More What's Booming RVA: Aug. 14 to 21
Events, road trips, and news flashes in Boomer’s one-of-a-kind, curated calendar

Free outdoor concert, a moving Alzheimer’s film, road trips, and announcements. Plus wine, talks and tours, a laser show, comedy, beer, and more. What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, August 14 to 21, 2025.
Find:
- Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
- News from the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild
- The week ahead – below,
- Event news + two road trips – way below, and
- Our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
August 14 to 21, 2025
Thursday, August 14
Summer Fling ’25 – Greater Richmond Chorus. Socialize and sing favorite ’80s tunes with the chorus in the five-week summer guest program. FREE. Thursdays, through Aug. 21, at Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, Richmond.
Red / White / and You. Fine Dining at the Mill presents a paired four-course meal with wines from around the world (and mocktail options, too). August 14, 6:30 p.m., at Swift Creek Mill Theatre, South Chesterfield.
Talk | A Ribbon Around a Bomb: Frida Kahlo’s Surrealist Encounter.Reconsidering Frida Kahlo’s relationship with surrealism, suggesting that, even as she refused the label, her fearless exploration of identity, pain, and revolution embodied the true spirit of surrealist revolt. August 14, 6:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
EJspeaks. The comedian is known for turning everyday life into funny sketches and has amassed over a million followers collectively on social media. She started on YouTube and made her way offline and onto the stage. August 14, 7 p.m., at Funny Bone, Richmond.
Devon Allman’s Blues Summit. The son of legendary Gregg Allman grew up surrounded by a rich musical legacy, immersing him in blues and rock and eventually leading to his gathering of renowned blues performers. August 14, 7:30 p.m., at Beacon Theatre, Hopewell.
Tim O’Brien and Jan Fabricius. O’Brien has been in the folk, bluegrass, and Americana scenes for the past 50 years. His wife, Fabricius, dipped her toe in the business with him in 2013 and has evolved to become part of his act. August 14, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
NASCAR Race Weekend. An array of experiences to ramp up the excitement. August 14 to 16 at Richmond Raceway, Richmond.
Friday, August 15
Art of Wine. Curated tastings of Mexican wines, tequila, and mezcal, inspired by “Frida: Beyond the Myth,” to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Mexico. Aug. 15, 5 to 7:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
Beers & Banjos: Garden Variety String Band. Every third Friday. Aug. 15, 6 to 8 p.m., at The Camel, Richmond.
Mary Chapin Carpenter + Brandy Clark. See Boomer’s top picks.
Henrico Live: Nu-Blu. The acoustic act delivers songs that range from melancholy to exuberant, exploring the deeper parts of humanity. The band is made of husband-and-wife duo Daniel and Carolyn Routh, Austin Hefflefinger, and Justin Harrison for upbeat, blazing-fingers pick work and gentle, heartwarming ballads. Aug. 15, 7 to 9 p.m., at Henrico Theatre, Henrico.
Sister Sadie. The award-winning bluegrass torchbearers promote their new album, “All Will Be Well.” The group presents a powerful face for women in acoustic music. Aug. 15, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Randy Roberts Live. The Key West tradition brings his sharp wit, stunning costumes, and big voice back to Richmond. He takes the audience on a trip from the showrooms of Vegas to the soundstage of Hollywood, summoning Bette Midler, Liza Minnelli, Cher, and more. Aug. 15 and 16 at Robert B. Moss Theatre, Richmond.
Jay Pharoah. The comedian blends celebrity impressions with high-energy storytelling, often riffing on pop culture, music, and politics. His stand-up mixes observational humor, edgy personal anecdotes, and social commentary. Aug. 15 and 16 at Funny Bone, Richmond.
“Once on This Island.” The 68th Festival of Arts at Dogwood Dell presents a story of love, courage, and destiny set to vibrant, inspiring Caribbean music. FREE. Aug. 15 to 17 at Dogwood Dell, Richmond.
Saturday, August 16
The Marquis de Lafayette. The Parson’s Cause presents the noble Frenchman who supported the American Revolution as a major general and confidant of Gen. Washington. He speaks here of his return to America in 1824 to 1825. Portrayed by Charles Wissinger. Aug. 16, 10 a.m., at Historic Hanover Courthouse, Hanover.
Bingo Beer Back to School Market. School essentials, made by local artists and makers. Plus food, drinks, and games. Aug. 16, noon to 5 p.m., at Bingo Beer, Richmond.
Remembering the Atomic Bomb. On the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Japan, reflecting on the effects on science and global society. Part two of “Fall Out of the Atomic Age” series. Information: sch107@henrico.gov. All ages. Aug. 16, 2 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.
Down Home Family Reunion. See Boomer’s top picks.
Creating a Park on a Battlefield – FREE Sunset Walking Tour. The caravan driving and walking tour discusses historic places and events related to the Petersburg Campaign of the Civil War. Aug. 16, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Eastern Front Visitor Center, Petersburg National Battlefield, Petersburg.
James “Saxsmo” Gates Live. The Grammy-nominated saxophonist brings a high-energy blend of straight-ahead and progressive jazz styles, filled with soul, passion, and jazz. Aug. 16, 7 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.
Teri Tobin with Zay Jackson. With roots in church music and classical training at Howard University, Tobin’s music blends classic R&B with jazz and gospel influences, exploring themes of self-worth, real-life experiences, and love songs. Joined by Zay Jackson, a fearless R&B singer hailing from the heart of Virginia. Aug. 16, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
The Dinner Detective Comedy Mystery Dinner Show: “Game Over.” Solve an amusing mystery while eating dinner – and while knowing the culprit is somewhere among fellow diners. Aug 16 and 23, 6 to 9 p.m., at Hilton Richmond – Short Pump, Richmond.
Sunday, August 17
Sonic Waves. Richmond Chamber Players presents timeless classics and bold contemporary voices. Aug. 17, 3 p.m., at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Richmond.
“Oh, the Places You Will Go” Free Outdoor Concert. Richmond Concert Band presents songs inspired by well-known locales and a mix of musical styles – like “Copacabana” and “Waves on the Chesapeake.” Picnics welcome, ice cream and wine for sale. FREE. Aug. 17, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Agecroft Hall & Gardens, Richmond.
Matt Willard. The Saxman brings hits from his debut album “Soul Assassin,” with songs like “Nightcrawler,” “Electric Shock,” and title track “Soul Assassin.” Aug. 17, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Tuesday, August 19
One Person Can Make a Difference: The Life of Raoul Wallenberg. See Boomer’s top picks.
In the Studio with Ed Hatch. Artist presentation, from an artist whose work reflects his appreciation for beauty in nature. Aug. 19, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.
Landon Elliott. Shockoe Sessions Live presents its weekly concert showcasing the Commonwealth’s goldmine of musical talent – in person and livestreamed. Aug. 19, 7:30 p.m., at In Your Ear Studios, Richmond.
Wednesday, August 20
VA250 Talk: Dunmore’s War of 1774. Historian Brent Tarter discusses the single battle that was either the last of the colonial Virginia wars with members of First Nations tribes or the first battle of the American Revolution. Aug. 20, noon to 1 p.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.
“Un/Bound” Book Launch and Panel Discussion. Preview the companion publication to the VMHC exhibition, “Un/Bound: Free Black Virginians, 1619-1865,” which explores the lives of early free Black Virginians, with hidden and inspirational stories from Virginia’s past. The book’s contributors present a panel discussion on the importance of free Black people to history. Aug. 20, 6 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
How Our Brains Blind Us. Profs & Pints looks at our minds’ ability to skew what we see and why we miss what’s right in front of us, with Arryn Robbins, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Richmond and cognitive scientist who researches visual attention. Aug. 20, 6 to 8:30 p.m., at Triple Crossing – Fulton, Richmond.
Wednesdays to Celebrate Virginia Craft Beer Month. Aug. 20 features Old Bust Head Brewing and musician Danny Kensy. 6 to 8 p.m., at Hanover Tavern, Hanover.
D.K. Harrell. Using his expansive blues lexicon to create his own sound, Harrell explains, “The past gives a blueprint that you can add yourself to. I keep progressing by keeping all the genres in the mold.” Aug. 20, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
“Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812.” A high-energy musical adaptation of a segment from Leo Tolstoy’s “War and Peace,” following Natasha as she navigates social expectations and forbidden affairs while awaiting the return of her lover, Pierre. Aug. 20 to Sept. 7 at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.
Thursday, August 21
Virginians Will Dance or Die! – 18th Century Music and Dancing Demonstration. In colonial-era Virginia, music and dance filled taverns and private homes. Presented by Joshua LeHuray, author of “Virginians Will Dance or Die!: The Importance of Music in Pre-Revolutionary Williamsburg.” Members of the Colonial Dance Club of Richmond, accompanied by musicians of RVA Baroque, will demonstrate and teach a beginner lesson in English country dancing. Aug. 21, 5:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
RVA Green Drinks. Learn more about nonprofits in the Richmond region working on environmental projects. Highlighting La’Veesha Allen Rollins and work focused on Charles City. Aug. 21, 5:30 to 7 p.m., at Basic City Brewing, Richmond.
“The Blood-Tinted Waters of the Shenandoah” Free Virtual Book Talk. The American Civil War Museum presents a talk by Jonathan A. Noyalas on the fight at Cool Spring, which became a transformative moment that proved critical to Washington’s safety. FREE. Aug. 21, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., online.
Laser Show: Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. See Boomer’s top picks.
“The Father” Film and Q&A for Alzheimer’s Awareness. The film centers on an 80-year-old London man (played by Anthony Hopkins) who is experiencing memory loss and confusion from dementia. His daughter (Olivia Colman) tries to care for him but faces challenges as he resists her help and grows increasingly suspicious. The film will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A session in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association. Aug. 21, 6:30 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
News to Know
Perpetual learning schedule, tickets, and pups party

The Shepherd’s Center of Richmond Announces Open University Schedule.The nonprofit organization encourages older adults to remain active and engaged with in-person and online courses and lunch talks. The fall session offers a variety of topics in history, science, literature, foreign languages, arts, and current events, as well as special interest courses like memoir writing, downsizing, and iPhone instruction.
“Kimberly Akimbo.” The winner of five 2023 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, presents the story of a teen girl navigating family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush, and possible felony charges. Ever the optimist, she is determined to find happiness against all odds and embark on a great adventure. Individual tickets go on sale Friday, Aug. 15, 10 a.m. Premieres locally from Nov. 4 to 9 at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Pups, Plates and Pours. Celebrate Richmond’s pet-friendly local restaurants and breweries, for great food and drinks with furry friends. Throughout the weekend, 10% of sales from these businesses support the Richmond SPCA’s lifesaving work. Kick-off Pawty, Sept. 5, 5:30 to 8:30, at Final Gravity. Sept. 5 to 7 at multiple local venues, Richmond.
Bier-Garden Tickets on Sale. Maymont’s annual festival of food, beer, and fun presents a polka band, German folk dancers, stein-hoisting contests, a dachshund costume parade, a Marketplatz featuring artisanal food and hand-made gifts, Bavarian and Polish food, German and local craft beers, and kids’ activities – in a gorgeous outdoor setting. Sept. 20 and 21, 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Maymont, Richmond.
Road Trips
Dirty Dancing and a World War II Navy fighter
Dirty Dancing Days: Summer Festival. Live performances, dance lessons – like Baby and Johnny – movie screening, dining, costume contest, drink specials, merch, and more. Aug. 16, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., at Mountain Lake Lodge, Pembroke.
WWII Navy Fighter Ace Lt. Joseph D. “Quickdraw” McGraw. McGraw’s son shares personal insights and rare historical details about his father’s heroic service aboard the USS Gambier Bay. Come early, grab a cocktail, and settle in for an unforgettable evening of history, heroism, and legacy. Aug. 20, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Copper Fox Distillery, Williamsburg.
Get groovy with outdoor concerts
Innsbrook After Hours. Through Sept. 25 at Innsbrook Pavilion, Glen Allen.
Groovin’ in the Garden. Monthly through Oct. 2 at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.
Allianz Amphitheater. Through Oct. 21 at Allianz Amphitheater at the Riverfront, Richmond.
68th Festival of the Arts. Through Oct. 24 at Dogwood Dell, Richmond.
Support the local sports
Explore future events and ongoing exhibitions and performances here.
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