More What’s Booming RVA: Jan. 29 to Feb. 5
Curated events, road trips, and event news in our one-of-a-kind Richmond calendar
Paranormal fun, adaptive sports, Holocaust insights, African American history, theatrical openings, displaced families of SNP, concerts, authors, and more. And news of a 100th birthday, Virginia Civil Rights podcast, and show announcements. What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, January 29 to February 5, 2026.
Explore:
- Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
- January 29 to February 5 – below,
- Event news + a road trip – way below, and
- Our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
January 29 to February 5
What’s happening in and around the Richmond region
Thursday, January 29
River in Winter: Atlantic Sturgeon. Matt Balazik of VCU presents the history of the Atlantic sturgeon in the James River and their return after years of decline, plus ongoing research. January 29, 6 to 8 p.m., at Reedy Creek Nature Center, Richmond.
“Boutwell: Radical Republican and Champion of Democracy.” Author Jeffrey Boutwell, descendent of George S. Boutwell, examines his ancestor’s role in shaping Civil War and Reconstruction. FREE. Presented by the American Civil War Museum. January 29, 6:30 p.m., online.
“The Gray House” Premiere Screening and Talk-Back. The American Civil War Museum and the VMHC present a film about a true-life Richmond network of female spies: a Virginia socialite, her mother, a formerly enslaved sister-in-arms, and the city’s most notorious courtesan. They operated within the corridors of Confederate power and operated an effective underground spy network, risking life and liberty. January 29, 7 to 9 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
“From Poland with Love (and Detours).” Pianist Dr. Magdalena Adamek presents the richness and range of Polish piano music, with young guest artists. Exploring tradition and experimentation, featuring works by Chopin, Bacewicz, Szymanowski, Zarębski, and others. January 29, 7 p.m., at Singleton Center, 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. January 29, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Friday, January 30
After 5 Fridays | The Hampton University Marching Force Band & VCU’s Black Awakening Choir. Jumpstart Black History Month with music ranging from hip-hop and R&B to gospel and spirituals. Jan. 30, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
Martha Spencer and the Wonderland Band. See Boomer’s top picks.
Afro-Zen Allstars. Jazz and jam connect with African musical tradition, including the haunting sounds of Ethiopian Golden Age of the late 1960s to mid ’70s. Jan. 30, 8 p.m., at Révéler, Richmond.
“Journals of the Holocaust.” Presented by Nancy Beasley, author of “Izzy’s Fire: Finding Humanity in the Holocaust,” and the Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia. Jan. 30, 7 p.m., at Beulah United Methodist Church, North Chesterfield.
Hanover Tavern ParaCon. Two days of paranormal fun, learning, and investigations. Proceeds benefit the tavern. Jan. 30 and 31 at Hanover Tavern, Hanover.
Bruce Bruce: “Cool Since Day One” Tour. Bold, high-energy urban comedy rooted in lived experience, built on relationships and everyday struggles, delivered with a commanding stage presence and a lot of playful swagger. Jan. 30 to Feb. 1 at Funny Bone, Richmond.
Saturday, January 31
Virginia Adaptive Sports Festival. Showcasing sports and recreational opportunities for people with disabilities: try out a sport adapted for people who have limited mobility, a physical, or visual impairment, no matter the age or disability. From wheelchair sports to individual sports like archery, cycling or kayaking, with 20+ sports to try. Also learn about volunteering opportunities. FREE. Jan. 31, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Henrico Sports & Event Center, Glen Allen.
“Burn Down Master’s House.” Book discussion and signing with author, journalist, and radio host Clay Cane, author of “The Grift.” His new book is inspired by true, long-buried stories of enslaved people who dared to fight back, a searing portrayal of resistance for readers of Colson Whitehead, Jesmyn Ward, and Percival Everett. Jan. 31, 1 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
“32 Blocks”: How Church Hill Helped Make the Culture. See Boomer’s top picks.
“Echoes of a Dream.” A documentary examines Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy in Virginia, his dream, and the unfinished struggle. Film screening and panel discussion. FREE, registration required. Jan. 31, 2 p.m., at the Black History Museum, Richmond.
“Stories Through Melody.” The Ben Rosenblum Trio draws from an eclectic repertoire, including selections from the jazz and popular music traditions and global music influences from South America, Eastern Europe, Ireland, the Caribbean, and beyond. FREE, donations accepted. Jan. 31, 3:30 p.m., at Grace Baptist Church, Richmond.
Della Mae. A GRAMMY-nominated all-female, bluegrass string band. Jan. 31, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Conrad Tao Plays Gershwin. Experience artistry in music from the jazz-age: George Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F and his mercurial homage to Gershwin, “Flung Out.” Plus rising American conductor Ben Manis leads Mozart’s final Symphony No. 41, the “Jupiter.” Jan. 31, 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 1, 3 p.m., at Carpenter Theatre, Richmond.
River City Classic Wheelchair Basketball Tournament. Top adult and youth teams from across the East Coast compete. Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at Henrico Sports & Events Center, Glen Allen.
“The Miracle Worker.” See Boomer’s top picks.
Sunday, February 1
Open Studio Sunday | RVA Community Makers. Artist Hamilton Glass leads the annual community collaboration. This year’s project will answer the prompt, “On whose shoulders do they stand?” Inspired by the current exhibition, “Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys. Feb. 1, 1 to 3 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
Davóne Tines & Ruckus. Exploring four centuries of American music with reimagined songs, hymns, and ballads in a meditation and interrogation centered around the Black American experience. Joined by Richmond-based gospel trio The Legendary Ingramettes. Pre-show talk, 6:30 p.m.; performance, 7:30 to 9 p.m., at Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond.
Monday, February 2
Voices of Abolition: The Movement to End Slavery. In 1830, the first Negro Convention was held, marking the beginning of Black involvement in the abolition movement. The contributions of African Americans are mostly overlooked. From debates over colonization to moral suasion and outright violence, African Americans were at the forefront of shaping and maintaining the movement. Lunch & Learn series. Feb. 2, noon, at the American Civil War Museum, Richmond.
A Conversation with Kamala Harris. The former Vice President and presidential candidate shares insights from her book, “107 Days,” and addresses concerns like how we find hope and resilience in the face of adversity. She looks at what it will take to move forward, especially for those feeling disheartened and disconnected from the political process. Feb. 2, 7 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Shon Davis. Modern soul jazz vocalist, aka The Cowbell Queen, blends gospel roots with contemporary flair. Feb. 2, 7 p.m., at Révéler, Richmond.
Tuesday, February 3
VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Women and Wellness Luncheon. Four-time Olympic track and field athlete Chaunté Lowe will speak at the annual event raising funds for cancer research. Lowe was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer and garnered national attention for continuing to train for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics during and after her cancer treatment. Feb. 3, 11 a.m., at the Jefferson Hotel, Richmond.
Dr. Lanjiabao Ge Guest Piano Performance. Ge has performed at renowned venues including Carnegie Hall, the Steinway Piano Gallery, and the Kennedy Center, and is a prizewinner of multiple international piano competitions and an active collaborative pianist. Feb. 3, 7 p.m., at Singleton Center, Richmond.
Trivia at Bingo Beer Co. Compete for up to $75 in Bingo Beer gift card prizes. Free to play. Come early to snag a table or make a reservation. Ongoing Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 to 9 p.m., at Bingo Beer, Richmond.
Side-by-Side. The Richmond Symphony and Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra team up, enriching the young musicians and the audience alike. Works from Bizet, Mascagni, Smetana, and Márquez. FREE. Feb. 3, 7 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Wednesday, February 4
“Courtmaker: John Marshall and the Forging of America’s Supreme Court.” Documentary exploring how Chief Justice John Marshall transformed the Supreme Court into a coequal branch of government, shaping the nation’s legal foundations and enduring ideals of liberty and self-government. Followed by an expert-led panel and Q&A. Feb. 4, 5:30 to 7:45 p.m., at Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
“Intelligence.” See Boomer’s top picks.
An Evening with Local Author Howard Owen. The author discusses his writing and introduces readers to Willie Black, a central figure in Owen’s Richmond-based mystery series. Feb. 4, 6 to 8 p.m., at West End Branch Library, Richmond.
Thursday, February 5
Virtual Talk: Displacement in Virginia – Displaced Families of Shenandoah National Park. Until its formation in the 1930s, much of what’s now Shenandoah National Park was inhabited by generations of mountain families, whose homes were displaced by the park’s construction, through eminent domain. Author and professor Katrina M. Powell explores the history of these displacements and the families they impacted. Presented by the Library of Virginia. FREE. Feb. 5, noon to 1 p.m., online.
Langley Winds Guest Performance. The wind quintet, serving from the historic Langley Air Force Base, brings a fresh perspective to chamber music, from timeless classics to contemporary masterpieces. FREE. Feb. 5, 5 to 6 p.m., at Singleton Center, Richmond.
“Harlem Rhapsody.” Paperback release and book chat with Victoria Christopher Murray. Feb. 5, 6 to 8:30 p.m., at Resist Booksellers, Petersburg.
The Battle of Franklin. Andrew Gallagher shares stories from his new book, “Twilight of the Confederacy: The Battle of Franklin.” The battle, fought on Nov. 30, 1864, in Tennessee, was a disastrous Confederate defeat and a pivotal Union victory, often called the “bloodiest five hours” of the Civil War. Part of the Petersburg Civil War Roundtable. Feb. 5, 7 p.m., at Pamplin Historical Park, Petersburg.
Young Dubliners. Celtic Rock with influence from Ireland and elsewhere. Feb. 5, doors at 6:30, at The Beacon Theatre, Hopewell.
Loretta & Patsy. See Boomer’s top picks.
News to Know
Happy 100th, acting classes, heritage help, new shows, Civil Rights podcast
Celebrate Maymont’s 100th Birthday. Maymont opened to the public as a city park on Jan. 1, 1926. The nonprofit is celebrating with special events, including Maymont Mansion Open House on March 21, the Grrrrrand Reopening of the Virginia Wildlife Trail on April 18, and “Cheers to 100 Years” birthday party on June 6, with free activities, games, tours and live entertainment all day long. At Maymont, Richmond.
Acting from the Inside Out: Adult Acting Classes. For those inexperienced and experienced, presented by Cadence Theatre. Beginning March 24, at RPAA, Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Library of Virginia FREE Local and Family History Workshops. Helping beginner and experienced researchers learn to better explore historic records. Sessions include “Finding Free Black Ancestors” on Feb. 13; “Introduction to Research” for beginners on March 13; and others on American migration routes and more – a mix of virtual and in-person formats.
New Performances Announced. Dominion Energy Center has announced new shows, including Ben Folds and a Piano on May 3, Theresa Caputo Live on June 4, and America: The Happy Trails Tour on June 19. Public tickets go on sale Jan. 30, 10 a.m.
Virginia Civil Rights Podcast. The Virginia Tourism Corporation has launched a new podcast series, highlighting the Commonwealth’s pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement and amplifying the voices of those who shaped the fight for equality. The Virginia-focused episodes are part of a broader U.S. Civil Rights Trail Podcast, a nationally recognized, narrative-style podcast series. Find the series by searching for “U.S. Civil Rights Trail Podcast” on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio.
Road Trip
Women abstract expressionists
“Abstract Expressionists: The Women.” Celebrating the vital and historically undervalued contributions of women to the first internationally renowned artistic movement born in the U.S. The exhibition covers four thematic sections: “The New York School,” “San Francisco Early Years,” “A Tale of Two Cities: New York and Paris,” and “Vocal Girls and Beyond.” Through April 26 at the Muscarelle Museum of Art, Williamsburg.
Explore future events and ongoing exhibitions and performances here.
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