More What’s Booming RVA: Nov. 20 to 27
Curated events, a road trip, and event news in our one-of-a-kind Richmond calendar
Meet legends Churchill and Roosevelt, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., an all-women cast of the Liberty or Death reenactment, and musicians building on seasoned styles. Plus theater, holiday events, concerts, authors, lectures, humor, and more. What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, November 20 to 27, 2025.
Explore:
- Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
- The week ahead – below,
- Event news + a road trip – way below, and
- Our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
November 20 to 27, 2025
What’s happening in and around the Richmond region
Thursday, November 20
Indigenous Filmmakers Series. Film screening of “Tiger,” which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Followed by a conversation with award-winning filmmaker Loren Waters. Nov. 20, 5 to 6:30 p.m., at Boatwright Memorial Library, University of Richmond.
Tredegar Tree Lighting. A 20-foot tree, live music by the Joe Sarver Trio, and festive offerings from Dogwood & Thistle Wine Company. FREE. Nov. 20, 5:30 to 7 p.m., at the American Civil War Museum, Richmond.
After the Fire: Richmond in Defeat. Dr. Nelson D. Lankford, author of “Richmond Burning: The Last Days of the Confederate Capital,” “After the Fire: Richmond in Defeat,” and other Civil War books, looks at the aftermath of the vast conflagration that nearly destroyed the city. Nov. 20, 6 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Immigrant Stories: Past & Present – Storytelling Event. Inspired by the Valentine’s exhibition “Generations: Stories of Asian Americans in Richmond,” this event gathers storytellers from across Richmond to share true tales of migration, adaptation, and finding a new home. Nov. 20, 6 to 8:30 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.
Opening Talk & Exhibition | Ushering in Giants: The Making of an Exhibition. Kimberli Gant of the Brooklyn Museum discusses the process of configuring the exhibition “Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys.” ASL interpretation provided. Livestream available. Talk on Nov. 20, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; exhibit opens Nov. 22, at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
Heather Shaw. The seasoned stand-up comic has gained a large following on social media for her quick wit, sharp takes, and resemblance to Jim Carrey. Nov. 20, 7 p.m., at Funny Bone, Richmond.
Jake Shimabukuro. See Boomer’s top picks
“Mamma Mia.” The humorous story of a young woman’s search for her birth father, told through the hit songs of ABBA. Nov. 20 to 22 at Thomas Dale High School, Chester.
“The Meeting.” See Boomer’s top picks
Pocahontas Reframed Film Festival. See Boomer’s top picks
“Lungs.” In this sharp, funny, and honest drama, a young couple faces the decision of whether or not to bring a child into a world full of political chaos and climate crisis. The play goes through years of conversations, arguments, and silences, exploring global disaster, personal anxieties, and modern love. Nov. 20 to 30 at The Basement, Richmond.
Friday, November 21
November Open House & Artist Reception. Exhibitions include the Curney Nuffer Students’ Exhibition, Gallery Member Winter Wonderland Exhibition, and Juried All Media Exhibition, plus all ongoing local artist works. Nov. 21, 5 to 8 p.m., at Crossroads Art Center, Richmond.
Arturo O’Farrill & Afro Latin Jazz Octet. The seven-time Grammy winner, called “one of our greatest living pianists,” has been building on the legacy of his father, legendary Havana-born bandleader Chico O’Farrill. His Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble is an octet of top musicians devoted to honoring the pioneers of Latin jazz while pushing the style forward. Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m., at Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond.
Churchill & Roosevelt: The Christmas That Saved the World! A theatrical event about the pivotal meeting between British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and President Franklin D. Roosevelt in December 1941, after the Pearl Harbor attack. Engaging, thoughtful, and heartfelt, the play highlights the personal bond and shared vision between the two leaders, which influenced the course of World War II and shaped future peace efforts. Nov. 21 to 23 at Libby S. Gottwald Playhouse at the Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
The Visual Arts Center of Richmond’s Craft + Design. A contemporary craft show featuring more than 170 artists, highlighting live artist demonstrations, family-friendly workshops, and local food and drink. Nov. 21 to 23 at Main Street Station, Richmond.
Autumn in Ashland Artists’ Showcase. Local artists, including renowned wood turner Barbara Dill, with art, print art, jewelry, holiday ornaments, flowers, home décor, and more. Opening reception including raffle and silent auction on Nov. 21, 5 to 8 p.m.; show on Nov. 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Hanover Arts & Activities Center, Ashland.
“Remember the Ladies” Gender-Reversed Reenactment. In this historic rendition of the Liberty or Death reenactment, women from Richmond’s theatre and film community portray nine delegates to the Second Virginia Convention. With a nod to Abigail Adams’s famed words to her husband, John Adams: “Remember the ladies.” Nov. 21 to 23, at Historic St. John’s Church, Richmond.
Saturday, November 22
Harvest Party. Celebrate the season’s bounty with Courthouse Creek-style Brunswick stew, apple cider (fresh pressed and fermented), apple cider donuts, apples, and a wreath-making workshop in the orchard. Nov. 22, noon to 6 p.m., at Courthouse Creek Cider, Goochland.
“Crime in the Old Dominion.” Meet authors of this collection of short mysteries of Virginia mayhem, mishaps, and murders – a criminally fun tour of the Old Dominion. Nov. 22, 1 to 3:30 p.m., at Book People, Henrico.
Ashland Grand Illumination. Lighting up two miles of historic downtown with more than 10,000 lights and a big tree. Festivities include a vendor market of local food, art, crafts, and businesses and live performances of seasonal tunes, Middle Eastern dance, and illuminated choreography. Topped off with the grand illumination at 5 p.m. Nov. 22, 3 to 6 p.m., in downtown Ashland.
Ramona Martinez – Honky Tonk, Tejano and More! The South Texas musician pairs her guitar and vocals, in a new blend of Honky Tonk and traditional Mexican styles, with fiddler Brendan Boylan of Wilson Springs Hotel. Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m., at Congregation Or Ami, Richmond.
Wagner & Kong Duo. See Boomer’s top picks.
Sunday, November 23
Global Sounds. Traditional Japanese, West African, Brazilian, and Indonesian music. FREE. Nov. 23, 3 p.m., at Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond.
Air Supply – 50th Anniversary Celebration. With nearly 50 years making music, the rock duo of the ’80s are still going. Nov. 23, 7:30 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Stripes: The Devil’s Cloth. Centuries ago, the pattern of stripes in cloth was considered evil and unlucky. Then this seemingly simple fabric design was adopted by citizens during the French Revolution. Discover how this social superstition was woven into history. Nov. 23, 2 to 3 p.m., at Belmont Recreation Center, Henrico.
Kiwanis Club’s Olde Time Holiday Parade. Vendors at 11 a.m., with the parade marching through downtown beginning at 2 p.m. Nov. 23, 11 to 4:30 p.m., in downtown Ashland.
Monday, November 24
Wind Ensemble. Featuring classics in the wind band literature alongside Christoph Wagner as Artist in Residence performing a work by Gulda. FREE. Nov. 24, 7:30 p.m., at Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond.
The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight. Infusing iconic rock and metal anthems with a haunting energy. In ethereal candlelit settings, 14 classical musicians offer enchanting melodies and an unexpected union of sights and sounds. Nov. 24, 8 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Wednesday, November 26
Silver Screen Movie – “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” All tickets and concessions just one dollar. Nov. 26, 10 a.m. to noon, at Henrico Theatre, Henrico.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas. See Boomer’s top picks.
Thursday, November 27
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Road Trip
Mountain magic
Magical Christmas Village & Marketplace. The historic stone lodge transforms into a holiday experience, starting with a kick-off and Grand Illumination with live Christmas ballet, a marketplace, interactive workshops, live performances, and special beverages. Throughout the season, look for glow-in-the-dark ice skating, carriage rides, movies, and more. Illumination event on Nov. 22, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Village runs Nov. 22 to Jan. 3, 2026, at Mountain Lake Lodge, Pembroke.
News to Know
The holidays in Chesterfield
Glow Big or Glow Home. Chesterfield County has gathered county holiday happenings in one place: festive light displays, cherished traditions, and family-friendly events, along with dining experiences and seasonal attractions. Available online now.
Explore future events and ongoing exhibitions and performances here.
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