More What’s Booming RVA: August 7 to 14
Events, road trip, and news flashes in Boomer’s one-of-a-kind, curated Richmond calendar
This week + down the road: A jazzy weekend, ticket news, and a road trip. Plus more music, lectures, beer, wine, and more. What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, August 7 to 14, 2025.
Find:
- Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
- The week ahead – below,
- Event news + a road trip – way down below, and
- Our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
August 7 to 14, 2025
Thursday, August 7
Richmond Music Week. Richmond music venues feature performances by artists of various genres, from big name acts at larger venues to local and regional musicians. The week also highlights local record stores, record labels, and recording studios. Through Aug. 10 at venues around Richmond.
Sizzling Summer Sounds with Susan Greenbaum. A long-time Richmond favorite acoustic singer kicks off this series of local performers. Aug. 7, 7 p.m., at Unity Church of Bon Air, Richmond.
Friday, August 8
Double Duran – The Ultimate Duran Duran Experience. The iconic sound, energy, and style of the legendary British band that defined a generation with chart-topping hits like “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Rio,” and “Girls on Film.” Aug. 8, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Richmond Jazz and Music Festival. See Boomer’s top picks.
“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. 8 to 10 and 15 to 17 at Dogwood Dell, Richmond.
Saturday, August 9
Elizabeth Walker Ege. The Parsons Cause presents a historic Richmonder who lived in the Old Stone House in Richmond for most of her life (1746-1829), witnessing the city transform from a village to a thriving state capital and early industrial boomtown. Called an “exemplary woman,” Mrs. Ege will share her story intertwined with that of early America’s foundational history in this informative and entertaining program. Presenter: Deborah T. Phillips. Aug. 9, 10 a.m., at Historic Hanover Courthouse, Hanover.
The Dinner Detective. Solve an amusing mystery while eating dinner – and while knowing the culprit is somewhere among fellow diners. Aug. 9, 6 to 9 p.m., at Hilton Richmond – Short Pump, Richmond.
Sunday, August 10
Meet Abigail Adams. The spunky, smart woman behind two presidents comes to life, presented by Deborah T. Phillips. Learn about Adams’ support for women’s education and rights and for the abolition of slavery. Aug. 10, 2:45 p.m., at Historic St. John’s Church, Richmond.
The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories. See Boomer’s top picks.
Monday, August 11
“Jour de Fête.” Ashland 1949 Film Series presents a classic comedy following a mailman on a day in a town full of wine and distractions, featuring silent gags and physical comedy. Aug. 11, 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Tuesday, August 12
3 in 30: Frida in Context – The Cultural Milieu of Frida Kahlo | In-person. Exploring the artistic circle of and cultural influences on Frida Kahlo by examining three works in the museum’s permanent collection. FREE. Aug. 12, 11 to 11:30 a.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road. See Boomer’s top picks.
Wednesday, August 13
Celebrate Virginia Craft Beer Month on Wednesdays. Aug. 13 features Midnight Brewery from Goochland and musician Cory Dunn. Aug. 20 features Old Bust Head Brewing and musician Danny Kensy. 6 to 8 p.m., at Hanover Tavern, Hanover.
The Eli Cook Band. Wrapping up Summer Nights at the Perk with live music from the blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist presenting raw and robust vocals. Plus local food, drinks, and vibes. Aug. 13, 6 p.m., at the Perkinson Center, Chester.
Thursday, August 14
Summer Sing-Along. Presenting an “oldies” sing-along of golden hits from the past in a chorus tailored for singers with Alzheimer’s and other dementias and their caregivers. Aug. 14, 10 to 11:30 a.m., at Salisbury Presbyterian Church, Midlothian.
3 in 30: Frida in Context – The Cultural Milieu of Frida Kahlo | Virtual. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts explores the artistic circle of and cultural influences on Frida Kahlo by examining three works in the museum’s permanent collection. FREE. Aug. 14, 11 to 11:30 a.m., online.
Defiant Spirits: Exploring the Legacy of Clementina Rind. See Boomer’s top picks.
“Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts: Stories and Recipes from Five Generations of Black Country Cooks.” Prolific writer and poet Crystal Wilkinson presents this lyrical culinary journey that explores the hidden legacy of Black Appalachians through powerful storytelling alongside comforting recipes. The book shares nearly 40 family recipes rooted deep in the past, such as corn pudding and chicken and dumplings, alongside a culinary portrait of a family that has lived and worked the earth of the mountains for over a century. Aug. 14, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Library of Virginia, 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). Aug. 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. Aug. 14, 6:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 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. Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m., at Beacon Theatre, Hopewell.
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. Aug. 14, 7 p.m., at Funny Bone, Richmond.
NASCAR Race Weekend. An array of experiences to amp up the excitement. Aug. 14 to 16 at Richmond Raceway, Richmond.
News: Tickets to Get Now!
Capitol humor, cat videos, Virginia spirits, journalist & storyteller
The Capitol Fools. The dynamic cast lampoons DC’s top officials and their minions in one hilarious bit after another, through break-neck costume changes, silly pop-song parodies, over-the-top impressions, and tongue-bending, backward-talking spoonerisms. Sept. 5, 7 p.m., and Sept. 6, 3 and 7 p.m., at The Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen.
Cat Video Fest 2025. A fun 75 minutes of curated cat videos, both hilarious and adorable. Portion of sales benefit a kitten rescue. Sept. 7 and 10 at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Virginia Distilled. Celebrate Virginia Spirits Month with spirit samples from up to 15 craft distillers across the Commonwealth, plus live music, food trucks, and museum admission. Sept. 13, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Ari Shapiro: Thank You For Listening. Known widely as an NPR journalist, Shapiro is becoming one of America’s beloved storytellers. His new cabaret solo show is hilarious and moving, adapting tales from his best-selling memoir, “The Best Strangers in the World,” into an evening of stories and songs about the power of listening to forge connections. Jan. 29, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Road Trip
Virginia tastes and sips
Taste Leesburg. Feast on food, drink, tradition, and history in the picturesque, historic Northern Virginia city. Local restaurants, food trucks, and farm markets offer tastes of their best fare, and area breweries, wineries, a cidery, and a meadery pour their lovely liquids. Plus live music, historic reenactors, a retro arcade lounge, and local vendors. Aug. 9, 5 to 10 p.m., Leesburg.
Get Groovy with Outdoor Concerts
Westchester Concert Series. Biweekly through Aug. 7 at Westchester Commons, Midlothian.
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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