More What’s Booming RVA: June 5 to 12
A one-of-a-kind, curated look at Richmond events plus a day trip and news
Richmond’s season of outdoor concerts is in full swing: from Montpelier to Maymont, Pocahontas to Petersburg, and more, including many for free! And … introducing RVA’s new Allianz Amphitheater. This week in What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, June 5 to 12, 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 5 to 12, 2025
Thursday, June 5
Summer Sounds Series Kickoff. KOS Band performs for the first Summer Sounds concert of the season. Benefits FeedMore – bring a donation and enter for prizes. FREE. June 5, 5 to 7 p.m., at Stony Point Fashion Park, Richmond.
History Notes. See Boomer’s Top picks.
After Hours: Face 2 Face. Tribute to Elton John & Billy Joel. June 5, 6 p.m., at Innsbrook Pavilion, Glen Allen.
Exposure: In Bloom, “The Spirit of the Beehive.” Part of a film series exploring the complexities of the coming-of-age experience. Each screening concludes with a brief discussion. June 5, 7 p.m., at the Institute for Contemporary Art, Richmond.
Selwyn Birchwood. The young guitarist, lap steel player, songwriter, and vocalist presents visionary, original music that he calls “Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues,” a mix of deep blues, psychedelic-tinged rock, funk and Southern soul. June 5, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
2nd Best Comedy Fest. See Boomer’s Top picks.
“Some Like It Hot.” A mix of heart and laughs, song and dance. Starts in Chicago during Prohibition, the play features two musicians forced to flee the Windy City after witnessing a mob hit. With gangsters hot on their high heels, they catch a cross-country train for a life-changing trip. Through June 8 at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Friday, June 6
Resistance and Freedom in Richmond’s Court End. Uncover powerful stories of urban slavery, resistance, and resilience. The guided tour through the historic neighborhood includes the White House of the Confederacy, offering a glimpse into 19th-century life and the fight for emancipation. June 6, 13, 20, and 27, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., starting at the John Marshall House, Richmond.
Friday at the Museum – Dabbs House Museum. Learn about Henrico County’s people, places, and events at historic museums and homes. June 6, noon to 4 p.m., Dabbs House Museum, Henrico.
RVA First Fridays Downtown. Stroll the art galleries along and around Broad Street, plus restaurants, shops, and other organizations. Presenting live music, special events, tastings, and more. June 6, beginning at 5 p.m. – times vary at venues around downtown Richmond.
First Fridays at VMHC. Free museum admission, family-friendly activities, food trucks, drinks, live music. FREE. June 6, 5 to 8 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Richmond.
Festival of Arts: JayWhit and the Fellas, A Tribute to D’Angelo. The first of the season concert highlights the music of the Richmond-born singer, songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist, a major figure in the 1990s neo-soul movement. June 6, 8 p.m., at Dogwood Dell, Richmond.
Music Under the Stars: Beaverdam’s Runaway Train. Showcasing classic country and Southern gospel roots. Music, community, barbeque, and fun. June 6, gates open at 6 p.m., at Montpelier Center, Montpelier.
Maymont Summer Kickoff Concert. See Boomer’s Top picks.
Celtic Music Concert: Scéalái. Traditional Celtic music from the 1600s to 1800s, presented by Petersburg Area Art League. FREE. June 6, 7 p.m., at PAAL Art Park, Petersburg.
Friday Cheers. Richmond’s longest-running concert series presents Kashus Culpepper (8 p.m.) with Ramona & the Holy Smokes (6:30 p.m.). June 6 on Brown’s Island, Richmond.
Campfire Conversation. Joseph McGill of the Slave Dwelling Project facilitates an open dialogue about how we talk about the past, the enslaved, enslavers, and reconciling how history has been taught and the truth under the veneer. Ages 13+. June 6, 7 to 9 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.
Daruma. The touring band blends improvisation, electronics, driving grooves, and evocative cinematic textures. June 6, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Saturday, June 7
Celebrate Varina & Dorey Park Farmer’s Market Opening Day. The first day of the market season with 50+ local vendors selling fresh produce, handmade crafts, and more, plus food for purchase. June 7, 9 a.m. to noon, at Dorey Park, Henrico.
Pollinator Festival. Master Gardeners sell plants and other items, plus educational displays, clinics, and demonstrations, with live music and food. June 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Deep Run Park, Henrico.
Free Dental Care. Volunteer dentists through the Virginia Dental Association Foundation’s Mission of Mercy provide free oral care – cleanings, X-rays, fillings, and extractions – to Virginia Special Olympics competitors and others in need. First come, first served. June 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Robins Center, University of Richmond.
Ashland Strawberry Faire. Celebrate the juicy, sweet spring fruit with 300+ vendors, food, pet pageant, and more. June 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Randolph-Macon College, Ashland.
8th Annual RVA Clay Tour. See Boomer’s top picks.
Purple Martin Field Day. See Boomer’s top picks.
Virginia Berry Cider Jam. Sip your way through Virginia-made berry-infused ciders from around the state. Enjoy full pours or a flight of five. Plus food and live music. June 7, noon to 6 p.m., at Blue Bee Cider, Richmond.
“Classical Jam!” GreenSpring American Youth Harp Ensemble presents music from classical to contemporary, defying expectations of harp music. June 7, 3 p.m., at St. John’s United Church of Christ, Richmond.
Rick Springfield: I Want My ’80s Tour. The Australian and American rock legend christens the new open-air concert venue. June 7, 7 p.m., at Allianz Amphitheater, Richmond.
Pocahontas Premieres: The Richmond Symphony. Take in the sounds of the local symphony, surrounded by the beauty of the park in this open-air concert. June 7, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield.
Tony Terry. The American R&B singer is best known for late 1980s and early 1990s hits, including the romantic ballad “With You.” June 7, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
161st Anniversary of the Battle of Cold Harbor. Richmond National Battlefield Park commemorates the 1864 battle of the Civil War. Living history demonstrations, ranger-led programs, and hands-on activities. FREE. June 7 and 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Cold Harbor Battlefield Visitor Center, Mechanicsville.
Give Me Liberty Highlight Tour. Museum education staff lead 30-minute tours of the exhibition “Give Me Liberty.” FREE, registration required. Every Saturday, June 7 to 28, 11:30 a.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Sunday, June 8
Tail-Waggin’ Bingo to Support RAL. For a donation of any amount, play bingo – friendly competition to support Richmond Animal League provide hope and homes for pets. June 8, noon to 2:30 p.m., at Bingo Beer Co., Richmond.
2025 Summer Artisan Market. Outdoor event with local artists and makers selling handmade home décor, art, jewelry, apparel, and more, plus live music, food trucks, games, adult beverages. June 8, noon to 5 p.m., at Hardywood West Creek, Goochland.
Unforgettable: An Afternoon of Music You Love. A wide array of music, from TV theme songs to sacred tunes and more – from the Joy Singers, a volunteer choir of retirees. FREE, donations accepted. June 8, 2:30 p.m., at Chester United Methodist Church, Chester.
Seals & Crofts 2. Experience the music of ’70s rock duo in a whole new way, from Brady Seals (cousin to James “Jim” Seals) and Lua Crofts (daughter of Darrell “Dash” Crofts). Hear hits like “Summer Breeze,” “Diamond Girl,” and “We May Never Pass This Way (Again),” artfully re-imagined with a nod to the past, plus new songs. June 8, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Monday, June 9
Henrico Concert Band Patriotic Concert. Celebrate the birth of our nation with a concert of patriotic songs. FREE. June 9, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Henrico Theatre, Henrico.
Tuesday, June 10
Denali Nalamalapu’s “Holler.” Six inspiring changemakers, ordinary people who resisted the Mountain Valley Pipeline, reaching some 300 miles through Virginia: a teacher, a single mother, a nurse, an organizer, a photographer, and a seed keeper. June 10, 6 to 8 p.m., at Book People, Henrico.
Lynda Barry Talk & Book Signing. Presentation from cartoonist, writer, teacher, and 2019 MacArthur Fellow. June 10, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Modlin Center for the Arts, University of Richmond.
Genealogical Virtual Event: The Men Who Contribute to Our DNA. Hosted by GRIVA, the Genealogical Institute of Virginia. FREE, registration required. Dec. 12, 7 p.m., online.
Dispatch w/ John Butler (with band) – Summer Tour. A blend of jam band, indie folk, roots rock, reggae fusion, and ska, often with meaningful messages. June 10, 6 p.m., at Allianz Amphitheater, Richmond.
Carolyn Wonderland. The Texas guitarist, lap steel virtuoso, songwriter, and vocalist is touring to promote her new album, “Truth Is.” June 10, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Wednesday, June 11
Brody Mullins on “The Wolves of K Street.” Two Richmonders – Lewis Powell Jr., and Eugene B. Sydnor Jr. – played key roles in the development of the systems of lobbying, legal strategy, and financial investment that exist in the U.S. today. They are part of the story on Richmond’s place in political history. June 11, 6 to 8 p.m., at Main Library, Richmond.
Fuse Mini Concert. A duo of Fuse Ensemble members – clarinet and cello – perform contemporary classical works. June 11, 6 to 7:15 p.m., at Branch Museum, Richmond.
Literary Virginia Book Group, Virtual – “Walk Through Fire.” Discussion of the book by Sheila Johnson, cofounder of BET, founder of Salamander Resort, and co-owner of three professional sports teams. FREE, registration required. June 11, 6 to 7:30 p.m., online.
Thursday, June 12
Curator-Led Tour of “Fancy.” Explore the Valentine’s newest exhibit, “FANCY: Costumes, Characters and the Richmond Masque” with the curator to learn about the development of the exhibit and explore relevant themes. FREE. June 12, 6 to 6:45 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.
“Searching for Jimmie Strother: A Tale of Music, Murder, and Memory.” Author Gregg Kimball talks about the blind musician whose 1936 recordings at the Virginia State Prison Farm provided a unique window into Virginia traditional music in the early 20th century. June 12, noon to 1 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Joyful Voices Summer Sing Along. Sing with a group in a relaxed setting, designed for singers with Alzheimer’s and other dementias and their caregivers. June 12, 10 to 11:30 a.m., at Salisbury Presbyterian Church, Midlothian.
Westchester Concert Series: East of Hollywood. Music from the 7-piece, high-energy band covering many genres from rock and R&B to funk, Latin, and blues. FREE. June 12, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Westchester Commons, Midlothian.
“A Perfect Frenzy: A Royal Governor, His Black Allies, and the Crisis that Spurred the American Revolution.” Author Andrew Lawler explores the little-known story of the early Revolution in Virginia, focusing on Lord Dunmore, the colony’s royal governor, which sheds light on America’s present-day conflicts around race, gun control, immigration, and more. FREE. June 12, 6 p.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.
Phyllis Yvonne Stickney. The comedian, actress, motivational speaker, and activist brings her humor and insights to Richmond. June 12, 7 p.m., at Funny Bone, Richmond.
Kevin Burt & Big Medicine. The Iowa Blues Hall of Fame member serves up smooth and soulful vocals, unique harmonica and guitar presentation, and quick wit. June 12, 8 p.m., at The TinPan, Richmond.
Lager Weekend. Presenting a solid lineup of “dad beers”: from an amber lager and helles lager to schwarzbier black lager and more. Food all weekend and live music on Sunday. June 12 to 15 at Fine Creek Brewing, Powhatan.
Support the local sports teams and have a blast!
News to Know
Legends on Grace, a star covers a superstar
Legends on Grace: Nightcaps & Stories – New Season. Traditional cabaret-style performances with legendary Virginia artists. Subscriptions on sale now.
- An Evening with Tony DeSare: Hits from the Rat Pack + More – Oct. 18
- Yes And! Theatrical Company – Nov. 29
- My Funny Valentine: An Evening with Scott Wichmann + Friends – Feb. 14
- Laura Ann Singh + Rosette – April 25
Ann Hampton Callaway – The Streisand Songbook. Iconic songs performed by a platinum award-winning singer-songwriter. Sept. 7, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Road Trip
Maritime celebration
Norfolk Harborfest. The long-running maritime festival celebrates all of the elements that make the region a historic maritime and naval community, with the annual Parade of Sail featuring international tall ships, fireworks, a drone show, family activities, Navy exhibits and demonstrations, artisan foods and beverages, national and regional live entertainment, and more. FREE. June 6 to 8 in Town Point Park, Norfolk.
Explore future events and ongoing exhibitions and performances here.
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