More What’s Booming RVA: March 28 to April 4
A week of events to keep you entertained and inspired
It’s an “eggs-stravagant” week in RVA, but there’s more than Easter to honor. Like Vietnam veterans, Titanic insights, Tina Turner, comedy, author events, lots of plants, and more. What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, March 28 to April 4, 2024.
Check out the Boomer Top 5 RVA picks HERE, browse the week ahead BELOW, and go to our updated events page for down-the-road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
March 28 to April 4
Thursday, March 28
Speaking About Speech with Suzanne Nossel. Suzanne Nossel, chief executive officer of the PEN America free expression organization, a human rights advocate, and author of “Dare to Speak: Defending Free Speech for All,” addresses speech as a tool for understanding and navigating differences in a democratic society. March 28, 5 p.m., at Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond.
All Henrico Reads: Cheryl Strayed. The author discusses her memoir, “Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail,” which was made into a movie (2014, with Reese Witherspoon). March 28, 7 p.m., at the Henrico Sports & Events Center, Glen Allen.
Two New Exhibitions Open. “Intimations” by Isabelle Abbot and “Rebel” by Laurie Fisher. Exhibitions run through May 3. Opening reception on March 28, 5 to 7 p.m., at Page Bond Gallery, Richmond.
Friday, March 29
National Vietnam War Veterans Day Open House. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
“The Golden Hour”: A BIPOC Comedy Show. Stand-up and improv from local comics of color, both individuals and groups. March 29, 8 p.m., at Coalition Theater, Richmond.
“Upstaged.” The improvised sitcom set in the vibrant 1960s New York theater scene changes for each performance based on audience suggestions, for surprises and laughter. March 29, 8 p.m., at CSz Richmond, Henrico.
Pop Up Premiere: “River Ditty.” As the next step for play production, after a reading and script development, the creative team explores ideas and audiences respond. Be part of the test audience. March 29 to 31 at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.
Inaugural Chesterfield Restaurant Week. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Release of “Mission Veteran Expedition: Honoring Vietnam Veterans in the Transportation Industry.” The new documentary shows 10 Vietnam veterans who returned to Vietnam and explored locations that held deep meaning for them. The documentary will be available free beginning March 29, on Wreaths Across America YouTube channel.
Saturday, March 30
Dominion Energy Family Easter. This year’s “eggs-travaganza” is bigger than ever, spreading out across the Carriage House Lawn and beyond. Bring a picnic blanket, get food from local food trucks, and “eggs-plore” Maymont’s 100 acres. March 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Maymont, Richmond.
Secretariat Day. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
A Play on the Porch: John Banister & William Watkins Discuss Patrick Henry’s Speech with the Great Orator. Delegate John Banister, Patrick Henry, and Delegate William Watkins discuss Henry’s “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech and what liberty means to them, their businesses, their families, and the community. March 30, 1 to 3 p.m., at Battersea, Petersburg.
Workshops with JRPS Invasive Plant Task Force. Learn what to do about native and invasive plant species around Richmond – how to identify them and how to encourage healthy native biodiversity in your yard and the community. FREE. March 30, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Westover Hills Library, Richmond; and March 30, 2 to 4 p.m., at Belmont Library, Richmond.
Penaltie$ & Intere$t IPA Beer Release Party. In recognition of the recent struggles between restaurants, breweries, and the City of Richmond, Richbrau is hosting the Richmond Beer Party with restaurants and music with a DJ. March 30, 3 to 10 p.m., at Richbrau Brewing, Richmond.
Sunday, March 31
The Branch’s Easter Open House. Easter egg hunt with candy and prizes, house tours, and hats for sale. At one end of the Easter parade route. FREE. March 31, noon to 5 p.m., at The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design, Richmond.
Easter on Parade. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
RVA Tropical and Exotic Plants – Plant Swap. Uncommon houseplants (no invasives!) and plant products. FREE. March 31, 1 to 4 p.m., at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.
Tuesday, April 2
Breakthrough Battlefield Anniversary Driving Tour. On April 2, 1865, Union soldiers marched toward Confederate fortifications near Petersburg. Less than an hour later, the American flag flew over the Confederate line. The victory led to the evacuation of Petersburg and Richmond and to Lee’s surrender to Grant. The caravan driving tour includes Jones Farm, Fort Fisher, White Oak Road, Five Forks, and Pamplin Historical Park’s Breakthrough Battlefield. April 2 at 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., arriving and departing from the Pamplin Historical Park Education Center, 6523 Duncan Road, Petersburg.
The Richmond Kickers vs. Maryland Bobcats SC. April 2, 7 p.m., at City Stadium, Richmond.
German SIG: Jewish Records. In April, the German SIG will explore some of the challenges and research opportunities for Jewish genealogy in Germany. April 2, 7 p.m., online.
Fact vs. Fiction: Two Writers Tell the Story of the Richmond Theater Fire from Different Perspectives. Meredith Henne Baker, author of the nonfiction book “The Richmond Theater Fire: Early America’s First Great Disaster,” and Rachel Beanland, author of the fictional take on the event, “The House Is On Fire,” discuss what happened the night of the 1811 fire, its effect on the residents of Richmond, and their takes. April 2, 6 to 8 p.m., at Monumental Church, Richmond.
“Tina: The Tina Turner Musical.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Wednesday, April 3
Titanic Mistakes. Profs & Pints Richmond presents an in-depth analysis of what doomed the famous ship, with Vincent Brannigan, professor emeritus of the University of Maryland’s Clark School of Engineering. April 3, 6 to 8:30 p.m., at Triple Crossing Fulton, Richmond.
Thursday, April 4
The “Great War”: The United States and World War I. Learn how WWI changed the U.S., with interactive stations on victory gardens, the soldiers’ activities during the 1914 Christmas truce, the Spanish influenza epidemic, and poppies. April 4, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.
News worth knowing
VCU Golden Alumni and Shakespeare Celebrations
VCU Golden Alumni Celebration Honoring the Class of 1974. Meet other VCU graduates from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s and help honor the Class of 1974 on their 50th anniversary. Enjoy specialty beverages, a hearty buffet, music, memories, and fun. RSVP at the link above, by calling 804-828-4513, or by emailing dstout@vcu.edu. May 9, 5 to 7 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Celebrate Shakespeare’s 460th birthday at Agecroft Hall:
- Dining with Shakespeare Tours. As part of the month-long celebration of the bard’s 460th birthday, participants learn about culinary customs in the Elizabethan era, explore seasonal culinary displays, and take home period recipes to try on their own. April 16 and April 30, 6 to 7:30 p.m. both days, at Agecroft Hall, Richmond.
- Shakespeare’s Garden Tour. The bard’s writings reflected Elizabethan beliefs in witchcraft, fairies and the “language of flowers,” making the Agecroft garden a great place to recall Shakespearean quotations and learn about gardens of that period. April 21, 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., at Agecroft Hall, Richmond.
- Shakespeare’s Birthday: A Celebration of the Bard. An outdoor party with entertainment, dances, songs, costumed living history staff, and other merry activities. FREE. April 27, noon to 5 p.m., at Agecroft Hall, Richmond.
Click here to make plans with this list of events to come and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
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