More What’s Booming RVA: May 29 to June 5
A one-of-a-kind, curated look at Richmond events plus a day trip and news
Dinosaur discoveries and skeletons, concerts, dining for a cause, learning experiences, and comedy, authors, and news. This week in in What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, May 29 to June 6, 2025.
Featuring:
- Boomer’s Top picks in RVA this week,
- The week ahead – below, and
- Our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
May 29 to June 6, 2025
Thursday, May 29
Westchester Concert Series 2025: KOS Band. See Boomer’s top picks.
Critical Regionalism in Landscape. Connecting Charles Gillette’s legacy to modern landscape design to illustrate the lasting impact of his legacy. 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 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 and 30, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
The 47th Annual Richmond Greek Festival. See Boomer’s top picks.
Friday, May 30
Friday Cheers 2025: Josiah and the Bonnevilles with Jonathan Paige Brown Jr. Local artist blending soul, blues, country, folk, and pop in an “Afro-Americana” style opens for the folk, Americana, and country music headliner. May 30, 6:30 p.m., on Brown’s Island, Richmond.
Josh Wolf: High on Life Tour. The comedian, actor, and bestselling author is known for his work as a round table guest and writer on E!’s “Chelsea Lately” and “After Lately.” May 30, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., at Funny Bone, Richmond.
Saturday, May 31
Farm to Table Bus Tour. Travel to three agricultural sites in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to learn about the history and practices of Virginia foodways, plus links to Virginia history. May 31, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., beginning and ending at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Local Author Book Fair. Talk with about three dozen writers, get books signed, and discover new favorites. May 31, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Meadowdale Library, Chesterfield.
“Opposite of Collision,” Rick Timberlake. The author discusses his newest book, a story of dedication and sacrifice, a test of two men’s loyalty to their beliefs and each other as they try to foil a terrorist plot. May 31, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., at Book People, Henrico.
Chesterfield Outdoor Fest. See Boomer’s top picks.
Play Ball! With Richmond Symphony. The thrill of the grass. The crack of the bat. Stand for the anthem, then hear nine innings of baseball-inspired classics: “Casey at the Bat,” “The Natural,” “Field of Dreams,” and more. May 31, 3 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Chris Standring. The British jazz guitarist is known for his heavy use of 1970s-style musical nuances. Before launching his solo career with his 1998 album “Velvet,” he was in the band Solar System, which combined elements of jazz and hip-hop. May 31, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Ultimate Dinosaurs. Challenge your understanding of the prehistoric predators through research from scientists around the world on dinosaurs that evolved in isolation from North American. Dozens of fossil specimens and 17 life-size skeletons with interactive elements and technology. The run will include “Dinosaurs of Antarctica” in the Dome and themed events. (Photos, above: CREDIT Telus World Of Science) May 31 to Sept. 1 at the Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond.
Sunday, June 1
Women of Note II. Honoring female composers, poets, and arrangers with the choral repertoire. Plus a gallery of female-created art. June 1, 4 p.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church, Henrico.
Mile of Music. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Afro-Cuban Orisha Dance Workshop. Movement and spirit led by an initiated Yoruba priestess and Reiki master. June 1, 3 to 5 p.m., at The House, Richmond.
Spring Concert – James River Ringers. Varied musical selections, including three new arrangements, that inspire while invoking the role of imagination in life. June 1, 4 to 5 p.m., at Metropolitan Community Church, Richmond.
Richmond Pops Band Concert. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Dine Out for Pride. Two dozen+ area restaurants will donate $1 from featured menu items to Diversity Richmond’s Virginia Pride program and the Richmond Region Tourism Foundation’s OutRVA program. June 1 to 8 at multiple locations around Richmond.
Tuesday, June 3
3 in 30 | A Horse of Course: From George Stubbs to Edgar Degas (In Person). Equine art forms a centerpiece of the Paul Mellon Collections. Learn of the connection between humans and horses depicted in paintings and sculptures. FREE. June 3, 11 to 11:30 a.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
“Some Like It Hot.” See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Wednesday, June 4
Tell-Tale Talks. Author Allison Gunn discusses her novel “Nowhere.” June 4, 6 to 7 p.m., in the Poe Museum Enchanted Garden, Richmond.
“The Wide Wide Sea” Paperback Release with Hampton Sides. The author discusses his book about 18th-century English naval officer James Cook’s final voyage across the globe. June 4, 6 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.
Senior Mornings: Watercolors on the Green. Learn about watercolor painting surrounded by nature. Make a travel watercolor palette to take home. 60+. FREE, registration required. June 4, 8 to 10 a.m., at the Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond.
The Headhunters. The jazz-funk ensemble co-led by percussionist Bill Summers and drummer Mike Clark with Donald Harrison on alto saxophone celebrated its 50th anniversary. It formed around Herbie Hancock’s classic recordings, continued without Hancock, and released eight albums. June 4, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Thursday, June 5
3 in 30 | A Horse of Course: From George Stubbs to Edgar Degas (Virtual). Equine art forms a centerpiece of the Paul Mellon Collections. Learn of the connection between humans and horses depicted in paintings and sculptures. FREE, registration required. Presented by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. June 5, 11 to 11:30 a.m., online.
History Notes. The Richmond Symphony features music commemorating international and Indigenous communities that supported the colonies as they forged a new American nation, and the museum presents relevant rare collection items. June 5, 6 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
2nd Best Comedy Fest. Three days of laughter with comedians both local and from afar – including NYC, Chicago, and LA. In 18 shows, talented improv performers, stand-up comedians, and sketch comedy performers bring their best to RVA, compliments of Coalition Theater. June 5 to 7 at various venues in downtown Richmond.
Selwyn Birchwood. The young guitarist, lap steel player, songwriter, and vocalist presents visionary, original music that he calls “Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues,” a mix of deep blues, psychedelic-tinged rock, funk, and Southern soul. June 5, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Support the local sports teams and have a blast!
News to Know
People’s Choice voting, call for entries, Christmas Mom, self-emancipators
Cast Your Vote for the Library of Virginia’s Annual People’s Choice Awards. The Library has announced 10 finalists, representing the most-requested fiction and nonfiction titles by Virginia authors, or about the Commonwealth, published in 2024. The public is invited to select the winners by voting online between June 1 and July 15, 2025.
Call for Entries – Annual July Gallery Members Exhibition. Enter June 1 to 22 online, or July 8 to 12 in person. Exhibition runs July 19 to Sept. 7, at Crossroads Art Gallery, Richmond.
2025 Henrico Christmas Mother Announced. Mrs. Ann McGee will represent the nonprofit during the 2025 season. Since 1942, Henrico Christmas Mother has provided food, new books, toys, clothing, and other gift items to qualifying Henrico County families with children, seniors, and disabled adults. In 2024, it served 4,657 individuals, including 2,514 children and 842 seniors and disabled adults.
Fugitive Data Portraits: Self-Emancipation in Virginia – Virtual Talk. Virginia Humanities Fellow Tev’n Powers discusses his research project and website. Powers documented Blacks who self-emancipated during the Civil War and created data portraits of some of Virginia’s earliest freedom fighters, who were often omitted from the historical narratives. FREE, registration required. Presented by the Library of Virginia. June 18, noon, online.
Explore future events and ongoing exhibitions and performances here.
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