More What’s Booming RVA: March 19 to 26

From disco to proper tea, harps and opera to jazz and banjo, discussions on fiction and thought-provoking topics, a military road trip and a new Broadway in Richmond season, plus art and theatrical openings. In What’s Booming, March 19 to 26, 2026.

Explore:

• Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
• March 19 to 26, a road trip, and event news – below
• Our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.

March 19 to 26, 2026

What’s happening in and around the Richmond region

Thursday, March 19

Mini Cozy Con with Olivia Blacke and Mollie Ann Cox. Two cozy mystery writers talk about their newest books. March 19, 6 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.

A Woman of Fine Presence: The Material Culture of Maggie Lena Walker. An illustrated presentation highlighting unique artifacts and documents from the museum collections of the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, honoring the pioneering entrepreneur, educator, and fraternal leader. March 19, 6 to 8 p.m., at Wilton House Museum, Richmond.

Music at Hardywood. Beer, pizza, and orchestral music from the Richmond Symphony, in a casual, intimate concert. March 19, 6:30 p.m., at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery on Ownby, Richmond.

“Keep Shouting Sister.” A tribute to Sister Rosetta Tharpe. March 19, 7 p.m., at In Your Ear Studios, Richmond.

Black Heath Meadery’s 11-Year Anniversary Weekend. See Boomer’s top picks.  

Moving Art Three: New Works. Four choreographers are challenged to create original 10-minute ballets in just 25 hours, providing a glimpse into the creative process. March 19 to 29 at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.

“Immediate Family.” See Boomer’s top picks.

Friday, March 20

Bridgerton-Inspired Tea Event. The tearoom transforms into a world of elegance, charm, and whispered intrigue. Don your charming attire and allow Floris to sweep you into a world where elegance reigns and every guest is treated like royalty. March 20, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.

Henrico History Bingo: Women’s History Edition. Discover new stories of Henrico’s women trailblazers who contributed to the county’s past and shape the present. March 20, 2 to 3:30 p.m., at Belmont Recreation Center, Henrico.

March 2026 Open House & Artist Reception. Showcasing the Gallery Member Exhibition Theme, “Make it New Again! Recycled Materials” and the popular Juried All-Media show. Book signings by John Bryan and Leah McClure. Plus drinks, food, and music. March 20, 5 to 8 p.m., at Crossroads Art Center, Richmond.

Susan Greenbaum. The popular local performer comes to the stage. March 20, 7 p.m., at Henrico Theatre, Henrico.

GALLIM, Bodies of Matter. The Brooklyn–based contemporary dance company performs original work by Andrea Miller, a former company member of Batsheva Dance whose choreography is known for its visceral movement. March 20, 7:30 p.m., at Alice Jepson Theatre, University of Richmond.

Gimme Gimme Disco. America’s iconic disco party brings glitter, grooves, and dance-floor joy. The DJ-based dance party spins ABBA anthems and disco classics from the ’70s and ’80s: the Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Cher, and more. March 20, 8:30 p.m., at Ember Music Hall, Richmond.

“Aida.” Virginia Opera presents the Giuseppe Verdi opera. Forbidden love ignites between an Ethiopian princess and an Egyptian general as their nations clash in war – lovers torn between duty and desire. March 20, 7:30 p.m., and March 22, 2:30 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

Saturday, March 21

Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party. The family- and pet-friendly event benefiting the Richmond SPCA includes a flat chip-timed 5K for people only, a free fun run for kids ages 4 to 10, and a leisurely 1-mile Dog Jog for the whole family. Followed by a free block party with live music, food trucks, a marketplace, and adult beverages. March 21, 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., at Richmond SPCA, Richmond.

Maymont Mansion Open House & Garden Party. See Boomer’s top picks.

Electricarpalooza. The region’s largest display of electric vehicles, both new and used – the latest models on the market all in one place. Plus a documentary, policy roundtable, demo drives, and more. March 21, noon to 5 p.m., at Chesterfield County Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall, Chesterfield.

The Rise and Fall of the Fighting Editor: John Mitchell, Jr. Born into slavery in Henrico County, John Mitchell, Jr. would become known as the fighting editor of the Richmond Planet newspaper, confronting the violence and injustices of the Jim Crow South. Whether organizing boycotts, crusading for antilynching laws, or public appearances to allow his persecutors to do their worst, Mitchell would not back down. Check out the exhibit “Determined: The 400-Year Struggle for Black Equality” before or after the talk. March 21, 2 p.m., at the Henrico County Recreation & Parks administration building, Henrico.

Bill and Babi Evans at the Shady Grove Coffeehouse. Bill Evans is the 2022 recipient of the Steve Martin Banjo Prize and a member of the American Banjo Music Hall of Fame. For this concert, he is presenting the Banjo in America and playing a set of duets with his wife, Babi.. March 21, 7:30 p.m., at Unitarian Universalist Community Church, Glen Allen.

Abacab. Paying tribute to the music of Genesis, Phil Collins, and Peter Gabriel – progressive rock pioneers and pop icons. March 21, 7:30 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.

The Washington Roast. The viral hit comedy show where politicians across the spectrum get scorched in savage, no-holds-barred, bipartisan roast battles. For over five years, this politically incorrect spectacle has brought together top local comedians to portray real-life political figures – from Trump to Kamala, AOC to MTG, Bernie to Biden. March 21, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Church Hill Irish Festival. Two days with two stages of live local music, local artists and crafters, food, beer, and more. March 21 and 22 in Church Hill, Richmond.

Upcycle Boho Bizarre. Presenting an eclectic mix of local artisans and small businesses featuring upcycled goods, handmade home décor, art, jewelry, apparel, wellness finds, and more. March 21 and 22, noon to 5 p.m., at Strangeways Brewing, Richmond.

“We The People: The World in Our Commonwealth.” See Boomer’s top picks.

Sunday, March 22

“Celtic Celebration.” GreenSpring Harp Ensemble presents an afternoon concert inspired by the musical traditions and history of harp music from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England, from lively to introspective. FREE. March 22, 2 p.m., at Chester Presbyterian Church, Chester.

One Voice Chorus Chorale. Featuring the OVC Women’s Chorus. One Voice Chorus is an interracial community chorus that performs choral music for the central Virginia community. March 22, 4 p.m., at Discovery United Methodist Church, Richmond.

The Music of Downton Abbey II. The Richmond Choral Society presents an afternoon of music from such luminaries as Elgar, Parry, Gilbert and Sullivan, Handel, and others. March 22, 4 p.m., at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Richmond.

Blake Aaron & Will Donato. Contemporary jazz with a guitarist and saxophonist. Plus Sharon Rae North. March 22, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Monday, March 23

Anniversary Reenactment. On the 251st anniversary of Patrick Henry’s speech, as the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Historic St. John’s Church presents a reenactment of the renowned speech at the Second Virginia Convention. March 23, 6 p.m., at Historic St. John’s Church, Richmond.

Neumann Lecture: Gurminder Bhogal. What can the arts teach us about humanity, especially at a time when the humanities is being forced to justify its relevance? This talk takes a Western European ballet, “The Rite of Spring,” to demonstrate how the interplay of music, dance, costuming, and visual art point to something universal: a human mistrust of corporeal difference and the continued fight for agency. FREE. March 23, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Recital Hall, University of Richmond.

Tuesday, March 24

Women Take the Stage. Keynote speaker Rachel Beanland addresses “Igniting Your Creative Spark,” followed by a women-led panel discussion. Presented by RPAA and supporting Bright Lights Education Initiatives. March 24, 4:30 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

“The Outsiders.” See Boomer’s top picks.

Wednesday, March 25

Medal of Honor Day Driving Tour. President Harry S. Truman frequently stated, “I would rather have a Medal of Honor than be President of the United States.” He emphasized his deep respect for the bravery of those to whom he awarded 15 Medals of Honor. He later declined a proposed honorary award for himself, believing it should only be for combat action. The caravan tour traces the stories of five Medal of Honor awardees and the battles of their citations. March 25, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, Petersburg.

Silver Screen Movie – “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.” British retirees travel to India to take up residence in what they believe is a restored hotel. Less luxurious than advertised, the hotel slowly begins to charm in unexpected ways as the residents find new purpose in old age. All tickets and all concessions are just one dollar. March 25, 10 a.m., at Henrico Theatre, Henrico.

“The Crown’s Silence” Book Talk. Dr. Brooke Newman discusses her book that uncovers the British monarchy’s deep entanglement in the transatlantic slave trade and colonial slavery. FREE. March 25, noon, at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.

Tell-Tale Talk. A chat with author and Poe scholar Levi Lionel Leland as he discusses his newest work, “Edgar Allan Poe: The Master of the Macabre.” March 25, 5:30 p.m., at The Poe Museum, Richmond.

A Book Presentation and Signing with Alison Cheperdak. The Junior League presents the author and her book, “Was It Something I Said?: Everyday Etiquette to Avoid Awkward Moments in Relationships, Work, and Life,” a practical and engaging guide to navigating modern etiquette with confidence, clarity, and grace. March 25, 6 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.

VOXRVA Storytellers and Creators Meetup. Storytellers and enrapt listeners meet for a community meetup followed by a live, recorded storytelling session. This month’s theme is transitions. FREE. March 25, 6 p.m., at Väsen Brewing, Richmond.

“African Americans of Hanover County, Virginia.” Author Joe Gorman offers a 45-minute presentation, followed by a live Q&A and book signing. March 25, 6:30 p.m., at The Montpelier Center for Arts & Education, Montpelier.

“Against The Current: Life on the Eastern Shore.” A documentary screening and discussion looking at how residents of Virginia’s Eastern Shore are subject to rising sea waters and the challenges it has on their lives and livelihood. How can this community shed light on conversations happening around issues of climate change? FREE, registration required. March 25, 6:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

Thursday, March 26

“Seeking Justice: The Long Legal Struggle of an Enslaved Virginia Family.” Before emancipation, some enslaved people managed to use the legal system to sue for freedom from owners who enslaved them unlawfully. Daniel Thorp describes one of the most extensive freedom suits in American history. It began when a woman, known only as Flora, was taken from Massachusetts and sold into slavery in Virginia. Forty years later, her children sued on the grounds that she had been kidnapped – not finishing for 30 years. March 26, noon, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

“Our Fathers Brought Forth: Lincoln’s Gratitude in the Gettysburg Address.” Reflecting on Lincoln and the ancient virtue of gratitude, Dr. Andrew F. Lang discusses Lincoln’s rhetoric within the political and military contexts of 1863 and makes connections to the past and future. March 26, 6 p.m., at the American Civil War Museum, Richmond.

Dissent! Tour and Free Admission. Join Valentine staff for a 30-minute gallery tour of the latest exhibition, “Dissent! Liberty & Loyalty in Early Richmond.” FREE tour and FREE admission every Thursday. March 26, 6 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.

Historians on Tap: Unruly Women. Join local historians as they share stories of bold women who pushed boundaries, defied expectations, and refused to stay in their place – rebels, risk-takers, and rule-breakers. FREE. March 26, 6:30 p.m., at The Veil – Forest Hill, Richmond.

Walter Mosley for All Henrico Reads. The bestselling author of “Gray Dawn” and other Easy Rawlins mysteries, including “Devil in a Blue Dress,” is the feature artist for the annual Henrico Library event. FREE. March 26, 7 p.m., at Henrico Sports & Event Center, Glen Allen.

“Macbeth.” Something wicked this way comes … in the form of the classic Shakespearean play, presented by Richmond Shakespeare. One of Shakespeare’s most thrilling and psychologically intense works, “Macbeth” plunges audiences into a dark world of prophecy, ambition, and moral collapse. When a mysterious trio of witches foretells Macbeth’s rise to power, he and his wife embark on a bloody path toward the throne, no matter the cost. March 26 to April 18 at Gottwald Playhouse, Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

Road Trip

Military history marches on

Military Through the Ages. For four decades, military powers across time have presented an unequaled and unique chronological display of military history. Witness centuries of military history – all in one weekend. March 21 and 22 at Jamestown Settlement, Jamestown.

News & Announcements

New Broadway shows coming to RVA

Broadway in Richmond 2026-2027 Season. The eight productions include five shows making their Richmond premiere with three returning favorites. At Altria Theater, Richmond.

• Dirty Dancing: The Musical: Sept. 22-27, 2026 for 8 performances
• The Notebook: Nov. 3-8, 2026 for 8 performances
• Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen: May 4-9, 2027 for 8 performances
• Just in Time: June 8-13, 2027 for 8 performances
• Buena Vista Social Club™: July 20-25, 2027 for 8 performances
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Aug. 17-22, 2027 for 8 performances
• Mamma Mia!: Oct. 6-11, 2026 for 8 performances
• Hamilton: Feb. 23 – March 7, 2027 for 16 performances

Explore future events and ongoing exhibitions and performances here.

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