More What’s Booming RVA: Sept. 4 to 11
Boomer’s one-of-a-kind, curated Richmond calendar
Spicy food and beer, pups and cats, a historic plants road trip, a detective and a psychic, hypnotist, theater, art, authors, lectures, VA250, concerts, event news, and so much more! What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, September 4 to 11, 2025.
Find:
- Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
- The week ahead – below,
- Event news + road trips – way below, and
- Our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
September 4 to 11, 2025
Thursday, September 4
“Dreams Between Valley & Bay” Exhibition Opening. Artist David Douglas works at the intersection of drawing, painting, and photography to create his large-scale works exploring place and memory. September 4, 5 to 7 p.m., at Bond Millen Gallery, Richmond.
David Esleck Trio. Dr. David Esleck, professor of jazz piano, presents a concert of jazz taken from and inspired by hymns and other songs of faith. FREE, registration encouraged. September 4, 7:30 p.m., at Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond.
John R. Miller. The West Virginia native, Americana/alt-country, and roots-folk musician presents introspective songs that delve into the truths of the human condition. September 4, 8 p.m., at The Camel, Richmond.
THE WELL Fest. The three-day festival celebrates the intersection of culture and community transformation while raising money for The Well Collective initiatives.
- Rooted: A Taste of Culture Through Jazz and Culinary Art fundraiser. September 4, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center, Richmond.
- Rooted in Richmond: A Social + Cultural Conversation. A panel explores Richmond’s cultural legacy and community transformation. September 5, 6 to 9 p.m., at Main Street Station, Richmond.
- THE WELL Fest: Well-being and Music for the People. Morning wellness programming and afternoon of soul, jazz, and Afrobeat; panels on economic development, mental health, and Black futures; and a Market + Art Walk. September 6, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Main Street Station, Richmond.
Friday, September 5
Canoeing with the Community. Everything you need for a safe and fun experience canoeing, for first timers and seasoned vets. All ages. Sept. 5, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., at Dorey Park, Henrico.
Friday at the Museum. See and hear the stories of the people, places, and events that have shaped Henrico County. Learn of the Palmore family who lived during the 1930s, adapted to the Great Depression, the introduction of electricity to the house, and more. Sept. 5, noon to 4 p.m., at The Clarke-Palmore House Museum, Henrico.
“Chasing Evil: Shocking Crimes, Supernatural Forces, and an FBI Agent’s Search for Hope and Justice.” Renowned psychic and author John Edward joins former FBI Special Agent Robert Hilland. Hilland reveals how in 1998, working on an unsolved serial killer case, he reluctantly called Edward for help. The call led to a big break in the case and started an unlikely crime-solving partnership. Sept. 5, 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Treason Trial of Aaron Burr: A Court End Tour. One of America’s first great legal spectacles. In the summer of 1807, the national spotlight landed on Richmond’s Court End neighborhood as Chief Justice John Marshall deliberated the fate of accused traitor Aaron Burr. Learn about the Burr Conspiracy, the scandalous “Feast of Treason” hosted by John Wickham, and the lasting impact of the trial. Sept. 5 and 6, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., beginning at John Marshall House, Richmond.
First Fridays in Richmond
- RVA First Fridays. Stroll the art galleries along and around Broad Street, plus restaurants, shops, and other organizations. Presenting live music, special events, tastings, and more. Sept. 5, beginning at 5 p.m. – times vary at the many venues around downtown Richmond.
- Manchester Manifest First Fridays Southside Block Party. Market, live music, culture, food, vendors, and more. Sept. 5, 5 p.m., along Hull Street, Manchester.
- Hop on the First Friday Art Trolley. Take an interactive journey through the Downtown Arts District! On select First Fridays, the trolley features varying experiences, hosted by organizations in the local arts and culture scene. This month, take in a Richmond history drag quiz and trivia facts. Four hop-on locations around downtown Richmond. FREE. Sept. 5, 6 to 8 p.m., in downtown Richmond.
- First Friday Opening Reception. Presenting “RVA Scenes” by Shaina Cilimberg and “Warli Art” by Nisha Jaiswal. Live music, light refreshments, cash drinks. Sept. 5, 6 to 9 p.m., at Anne’s Visual Art Studio, Richmond.
- First Fridays. Family-friendly activities, live music by Weldon Hill, food trucks, and museum exhibitions. FREE. Sept. 6, 5 to 8 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Richmond.
Music at Maymont: Railroad Earth, Yonder Mountain String Band, and Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country. Roots music with masters of the art: nostalgia and innovation, multiple influences, and unique sounds. Sept. 5, 6 p.m., at Maymont, Richmond.
The Capitol Fools. See Boomer’s top picks.
Pups, Plates and Pours. See Boomer’s top picks.
Saturday, September 6
“This Here is Love” with Princess Joy L. Perry. As the 17th century burns to a close in Tidewater Virginia, America’s character is wrought in the fires of wealth, race, and freedom. The author discusses her debut novel. Sept. 6, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Book People, Henrico.
Meet the Artists of “Bodies of Labor: Hands That Built a Nation.” The creators present their work and discuss how their artistic practice responds to and reflects the central themes of labor, legacy, and lived experience. FREE, registration required. Sept. 6, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Black History Museum, Richmond.
Oktoberfest! Release of Mitternacht beer, sausage, sauerkraut, potato salad, Bavarian pretzels, and live music. Sept. 6, 2 p.m., at Midnight Brewery, Rockville.
Spice and Pints. Spicy food trucks and beverages, paired with live music. Take the Spice Challenge! Sept. 6, 2 to 7 p.m., at Center of the Universe Brewing, Ashland.
One Voice Chorus Chorale in Concert. This auditioned group is drawn from the One Voice Chorus, a non-profit, non-auditioned community chorus focused on diversity and inclusion. The concert presents music from an assortment of musical styles, including spirituals, jazz, showtunes, and contemporary pieces. Sept. 6, 4 p.m., at Southminster Presbyterian Church, Richmond.
ZOSO The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience with Hold the Line RVA. ZOSO, the iconic tribute experience, recreates the legendary band’s live performances. Hold the Line RVA is a local high-energy Southern rock, country, alternative, and dance music cover band. Sept. 6, 6:30 p.m., at Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield.
The Dinner Detective Comedy Mystery Dinner Show. Solve an amusing mystery while eating dinner – and while knowing the culprit is somewhere among fellow diners. Sept. 6 and 20, 6 to 9 p.m., at Hilton Richmond – Short Pump, Richmond.
Close to You: The Music of The Carpenters. The longest-running Carpenters tribute is on a 15-year anniversary tour, having played more than 400 shows in 41 states. Sept. 6, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Sunday, September 7
OktoberForest Fest. See Boomer’s top picks.
Birthday Party Fit for a Queen – Plus Branding Reveal. The historic Tudor mansion honors the 492nd birthday of Queen Elizabeth I and its new logo and website. Features pop-up scenes from Shakespearean actors, Renaissance music, stage combat demonstrations, free garden admission, and more. Sept. 7, noon to 5 p.m., at Agecroft Hall, Richmond.
Celebrate Grandparents Day. Spend the afternoon painting together. All ages. Sept. 7, 3 to 4 p.m., at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, Henrico.
Music in the Park. See Boomer’s top picks.
BAK N DA DAY. Richmond’s oldies vocal harmony group draws material from a repertoire of songs spanning the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, encompassing musical genres like doo-wop, Motown, Philly soul, and even Broadway, songs by the Temptations, the Miracles, the Four Tops, Lionel Richie and the Commodores, and more. Sept. 7, 3 p.m., at Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen.
When Zeus Met Shiva. Profs & Pints looks at the flow of goods, ideas, and culture between the Far East and ancient Greece and Rome, with Georgia Irby, professor of Classical Studies at William and Mary. Sept. 7, 4 to 6:30 p.m., at Triple Crossing Fulton, Richmond.
Ann Hampton Callaway – The Streisand Songbook. Iconic songs from Barbra Streisand performed by a platinum award-winning singer-songwriter. Sept. 7, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Cat Video Fest 2025. See Boomer’s top picks.
Tuesday, September 9
Book Talk with David Poole. The journalist and founder of the Virginia Public Access Project will discuss his new book, “Trusted Source: How a Virginia Nonprofit Gained Bipartisan Support in an Era of Political Polarization.” The organization addresses money in politics, the crisis of American newspapers, the fracturing of information sources, and the precipitous erosion of confidence in our institutions. Sept. 9, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.
Genealogical Zoom Meeting. GRIVA DNA Special Interest Group offers lecture, discussion, and the latest in DNA testing. Sept. 9, 7 p.m., online.
Wednesday, September 10
Lecture: “Lineage – The Power and Promise of Genealogy in Early America.”We think of genealogy for its new technologies, but the concept is old. In the 18th century, Americans embraced their family histories, and heritage was baked into society through law, politics, and religion. Dr. Karin Wulf examines the role of genealogy at the time. Sept. 10, 6 to 7 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
“Confluence” Exhibition Opening. Vietnamese-American artist Kenny Nguyen brings different elements together – materials and histories merge into something new. Nguyen uses hand-cut silk as material and metaphor. Exhibition runs through Dec. 10. Reception on Sept. 10, 6 to 8 p.m., at The Branch Museum of Design, Richmond.
Thursday, September 11
Annual Commonwealth’s Patriot Day Ceremony. Honoring the Americans who perished and were injured during the September 11 terrorist attacks. Keynote speaker Rear Admiral Samuel J. Cox (U.S. Navy, Retired) is responsible for the Navy’s official history programs, including the historic submarine Nautilus, USS Constitution, 1,100 display aircraft, and the Navy’s underwater archaeology program. Sept. 11, 11 a.m., at the Virginia War Memorial, Richmond.
“Blackinese: Reflections on Race and Ethnicity from a Biracial Millennial.” In her memoir, author Patricia Bradby Moore explores her mixed Black and Chinese identity growing up in the American South and beyond, with stories of culture, race, and belonging. FREE, registration suggested. Sept. 11, 5:30 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.
“Hothouse Bloom” with Austyn Wohlers. The author speaks of her novel, a pastoral, both painterly and critical in its ideas about art, permaculture, subjectivity, and the natural world. Sept. 11, 6 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.
“Murder on the Orient Express.” Virginia Repertory Theatre presents Agatha Christie’s masterful mystery adapted for stage by Ken Ludwig. Sept. 11 to Oct. 12, at the November Theater, Richmond.
David Anthony: Magician & Comedy Hypnotist. Mind-blowing magic and hilarious comedy hypnosis, with audience participation. Sept. 11, 7:30 p.m., at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.
The Steel Wheels. Blending tradition and innovation, informed by the familiar sounds of the Virginia mountains where the band was formed, but moving forward with insightful lyrics and an evolving sound. Sept. 11, 7:30 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
News to Know
1950s movies, moving movie, scenic run, music, and wine
1950s Monthly Movie Series. Starting Monday, Sept. 15, Ashland Theatre presents 12 top movies from the 1950s. All tickets for the series will be just 75 cents. All showings begin at 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
- Sept. 15, Sunset Boulevard (Academy Award Best Picture Nominee)
- Oct. 13, Winchester ’73
- Nov. 10, Let’s Dance
- Dec. 8, Harvey
- Jan. 12, DOA
- Feb. 9, Rashomon
- March 9, Born Yesterday (Academy Award Best Picture Nominee)
- April 13, The File on Thelma Jordan
- May 11, Stage Fright
- June 15, In a Lonely Place
- July 13, All About Eve (Academy Award Best Picture Winner)
- Aug. 10, Les Enfants Terribles
“Gabriel.” ATLAS Partnership brings to life the people and events surrounding Gabriel’s Rebellion, one of the most significant uprisings of enslaved people in American history, set in and around Richmond in 1800. An official program of the Virginia 250 Commission (VA250). Sept. 26 to Nov. 9 at the Historic Hanover Tavern, Hanover.
Cap Trail 10M & 5k. Runners, walkers, and fall lovers can celebrate the season with a spirited run/walk along the scenic Virginia Capital Trail. The fully supported routes offer river views and fall colors. The race includes costume contests and a post-run celebration at Stone Brewing. Oct. 25, starting at 8 a.m., along Wharf Street, Richmond.
Shady Grove Coffeehouse 2025-2026 Schedule. Performances at Unitarian Universalist Community Church, Glen Allen.
- The Anvil Brothers, Sept. 13
- Lucy Kaplansky, Oct. 4
- Susan Greenbaum, Nov. 15
- Dana Robinson, Jan. 17
- The Honey Dewdrops, Feb. 21
- Bill Evans – The Banjo in America with Babi Evans, March 21
Virginia Wine Expo: SAVE THE DATES. Returning to venues in and around Richmond, Feb. 28 to March 8, 2026.
Road Trips
Black inspiration and historic plant sale
Maupintown Film Festival: Bold & Beautiful. Showcasing films that highlight the Black community’s long tradition of resistance against injustice, fighting back against segregation, police brutality, and systemic inequality while holding fast to pride and cultural identity. Sept. 5 to 7 at Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, Charlottesville.
Mount Vernon Fall Plant and Garden Sale. Shop for seasonal color and heirloom plants along with native perennials, trees, and shrubs grown at Mount Vernon. The General’s Choice line features plants propagated from seeds or cuttings collected from plants growing on George Washington’s estate. Sept. 6, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Fairfax.
Get Groovy with Outdoor Concerts
Innsbrook After Hours. Through Sept. 25 at Innsbrook Pavilion, Glen Allen.
Groovin’ in the Garden. Monthly through Oct. 2 at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.
Allianz Amphitheater. Through Oct. 21 at Allianz Amphitheater at the Riverfront, Richmond.
68th Festival of the Arts. Through Oct. 24 at Dogwood Dell, Richmond.
Support the local sports teams and have a blast!
Explore future events and ongoing exhibitions and performances here.
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