More What’s Booming RVA: Oct. 9 to 16
Curated events, a road trip, and news in Boomer’s one-of-a-kind Richmond calendar
Honor the fight for freedom, learn little-known history, shake up some Halloween cocktails, see how the gardens glow, move to the greatest diversity of music all year long, 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 9 to 16, 2025
What’s happening in and around the Richmond region
Thursday, Oct. 9
Controversy/History | Common Good(s): Richmond’s Fraying Social Safety Net. Exploring the current landscape of public health and social services, including the transformative impact of harm reduction approaches to mental illness and addiction. FREE. Oct. 9, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.
“Riverlore” and Richmond Folk Festival Launch Party. Featuring a film exploring life on, under, and along the James River and other Virginia waterways, followed by discussion; the Virginia premiere of “Ancient New,” a project exploring the New River through film, dance, song, and story; and more. FREE. Oct. 9, 6 to 8 p.m., at Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop, Richmond.
Becoming Citizens. In this six–session course, museum staff prepare students to successfully complete the U.S. citizenship test, with civics and history lessons and chances to interact with historical objects, maps, books, and documents. Beginning Oct. 9, 6:30 p.m., at Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Lil Mo Mozzarella. The comedian leans into high-energy comedy, with quick, punchy sketches and catchphrases, in a character-driven persona. Oct. 9, 7 p.m., at Funny Bone, Richmond.
Live from Laurel Canyon. Presenting “Songs and Stories of American Folk Rock” for an evening of live music and narrated stories of some of the most influential songwriters who lived in Laurel Canyon in the mid 1960s and ’70s. Oct. 9, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Willie Williams Band: Live at The Perk. Homegrown vocals drenched in Carolina twang and Memphis soul, blues and bluegrass-influenced guitar, plus showmanship and storytelling. Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.
Nathan Sherman, Viola. New works for solo viola and electronics, for a soundscape that shifts between haunting, mesmerizing passages and intense, cinematic moments. FREE. Oct. 9, 7:30, at Perkinson Recital Hall, University of Richmond.
ArtoberVA Pay-What-You-Will Event Series. See Boomer’s top picks.
Friday, October 10
23rd Annual Gabriel Gathering. Marking 225 years by retelling the story of Gabriel’s Rebellion, plus updates on the Shockoe Project and more. Oct. 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Richmond African Burial Ground, Richmond.
Vinyl Radio. Reviving the songs of the ’70s. Oct.10, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Blues, Blue and a Little More Blues. A musical revue featuring fun and meaningful songs that will have you tapping your toes to the beat of the blues. Oct. 10 to 12 at Henrico Theatre, Henrico.
Richmond Folk Festival. See Boomer’s top picks.
Saturday, October 11
Step UP for Down Syndrome 5K & Family Festival. A 5K run/walk along the Capital Trail, Family Advocacy Walk around the lake, food trucks, activities, rescue pups, entertainment, exhibitors, and more. Oct. 11, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Dorey Park, Henrico.
Collections Up Close – Give Me Liberty: Virginia & The Forging of a Nation.Explore some of the museum’s artifacts not on exhibit through a themed presentation and behind-the-scenes tour. Oct. 11, 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Run Wild for the Lions. Multiple distances and race types, including an obstacles course and races for different ages, winding around the animal enclosures. Oct. 11 at Metro Richmond Zoo, Moseley.
Healthfest ’25. See Boomer’s top picks.
The Art & Lives of Leslie Bolling & George H. Ben Johnson. Discover the lives and careers of two Black Virginians who expressed themselves through their self-taught artistic mediums. See how their works reflected the daily life of African Americans living in the Jim Crow South and challenged the system that was pitted against them. All ages. Oct. 11, 2 to 3 p.m., at Virginia Randolph Museum, Glen Allen.
Bodies of Labor: Artists Panel Discussion. Four artists from the exhibit exploring depictions of Black labor throughout American history present their work and discuss how their artistic practice reflects the exhibition’s themes of labor, legacy, and lived experience. FREE. Oct. 11, 2 to 4 p.m., at Black History Museum and Cultural Center, Richmond.
One Voice Chorus Chorale in Concert. An eclectic blend of music, including spirituals, jazz, classical, showtunes, and more! Optional donations collected for One Voice Chorus, a non-profit community chorus emphasizing diversity and inclusion. FREE. Oct. 11, 3:30 p.m., at Grace Baptist Church, Richmond.
A Night in Vienna. This program celebrates Johann Strauss II, the “King of Waltzes,” on his 200th anniversary with iconic waltzes, marches, and beloved classics like “The Blue Danube,” Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 5, and Mozart’s “Magic Flute” Overture. Oct. 11, 5 p.m., at Carpenter Theatre, Richmond.
Virginia Vines. See Boomer’s top picks.
Chesterfield PAL Fall Festival and Haunted Woods. Chesterfield Police Activities League hosts a festival of music, vendors, crafts, food trucks, and kids activities, followed by a haunted tour. Festival is FREE, charge for tour. Oct. 11, 3 to 7 p.m. for festival; 7:30 to 11 p.m., for Haunted Woods, at 13301 N. Woolridge Rd., Midlothian.
The Geoffrey Dean Trio + Charles Owens. A versatile combination of modern jazz musicians explores a variety of contemporary jazz, hard bop, and traditional jazz repertoire. Oct. 11, 3 p.m., at Révéler Experiences, Richmond.
The Dinner Detective Comedy Mystery Dinner Show. Solve an amusing mystery while eating dinner – and while knowing the culprit is somewhere among fellow diners. Oct. 11, 18, and 25, 6 to 9 p.m., at Hilton Richmond – Short Pump, Richmond.
FRENS. The powerhouse jazz-funk collective that lit up Richmond’s music scene from the 1980s through the 2000s reunites. Oct. 11, 8 p.m., at Révéler Experiences, Richmond.
Sunday, October 12
The Classical Variety Show. Classical music performed by local musicians in support of local classical music nonprofit organizations: a piano trio by Mozart, performed by the Fall Line Trio; pieces for solo cello, solo violin, solo flute; Beethoven’s Scottish songs for tenor, piano, violin and cello; and more. Oct. 12, 4 p.m., at Révéler Experiences, Richmond.
Blessing of the Animals. Fuzzy, feathered, or scaly friends, plus photos and kids’ stuffed animals, to receive blessings. Oct. 12, 4 to 6 p.m., at First Baptist Church, Richmond.
Lucas Zelnick. Bringing to the stage comedy that blends crowd work with personal, introspective takes on identity, upbringing, and social issues. Oct. 12, 6:30 p.m., at Funny Bones, Richmond.
Coco Montoya. Music rooted in blues and blues-rock, blending fiery, guitar-driven performances with soulful vocals, raw, emotional intensity and melodic finesse. Oct. 12, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Monday, October 13
Richmond: Preserving a Legacy – Securing Richmond’s Irreplaceable Historic Architecture for Enlightenment, Enjoyment, and Use. This virtual lecture features Calder Loth, architectural historian, as he takes a visual walk through Richmond’s architectural landscape, exploring the historic districts and preservation tools that help shape our sense of place. Oct. 13, noon, online.
Canoeing with the Community. Have a safe and fun experience on the water; welcoming newbies and seasoned vets. All equipment provided. Oct. 13, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., at Dorey Park, Henrico.
1950s Monthly Movie Series: “Winchester ’73.” Ashland Theatre presents top movies from the 1950s. All tickets just 75 cents. Oct. 13, 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
U.S. Navy’s 250th Anniversary. A special ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy. Remarks from dignitaries; patriotic music; military honors; ceremonies recognizing the Navy’s legacy of service, and reception. FREE. Oct. 13, 11 a.m., at the Virginia War Memorial, Richmond.
“Out of Many, One” – VA250 Mobile Museum Experience. The interactive “museum on wheels” brings key stories of Virginia’s rich history to locations across the state. FREE. Oct. 13 to 15, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Tuesday, October 14
The Art of the Cocktail: Halloween Cocktails. Showcasing spooky-inspired cocktails perfect for fall festivities. Learn techniques for flavor balance, creative garnishes, and presentation tips to impress at any Halloween gathering. Oct. 14, 6 to 8 p.m., at Virago Spirits, Richmond.
Wednesday, October 15
“Roses in December” Book Talk. Author and historian Jody Lynn Allen examines the history of Black life in Hanover County, of newly freed people and their descendants, and the fight for civil rights. Oct. 15, noon, at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.
“Midnight on the Potomac: The Last Year of the Civil War, the Lincoln Assassination, and the Rebirth of America.” Author Scott Ellsworth takes a new perspective to the last, fraught months of the nation’s costliest war. Oct. 15, 5:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Dr. Edda Fields-Black on “Combee.” The Lincoln Prize Lecture features the author of “Combee: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom During the Civil War.” Fields-Black is winner of the 2025 Gilder Lehrman Lincoln Prize and a Pulitzer Prize. Moderated by Dr. Edward Ayers. Oct. 15, 6 to 8 p.m., at the American Civil War Museum at Tredegar, Richmond.
“A Philosophy of Thieves” with Fran Wilde. The author presents her science/fantasy fiction. Oct. 15, 6 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.
Food for All: Intersections of Politics, Poverty, Public Health and the Environment. VCU Libraries fall lecture series presents the multidisciplinary artist, James Beard Award–winning chef, publisher, and author working at the intersection of food, art, culture, and justice. Oct. 15, 7 p.m., at James Branch Cabell Lecture Hall and online.
Garden Glow. See Boomer’s top picks.
Thursday, October 16
Archiving Underrepresented Virginia History. The online panel discussion looking at archiving underrepresented Virginia history. How can archives build community? What is the value of seeing your experience represented in history? What role do archivists play in advocating for previously hidden stories? Presented by the Library of Virginia. Oct. 16, 6 to 7:30 p.m., online.
The Branch Halloween Open House – artober PWYW. Wander the halls and uncover eerie tales related to the Branch family with Haunts of Richmond, compete in a spirited costume contest, enjoy food trucks, drinks, and local vendors, and view the current exhibition, “Confluence.” Oct. 16, 6 to 9 p.m., at The Branch Museum of Design, Richmond.
Lifeforce – Nafs. An intimate performance where the audience surrounds the action and feels every beat. The immersive experience blends the fire of Dabke, elegance of belly dance, and thunder of live drummers with a live orchestral ensemble. Afterwards, savor an authentic Lebanese tasting menu prepared by local Lebanese women. FREE, reservations required. Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m., at Carole Weinstein International Center, University of Richmond.
Lee Ritenour. A blend of smooth jazz, fusion, and contemporary jazz guitar, marked by fluid technique and melodic, polished arrangements. Oct. 16, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Director’s Choice: “Moving Art Two.” Presented by Richmond Ballet, a special collection of ballets artfully curated by artistic director Ma Cong for their deep personal meaning and artistic significance. Oct. 16 to 26 at Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
Road Trips
Oysters and missiles
Chincoteague Oyster Festival. All-you-can-enjoy oysters prepared on the half shell, steamed, single-fried, and frittered, along with clam chowder, clam fritters, shrimp cocktail, salad bar, boardwalk fries, hushpuppies, hot dogs and non-alcoholic beverages. Beer, commemorative glass beer mugs, and desserts will be available for purchase. Live music. Oct. 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Tom’s Cove Park, Chincoteague.
Ordnance Training Support Facility Special Tours. This facility contains 250 years of Army materiel, from tanks to self-propelled guns, troop transports, howitzers and surface-to-air missiles. While it is only used for Soldier training, in observance of the Army 250th birthday, the facility is open to the public three more times in 2025. Docents will lead tours and discuss the artifacts. Learn how Army engineering and ingenuity has helped to build a strong, enduring Army. Oct. 11 and Nov. 8, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Ordnance Training Support Facility, Fort Lee.
News to Know
History and musical
Living History Weekend. More than 50 living history interpreters bring to life the diverse stories of soldiers and civilians from the American Revolution. Explore the material culture of the era through immersive demonstrations, tours, and panel discussions that highlight the military experience and daily realities of the Revolutionary War. Nov. 15 to 16 at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
“The Outsiders” Tickets Go on Sale. The Tony Award winning best musical, based on the novel by S.E. Hinton and on Francis Ford Coppola’s motion picture, go on sale Oct. 10 at 10 a.m. Performances March 24 to 29, 2026, at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Feature photo, top: Sheryl Cormier and band, playing at the 2025 Richmond Folk Festival. Photo credit: David Simpson. From RichmondFolkFestival.org
Explore future events and ongoing exhibitions and performances here.
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