More What’s Booming RVA: June 19 to 26
Boomer’s curated look at Richmond events, a day trip and news
This week’s curated calendar presents 804 Day Festival news, a day trip for BBQ, Juneteenth events, new theatrical runs, music, art, authors, and more. What’s Booming, Richmond, Virginia, June 19 to 26, 2025.
Featuring:
- Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
- The week ahead – below, and
- Our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
June 19 to 26, 2025
Thursday, June 19
Virginia Juneteenth Parade. June 19, 11 a.m., at Virginia Union University, Richmond.
Juneteenth in the Park. Four public guided events celebrating African-American culture and resilience. June 19 to 21 at Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield.
- Art in the Park: Celebrating Black Artist and Conservationist. June 19, noon to 2 p.m., meet at the pool.
- “Our Man Mitchell: The Life and Times of John Mitchell.” Presented by Pine Camp Cultural Arts Center, on the late 19th-century Richmond journalist, John H. Mitchell Jr., of The Richmond Planet. June 19, 4 to 6 p.m., at the amphitheater.
- The Forgotten Soldiers of Juneteenth: The 116th United States Colored Troops of Dutch Gap Canal. Learn Chesterfield’s ties to Galveston, Texas through photos, memorabilia, and discussion with Henricus Historical Park staff. June 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., meet at the visitor center.
- Group Camp 7: A Hike Through History. Traverse paths that were once marked by segregation at the park. June 21, 4 to 6 p.m., meet at Bright Hope Horse Complex.
“Lincoln’s Lady Spymaster: The Untold Story of the Abolitionist Southern Belle Who Helped Win the Civil War.” Author Gerri Willis on Civil War spymaster genius Elizabeth Van Lew, from her early work infiltrating prisons and collecting Confederate secrets to bolder efforts. In person, but virtual option available too. June 19, noon to 1 p.m., at Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Jubilation in June Festival. Richmond Parks and Rec presents reflection, joy, and community, with food, music, and activities for all ages to honor freedom, culture, and history. June 19 and 20, 5 p.m., at Intermediate Terminal, Richmond.
Juneteenth at the Branch Museum. See Boomer’s Top picks.
26th Annual Richmond Shakespeare Festival: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” See Boomer’s Top picks.
Legacy Unearthed: The Living Lineage of Dr. Carter G. Woodson – Juneteenth Event. Honoring the legacy of the “Father of Black History” by exploring new dimensions of Woodson’s life through the voices of his descendants, Black and white. Reflections on generational healing, kinship, and truth. FREE. June 19, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia, Richmond.
Jubilation in June Festival. Richmond Parks and Rec presents a day of reflection, joy, and community, with food, music, and activities for all ages to honor freedom, culture, and history. June 19, 5 p.m., at Midtown Green, Richmond.
See a lineup of local Juneteenth events at our ongoing What’s Booming web page
Friday, June 20
Sunrise Fitness. Cardio and strength workout. Bring water and mat. June 20, 6 to 6:44 a.m., at Taylor Farm Park, Henrico.
Sunrise Fitness (Yoga). Gentle poses designed to wake up body and mind. Bring a mat, water. June 20, 7 to 7:45 a.m., at Taylor Farm Park, Henrico.
Mobile Museum Experience. A hands-on, interactive, and immersive museum in a tractor trailer, featuring stories of Virginia history. June 20, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Dorey Park, Henrico.
How to Photograph Artwork Workshop. Use your smartphone to photograph your work for galleries, sellers, and online, with proper lighting, angles, and techniques. June 20, 10 a.m. to noon, at Crossroads Art Center, Richmond.
Summer Showcase. Unveiling new collections, from limited-edition charms to vintage cameos. With Jolene Winery and King of Pops. June 20, 4 to 7 p.m., at Emily Warden Designs, Richmond.
Juneteenth Jamboree. Henrico County Recreation and Parks presents a community parade and 7v7 football showdown, plus live music and food trucks. June 20, 5 to 9 p.m., at Varina High School, Henrico.
Documentary Film & Talk | Frida. This 2024 documentary about Frida Kahlo journeys into her life using Kahlo’s own words, with animation inspired by her artwork. Director Carla Gutiérrez will introduce and discuss the film. June 20, 6:30 to 9 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
Play in the Park. Live music featuring Jonathan Paige Brown and a classic car cruise-in. Presented by Petersburg Area Arts League. FREE. June 20, 7 to 9 p.m., at the Art Park at PAAL, Petersburg.
Paula Poundstone. The iconic comedian, known for observational humor and spontaneous wit, is the star of several HBO specials and is a regular panelist on NPR’s comedy news quiz, “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!” June 20, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Jubilation in June. Dogwood Dell Festival of the Arts presents Legacy Band. June 20, 8 p.m., at Dogwood Dell, Richmond.
Resistance and Freedom in Richmond’s Court End. Powerful stories of urban slavery, resistance, and resilience. The guided tour includes the White House of the Confederacy and offers a glimpse into the fight for emancipation. June 20 and 27, 10 to 11:30 a.m., starting at the John Marshall House, Richmond.
“Waitress.” See Boomer’s Top picks.
“A Strange Loop.” See Boomer’s Top picks.
Saturday, June 21
“Moonlight Healers” with Elizabeth Becker. The author discusses her new book, an emotional debut with a magical twist, set between WWII France and modern-day Appalachia. June 21, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Book People, Henrico.
Juneteenth Celebration: “Boots on the Ground.” Hanover County NAACP presents live music and food trucks. FREE. June 21, noon to 5 p.m., at Randolph-Macon College, Ashland.
Fledge Fest with DWR. Celebrate the successful launch of the three falcon chicks, monitored and shared with the public on the Falcon Cam by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Meet some feathered friends, hear live music, try the new TC Falcon beer, and more. June 21, noon, at Triple Crossing – Fulton, Richmond.
The Official Pride Bar Crawl. Colorful drinks, good vibes, and bar-hopping fun – 20% of proceeds benefit the local Nationz Foundation. June 21, 4 p.m., starting at New York Deli, Richmond.
Juneteenth Celebration. Henrico County Rec and Parks hosts a commemoration of the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth. Vendor fair, community stage, main stage, food, fireworks, and more. FREE. June 21, 4 to 10 p.m., at Dorey Park, Henrico.
Assault on Fort Gregg – FREE Sunset Walking Tour. On April 2, 1865, a Federal attack broke the Confederate lines at Petersburg. By afternoon, only Forts Gregg and Whitworth stood between U.S. troops and the city. Learn about the chaos and ferocity of this final attack of the Petersburg campaign. June 21, 6 to 7:30 p.m., meet at Fort Gregg (7th Avenue near Simpson Road), Petersburg.
Stacey Kent. The American jazz singer presents nuanced interpretations that transcend borders and defy categorization. Her repertoire includes originals written by Jim Tomlinson, her musician husband, in collaboration with Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro. June 21, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Sunday, June 22
Joy on Juneteenth. A celebration of Black joy and freedom with a Zen Zone, games, line dancing, Black vendors, paint-a-pot workshops, live music, poetry, and more. June 22 at Diversity Richmond, Richmond.
Hackensaw Boys. Roots music shapeshifters have been performing since 1999. Formed in Charlottesville and now based in Lynchburg, they offer high-energy performances and down-to-earth presentation. June 22, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Monday, June 23
Astronomy Watch Party. See Boomer’s Top picks.
Cheryl Wheeler and David Wilcox. The poet, balladeer, and humorous social critic and the penetrating storyteller and folk musician. June 23, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Tuesday, June 24
Trivia. Competition with prizes, hosted by Ball of Fire. Every Tuesday and Thursday, 7 to 9 p.m., at Bingo Beer Co., Richmond.
The Wildwoods. The folk-Americana trio presents violin, acoustic guitar, upright bass, percussion, and cello – coupled with homespun harmonies. June 24, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Wednesday, June 25
Silver Screen Movie – “Fly Me to the Moon.” Tickets and concessions just one dollar. June 25, 10 a.m., at Henrico Theatre, Highland Springs.
Profs & Pints Richmond: The Truth About Confessions. An exploration of police interrogation practices and how they can lead the innocent to falsely admit guilt, with Hayley Cleary, associate professor of criminal justice and public policy at VCU. June 25, 6 to 8:30 p.m., at Triple Crossing Beer – Fulton, Richmond.
Reading History Together: “Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom” by David W. Blight. A quarterly book discussion focused on narrative non-fiction. Reading at least part of work is encouraged. Facilitated discussions may feature supplementary articles, videos, or talks from experts. June 25, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Richmond Main Library, Richmond.
John Németh. Soulful blues and roots music, blending classic electric blues, Memphis soul, R&B with a modern edge, powerful vocals, and harmonica. June 25, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Thursday, June 26
“Cold War Virginia.” Virginia played a central role in U.S. involvement during the Cold War. In 1960, the Soviet Union’s shoot-down of U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers, a Virginia native, created a superpower crisis. Cold War historians Francis Gary Powers Jr. and Christopher Sturdevant tell these and other tales of espionage, heroism, and betrayal. June 26, noon to 1 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Pride Summer Solstice Unhappy Hour. Celebrate the sun and the freedom to be with live music and a special drag show (cash suggested to tip the performers!). Adult beverages. June 26, 6 to 9 p.m., at The Poe Museum, Richmond.
In the Studio with … Kathy Rivera. Mix and mingle with the artist, followed by a lecture. June 26, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.
Washington Takes Command. In June 1775, George Washington took command of the newly formed Continental Army. Historian Bert Dunkerly explores Washington’s challenges and lessons learned. Ages 10+. June 26, 7 to 8:30, at Belmont Recreation Center, Henrico.
Henrico Community Band Concerts. Take lawn chair or blanket for music under the stars. June 26, 7 to 8:30, at Walkerton Tavern, Glen Allen.
News to Know
804 Day
804 Day Festival Bands Announced. Ten Richmond bands and performers celebrate the Richmond region, plus arts, crafts, food, drink, nonprofit showcase, and more. FREE. Aug. 2, 12:30 to 6:30 p.m., at 17th Street Market, Richmond.
- Nickelus F (Rap)
- Kadencia Orchestra (Latin)
- Høly River (Folk)
- REIN (Pop/Rock)
- Weldon Hill Quintet (Jazz)
- Bucko (Honky-Tonk/Goof-Rock)
- Los Hermanos Alacranes (Rock/Latin)
- Flora and The Fauna (Punk)
- Kaay Taurus (R&B)
- Vexine (Southern Rock Noir)
Road Trip
Barbecue!
Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle. The 33rd annual event includes live sounds, family-friendly events from cooking demonstrations to performances, and dozens of the best pitmasters from across the country cooking up competition-worthy BBQ. Welcomes and feeds an estimated 100,000 guests while raising money for DC community organizations and charities. June 21 to 22 along Historic Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.
Support the local sports teams and have a blast!
Explore future events and ongoing exhibitions and performances here.
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