More What’s Booming RVA: Aug. 28 to Sept. 4
Events, a road trip, and news in Boomer’s one-of-a-kind, curated Richmond calendar
A road trip to honor 250 years of U.S. Army arms, local VA250 tours and exhibits, no 2026 Friday Cheers and a Brown’s Island makeover, music, rum cocktails, and more. In What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, August 28 to September 4, 2025.
Find:
- Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
- The week ahead – below,
- Event news + a road trip – way below, and
- Our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
August 28 to September 4, 2025
What’s happening in and around the Richmond region
Thursday, August 28
Wizard of Oz Unhappy Hour. Smooth jazz from the Charles Owens Trio, food from 1115 Mobile Kitchen, wine, and beer from Benchtop Brewing. Themed costumes optional. August 28, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Poe Museum, Richmond.
Rum Basics: Taste of the Tropics. Summer Cocktail Class Series presents a curated rum tasting of white and dark rums, an exploration of the spirit’s history, production methods, and flavor profiles, and a demonstration of three signature rum-based cocktails, with tastings, a full cocktail, and recipe cards. August 28, 6 to 8 p.m., at Gather & Hem, Richmond.
Henrico Community Band Concert. See Boomer’s top picks.
Chesterfield County Fair. Catch the fun with rides, food, games, competitions, entertainment, vendors, and more. The county fair – an American tradition! Notes: 17 years and young only admitted with adult or 21+ chaperone; clear bag policy. Continues through August 30 at Chesterfield County Fairground, Chesterfield.
‘Founding Frenemies’ Traveling Exhibit Visits Henrico. As part of VA250 commemoration, visitors can learn how Alexander Hamilton’s relationships with fellow Founding Fathers George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison played a role in the birth and development of the United States. FREE. Through August 31 at Deep Run Recreation Center, Henrico.
Friday, August 29
Roots of Revolution. Tour Shockoe Bottom, one of Richmond’s oldest historic districts, to learn about the struggles for freedom that shaped our nation. Explore the neighborhood that was the center of the domestic slave trade and the birthplace of American religious liberty. Aug. 29, 10 to 11:30 a.m., meeting at The Valentine First Freedom Center, Richmond.
Night of Neo-Soul: The Music of Angie Stone, Goapele, India Arie & Floetry. Mia Samone performs the hits of these R&B and neo-soul singers. Aug. 29, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Indigo. A multi-sensory art workshop tapping into the introspective spiritual energy of the color. Aug. 29, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Chromophore Artspace, Richmond.
Flights and Fantasies. See Boomer’s top picks.
Martin Lawrence, “Y’all Still Know What It Is!” The long-time comedian and actor presents his wide-ranging humor. Aug. 29, 8 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Kountry Wayne. The comedian, also known as Wayne Colley, jokes about relationships, co-parenting (he has 10 kids), dating rules, and faith (with catchphrases like “Jesus is poppin” and keeping it real with God). Aug. 29 to 31 at Funny Bone Comedy Club, Richmond.
“The Lifespan of a Fact.” See Boomer’s top picks.
Saturday, August 30
Highlights of Hollywood Cemetery. The Valentine walking tour visits the graves of rebels and rockers, politicians and Pulitzer prize winners, two U.S. Presidents, and18,000 Civil War dead. Aug. 30, 10 to 11:30 a.m., meeting at Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond.
“It’s All About the Hair: My Decade with Diana, H.R.H. Princess of Wales.” Richard Dalton, personal hairdresser to Princess Diana for over a decade, and Renae Plant, founder of The Princess Diana Museum, go behind the scenes of their journey with the princess, sharing untold stories and personal memories from their new book. Aug. 30, 1 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
The Latin Jazz and Salsa Festival. Live music, dancing, and vibrant culture. Don’t forget your dancing shoes. FREE. Aug. 30, 1 to 8 p.m., at Midtown Green, Richmond.
Hamiltruth or Hamilfiction. A trivia game testing your knowledge of the hit musical versus the real life of Alexander Hamilton. Aug. 30, 2 to 3 p.m., at Deep Run Recreation Center, Henrico.
Plunky & Oneness of Juju. The saxophonist James “Plunky” Branch is a vanguard of Afro-centric jazz – curating a myriad of musical forms from funk and R&B to house and go-go into a progressive message of empowerment, positivity, and cultural awareness. Aug. 30, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., at Révéler Experiences, Richmond.
Tribute to Prince – Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of “1999” and “Kiss.” Johnie Jupiter’s Controversy, a Prince musical tribute band born in 2017, takes listeners back to when Purple Rain ruled the charts and mimics the power of Prince live show arrangements. Aug. 30, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Yes, And! Presents: Cover to Cover – Jill Scott 826+. Festival of Arts features the magic of Jill Scott’s music reimagined in a soulful celebration of sound, storytelling, and community. Aug. 30, 8 p.m., at Dogwood Dell, Richmond.
Sunday, August 31
Richmond Women of the Gilded Age. The Valentine presents stories of local women leaders and the sites, figures, and perspectives that influenced Richmond during a period of significant change. Aug. 31, 10 to 11:30 a.m., at The Bolling Haxall House, Richmond.
End of Summer Artisan Market. Local artists and makers at a venue also selling pizza, beverages, games. Aug. 31, 1 to 5 p.m., at Zorch Pizza in Forest Hill, Richmond.
Gabriel and a Man Named Nat: The Fight for Freedom. Examining two men who changed Virginia history, their complex lives, and how they both met the challenge of being enslaved in a country that said, “all men are created equal.” Ages 16+. Aug. 31, 2 to 3 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.
Take 6. Heralded by Quincy Jones as the “baddest vocal cats on the planet,” Take 6 is the quintessential a cappella group. Six voices harmonize against a backdrop of syncopated rhythms, innovative arrangements, and funky grooves for a brew of gospel, jazz, R&B, and pop. Aug. 31, 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Monday, September 1
HAPPY LABOR DAY!
Wednesday, September 3
Silver Screen Movie – “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story.” See Boomer’s top picks.
Weinstein Author Series – Laura E. Helton, “Scattered and Fugitive Things: How Black Collectors Created Archives and Remade History.” The author and historian describes how a group of collectors and creators in the first half of the 20th century dedicated themselves to documenting the history of African American life. Although dominant institutions cast doubt on the value of Black history, these bibliophiles, scrapbookers, and librarians created enduring archives. Sept. 3, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.
VA250 Mobile Museum Experience Visits Chesterfield. View the hands-on interactive museum on wheels that highlights key stories of Virginia’s rich history during Revolutionary times. Aug. 27 to 30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 6731 Mimms Loop, Chesterfield.
Thursday, September 4
David Esleck Trio. See Boomer’s top picks.
John R. Miller. The West Virginia native, Americana/alt-country and roots-folk musician presents introspective songs that delve into the truths of the human condition. Sept. 4, 8 p.m., at The Camel, Richmond.
THE WELL Fest. The three-day cultural festival celebrates the intersection of culture and community transformation while raising money for The Well Collective initiatives.
- “Rooted: A Taste of Culture Through Jazz and Culinary Art.” A fundraiser with local chefs and expert sommeliers, paired with vibrational jazz. Sept. 4, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center, Richmond.
- “Rooted in Richmond: A Social + Cultural Conversation.” A panel explores Richmond’s cultural legacy and foundation for community transformation. Sept. 5, 6 to 9 p.m., at Main Street Station, Richmond.
- “THE WELL Fest: Well-being and Music for the People.” Morning wellness programming including dance, meditation, and sound baths. Afternoon open-air, celebration with soul, jazz, and Afrobeat performances; panels on economic development, mental health, and Black futures; and a Market + Art Walk of wellness vendors and local artists. Sept. 6, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Main Street Station, Richmond.
News to Know
Brown’s Island news, singing, and acting
No Friday Cheers in 2026 – and Brown’s Island Improvements. Due to the big Brown’s Island Improvement Project, which closes the island to events from mid-November 2025 till early October 2026, Friday Cheers will take a year hiatus. The Richmond Folk Festival and the Richmond Marathon will go on as planned in 2025 and 2026. The T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge will generally remain open. The project will add critical infrastructure such as potable water, restrooms, and ADA accessible entrances and pathways, as well as engaging elements, such as a splash pad, play features, river terraces, shade trees, seating, and more.
Joyful Voices Fall Rehearsals Begin. No musical experience is necessary to join this chorus for singers with Alzheimer’s or other dementias and their caregivers. Fall rehearsals are preparation for “My Heart Wants to Sing,” on Nov. 20, 11 a.m. Thursday rehearsals begin on Sept. 4, 10:00 a.m., at Salisbury Presbyterian Church, Midlothian.
Adult Classes. If you want to be dramatic, Cadence has a class for you. All are held at RPAA inside the Dominion Energy Arts Center, Richmond.
- True Stories: Memoir as Monologue, with Rusty Wilson. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 to 9 p.m., Oct. 7 to 23.
- Monologue Audition, with Denise Simone. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 to 9 p.m., Oct. 28 to Nov. 13.
- The Business of Acting, with Brian Landis. Tuesday, Nov. 18, 7 to 9 p.m.
Road Trip
250 years of Army materiel
Ordnance Training Support Facility Special Tours. See 250 years of Army materiel, from tanks to self-propelled guns, troop transports, howitzers, and surface-to-air missiles. While it is only used for soldier training, in observance of the Army’s 250th birthday, the facility is open to the public three more times in 2025. Docents will lead tours and discuss the artifacts. Learn how Army engineering and ingenuity has helped to build a strong, enduring Army. Aug. 30, Oct. 11, and Nov. 8, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Ordnance Training Support Facility, Fort Lee.
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 teams
Explore future events and ongoing exhibitions and performances here.
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