More What’s Booming RVA: May 22 to 29

Thursday, May 22

“Richmond on Film: A City in the Spotlight.” Explore Richmond’s role in cinema with curated clips, local history, and community storytelling. FREE. May 22, 5:30 p.m., at Richmond Main Library, Richmond.

Abraham Lincoln & George McClellan. A look at McClellan’s cautious command style, his conflict with Lincoln, and their impact on the Civil War. May 22, 6 p.m., at the American Civil War Museum, Richmond.

Murder Mystery Unhappy Hour. Solve the mystery to a background of live music, a poetry reading, food truck and libations, and more. May 22, 6 to 9 p.m., at The Poe Museum, Richmond.

Try-City Chili Peppers Opening Night. The home team takes on the Holly Springs Salamanders. May 22, 7 p.m., at Shepherd Stadium, Colonial Heights.

“Smoke.” See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.

“There Goes the Bride.” See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.  

Friday, May 23

Sensory Friendly Improv. A relaxed improv show designed for those with sensory sensitivities, including individuals on the autism spectrum, with anxiety, and people with a range of cognitive abilities. May 23, 11 a.m., at Pine Camp Cultural Arts Center, Richmond.

Ashland Fourth Fridays. Live performances, street food, artisan vendors, haunted history tours, and more in celebration of local flavor. May 23, 5 to 8 p.m., in downtown Ashland.

“Glamour Is Resistance.” A celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride examining the subversive nature of glamour within queer identity, inspired by artist Justin Vivian Bond. Exhibition runs May 23 to July 19. Opening reception, May 23, 6 to 8 p.m., at Artspace Gallery, Richmond.

RVA Music Night at Friday Cheers. Richmond’s longest-running concert series this week features local musicians Dogpark (8:20 p.m.), Caroline Vain (7:15 p.m.) and Weekend Plans (6:15 p.m.). May 23, 6 p.m., on Brown’s Island, Richmond.

“Cyrano de Bergerac.” See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.

Saturday, May 24

Memorial Day Remembrance at Pamplin Park. Honor fallen soldiers with presentations on Mortuary Affairs, which manages the remains and personal effects of fallen soldiers; the April 2, 1865, Breakthrough Battlefield; sacrifices in the Korean War; and a screening of “War So Terrible,” about two Civil War soldiers. May 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, Petersburg.

Spotlight on Black Nurses. Dr. Inez Tuck, author of “Florence and Mary: Nurse Leaders of the Crimean War,” highlights two women who were leaders in their profession despite sexism, racism, classism, and the intersection of all the “-isms.” FREE, registration required. May 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Black History Museum, Richmond.

Indian & Sri Lankan Food Festival. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.  

Celebration of Collaboration at Black Heath Meadery. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.  

Big Tent. An outdoor family event with rousing patriotic melodies and classical favorites. FREE, no ticket required. May 24, 6 p.m., at Chimborazo Park, Richmond.

“An Evening of Soul”: A Tribute to Gladys Knight & Patti Labelle. Singer, songwriter, arranger, and vocal consultant Angelica Baylor and vocalist Carla Jackson. May 24, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Sunday, May 25

Spring Artisan Market at Zorch Pizza. Shop local vendors at this outdoor, dog-friendly event with pizza and a full bar. May 25, 1 to 5 p.m., at Zorch Pizza Parlor, Forest Hill, Richmond.

Marcus Johnson. Renowned jazz keyboardist/pianist. May 25, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Monday, May 26

IN HONOR OF MEMORIAL DAY: “Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.” Franklin D. Roosevelt

Annual Memorial Day Ceremony. Honor fallen service members from the Revolutionary War to today. American flags placed at each grave. FREE. May 26, 10 a.m., at Virginia Veterans Cemetery, Amelia.

69th Annual Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony. Honor fallen Virginia servicemembers from Revolutionary War to present day. A reading of all names after the ceremony. Broadcast live on WTVR-6. FREE. May 26, 11 a.m., at the Virginia War Memorial, Richmond.

Sandston Memorial Day Parade. The annual parade starts at Williamsburg and Beulah roads, heads west to North Confederate Avenue. Block party includes live music, activities, and vendor booths. Starting May 26, 1 p.m. (parade); 2 to 4 p.m. (block party) at Sandston Recreation Area, Sandston.

Chesterfield County Remembers Our Fallen Heroes. Focusing on Vietnam War soldiers from Chesterfield in honor of the war’s 50th anniversary. May 26, 2 p.m., at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Building Exhibition Hall at the County Fairgrounds, Chesterfield Courthouse.

Tuesday, May 27

Genealogical Virtual Event. Dig Deeper: Discover More with FamilySearch’s Full-Text Search. Hosted by GRIVA, the Genealogical Institute of Virginia. Use AI to scan millions of historical records and uncover new research paths. FREE, registration required. May 27, 7 p.m., online.

Wednesday, May 28

Silver Screen Movie – “Casablanca.” Tickets and concessions just one dollar. May 28, 10 a.m., at Henrico Theatre, Henrico.

String Ensemble Rosette with Vocals by Laura Ann Singh. A Richmond-based string quartet presents unique arrangements of pop classics, accompanied by a multilingual American singer-songwriter. Presented by JAMinc. May 28, 7:30 p.m., at In Your Ear, Studio A, Richmond.

Eddie 9V. A fresh, fiery spin on Southern soul, blues, rock, and funk, with signature wit and sharp observations of modern America. May 28, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Thursday, May 29

Critical Regionalism in Landscape. Connecting Charles Gillette’s legacy to modern landscape design to illustrate the lasting impact of his work. May 29, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design, Richmond.

“Closed Schools, Open Wounds” Panel Session. Exploring Virginia’s educational history before and after Brown v. Board of Education, with a focus on Massive Resistance in the 1950s and 1960s. How did the policies and attitudes that fueled school closures and defiance of integration lay the foundation for systemic inequities of today, from segregated education to punitive discipline and the cradle-to-prison pipeline. FREE. May 29, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Black History Museum, Richmond.

“Every Day a Little Death: Crime Fiction Inspired by the Songs of Stephen Sondheim.” The editor and four contributors discuss the anthology and sign copies. May 29, 7 to 9 p.m., at Shelf Life Books, Richmond.

Beau Soleil – Avec Michael Doucet. The seasoned group brings sounds derived from the spirits of New Orleans jazz, blues, rock, folk, swamp pop, Zydeco, country, and bluegrass. May 29, 7 to 9 p.m., at Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen.

Steve Earle – Solo & Acoustic. The legendary singer-songwriter and protege of Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark. His songs were recorded by Johnny Cash,  Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, The Pretenders, and others. May 29, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

The 47th Annual Richmond Greek Festival. The legendary dishing up of Greek food and culture. Feast on authentic cuisine, enjoy traditional dancing and music, browse the International Bazaar, and tour the sanctuary. May 29 to June 1 at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Richmond.

Support the local sports teams and have a blast!

• Richmond Flying Squirrels
• Richmond Kickers
• Richmond Ivy
• Tri-City Chili Peppers – opening night May 22

Road Trips

Pow Wow and SWVA Fun

Upper Mattaponi Tribe’s 36th Annual Pow Wow. Witness the strength, resilience, and beauty of the traditions with a weekend of Native singing, dancing, drumming, and culture, plus Indigenous foods and authentic Native vendors. May 24 to 25 at Upper Mattaponi Tribal Ground, King William.

Memorial Day Weekend Getaway to Abingdon. Head to the hills of Virginia for a memorable weekend, including:

• Plumb Alley Day. In the heart of small-town Americana, a beloved, decades-old street festival is held in a shady historic alley lined with 18th-century homes and gardens, set up with 150+ vendors, Appalachian music, and that perfect “yard sale meets art fair” vibe. May 24 in Abingdon.
• Virginia Creeper Trail. Coast through lush landscapes on this scenic rails-to-trails route. [NOTE: parts of the trail are closed and undergoing reconstruction after damage from Hurricane Helene, but about 17 miles of trail are still open between Abingdon and Damascus.] Bike rental outfitters can accommodate your biking needs, including e-bikes.
• Barter Theatre. One of the longest-running professional theaters in the U.S.
• The Martha Washington Inn & Spa. A delightful place to lay your head, relax, and refresh.
• Award-winning dining. Abingdon has been named USA Today’s “Best Small Town Food Scene” four years in a row.

News to Know

New VA Rep season, Boz Scaggs

Virginia Repertory Theatre Announces 2025-2026 Season. 

• Agatha Christie’s masterful mystery, “Murder on the Orient Express,” adapted for stage by Ken Ludwig. Sept. 11 to Oct. 12 at the November Theater, Richmond.
• Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” adapted by Virginia Repertory Theatre’s Artistic Director, Rick Hammerly. Nov. 28 to Dec. 28 at the November Theater, Richmond.
• Ira Levin’s “Deathtrap,” the classic comedy thriller. Dec. 12 to Jan. 18, 2026, at Hanover Tavern, Hanover.
• Eboni Booth’s off-broadway hit, “Primary Trust.” March 5 to 29, 2026, at the November Theater, Richmond.
• Sandy Rustin’s “The Cottage.” March 27 to April 26, 2026, at Hanover Tavern, Hanover.
• “The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley” for kids. April 8 to May 3, 2026, at the November Theater, Richmond.
• Tony-award-winning hit, “Come from Away.” June 18 to Aug. 2, 2026, at the November Theater, Richmond.

Boz Scaggs. The singer, songwriter, and guitarist, an early bandmate of Steve Miller in The Ardells and the Steve Miller Band, began his solo career in 1969. Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.