More What’s Booming RVA: March 13 to 20
A week of entertaining and inspiring events plus day trips and news
More than just Irish fun in Richmond! Enjoy entertaining, hilarious, and inspiring theater, a rainbow of music, two distinct acrobatic shows, mead, art, nature at night, history, and more. All in “RVA Events & News: March 13 to 20.”
Also check out:
- Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
- Browse the week ahead below, and
- Go to our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
March 13 to 20, 2025
Thursday, March 13
Celebrating Women’s History Month. Motivational speaker Dr. CC Jackson shares inspiration to take better care of oneself: enjoy life, take mental health breaks, and balance a busy lifestyle. Bring a photo of one of your favorite women, share stories, and visit women entrepreneur vendors. Ages 13+. March 13, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, Henrico.
Becoming Citizens. Museum staff will prepare students to successfully complete the U.S. citizenship test with civics and history lessons PLUS the chance to interact with original historical objects, maps, books, and documents and engage with experts in the history of this state and nation. Seven weekly classes, beginning March 13, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
On the Air Radio Players. Presenting the Columbia Workshop version of “Alice in Wonderland,” an old-time radio show, with radio players and a studio audience, featuring live music and sound effects. March 13, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., at The Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen.
Cowboy Mouth. The New Orleans-born group blends musical ingredients – rock, blues, punk, funk, country, pop, soul and whatever else feels good – to create bodacious tunes. March 13, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Total Lunar Eclipse, Overnight of March 13 to 14. North America will be treated to a total lunar eclipse, as the earth blocks the sun’s rays to the moon, darkening the full moon. Given clear skies, you’ll be able to watch the earth’s shadow creep across the face of the moon. In Central Virginia, the eclipse begins on March 13, 11:57 p.m., builds to maximum eclipse on March 14, 2:58 a.m., and ends at 6 a.m.
“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged).” See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Do Portugal Circus. Presenting aerialists, trapeze artists, dancers, magicians, motorcyclists, and a smidge of audience participation. Through March 16 at The Diamond, Richmond.
“Moulin Rouge! The Musical.” The 10-time Tony Award-winning hit presents a world of splendor and romance, eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory. Remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Through March 16 at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Friday, March 14
Good Foods Grocery Artist Reception. Featured artist Mike Haubenstock, based in Glen Allen, Virginia, captivates viewers with oil paintings of landscapes and still lifes – with plenty of produce – showing his passion for architecture, natural scenery, and vibrant displays. March 14, 4 to 6 p.m., at Good Foods Grocery, Richmond.
Adult Night Hike. Ever wonder who stays awake while you sleep? Meet some of Maymont’s nighttime residents and learn about their nocturnal adaptations through experiments, games, and a hike. Owls, bats, frogs, and other creatures of the dark help shed some light onto their mysterious ways. 21+ with adult beverages available for purchase. March 14, 2025, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Maymont, Richmond.
An Evening of Folk Music – Celebrating the Music of Tom Paxton. Due to health issues, Paxton will not attend but will be represented by Grammy winners and his long-time collaborators, Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, to celebrate his 60-year musical career through a program focused on his songs. March, 14, 7 p.m., at The Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen.
R&B Tribute to Lauryn Hill & Brandy ft: Elyscia and Destiny Monee. Singing the hits, including “Doo Wop (That Thing),” “Ex-Factor,” “Everything is Everything,” “Nothing Even Matters,” “Sittin’ Up in My Room,” “The Boy Is Mine,” “Have You Ever,” “Angel in Disguise,” and more. March 14, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Saturday, March 15
Patrick Henry’s Ride for Liberty. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Shamrock the Block. Blow-out festival to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, with bands, food trucks, and adult beverages. FREE to attend. March 15, noon to 6 p.m., on Leigh Street near Bowtie Cinemas, Richmond.
Ashland Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day. Festivities in businesses and on sidewalks along Railroad Avenue present Irish-themed food and drink specials. At Caboose Market & Café, The Iron Horse Restaurant, and Origin Beer Lab. March 15, 1 to 9 p.m., in downtown Ashland.
Black Heath Meadery 10th Anniversary Kick-Off. Celebrate Richmond’s first meadery, maker of the fermented honey beverage with an abundance of various ingredient additions. Featuring new mead releases, vintage and historic pours, and Thai food. Ten weeks of special events to follow, leading up to the grand anniversary celebration on May 23. FREE to attend. March 15, 1 to 9 p.m., at Black Heath Meadery, Richmond.
Health Equity: Community Conversations. Community members join to discuss critical issues impacting health equity. Through discussions and Q&A sessions, the program highlights health disparities, celebrates Black healthcare professionals, and fosters solutions. Designed for a diverse audience, this initiative aims to educate, empower, and inspire change. March 15, 2 to 4 p.m., at The Black History Museum, Richmond.
Mary Anning: Paleontology Pioneer. Discover Anning’s extraordinary life from collecting fossils by the shore with her father, to her treatment in the scientific community, to her death and legacy. March 15, 2 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.
Cirque Musica: Symphonic! See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
The Dinner Detective Comedy Mystery Dinner Show. Solve a hilarious mystery while you feast on dinner while the culprit hides in plain sight as a guest in the room – but you may find yourself as a prime suspect. March 15 and 22, 6 to 9 p.m., at Hilton Richmond Hotel and Spa/Short Pump, Richmond.
“Cotton Patch Gospel.” The gospel stories of Matthew and John come to rural Georgia, told with a classic American-roots score by Harry Chapin. The actors play the bluegrass instruments and sing Chapin’s story-telling songs and gospel truths. As a bonus, the theater and dining area will exhibit the art of James Bassfield, a Richmond native whose side gig as an artist turned into a successful career in pencil, watercolor, oil, and acrylics. March 15 to April 12 at Swift Creek Mill Theatre, South Chesterfield.
The Church Hill Irish Festival. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Sunday, March 16
Loose Ends ft: Jane Eugene. When Loose Ends emerged out of the London soul underground in 1980 with the single “In the Sky,” the group was so far ahead of its time that its sound is still refreshing and vibrant. Featuring synthesizer and rhythm machine-driven grooves, channeling the Islands and the lushest, jazziest of soul. March 16, 2 and 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Richmond Symphony Chorus in Concert. The award-winning ensemble of 150 members from the Richmond region, founded in 1971 by James Erb, is a diverse group of Richmonders united by a passion for choral singing. March 16, 3 p.m., at W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, Richmond.
Steely Dead. A creative, seamless blend of Steely Dan and the Grateful Dead. March 16, 8 p.m., at The Broadberry, Richmond.
Tuesday, March 18
Sunrise Science. Driving Rats: Steering Toward Neuroscience Discoveries. Dr. Kelly Lambert and her team have taught rats to drive. Learn more about the brain study from Lambert, a behavioral neuroscientist at the University of Richmond, and why rodent-training research is important for humans on and off the road. March 18, 8 to 9 a.m., at the Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond.
Sweetgreen Opening Day. The healthy but hearty chain opens its first location in Richmond, adding air-fried Ripple Fries to its menu of salads, warm bowls, protein plates, and sides. Opening day features Sweetgreen donations to Feed More (meal donated for every meal purchased) and mini floral bouquets from Richmond Flower Truck. March 18, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., at 3502 W. Cary St., Richmond.
Country Music Concert – Roberta Lea and The Best Kept Secret Band. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Wednesday, March 19
Richmond Kickers. See our local professional soccer club play Virginia Dream FC, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round 1. March 19, 7 p.m., at City Stadium, Richmond.
Salad Container Garden Workshop. Create a beautiful container garden and learn how to care for it with guidance from Maymont staff in this make-and-take workshop. Two workshops to choose from. March 19 and 20, 6 to 8 p.m., at Maymont, Richmond.
Thursday, March 20
Honoring Women Veterans. March 16 to 22 is Virginia Women Veterans Week, recognizing and honoring the more than 110,000 women military veterans that call the Commonwealth home. On Saturday, a ceremony will connect and uplift the women veteran community and inspire new generations of women to serve in the U.S. military. March 20, 10 a.m., at the Virginia War Memorial, Richmond.
Jiaoying Summers. With a blend of unique observational humor from a Chinese immigrant’s perspective and personal anecdotes, Summers connects with audiences from all walks of life. Her fearlessness and dark humor are heavily inspired by her comedy icon Joan Rivers. March 20, 7 p.m., at Funny Bone Comedy Club, Richmond.
Candlelight Celtic. Classic Irish tunes, songs, and stories, surrounded by the glow of more than 1,000 candles. March 20, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.
News to Know
Italian films + dates for favorite Richmond festivals
University of Richmond to Host Inaugural Richmond Italian Film Festival. The series will celebrate Italian cinema through several recent and highly acclaimed films and one restored film from the heyday of Italian cinema. The series also includes panels, featuring experts from UR in addition to special guests. The films include:
- C’è ancora domani by Paola Corellesi, 2023
- Parthenope by Paolo Sorrentino, 2024
- La chimera by Alice Rohrwacher, 2023
- Stonebreakers by Valerio Ciriaci, 2022
- Smog by Franco Rossi, 1962
FREE. March 21 to 24, at various venues around University of Richmond and at Byrd Theatre, Richmond.
Save the Date: The 2nd Street Festival is in its 37th year of celebrating rich local culture. Oct. 4 to 5, historic Jackson Ward, Richmond.
Save the Date: The Richmond Folk Festival is in its 21st year of celebrating the roots, richness, and variety of folk culture. FREE. Oct. 10 to 12, along the riverfront, Richmond.
Road Trips
Historical military, contemporary arts and books
Military Through the Ages. Centuries of military history unfold in one weekend, from 500 B.C.E. to present day, with re-enactments, music and special demonstrations of artillery and military equipment. March 15 and 16, at Jamestown Settlement, Jamestown.
Ampersand International Arts Festival. Experience stand-up comedy, masters of silent comedy, a hip hop icon, author talks, theater performances, workshops, panel discussions, and an industry summit on the state of the arts. With rappers, dancers, artists, movie producers – some famous, some not. March 17 to 23, at various venues in Williamsburg.
Virginia Festival of the Book. Writers and readers from across the nation gather to celebrate reading, accessibility, and diversity, showcasing voices through a range of events for all. March 20 to 23, at The Omni, Charlottesville.
Click here to make plans with this list of events to come and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
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