More What’s Booming RVA: Jan. 1 to 8
Curated events, road trip, and news in our one-of-a-kind Richmond calendar
It’s time for relaxation, recuperations, and resolutions. From First Day inspirations to a handful of rejuvenating events, in What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, January 1 to 8, 2026.
Explore:
- Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
- January 1 to 8, 2026 – below,
- Event news + a road trip – way below, and
- Our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
January 1 to 8, 2026
Thursday, January 1
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
First Day Hike. See Boomer’s top picks.
First Day 5k, 1 Miler, and Kids Run. See Boomer’s top picks.
18th Annual Cone Parade. See Boomer’s top picks.
Friday, January 2
Blazin’ Keys Dueling Pianos. The Raleigh-based pianists present an all-request sing-along comedy musical improv show. No set list. No script. Just crazy energy as audience members request their favorite songs and two piano duelers battle it out on stage. Jan. 2, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
VMHC Used Book Sale. Gently used hardcover and softcover fiction and nonfiction books, mostly with a historical theme. Jan. 2 to 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
First Fridays at the VMHC. Free museum admission, family-friendly activities, live music by Weldon Hill, food trucks, and antique cars. “Give me Liberty: Virginia & the Forging of a Nation” closes Jan. 4. FREE. Jan. 2, 5 to 8 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Richmond.
Trying to Date RVA Mixer. A unique RVA singles experience that combines history, local culture, and connection-building through partner rotations, interactive scavenger hunt, and social mixer. Jan. 2, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Richmond.
Sam Reed Sings Nina Simone. See Boomer’s top picks.
Saturday, January 3
Totally Rad Vintage Fest. See Boomer’s top picks.
The Elko Tract. Discover the story behind the “forgotten” World War II city located in Henrico’s East End. Jan. 3, 2 to 3 p.m., at Elko Community Center, Sandston.
Live Audio Description of GardenFest. Virginia Voice offers live audio descriptions of the beauty of GardenFest to those who are blind and visually impaired. Jan. 3, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.
Sunday, January 4
757 Art Can Feed Charity Art Show. SEE ROAD TRIP, BELOW.
Tuesday, January 6
“Tomorrow, the War” with Max Watman. The sweeping historical epic follows the lives of a restless wanderer, a once-enslaved man seeking justice, and the heir to a failing Virginia plantation who attempts to raise his enslaved half-siblings as equals. Watman will be in conversation with Ed Trask, Richmond artist. Jan. 6, 6 to 7 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.
Wednesday, January 7
“Table of Resilience.” The exhibition honors the kitchen table as a powerful symbol of Black life, a site of resistance and renewal, and a space where stories are passed down, movements are born, hair is braided with love, and memories are etched into history. Through Jan. 24 at the Black History Museum, Richmond.
Thursday, January 8
James River History in Richmond. Ralph Hambrick, author of “Transforming the James River in Richmond,” offers an overview of the river’s history, notably our wastewater history, overcoming pollution, and how that led to creation of the James River Park System. Jan. 8, 6 to 8 p.m., at Reedy Creek Nature Center, Richmond.
Joyful Voices Rehearsals. The community chorus for singers with Alzheimer’s or other dementias and their caregivers begins rehearsals for its spring concert. No musical experience necessary. Spring theme: “Let’s Go to the Movie.” Concert on May 14, 11 a.m. Rehearsals run Jan. 8 to May 7 at Salisbury Presbyterian Church, Midlothian.
News to Know
Richmond leader dies, plus two new events announced
Remembering Bill Martin. Richmond lost a legend this week, at the death of long-time Valentine director Bill Martin. He led the Richmond-focused museum with kindness, passion, intelligence, and humor, shedding light on local history with grace and compassion. His gentle spirit will be missed by many.
Richmond SailFest. Presented by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, in partnership with Sail Virginia℠ and the City of Richmond, this weekend-long festival will feature tall ship tours, live music and performances, historical re-enactors, exhibitions of history and art, and much more. June 12 to 14, Richmond.
VMHC IllumiNATION. A breathtaking video art projection that brings the American story to life. Set against the museum’s historic facade, this immersive experience will blend artistic light, historic imagery, and music to transport viewers on a powerful journey through time and place. June 25 to 28 at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Road Trip
Buy art, do good
757 Art Can Feed Charity Art Show. Meet and greet local artists and score new art to take home – 100% of profits go to the Norfolk Food Bank, and prints will be available in exchange for food donations. Art available through Jan. 31. Jan. 4, 6 to 8 p.m., at Zeke’s Chesapeake.
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.
