herbs, and annual flowers, plus native perennials, trees, and shrubs grown in Mount Vernon’s greenhouses. (Advance shopping for members on April 24.) April 25, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Mount Vernon, Arlington.