More What’s Booming RVA: March 26 to April 2

American folk music two ways, and folk culture abroad. Plus Secretariat celebrations and 1865 battle events, thought-provoking discussions, a road trip, announcements, and more. What’s Booming, March 26 to April 2, 2026.

Explore:

• Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
• March 26 to April 2, a road trip, and announcements – below,
• Our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.

March 26 to April 2

What’s happening in and around the Richmond region

Thursday, March 26

“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.” See Boomer’s top picks.  

“The Outsiders.” Adapted from S.E. Hinton’s seminal novel and Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic film, this new musical features tells the 1967 tale of Ponyboy Curtis, his best friend, Johnny Cade, and their Greaser family of “outsiders” battle with their affluent rivals, the Socs. The story navigates the complexities of self-discovery in a world that rejects you, a story of friendship, family, belonging, and the determination to “stay gold.” Through March 29 at Altria Theater, Richmond.

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. Through March 29 at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.

Friday, March 27

National Vietnam War Veterans Day Open House. Vietnam veterans and the public are invited to a day honoring and recognizing their service and sacrifice. Historic memorabilia, oral history interviews, and the traveling exhibit, “50 Years Beyond: The Vietnam Veteran Experience.” March 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Virginia War Memorial, Richmond.

Ashland Fourth Friday. Tributes to Secretariat, Girl Scout cookies, live music, and a pop-up photo experience. March 27, 5 to 8 p.m., in downtown Ashland.

Art Highlighting the Chaos of Human Life and Gun Violence. Foad SM, born and raised in Iran, presents “Between Us and the Borders,” approximately 40 photographic works; and Jo-Ann Morgan, a South Carolina resident and anti-violence activist, presents “Fabric Commemorations,” quilts that memorialize victims, often children, of gun violence and war. Exhibitions through April 18. March 27, 6 to 8 p.m., at Artspace, Richmond.

Fourth Friday Opening Reception. Featured artists are Ryan Lytle, Tammie Comer, Ann Chenoweth, Joseph Weller, and Raana Abtahi, along with the March All Media Show and a collaborative Bridge Project exhibit with Richmond Public Schools, the Children’s Museum of Richmond and Richard Harding. March 27, 6 to 8 p.m., at Art Works Gallery, Richmond.

Secretariat Birthday Celebration in Ashland: The Big Red Bash. Food and drink, live music, an artsy silent auction, an new horseracing game, and a special guest of honor, a big chestnut racehorse who is a descendant of Secretariat. Proceeds go toward the maintenance of the “Secretariat Racing Into History” monument and other local projects. March 27, 6 to 9 p.m., at Oakdale, Ashland.

All Your Friends. An indie dance party for people who still romanticize a scratched iPod, American Spirits, and a blurry night soundtracked by bloghouse and post-punk revival – the sweat, synths, and nostalgia of the early 2010s house party. March 27, 9:30 p.m., at Ember Music Hall, Richmond.

Damn The Torpedoes – A Tom Petty Concert Experience. A tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers capturing the signature riffs, harmonies, and essence of the music. While staying true to the heart of Petty’s sound, the band also adds fresh, in-the-moment twists that make each performance unique. March 27, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Inaugural Italian and French Film Festival. See Boomer’s top picks.

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

Saturday, March 28

Guided Nature Hike. Explore scenic trails while learning about native plants and wildlife. This hike encourages observation, light physical activity, and a deeper appreciation for nature. All ages. March 28, 9 a.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.

Central Virginia Coin Club Show. U.S., foreign, and ancient coins and currency to buy, sell, and trade. Free parking, admission, and appraisals, with ANACS accepting coin submissions for grading. March 28, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at American Legion Hall, Colonial Heights.

Opechancanough’s 1622 Offensive. March 22, 1622, Powhatan Chief Opechancanough led a military offensive that killed more than 300 colonists in one day. Learn what led the Powhatan chief to attack and how the English responded. Featuring demonstrations of military tactics including musket firings, swords, pikes, medical techniques, and historical interpretations of John Proctor’s wife, Alice, who defended their plantation home. FREE. March 28, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Henricus Historical Park, Chester.

Asian Street Food Festival. Flavor, culture, and community in a celebration of Asian street food – from sizzling bites to sweet treats. March 28, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 17th Street Market, Richmond.

Secretariat Birthday Celebration in Ashland. Secretariat Day. A new kickoff ceremony, a “Meet the Minis” corral of miniature horses, new Secretariat merchandise, live music, local food trucks and vendors, games and crafts for kids, free birthday cake, and more. FREE. March 28, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Randolph-Macon College, Ashland.

Tiptoe Through the Tulips. Every 20 minutes, a child is diagnosed with a critical illness. Help make their wishes come true by joining Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia for an afternoon surrounded by more than 3,800 scenic flowers and kids’ activities in Richmond’s historic Fan District. March 28, 1 to 4 p.m., in the alley behind the 2600 block of Hanover Avenue, Richmond.

Spilling the Tea on Colonial Tea. Why did the British and their colonies become tea drinkers? How was colonial tea service different from Victorian? Did anyone drink tea from the saucer? With a demonstration of how tea was prepared and tastings of teas of the era. All ages. March 28, 2 to 3:30 p.m., at Belmont Recreation Center, Henrico.

The Jive Aces. See Boomer’s top picks.  

Commonwealth Crossroads: A Celebration of Virginia’s Immigrant Traditions. See Boomer’s top picks.

SAVOR 2026. The Doorways, a hospitality house for patients and families who must travel to Richmond for critical medical care, presents a culinary showcase of Virginia’s finest inns: “Where Generosity Checks ‘Inn’ and Takes Flight” – gourmet cuisine from award-winning chefs. Plus silent and live auctions and live music. March 28, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., at HeloAir, Richmond International Airport, Richmond.

The Dinner Detective Comedy Mystery Dinner Show. Solve an amusing mystery while eating dinner – and while knowing the culprit is somewhere among fellow diners. March 28, 6 to 9 p.m., at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Richmond, Midlothian.

“From Ulster to Appalachia” with Fiddlin’ Mike Ferry. A lively and insightful musical journey across oceans and generations with master fiddler Mike Ferry. Blending performance with storytelling, he traces the path of the Scots-Irish from Ulster to the American colonies, exploring how their independent spirit, deep-rooted work ethic, and rich fiddle and song traditions helped shape American culture. Presented by Richmond Folk Music. March 28, 7:30 p.m., at Congregation Or Ami, Richmond.

Breakthrough Battle Anniversary Driving Tour. On April 2, 1865, Union soldiers moved toward Confederate fortifications six miles from Petersburg. Less than an hour later, the American flag flew over the Confederate line. This engagement led to the evacuations of Petersburg and Richmond. One week later, Lee surrendered to Grant. Attendees can drill with the troops, see artillery and infantry demonstrations with Civil War reenactors firing muskets and cannons, experience a reenactment program with sights and sounds of battle, and a ceremony. March 28 to 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, Petersburg.

American Choral Classics. Blending folk melodies, sacred texts, and poetic reflections, American Choral Classics captures the spirit of a nation through choir. Presenting timeless spirituals, early American hymns, and other American voices, past and present.

• March 28, 7:30, at St. Christopher’s School, Richmond.
• March 29, pre-concert talk at 2 p.m., concert at 3 p.m., at Randolph-Macon Campus Store, Ashland.

Sunday, March 29

Women’s Work: Women and Craft in America. Learn the legacy of black women and a variety of craft-making processes in the South in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and into today, including quilting, embroidery, weaving, spinning, knitting, and sewing. All ages. March 29, 2 to 3 p.m., at Deep Run Park, Henrico.

Baroque North and South. The Chamber Music Society of Central Virginia presents a harpsichord recital tracing Baroque music from across Europe, featuring Carsten Schmidt. March 29, 4 p.m., at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Richmond.

James River Film Festival. A showcase of independent films. March 29 to April 4 at venues throughout the Richmond region.

Tuesday, March 31

Rick Timberlake’s “Two Things You Can’t Hide.” How far would YOU go to stop human trafficking? This non-stop thriller exposes corruption in the business of human trafficking and portrays everyday people as heroes – and people we revere as heroes doing wicked things. Author Richard Timberlake has an extensive career of over 35 years of service in the CIA. March 31, 6 p.m., at Book People, Richmond.

Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country. Blending traditional country twang with psychedelic rock, jam-band improvisation, and a touch of bluegrass, creating a sound that feels both rooted and exploratory, for a high-energy live experience with extended guitar solos and genre-crossing jams. March 31 and April 1 at The Broadberry, Richmond.

Wednesday, April 1

HAPPY APRIL FOOLS’ DAY!

“The Case of the Murdered Muckraker” with Rob Osler. A historical mystery: Chicago, 1898, in the midst of the Progressive Era, 21-year-old junior detective Harriet Morrow is determined to prove she’s more than a lucky hire as the Prescott Agency’s first woman operative. But her latest challenge – a murder case steeped in scandal – could become a deadly setback. April 1, 6 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.

Richmond Kickers. The local soccer club takes on intrastate rivals Loudoun United in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. April 1, 6:30 p.m., at City Stadium, Richmond.

Thursday, April 2

Breakthrough Battle Anniversary Driving Tour. A caravan driving tour of the key engagements on April 2, 1865. April 2, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., meeting at The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, Petersburg.

Controversy/History. In Common Good(s): The Forecast for Public Arts and Media, experts discuss the landscape of public, independent, and community-supported arts organizations in Richmond. Audience questions and comments encouraged. FREE, registration suggested. April 2, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.

Roundtable: The Civil War Sacrifice of Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Presented by Jerry Ankeny. April 2, 7 to 8 p.m., at Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, Petersburg.

VA Rep for All: “Primary Trust.” Virginia Repertory Theatre bring the Pulitzer Prize-winning play to the community. Kenneth, a man whose world is defined by routine, is faced with the loss of his job and the familiar structure of his life and forced to confront a new reality. FREE, reservations recommended. April 2, 7 p.m., and April 3, 2 p.m., at Petersburg Library & Cultural Events Center, Petersburg.

Becoming Citizens Community Resource Fair. Corresponding with the new “We the People” exhibition and as part of the Becoming Citizens course, the VMHC hosts local community organizations sharing information about their resources and programs, plus self-guided scavenger hunts, family craft activities, and light refreshments from Stella’s Market. FREE. April 2, 6:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

Road Trip

Tulips galore

Tulip Field Days. In November, Chiles Family Orchards planted 175,000 bulbs on over two acres of farmland. The tulips will bloom between late March and mid-April for approximately three weeks. Visitors can drop by for picking, photo ops, and a sweet treat. Every day while tulips are in bloom at Chiles Family Orchards, Batesville.

News & Announcements

Birding competition, concert series, old Broad Street pics

Virginia Birding Classic. Teams search Virginia’s public lands for as many bird species as possible in one consecutive 24-hour period, between April 15 to May 15. FREE, pre-registration required.

Announced at The Cultural Arts Center. Experience the magic of live theatre, dance, and music. Tickets start at just $25 for select shows. At The Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen.

• The Jive Aces – UK’s No.1 Jive & Swing Band! Saturday, March 28 at 3 p.m.
• Kevin Burt & Big Medicine – Blues Concert! Saturday, April 4 at 7 p.m.
• The Hot Club of Cowtown – Western Swing, Friday, April 24 at 7 p.m.
• The Glenn Miller Orchestra – Swing/Jazz, Sunday, May 31 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• And more

“Broad Street Circa 1919: A Photographic Exhibition.” Historic photographs of Broad Street, taken by local photographer George Leslie Hall. The panoramas provide an authentic, ground-level view that capture the details and character of one of Richmond’s most iconic streets. The history of some of the buildings is explored in more detail through architectural drawings, advertisements, and other historical documents. FREE. Through May 30 at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.

Explore future events and ongoing exhibitions and performances here.

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