More What’s Booming RVA: Oct. 16 to 23

Two be-witching plays, dancing Dracula, culture and food from around the world (including wings and smoked foods), women in chamber music and soul, Rat Pack tunes, trees, engaging history, and more. What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, October 9 to 16, 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.

October 16 to 23, 2025

What’s happening in and around the Richmond region

Thursday, Oct. 16

“Sweet Bird of Youth” Monologues & Music & Dance. K Dance presents its annual dance-theatre hybrid, an evening of short pieces that blend text, movement, and music. Oct. 16 to 19 at Robert B. Moss Theatre, Richmond.

Garden Glow. The grounds of Maymont transform after dark with creative lighting throughout the gardens – this year with three new artistic light installations: “Effervescence” blanket of lawn lights, “Peonies,” and “L’Envol” flock of origami-style birds in the treetops. Plus, a Glow Village with food, fire pits, and interactive light installations. Special benefit night on Oct. 16. Through Nov. 9 at Maymont, Richmond.

Halloween Movies. Mark the season with spooky movies, including “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (50th anniversary), “The Birds” (60th anniversary), “Night of the Living Dead,” “Psycho,” “Beetlejuice,” and more. Oct. 16 to 30 at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.

Friday, October 17

Arn Chorn-Pond, Cambodian Music & Human Rights Activist. In 1984, Arn Chorn-Pond became the first Cambodian child soldier to speak publicly about the atrocities that occurred during the Cambodian genocide. He has since led talks and workshops to inspire others by sharing his story of resilience and healing. Oct. 17, 3 to 5 p.m., at Perkinson Recital Hall, University of Richmond.

Tribute to Michael Jackson & Usher ft: Kenny Sway. Known as “DC’s Best Male Vocalist,” Sway is a talented musician and an advocate for the Black community. Oct. 17, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

InLight 2025: Super!Giant!Jump!Star! See Boomer’s top picks.  

“WitchDuck” Pop Up Premiere. Written by Eva DeVirgilis, the 1706 tale tells of Virginia’s last convicted witch, who is sentenced to trial by water but refuses to stay down. Oct. 17 and 18 at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.

55th Annual Richmond Oktoberfest. Authentic entertainment, food, and drinks, including “Die Lustigen Almdudler” German party band, German beers, wurst and sauerkraut and tortes, and much more. Oct. 17 to 18 at Richmond Raceway Complex, Richmond.

Saturday, October 18

Plant Native Festival. One of the largest native plant festivals in Virginia, with 13 plant sellers and dozens of other related vendors. FREE native tree giveaway while supplies last. Oct. 18, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Dorey Park, Henrico.

World Singing Day. Maymont hosts the Greater Richmond Chorus and anyone who wants to join in a community sing-along as part of a global celebration. Lyrics provided via QR code. FREE. Oct. 18, 10 a.m. to noon, at Picnic Hill near Maymont Farm, Richmond.

“Haunted Virginia” with Susan Schwartz. Learn about haunted inns and hotels of Virginia from the author – like the Cavalier Hotel in Virginia Beach and Market Square Tavern in Williamsburg. Oct. 18, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Book People, Henrico.

11th Annual Virginia Czech and Slovak Folklife Festival. See Boomer’s top picks.  

Diwali Music and Arts Festival. See Boomer’s top picks.  

Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural History Tour: What’s in a Memorial Park?Learn about Africa’s spiritual and architectural influences on the grounds of Hollywood Cemetery. The space honors America’s forefathers and Confederate soldiers, but seeing the Egyptian architectural and mortuary practices in Hollywood demonstrates the vast knowledge and innovation that mark African models in the Americas and Richmond. Oct. 18, noon, meeting at Elegba Folklore Society’s Cultural Center, Richmond.

Smolder Smoked Beer & Food Festival. Featuring the release of a smoked Helles lager; smoked foods from Brasa, ZZQ, Eazzy Burger, and Buttermilk Bake Shop; and bierstacheln (aka beer spiking, beer sting, or beer poking), in which a metal rod, heated in a fire pit, is plunged hot into a cold beer, caramelizing the natural sugars. Oct. 18, noon to 5 p.m., at Ardent Craft Ales, Richmond.

“Dracula.” See Boomer’s top picks.

“Treeline: The Secret Life of Trees.” As part of their mission to help conserve mature forests and the biologically diverse species they nurture, The 500-Year Forest Foundation hosts a showing of the Patagonia film, followed by a meetup at New York Deli. Oct. 18, 2 p.m., at Byrd Theatre, Richmond.

RVA Wing Wars. A chicken wing showdown, where the spiciest, crispiest, and sauciest wings battle for glory. Sample the 20 competing wings, paired with beverages. Oct. 18, 3 to 6 p.m., at Triple Crossing – Fulton, Richmond.

Great Gatsby Fundraiser. Supporting Nest Academy RVA, which empowers young adult students with complex disabilities. Cocktail or Gatsby garb encouraged. Hosted by Ladies of Short Pump, but gents welcome, too. Oct. 18, 6 p.m., at 3500 Cox Rd., Henrico.

Fancy Me Mad! Join guides for an evening stroll through the graveyard and meet spirits telling their fascinating stories, with Edgar Allan Poe reading his stories in the church. Oct. 18, 6:30 to 9 p.m., at Historic St. John’s Church, Richmond.

Real to Reel: “Sleepy Hollow.” Did you know the legend of Sleepy Hollow has connections to the Revolutionary War? Historian Mark Wilcox compares the book and the 1999 movie version with the reality of the 1770s. Ages 18+. FREE. Oct. 18, 7 p.m., at Henrico Theatre, Henrico.

An Evening of Prince. Anthony Cosby pays tribute to the legendary Purple One, his hits and soulful grooves. FREE. Oct. 18, 8 p.m., at Dogwood Dell, Richmond.

An Evening with Tony DeSare: Hits from the Rat Pack + More. Legends on Grace presents a stylish and soulful tribute to the golden era of crooners. DeSare brings his signature flair to classics made famous by Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr., blending nostalgia with fresh energy. With smooth vocals and effortless charm, he delivers a night of timeless hits and unforgettable melodies. Oct. 18, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

Bob Baldwin. The pianist, composer, arranger, radio host, and inventor has been dubbed the “Ray Charles of Contemporary Jazz.” Oct. 18, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Sunday, October 19

Stranger Than Fiction: Great Art Heists in History. Take in a lecture on ingenious heists, targeted museums, and eventual capture – or not. Afterward, enjoy tea and finger foods. Oct. 19, 12:30 and 3:30 p.m., at Agecroft Hall & Gardens, Richmond.

Trio Zimbalist. Members of the trio – violinist Josef Špaček, cellist Timotheos Gavriilidis-Petrin, and pianist George Xiaoyuan Fu – are in demand as soloists, chamber musicians, and recitalists, with repertoire spanning Romantic masterworks to today’s composers. Oct. 19, 3 to 5 p.m., at Singleton Center, Richmond.

Wagner and Haydn. The Richmond Symphony presents Beethoven’s dramatic Overture to Coriolan, Saint-Georges’ elegant Sarabande et Riguadon, Wagner’s serene Siegfried Idyll, and Haydn’s lively Symphony No. 87. Oct. 19, 3 p.m., at Randolph-Macon College, Ashland.

The Divine Feminine. Celebrating women’s contributions to chamber music, featuring all-female composers and performers. Oct. 18, 7 p.m., at Marburg House, Richmond.

Soulful Sunday. Celebrate the rich traditions of African and African American culture with dance and music performances, arts and crafts, food trucks, and more. FREE. Oct. 18, 3 to 7 p.m., at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, Henrico.

Shuler King. The South Carolina native is probably the only career funeral director-embalmer on the comedy circuit. He addresses issues raw and relatable. Oct. 19, 6:30 and 9 p.m., at Funny Bone Comedy, Richmond.

Tuesday, October 21

Un/Bound: Free Blacks in Virginia & Henrico. Ages 10+. Little-known stories highlight several free Black individuals from Henrico County. Also, see the traveling exhibition, “Un/Bound: Free Black Virginians, 1619-1865,” from the VMHC. Oct. 21, 2 to 3 p.m., at Deep Run Park, Henrico.

“Blue Opening” with Chet’la Sebree. Sebree discusses her newest poetry collection with local poet Anne Poarch. Oct. 21, 6 to 8 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.

Noah Reid. The Canadian singer-songwriter is known for playing Patrick in “Schitt’s Creek.” In music, he’s recognized for powerful vocals and honest delivery. His songwriting is reminiscent of the 1970s but with a contemporary twist. Oct. 21, doors at 6:30, at Beacon Theatre, Hopewell.

Women of Soul on Shockoe Sessions Live. Three powerhouse female musicians: Shon Davis blends raw soul with timeless elegance; Kia Bennett is noted for her background vocals; and Nyasia Monroe is known for heartfelt vocals and authenticity. Oct. 21, 7:30 to 9 p.m., at In Your Ear Studios, Richmond.

Wednesday, October 22

Worm Composting 101: Sustainable Living. Turn kitchen scraps into “black gold” – learn how to set up and care for a worm bin, keep worms healthy, and harvest nutrient-rich castings to boost soil health. Leave the workshop with a turnkey worm compost bin. Oct. 22, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Byrd Park Roundhouse, Richmond.

“Female Fantasy” with Iman Hariri-Kia. Meet and hear from the author. Oct. 22, 6 to 8 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.

Daniel Bennett: Live at the Branch. Featuring New York saxophonist called “one of the most original and unpredictable voices of his generation.” He blends jazz, folk, and minimalism. Joined by percussionist Koko Bermejo and bassist Kevin Hailey. Oct. 22, 6 to 8 p.m., at The Branch Museum of Design, Richmond.

“1929: Tariffs, Trade Wars, & Today.” Financial journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin dives inside the most infamous market collapse in history, unpacking the cascading decisions, unchecked ambition, and human folly that turned a roaring boom into a catastrophic bust. He connects the speculative frenzy of the Roaring ’20s to the financial systems of today, revealing unsettling parallels and offering a powerful reflection on risk, psychology, and the illusion that this time is different. Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.

Gallery at First UU. See Boomer’s top picks.

Thursday, October 23

UnHappy Hour: Rocky Horror Halloween. Music from The Embalmers, beer from Triple Crossing, wine, food from 1115 Mobile Kitchen, and a Rocky-Horror-inspired costume contest. Oct. 23, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Poe Museum, Richmond.

Asia Booth Clarke, with Lisa Samia: Virtual Talk. The story of Asia Booth Clarke’s life is relatively unknown, but she chronicled the Booth family through her letters, poems, and books. In her memoir about her brother John, Asia condemned his murderous act, but she continued to love him. However, because John made the Booth name infamous, she suffered a lifetime of collateral damage. Hosted by the American Civil War Museum, Richmond. FREE. Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m., online.

Blackbird, Fly. A tapestry of movement, narrative, music, and Haitian folklore engages audiences in dialogue about critical questions of our time. Steeped in hip-hop aesthetic, the duet unveils their life stories in search of their identities and role models, while exploring universal themes of tolerance and inclusion. Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m., at Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. The 32-year-old band was at the forefront of the swing revival of the 1990s, blending a vibrant fusion of the classic American sounds of jazz, swing, and Dixieland, with the energy and spirit of contemporary culture. Oct. 23, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Jen Silverman’s “Witch.” In this Richmond Shakespeare performance, a charming devil arrives in the quiet village of Edmonton to bargain for the souls of its residents in exchange for their darkest wishes. Elizabeth should be his easiest target, having been labeled a “witch” and cast out by the town, but her soul is not so readily bought. Oct. 23 to Nov. 9 at Theatre Gym, Richmond.

Day Trips

Historic whiskey and indie films

Colonial Whiskey at The Mill. Two Revolutionaries were behind the creation of the Burwell Morgan Mill – an enterprising planter-distiller and a military man, who was sent to quell the Whiskey Rebellion in Pennsylvania. Learn about whiskey’s impact on the lives of these revolutionaries, how it became America’s favorite spirit, and what happened during the Whiskey Rebellion. Plus two tastings from Eight Shires Colonial Distillery. Oct. 18, 2 to 4 p.m., at Burwell Morgan Mill, Millwood.

Virginia Film Festival. More than 100 films and distinguished guests, featuring gala screenings, series and themes such as Indigenous cinema, Korean, LGBTQIA+, nature and environment, page-to-screen, shorts, and more. Oct. 22 to 26 at various venues in Charlottesville.

News to Know

A humorist & a chef

Davis Sedaris – Ticket Presales. The humorist and author brings his sardonic wit and incisive social critiques to Richmond with new readings, a Q&A, and book signings. Use code BOOK to get your tickets – presale through Oct. 16 at 10 p.m. Performance on April 17, 2026, 8 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.

An Evening with Chef Patrick O’Connell. A live recording and interview with Patrick O’Connell, the Chef and Sole Proprietor of The Inn at Little Washington, Virginia’s only 3-star Michelin restaurant, and winner of the James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award. Nov. 9, 5:30 to 8 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

Explore future events and ongoing exhibitions and performances here.

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