More What’s Booming RVA: July 31 to Aug. 7
Events, road trip, and a news flash in Boomer’s one-of-a-kind, curated Richmond calendar
Celebrate local with music from serenades to soul and with artists and their creations. Get smarter, drink beer, eat BBQ. All this and more in What’s Booming, Richmond, Virginia, July 31 to Aug. 7, 2025.
Find:
- Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
- The week ahead – below,
- Event news + a road trip – way below
- Our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
July 31 to Aug. 7, 2025
Thursday, July 31
Richmond Symphony Summer Serenades. Intimate early evening performance of chamber music masterworks from three centuries. July 31, 6:30 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Henrico Community Band Concert. See Boomer’s top picks.
Speaker Series: The Virginia Continental Line in the Revolution’s Southern Campaign. Author John Settle discusses his new book that uses primary sources and firsthand accounts to give voices to the honorable, but often forgotten, veterans of the Virginia Line. July 31, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Hanover Tavern, Hanover.
Friday, August 1
“Dreams and Shadows: An Immigrant’s Journey.” Dr. Emma Violand-Sánchez discusses her memoir. Violand-Sánchez immigrated to Virginia from Bolivia In 1961 and has become a transformative figure in American public education and in service to immigrants and refugees, advocating for bilingual education and expanding opportunities for immigrant students and their families. Book signing to follow. FREE, registration required. Aug. 1, noon to 1 p.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.
Friday at the Museum – Deep Run School House. Learn about this historic Henrico property. Aug. 1, noon to 4 p.m., at Deep Run School, Henrico.
RVA First Fridays
- RVA First Fridays. Stroll the art galleries along and around Broad Street, plus restaurants, shops, and other organizations. Presenting live music, special events, tastings, and more. Aug. 1, times vary, Richmond.
- First Fridays. Free museum admission, family-friendly activities, live music, food trucks, and drinks in the Museum Café. FREE. Aug. 1, 5 to 8 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Richmond.
- Manchester Manifest First Friday. Southside block party with live music, food, vendors, local businesses, and more. FREE. Aug. 1, 5 p.m. to midnight, between 12th and 14th streets on Hull Street, Richmond.
- First Friday Improv Super Sampler. Five short improv acts allow you to come and go while strolling the Arts District, or stop and sit awhile. Aug. 1, 7:30 p.m., at Coalition Theater, Richmond.
Drive-By Truckers. Haymaker Productions presents the 30-year-old band and its unflinching storytelling, heavy-hitting guitar riffs, and blend of Alternative and Southern rock. Aug. 1, 6 p.m., at Maymont, Richmond.
Dee Lucas wsg Kathy Kosins. The contemporary jazz saxophonist, joined by a Detroit vocalist at the intersection of jazz and soul. Aug. 1, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Gabriel Rutledge. See Boomer’s top picks.
Richmond Music Week. Richmond music venues will feature performances from artists of various genres, from big name acts at larger venues to local and regional musicians at places such as The Camel, Reveler Experiences, and Get Tight Lounge. The week also highlights local record stores, record labels, and recording studios. Aug. 1 to 10 at various venues around Richmond.
Saturday, August 2
The Reverend Samuel Davies. The evangelist and Presbyterian minister served at Pole Green Church in Hanover County from 1748 to 1759, and as president of Princeton University. He was one of the first non-Anglican preachers in Virginia and one of earliest missionaries to slaves in the American colonies. Known for his oratory, he was a strong influence on Patrick Henry. Part of The Parsons’ Cause series; portrayed by Beau Robbins. Aug. 2, 10 a.m., at Historic Hanover Courthouse, Hanover.
Malibu Summer with Libby Gill. Leadership expert and internationally known speaker Libby Gill discusses her debut novel “Malibu Summer.” Aug. 2, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Book People, Richmond.
Warriors in Bloom. See Boomer’s top picks.
Hamiltruths vs. Hamilfictions. Do you know Hamilton truths from fictions? Find out in a trivia game on the hit musical versus the real life of Alexander Hamilton. Check out the traveling exhibit, “Founding Frenemies: Hamilton and the Virginians.” All ages. Aug. 2, 2 to 3 p.m., at Henrico Parks & Recreation, Henrico.
Virginia Brews. Celebrate Virginia Craft Beer Month with beverages from across the Commonwealth, live music, and food trucks. New this year for VMHC’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, watch traditional barrel-making demonstrations by Marshall Scheetz of Jamestown Cooperage and more. Museum admission included. Aug. 2, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
804 Day Festival. See Boomer’s top picks.
Carbon Leaf. Haymaker Productions presents the long-time favorite local band. Aug. 2, 7 p.m., at Maymont, Richmond.
Sunday, August 3
Richmond Caribbean Wine, Food, and Music Festival. Take in island grooves, tasty wines, and mouth-watering treats, paired with Reggae and Soca bands. Aug. 3, 1 to 7 p.m., at Chesterfield County Fairground, Chesterfield.
History Mythbusters: In the Kitchen. A smorgasbord of American food history with food trivia from pineapples and potatoes to tomatoes and toasters – and dessert. Did Dolly Madison invent ice cream or Thomas Jefferson? What is myth and what is fact? Ages 10+. Aug. 3, 2 to 3:30 p.m., at Belmont Recreation Center, Henrico.
“What the Devil Has He Said?” Patrick Henry left no written speeches, so the exact text of his legendary “Give me liberty” speech is unclear. How did his first biographer create the supposed text? What new evidence is available now? Historian Mark Greenough explains. Aug. 3, 2:45 to 3:30 p.m., at Historic St. John’s Church, Richmond.
Music in the Park. Carmen Ann & The Low Down Gamblers perform Americana, twangy pop, and country rock on the lawn by the old Stone House in one of Richmond’s legendary parks. Take blankets, lawn chairs, and a picnic, and take in music and fresh air. FREE. Aug. 3, 3 to 5 p.m., at Forest Hill Park, Richmond.
Monday, August 4
804 Art Drop. See Boomer’s top picks.
Tuesday, August 5
Eric Johanson. Blending sharp songwriting with a deep connection to the guitar, for music that’s dynamic, soulful, and rooted in a mix of rock, roots, blues, and modern influences. Aug. 5, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Wednesday, August 6
Summer Outdoor Concert. Richmond-area band Virginia Weather performs a blend of country, rock, jazz, and folk. Dinner available for pre-order, free jiji frozen custard to first 100 customers. Aug. 6, 6 to 8 p.m., at First Baptist Church, Richmond.
Albert Cummings. An American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter whose commanding guitar work and soulful voice have made him a standout figure in the contemporary blues scene. Aug. 6, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Thursday, August 7
Proximity to Power: Rethinking Race and Place in Alexandria, Virginia. Author and professor of history and American studies, Krystyn R. Moon, presents a lecture based on her book. Aug. 7, noon, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Intro to Self-Publishing. James River Writers presents the nuts and bolts of self-publishing, from setting goals to choosing the right platforms, using AI appropriately, and preparing your manuscript. Aug. 7, 14, and 21, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., online.
News to Know
Enter your artwork
September Gallery Member Exhibition: Call For Entries. No theme for this members-only show of artwork for sale. Submission dates, Aug. 1 to 17. Exhibition dates, Sept. 19 to Nov. 9, at Crossroads Art Center, Richmond.
Road Trip
Beer & BBQ
Busch Gardens Bier Fest Brews & BBQ. More than 80 craft brews and cocktails from 60 breweries (including 39 from Virginia) to pair with barbecue dishes throughout the park. Every Friday through Sunday (plus Labor Day), Aug. 1 to Sept. 1, at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg.
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 local sports
Explore future events and ongoing exhibitions and performances here.
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