Make Plans for These Richmond Events

Events after February 26

Voices of Freedom: Songs and Stories of the Underground Railroad. Connect with the voices of the past and reflect on the enduring quest for freedom and justice. Through the combined artistry of Sheila Arnold’s storytelling and Phillip Bullocks’s musical direction, “Voices of Freedom” immerses participants in the bravery, struggles, and triumphs of the Underground Railroad era. Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.

Beyond Diagnosis: Career & Financial Changes. Blood Cancer United welcomes patients, survivors, and their families to a program focused on the financial and career challenges that often accompany a blood cancer diagnosis and practical strategies to help navigate them. FREE. Feb. 28, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Maymont, Richmond.

“Whose Independence? Black Freedom Dreams and the Multiple Foundings of America.” Reflecting on the prominent role Black Virginians have played in shaping American democracy and what 250 years of liberty and bondage mean today and in the next chapter of American history. Feb. 28, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Black History Museum, Richmond.

Virginia Wine Expo 2026. Returning to venues in and around Richmond, Feb. 28 to March 8, 2026.

March and after

Martha Spencer and the Wonderland Band. Spencer, a singer-songwriter, mountain musician, and dancer from the mountains of Virginia, grew up in a musical family and learned to play guitar, fiddle, banjo, bass, dulcimer, and mandolin and flatfoot/clog at a young age. March 5, 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.

Virginia Repertory Theatre’s 2025-2026 Season, still to come:

• Eboni Booth’s off-broadway hit, “Primary Trust.” March 5 to 29, 2026, at the November Theater, Richmond.
• Sandy Rustin’s “The Cottage.” March 27 to April 26, 2026, at Hanover Tavern, Hanover.
• Kids’ performance, “The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley.” April 8 to May 3, 2026, at the November Theater, Richmond.
• Tony Award-winning hit, “Come from Away.” June 18 to Aug. 2, 2026, at the November Theater, Richmond.

Bindlestiff Family Cirkus. Blending classic American circus traditions with a modern twists, through circus feats, comedy, and old-time vaudeville, this high-energy performance celebrates the weird, the wonderful, and the wildly entertaining. All ages. March 6, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.

Mobile Soul Sunday. Culture, cuisine, and community: food vendors, musicians, DJs, and live entertainment, influencers, and artists. March 8 at Monroe Park, Richmond.

1950s Monthly Movie Series. Ashland Theatre presents 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.

• 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

Inaugural Salute to Service Reunion Celebration. A special day dedicated to reuniting Operation Desert Storm & Operation Desert Shield Virginia veterans, honoring their service, and commemorating the 35th anniversary of the conflict. Guest speakers, musical performances, film screenings, a wreath-laying ceremony, and more. Veterans and families can request an invitation to be part of this meaningful event. March 21, 2026, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Virginia War Memorial, Richmond.

Frozen Foot Challenge Adventure Race. Racers of all levels test their skills on a challenging course of mountain biking and off-trail trekking, solo or in a team. March 14, meeting at the Aquatics Center parking area at Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield.

Tour de Pocahontas. Riders of all skill levels can experience the park’s renowned trail system, miles of singletrack winding through lush forests and rolling terrain. March 21 and 22 at Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield.

Celebrate Maymont’s 100th Birthday. Maymont opened to the public as a city park on Jan. 1, 1926. The nonprofit is celebrating with special events. At Maymont, Richmond.

• Maymont Mansion Open House on March 21
• The Grrrrrand Reopening of the Virginia Wildlife Trail on April 18
• “Cheers to 100 Years” birthday party on June 6, with free activities, games, tours and live entertainment all day long

Acting from the Inside Out: Adult Acting Classes. For those inexperienced and experienced, presented by Cadence Theatre. Beginning March 24, at RPAA, Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

Damn The Torpedoes – A Tom Petty Concert Experience. A tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers capturing the signature riffs, harmonies, and essence of the music. While staying true to the heart of Petty’s sound, the band also adds fresh, in-the-moment twists that make each performance unique. March 27, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Secretariat Birthday Celebration in Ashland.

• The Big Red Bash features food and drink, live music, an artsy silent auction, an new horse racing game, and a special guest of honor, a big chestnut racehorse who is a descendant of Secretariat. Proceeds go toward the maintenance of the “Secretariat Racing Into History” monument and other local projects. March 27, 6 to 9 p.m., at Oakdale, Ashland.
• Secretariat Day follows on Saturday March 28 from 11 am – 4 pm with FREE ADMISSION. Festivities include a new kickoff ceremony, a “Meet the Minis” corral of miniature horses, new Secretariat merchandise, live music, local food trucks and vendors, games and crafts for kids, free birthday cake, and more. FREE. March 28, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Randolph-Macon College, Ashland.

Richmond Shakespeare 27th Season. Five plays explore identity, ambition, and the contradictions of being human. “One of the most complicated things about being human is our constant negotiation with our own identities. In our lives we adopt roles, whether they are social, cultural, gendered, political or moral – to gain freedom, power, love,” says artistic director James Ricks.

• “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare, March 27 to April 12, 2026, at Gottwald Playhouse. Ambition runs red in this gripping tale of power, prophecy, and betrayal. When Macbeth receives a haunting prediction from three mysterious witches, he and his wife set forth on a bloody path toward the throne of Scotland, no matter the cost.
• Richmond Shakespeare Festival begins with “As You Like It” by William Shakespeare at Agecroft Hall. Banished from court and cast into the Forest of Arden, Rosalind disguises herself as a boy and discovers that love, freedom, and self-discovery thrive far from the rules of society. As shepherds, fools, lords, and lovers wander through the woods, mistaken identities and unexpected romances blossom under the trees.
• Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest” at Agecroft Hall. Lies, love, and low-stakes scandal collide in the deliciously absurd comedy of manners. Jack and Algernon each invent fictional alter egos, both conveniently named Ernest, to dodge social obligations and pursue romance, but their schemes unravel when their lies catch up with them.

An Evening with John Legend: A Night of Songs & Stories. From recording studios to Broadway stages, from film sets to television screens, the American singer, songwriter, pianist, and record producer has proven himself a creative force who transcends boundaries. April 8, 7:30 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.

The Bizarre Bazaar 34th Spring Market. More than 275 juried exhibitors from across the country will display new spring gift lines, accessories for the home and garden, fine art, handmade jewelry, gourmet foods, clothing, toys, quality crafts, lotions, soaps, pottery, bulbs, plants, and more. April 10 to 12, 2026, at Richmond Raceway Complex, Richmond.

Pastor Mike Jr. Symphony Praise Party. The pastor and performer comes to the Richmond Symphony stage for a Gospel Symphony Praise Party, pairing the power of orchestral arrangements by the masterful Dr. Henry Panion III blended and live praise & worship songs. Rescheduled from Jan. 24. April 17, 7 p.m., at Carpenter Theatre, Richmond.

Davis Sedaris. The humorist and author brings his sardonic wit and incisive social critiques to Richmond with new readings, a Q&A, and book signings. April 17, 2026, 8 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.

2026 Speaker Series. The Walter W. Craigie Speaker Series brings speakers to St. John’s to discuss a variety of topics related to history. Each speaker event features a 5:30 p.m. reception, is included with ticket purchase. At Historic St. John’s Church, Richmond.

• Dr. Sesha Joi Moon – Declarations of Independence: The Story of a Black Founding Father. April 17, 7 p.m.
• Andrew Lawler – A Perfect Frenzy: A Royal Governor, His Black Allies, and the Crisis That Spurred the American Revolution. May 8, 7 p.m.
• Dr. Art Kellermann and Dr. Richard “Dick” Wenzel – How George Washington Defeated Smallpox And Won America’s Independence. June 12, 7 p.m.
• Chief Stephen Adkins, chief of the Chickahominy Tribe. The long and complex journey of Virginia’s native nations toward federal recognition and sovereignty while maintaining cultural integrity. June 26, 7 p.m.

The Crooked Road on Tour: The Blue Ridge Girls and Junior Sisk. The Blue Ridge Girls trio is rooted in Appalachian folk music. Showcasing skillful musicianship and vocal harmonies, they perform a mix of traditional standards and Blue-Ridge-breathed originals. Sisk is one of today’s leading voices in traditional bluegrass music. A native of the Virginia Blue Ridge, he grew up in a musical family and was influenced early on by bluegrass legends. April 18, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.

“The Wiz.” The groundbreaking twist on “The Wizard of Oz” tells the tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world, backed by an iconic score of soul, gospel, rock, and ’70s funk. April 21 to April 26 at Altria Theater, Richmond.

Chesterfield County Senior Prom. CCPS, Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation, and the YMCA will host the 2026 Senior Prom for Chesterfield residents over the age of 50. Live music, dancing, refreshments and more. FREE. April 24, 6-9 p.m., at the Manchester Family YMCA, North Chesterfield.

An Evening with Livingston Taylor. The musician is so much more than James Taylor’s brother. He picked up the guitar at 13 and kicked off a 50-year career, writing, performing, teaching, and more. April 24, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Laura Ann Singh + Rosette. Laura Ann Singh is a multilingual singer, recording artist, and composer celebrated for her “rich, expressive voice” and genre-blurring repertoire. In this performance, Singh joins forces with the dynamic string quartet Rosette and bassist Ayça Kartari to present bold, imaginative reinterpretations of songs from across genres. Part of Legends on Grace: Nightcaps & Stories from RPAA – traditional cabaret-style performances with legendary Virginia artists. April 25, 8 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

Killer Queen: A Tribute to Queen. Featuring Patrick Myers as Freddie Mercury, the group has been performing their tribute to Queen since 1993. May 1, 8 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

“& Juliet.” Part of Broadway in Richmond, “& Juliet” flips the script on the greatest love story ever told and asks: what would happen if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Instead, she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love – her way. May 12 to 17 at Altria Theater, Richmond.

“Let’s Go to the Movies!” Joyful Voices, a chorus for singers with Alzheimer’s or other dementias and their caregivers, presents its fall chorus. May 14, 11 a.m., at Salisbury Presbyterian Church, Midlothian.

Richmond SailFest. Presented by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, in partnership with Sail Virginia℠ and the City of Richmond, this weekend-long festival will feature tall ship tours, live music and performances, historical re-enactors, exhibitions of history and art, and much more. June 12 to 14.

VMHC IllumiNATION. A breathtaking video art projection that brings the American story to life. Set against the museum’s historic facade, this immersive experience will blend artistic light, historic imagery, and music to transport viewers on a powerful journey through time and place. June 25 to 28 at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

Ongoing Performances & Exhibitions

Around Richmond, and the occasional road trip

“The Miracle Worker.” Presenting the dramatic inspirational story of blind and deaf Helen Keller and the woman who guided her against all odds. Through Feb. 21 at Swift Creek Mill Theatre, South Chesterfield.

“Love and Vinyl.” A story set in a record store, performed at a record store. The story features Sage, new record store owner and a vinyl guru who doesn’t want another relationship, and a shopper who wants to ask her out. The play is about accidental moments of connection that change our lives, about love, loss, loneliness, and people who want more out of life. Each performance begins with a live micro concert featuring local musicians. Through Feb. 22 at Plan 9 Music, Richmond.

“Dinner with Friends.” In this contemporary age when couples befriend other couples to find family companions with common ground, the play explores what happens when one of these romantic pairs breaks down, making waves across households. Through Feb. 22 at Hanover Tavern, Hanover Courthouse.

Julien Creuzet. “Attila cataract your source at the feet of the green peaks will end up in the great sea blue abyss we drowned in the tidal tears of the moon” is an immersive video and sculptural installation that focuses on water as a site of both historical and contemporary traumas and emancipatory futures. The multisensorial project is deeply sonic and draws from hip-hop, jazz, and other musical forms and bodily gestures across the African diaspora. Through Feb. 22 at the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU, Richmond.

“House to Highway: Reclaiming a Community History.” The new exhibition explores the story of the first Black homeowner in the area now known as Jackson Ward and the removal of his house in advance of the construction of the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike. The history anchors a larger national story of Black American experience from the founding of the nation through the Jim Crow era. Through Feb. 28, at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.

“Still Light” + Viewfind XIV.” Opening reception for artist Pam Fox (“Still Light”) and a group exhibition. Exhibitions run through Feb. 28 at Bond Millen Gallery, Richmond.

Ideas Evolve & Hands Create: Kuumba Afrikan American Quilters Guild of Richmond Gallery Opening. A collective of African American women whose hands transform ideas into textile expressions. Through fabric and thread, they craft art quilts that explore cultural heritage, social justice, and personal identity. FREE. Through March 1, at Perkinson Center, Chester.

“Undeniable: The Designs of Christian Siriano + Ashley Longshore.” See red-carpet fashion worn by stars like Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, Céline Dion, Sia, and Lady Gaga, alongside bold, larger-than-life paintings that surround the gallery with color and energy. Presented in partnership with VCUarts. Through March 22 at The Branch Museum of Design, Richmond.

“Abstract Expressionists: The Women.” Celebrating the vital and historically undervalued contributions of women to the first internationally renowned artistic movement born in the U.S. The exhibition covers four thematic sections: “The New York School,” “San Francisco Early Years,” “A Tale of Two Cities: New York and Paris,” and “Vocal Girls and Beyond.” Through April 26 at the Muscarelle Museum of Art, Williamsburg.

“Generations: Stories of Asian Americans in Richmond” Exhibition. Richmond’s Asian American communities are one of the region’s most quickly growing populations. “Generations” shares stories of personal experience and cultural identity: how people found their way here and became integral parts of our local community. Through May 25 at The Valentine, Richmond.

“Arthur Ashe: An Enduring Legacy.” The new immersive, technology-driven retrospective exhibition honors the life, activism, and impact of tennis champion and Richmond native Arthur Ashe. Ashe learned the game at Richmond’s Brookfield Park. He became the first Black man to win the singles’ titles at the U.S. and Australian Opens and Wimbledon. He co-founded Artists and Athletes Against Apartheid alongside Harry Belafonte in 1982, calling for a global boycott against South Africa’s apartheid regime. Through June 13 at the Black History Museum, Richmond.

“Following the Dragon” Special Exhibition. Explore the journey of Chinese Ming Porcelain to 17th-century Jamestown. See porcelain uncovered archaeologically during excavations of the 1607-1625 James Fort at Historic Jamestowne. Learn of unexpected cultural connections linking colonial Virginia with imperial China. Presented by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation in partnership with the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation. Through July 12, 2026, at Jamestown Settlement, Jamestown.

“West by Water: Richmond’s James River and Kanawha Canal.” The new exhibition features Richmond photographer John Henley and writer Harry Kollatz Jr. along the city’s historic James River & Kanawha Canal, which even after two centuries, remains to some, resident and visitor alike, elusive and mysterious. Through Sept. 7, 2026, at The Valentine, Richmond.

Virginia Museum of History & Culture Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary with Spring 2025 Exhibition and Related Events. “Give Me Liberty: Virginia & the Forging of a Nation,” the first major show for the commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, delves into Virginia’s role in the American Revolution, exploring the confluence of continental and global forces as well as the actions of both iconic and often-overlooked people who together established a new nation and changed the world. Through Jan. 4, 2026. At the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond. Related events include:

• We The People: Through Jan. 3, 2027
• “Un/Bound: Free Black Virginians, 1619–1865”: Through July 4, 2027 (see below)
• Sail250 with Tall Ships RVA: June 12 to 15, 2026
• IllumiNATION: June to July 2026

“Un/Bound: Free Black Virginians, 1619-1865.” Examining the lives of free Black Virginians from the arrival of the first captive Africans in 1619 to the abolition of slavery in 1865. Through powerful objects and first-person accounts, visitors see how Virginia’s people of color achieved -freedom, established communities, and persevered within a legal system that recognized them as free but not equal. Through July 4, 2027, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

“Sculpting History.” The exhibition from the Valentine shows how those who created the Lost Cause narrative used cultural and social centers of power to make it successful: education, media, politics, money, religion, and violence. The exhibition demonstrates how sculptor Edward Valentine, Richmond leaders, and others around the country reframed the war. It uncovers the Lost Cause, its legacy, and those who resisted. The Valentine, Richmond.