More What’s Booming RVA: April 9 to 16
Curated events, road trips, and event news in our one-of-a-kind Richmond calendar
Kite Day and Earth Day, FREE concerts, tribute to James Erb, veterans’ stories on stage, big house with fabulous design, authors, history, new play on a historic woman, road trip, and more. What’s Booming, April 9 to 16, 2026.
Explore:
- Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
- April 9 to 16, event news + a road trip – below, and
- Our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
April 9 to 16, 2026
What’s happening in and around the Richmond region
Thursday, April 9
Richmond Symphony Chorus Celebrates James Erb. See Boomer’s top picks.
Richmond Flying Squirrels Home Opening Series. The hometown baseball team kicks off its new season, in the new stadium, against Altoona. Through April 12 at CarMax Park, Richmond.
Friday, April 10
The Bizarre Bazaar 34th Spring Market. More than 275 juried exhibitors from across the country will display new spring gift lines, accessories for home and garden, fine art, handmade jewelry, gourmet foods, clothing, toys, crafts, lotions, and more. April 10 to 12 at Richmond Raceway Complex, Richmond.
War in Pieces. See Boomer’s top picks.
Saturday, April 11
Autism Lecture with John Bryan. The author of “Angelina’s Shake-a-Stick!” discusses insights into autism gained from research and personal experience, covers current topics in the field, and addresses frequently asked questions. John will also be available to answer questions and address concerns. April 11, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Book People, Richmond.
Henrico Earth Day. Take in music, outdoor activities for all ages, refreshments for purchase, and a fashion show from Moody Middle School. Learn about sustainability initiatives and resources available in Henrico County, such as energy efficiency, residential solar, preserving green space, air quality, and more. April 11, noon to 3 p.m., at Deep Run Park, Richmond.
Chesterfield Earth Day Festival. Environmentally savvy county departments, organizations, and businesses, with outdoor activities, information and demonstrations, food trucks, and a shredding event. April 11: litter pickup from 10 a.m. till noon; festival from noon to 4 p.m., at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds.
Strike Up the Band: Celebrating 250 Years. A special musical honoring the anniversary of the American Revolution with patriotic marches and spirituals. April 11, 3 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.
Forté Handbell Quartet Concert. The James River Ringers host Forté Handbell Quartet for their concert program “Resonance.” Based in Colorado Springs, Forté is an advanced quartet marked by artistry and energy. April 11, 4:30 p.m., at River Road Presbyterian Church, Richmond.
Plunky & Oneness of Juju. Vibrant jazz, funk, and R&B performed by a legendary saxophonist, a vanguard of Afro-centric jazz, with a message of empowerment, positivity, and cultural awareness. April 11, 7 and 9:30 p.m., at Révéler, Richmond.
Black Book Expo 2026: A Conscious Literary Festival. A celebration of Black literature, culture, and community, joining authors, readers, scholars, and families to explore stories and ideas rooted in the African Diaspora. The event features book vendors, author engagements, cultural discussions, and opportunities to discover works that educate, inspire, and empower: from history and spirituality to children’s lit and contemporary thought. April 11 to 12 at Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center, Richmond
Copland & Beethoven. Valentina Peleggi conducts two American masterworks: Aaron Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” and Beethoven’s poetic Fourth Piano Concerto with Angela Cheng. April 11, 7:30 p.m., and April 12, 3 p.m., at Carpenter Theatre, Richmond.
Sunday, April 12
Kite Day. Bring your kite out, or be among the first 300 people for a free kite. Richmond Air Force Kite Club has professional kite demos and Henrico County Police bring out the Drone Truck and other equipment. April 12, noon to 3 p.m., at Dorey Park, Henrico.
Kite Day. More than a thousand colorful kites are expected to soar through the sky – free kites to the first 1,300 kids 12 and under, and attendees’ own kites. Children’s activities, refreshments for purchase. April 12, 1 to 4 p.m., at River City Sportsplex, Midlothian.
See Yourself Here: VMFA Community Celebration. Marking the museum’s 90th anniversary and kicking off the public phase of The Campaign for VMFA, raising awareness and support for the museum’s expansion. Live music, performances, activities, food trucks, and more. FREE. April 12, 1 to 4 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
Spring Choral Concert. Schola Cantorum presents a varied program of sacred and secular works from a variety of time periods and musical traditions. FREE. April 12, 3 p.m., at Modlin Center for the Arts, University of Richmond.
Slate River Band. See Boomer’s top picks.
Latinx Fashion Show: La Resistencia. A spring showcase celebrating Latinx designers and the power of visibility, resilience, and community. This year’s theme, orchids, represents reblooming after damage as well as strength and perseverance in unstable conditions. April 12, 4 and 6:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Expanding Freedom Premiere Week. See Boomer’s top picks.
Monday, April 13
“The File on Thelma Jordan.” Ashland Theatre presents its Monthly Movie Series with top movies from the 1950s. Tickets just 75 cents. April 13, 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Wind Ensemble. Contemporary music featuring works by current prolific composers of Wind Band Literature. FREE. April 13, 6:30 p.m., at Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond.
Tuesday, April 14
“Trusted Source.” Author David Poole discusses his recent book on the Virginia Public Access Project, the story of modern Virginia politics through the eyes of a newspaper reporter who started the nonprofit to bring transparency to money and gained bipartisan trust at a time of deepening disbelief in our institutions. April 14, 6 p.m., at Book People, Richmond.
“Big Girl Blitz” Launch with Danielle Allen. The author launches her newest romance. April 14, 6 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.
Percussion Ensemble Performance. VCU Music’s percussion ensemble. FREE. April 14, 7 p.m., at Singleton Center, Richmond.
RSL Designer House: Foundry Manor. The 1987 custom-designed home in the historic Bellona Arsenal neighborhood is 8,003 square feet, includes five bedrooms and six bathrooms, and sits on 25 landscaped acres overlooking the James River. Benefits the Richmond Symphony. April 14 to May 10 at 3937 Old Gun Road West, Midlothian.
Wednesday, April 15
“The American Revolution and the Fate of the World: An Electrifying Global History of a Not-So Local War.” When we think of the American Revolution, we may picture 13 colonies squaring off against the British Crown in a bid for independence. Historian and author Richard Bell paints the Revolution as a world war that unleashed chaos, opportunity, and transformation across six continents. April 15, 5:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
“The Oracle’s Daughter” with Harrison Hill. The author discusses his book, a chronicle of the rise and fall of a woman-led cult, and the enduring allure of extremism across America’s turbulent religious history. April 15, 6 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.
Steve Wilson with the VCU Jazz Faulty Septet and Symphonic Wind Ensemble.Guest artist and alum Steve Wilson performs with current VCU musicians, featuring the Virginia premiere of Billy Childs’ “Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Wind Symphony,” a bold new work commissioned by VCUarts Music as part of a consortium. April 15, 7 p.m., at Singleton Center, Richmond.
Waxahatchee & MJ Lenderman. Waxahatchee pairs plainspoken songwriting with rootsy indie-folk and alt-country textures both intimate and expansive. Lenderman leans into shaggy, guitar-forward indie rock with Southern twang, mixing dry humor and wistful storytelling. April 15, 7:30 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Thursday, April 16
18th Century Music Concert: Christian Febiger and the 2nd VA Regiment’s Band of Music. Authentic 18th-century military music on period instruments, along with historical context on military music in the Revolutionary era. April 16, 6 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
“Genealogy and the Power of Connection in Early America.” Drawing on extensive research across 18th century British America, Karin Wulf’s new book explores how genealogy functioned in the past and why it continues to matter today. April 16, 6 to 8 p.m., at Wilton House Museum, Richmond.
2026 Chefs’ Cook Off Challenge. Talented culinary experts compete for top honors. The evening features exceptional food, friendly competition, and an evening centered on community, in support of Commonwealth Autism Programs. April 16, 6 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Music at Hardywood. Beer, pizza, and orchestra music. April 16, 6:30 p.m., at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery on Ownby, Richmond.
“The Nameless and the Faceless of the Civil War.” Award-winning poet Lisa G. Samia gives an online talk on her Civil War poetry series. By combining the rhyme and narrative of poetry with Civil War history, lost voices of the past come forth to share their experiences and suffering to create a deeper empathy for those lost and unknown. April 16, 6:30 p.m., at The American Civil War Museum, Richmond.
“The Outsiders.” Experience S.E. Hinton’s tale of how class division and prejudice trap young people in cycles of violence, preventing them from recognizing shared struggles and desire for belonging, about empathy, the bonds of friendship, and the cost of living in a world that forces you to choose sides. April 16 to 18 at Thomas Dale High School, Chester.
Announcements & News
Historic Virginia witch tale and a scavenger hunt
“WitchDuck.” The world premiere of a dark, comedic, and subversive new play based on the true story of Grace Sherwood, Virginia’s last convicted witch. Written by Eva DeVirgilis, the play reexamines this dreadful history with a smart feminist perspective. Presented by Cadence and Firehouse Theatre. May 8 to 24 at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.
Amazing Tails Scavenger Hunt. A lively solo or team-based adventure through the streets of Carytown benefiting the Richmond SPCA. Sniff out clues, tackle challenges, and discover hidden gems tucked inside neighborhood shops, while racing to help save the lives of homeless dogs and cats. May 30, noon to 3 p.m., in Carytown, Richmond.
Road Trip
Short drive – shear fun!
Scotchtown’s Annual Fiber Festival. Celebrate spring, shearing of the sheep, and fiber production. Showcasing sheep shearers from Delly’s Delights Farms, Clothos Handspinners guild, and the Louisa County Heritage Society, with on-site demonstrations of wool production including carding, spinning, weaving and dyeing. April 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown, Beaverdam.
Explore future events and ongoing exhibitions and performances here.
Follow What’s Booming on Boomer.
Sign up at the bottom of our website for our twice-weekly newsletter.
