Make Plans for These Richmond Events

By Annie Tobey | March 1st, 2024

There’s a lot to look forward to in RVA, from fun to food to eye-opening


Spring at Maymont in Richmond, Virginia, by Zimmytws.

If you like having plans to look forward to, this regularly updated Richmond events list is for you, with some of the biggest – and most overlooked – events in and around Central Virginia.

Updated March 15, 2024


Click for What’s Booming Top 5 Picks for the week ahead

And for more Richmond events, March 14 to 21

And scroll down for more events Announcements and Ongoing Events.

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Top Richmond events down the road … 

More Richmond events after March 21

New Works Festival by Studio Two. Four modern creators choreograph an original work in just 25 hours, capped by performances. Through March 24 at Studio Theatre at Richmond Ballet, Richmond.

Virginia Festival of the Book. Five days of literary conversations and lively parties with locally and nationally renowned authors. Through March 24, at various locations around Charlottesville.

“Madama Butterfly.” One of opera’s most popular works features a young Japanese maiden who is abandoned by a reckless American naval officer. Virginia Opera present’s Puccini’s opera, accompanied by the Richmond Symphony. March 22, at 7:30 p.m., and March 24, at 2:30 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center at Carpenter Theatre, Richmond.

22nd Annual Dog Jog, 5k and Block Party. Support the work of the SPCA with a human run, kids’ run, and dog and people job, followed by a block party with music, beer, food trucks, and more. March 23, beginning at 10 a.m., at the Richmond SPCA, Richmond.

Richmond Kickers Kick Off Their 2024 Season! Plan your season of Kickers’ fun, with home games beginning March 23, 6 p.m., at City Stadium, Richmond.

Virginia State Parks Adventure Series Returns. The multi-sport race series consists of 24 races, including triathlons, mountain biking races, adventure races, and more, at 13 different parks across the state. Many events return this year, including the Tour de Pocahontas, Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon, and New River Trail Challenge, plus four new challenges: the DMV Adventure Race, Arbor Day 15k Run, Shenandoah River Aquablaze, and Fall Foliage Adventure Race. Events near Richmond include:

  • March 23: Dogwood Ultra Marathon at Twin Lakes State Park
  • April 13: James River Trail Runs at James River State Park
  • April 27: Spring Bloom Adventure Race at Lake Anna State Park
  • April 28: Arbor Day 15k at York River State Park
  • June 2: Taskinas Creek Half Marathon at York River State Park
  • June 9: High Bridge Trail Time Trial at High Bridge Trail State Park
  • June 15: Poca Go! at Pocahontas State Park
  • June 22: Night Train Ultra Marathon at High Bridge Trail State Park
  • Aug. 4: Guts, Gravel, Glory at Pocahontas State Park
  • Sept. 21: Powhatan 10 Miler at Powhatan State Park
  • Oct. 5: High Bridge Half Marathon and 5k at High Bridge Trail State Park
  • Oct. 6: Pocahontas Trail Festival at Pocahontas State Park
  • Oct. 19: Fall Foliage Adventure Race at Mason Neck State Park

Ashland Theatre’s 1948 Film Series. The small-town theater celebrates its 75th anniversary with 1948 films on one Monday each month throughout the year. Look for classic films with noteworthy directors and actors like Alfred Hitchcock, Orson Welles, Judy Garland, Katharine Hepburn, Laurence Olivier, and more.

  • March 25, 2024 at 4 p.m.: “Easter Parade,” starring Judy Garland and Fred Astaire
  • April 15, 2024 at 7 p.m.: “Hamlet,” starring Laurence Olivier, Academy Award winner for Best Picture and Best Actor
  • May 13, 2024 at 7 p.m.: “Unfaithfully Yours,” starring Rex Harrison and Linda Darnell
  • June 10, 2024 at 7 p.m.: “Sorry, Wrong Number,” starring Barbara Stanwyck and Burt Lancaster
  • July 15, 2024 at 7 p.m.: “Bicycle Thieves,” starring Lamberto Maggiorani and Enzo Staiola
  • Aug. 12, 2024 at 7 p.m.: “The Pirate,” starring Judy Garland and Gene Kelly

The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line Zoom Meeting. A conversation with Major General Mari K. Eder (U.S. Army, retired), author of “The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of World War II.” Livestream hosted by the Virginia War Memorial. FREE, advanced registration required. March 26, 2 to 3 p.m., online.

The Super Sugar Beats. The sugary step-child of The Taters, Diamond Heist, The Wayward Bills, Hazeltone, and several other RVA bands. It’s the music we grew up on, and the musicians do their best to keep Bubblegum & Sunshine Pop hopping. March 26, 7 p.m., at The Cultural Art Center, Glen Allen.

John McEuen & The Circle Band. A founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in 1966, McEuen instigated the 1972 classic “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” album, (inducted in to the Library of Congress as “one of America’s most important recordings”). “The String Wizard” brings his banjo, fiddle, guitar, and mandolin, along with stories of his travels and family life, on a journey through music. March 26, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Chris Thile, Mandolin. In a program ranging from Bach partitas to rock covers, the Grammy Award-winning mandolinist, singer, songwriter, and founding member of Nickel Creek confronts, cajoles, and cozies up to personal and collective angels, demons, and musical passions. March 27, 7:30 p.m., at Camp Concert Hall at University of Richmond.

Randy Rainbow for President Tour. Uproarious political humor with an unapologetically gay stance, enhanced with music and costumes. March 28, 7:30 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

Inaugural Chesterfield Restaurant Week. An abundance of local independent restaurants present dining specials and menu to showcase the county’s culinary diversity. March 29 to April 7 around Chesterfield County.

Richmond Shakespeare 25th Anniversary Season continues. To go or not to go. Really, is it a question?

  • “Parade.” March 29 to April 21, 2024, at Dominion Energy Center’s Gottwald Playhouse
  • “Doctor Faustus.” June 6 to 30, 2024, at Agecroft Hall and Gardens.
  • “Much Ado About Nothing.” July 12 to Aug. 4, 2024, at Agecroft Hall and Gardens.

Dominion Energy Family Easter. This year’s “eggs-travaganza” is bigger than ever, spreading out across the Carriage House Lawn and beyond. Bring a picnic blanket, get food from local food trucks, and “eggs-plore” Maymont’s 100 acres. March 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Maymont, Richmond.

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April

“Tina: The Tina Turner Musical.” April 2 to 7 at Altria Theater, Richmond.

NWBA Adult & Junior Wheelchair Basketball National Championships. Cheer on the athletes as the top ranked wheelchair basketball teams for adult and junior divisions divisions compete for the coveted national title. Junior championships, April 5 to 7; adult championships, April 12 to 14; at Henrico Sports & Events Center, Glen Allen.

Pure Prairie League. Pure Prairie League, with its crisp, clean harmonies and breezy songs, were innovative purveyors of the melodic mix of country-rock laced with FM radio pop. The band enjoyed commercial success, and influenced future musicians such as Keith Urban, Nickel Creek, Wilco, and Counting Crows. April 6, 7:30 p.m., at Beacon Theatre, Hopewell.

Good Shot Judy. Big band jazz, with classic swing, crooner classics, and more. April 6, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.

“An American in Paris.” Gershwin’s jazzy musical postcard highlights this program of the Americas. From South America, works by Revueltas, Ginastera, and Moncayo. From the states, Leonard Bernstein’s dances from “On the Town,” plus Gershwin’s “An American in Paris.” April 6, 8 p.m., and April 7, 3 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

The Golden Girls are back! The four sassy seniors have returned for one more hurrah, with a twist, 2024 style. Sophia is out on bail, Blanche and Rose have founded a sex app for seniors. And Dorothy is trying to hold it all together, with help from her younger, sex-crazed love interest. Relive the heartfelt hilarity of four ladies who never stopped being your friends. April 8 and 9, at Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

An Evening with David Sedaris. The renowned humorist and author returns to Richmond, offering all-new readings and recollections, a Q&A session, and a book signing. April 10, 7:30 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

Richmond Triangle Players’ 2023-24 Season. One of the longest-operating LGBTQ+ theaters in the Mid-Atlantic marks its 31st year of provocative, challenging, or hilarious performances. Still to come:

RTP 2023-2024 Season, still to come:

  • Airswimming, April 10 to May 4, 2024
  • Xanadu, June 5 to July 13, 2024

The Spotlight Cabaret Series:

  • Nicholas Rodriguez: Sincerely, Sondheim, May 10 to 11, 2024

The Bizarre Bazaar 32nd Spring Market. More than 275 exhibitors from all over the country fill two buildings, showcasing new and unique gift items: clothing, home décor, garden accessories, foods, jewelry, pottery, and more. April 12 to 14 at Richmond Raceway Complex, Richmond.

Chesterfield Outdoor Fest. A family-fun festival including demos, markets, and food trucks, designed to build appreciation for the sustainable community and outdoor adventures in Chesterfield County, including an Earth Day 5K and 1K. April 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, Chesterfield.

Ovation 2024: A Celebration of the Arts. Honoring the timeless elegance of Audrey Hepburn with a Breakfast at Tiffany’s theme, featuring brunch, fashion show, and silent auction and raffle. April 13, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.

BizWorks Small Business Leadership Conference. A professional development and networking event designed for small business owners, entrepreneurs, managers, and executives; as well as nonprofit and community leaders to learn and share innovative ideas with other business owners. April 19, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Chester.

Richmond Restaurant Week Spring 2024. Enjoy a three-course price-fixed meal at one of more than 30 restaurants for just $35.24. And the best part, $5.24 of every meal is donated to help FeedMore help neighbors in need. April 22 to 28, 2024, at various Central Virginia restaurants.

Cadence Hoedown at Hardywood: Wrangle Up in True West Style. Music and entertainment includes old-school country music from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s, line dancing lessons, and live auction. Proceeds support educational outreach programs and scholarships for children and youth. April 23, 6 to 8:30 p.m., at Hardywood, Richmond.

Wood River Run. The 5k run celebrates nature, community, and the memory of Christian Wood, a young man who loved the James River Park. Well-behaved leashed dogs and strollers are welcome. The event benefits the park. April 27, 9 a.m., at Pony Pasture Park, Richmond.

RPAA’s Women Take the Stage. Richmond Performing Arts Alliance’s Women’s Leadership Council presents its 5th Annual Women Take the Stage event. Guest speaker Joye B. Moore (owner of JOYEBELLS Desserts, entertainer, advocate for mental health wellness) leads a discussion to “Keep Moving!” Joined by panelists Sheila E. Battle, Chelsea Buyalos, and Desirée Dabney. April 30, 4:30 p.m., at Carpenter Theatre, Richmond.

May and beyond

Friday Cheers 2024 Concert Series. 39 Years of Friday Cheers. Richmond’s longest-running concert series and the city’s largest event of its kind on Brown’s Island along the James River.

Bio Ritmo Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Dance the night away with the beats of Bio Ritmo, the fusion band blending salsa, cumbia, and Latin jazz, for “Ritmo de Mayo”! May 5, 6 p.m., at Ember Music Hall, Richmond.

W League RVA. The new Richmond pre-professional women’s soccer team  has announced the full 2024 match schedule. The 2024 season will be the inaugural season for W League RVA and features 12 regular season matches, six at home and six away. The season begins on May 11 at City Stadium against the Virginia Marauders FC and extends through June 28. May 11, 6 p.m., at City Stadium, Richmond.

Library of Virginia 2024 Carole Weinstein Author Series. Respected authors address topics focusing on history, literature, and the experiences of Virginians. Each event runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Library of Virginia Lecture Hall, 800 E. Broad St., Richmond.

  • “Centennial Anniversary Anthology of Poems by Member Poets” with the Poetry Society of Virginia. A commemoration of 100 years of the Poetry Society of Virginia with readings and discussions from some of its distinguished members. May 15.
  • “Boardinghouse Women: How Southern Keepers, Cooks, Nurses, Widows, and Runaways Shaped Modern America” with Elizabeth S. D. Engelhardt. A look at the significant impact of Southern boardinghouse women in shaping modern America. Sept. 12.
  • “Dirt Don’t Burn: A Black Community’s Struggle for Educational Equality Under Segregation” with Larry Roeder & Barry Harrelson. The history of a Black community’s struggle for educational equality under segregation in Loudoun County. Nov. 14.

“Menopause the Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change.’” May 21, 2024, at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

Virginia Roots Music Series. Hardywood Park Craft Brewery present a new year-long music series. Four shows feature a Virginia band covering an iconic musical artist, paired with a pre-release of a Hardywood Virginia Roots beer, highlighting a Virginia ingredient. Concerts two, three, and four in the series are scheduled for May 23, Aug. 16, and Dec. 19, at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery on Ownby, Richmond.

Groovin’ in the Garden Returns. The concert series returns after a 10-year hiatus with five to six concerts over the summer and fall. The first concert features long-time Richmond band Carbon Leaf, known for alt-country, Celtic, and folk-infused indie rock on May 30, 7 p.m., at the Cochrane Rose Garden at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.

KISSNATION. In addition to classic ’70s KISS tunes, the NYC-based tribute band dives into the full KISS repertoire, spanning the ’80s, ’90s, and even the 2000s in this all-ages show. June 8, 7 p.m., at Ember Music Hall, Richmond.

Ben Folds at Groovin’ in the Garden. The second concert in the Lewis Ginter series features the American alternative rock musician as part of his “Paper Airplane Request” tour. Attendees can throw paper airplanes on stage with song requests. Tickets go on sale on March 8 at 10 a.m. at lewisginter.org. Physical tickets will be available at Plan 9 Records. June 11, 7:30 p.m., at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.

Virginia Repertory November Theatre

  • “9 to 5, The Musical,” June 21 to Aug. 4, 2024, at the November Theatre
  • “Martha Mitchell Calling,” featuring Debra Wagoner and Joe Pabst, Sept. 29 to Oct. 29, at Hanover Tavern
  • “Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery,” Dec. 15, 2023 to Jan. 21, 2024, at Hanover Tavern
  • “On Air,” March 15 to April 14, 2024, at Hanover Tavern

Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons: The Last Encores. June 28 at Altria Theater, Richmond.

Juneteenth July Jubilee. A three-day event including music, history, food, a walk around the lake, and guest speakers, including Dr. Opal Lee, “grandmother of Juneteenth.” Includes a Down Home Family Gathering on July 5. Follow the park’s events page for updates. July 5 to 7 at Twin Lakes State Park, Greenbay, Virginia.

Jim Gaffigan’s Barely Alive Tour. Deliciously clean and wickedly funny, the Grammy-nominated comedian, actor, writer, producer, and author shares relatable humor of observations on life. Sept. 20, 7 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.

RIFF 2024. The Richmond International Film Festival has announced its next annual celebration of film, with more than 200 filmmaking and musical guests from around the world, more than 150 film premieres, more than 30 musical performances, and more. Sept. 24 to 29, 2024, at various events around Richmond.

Richmond Folk Festival 2024. Mark your calendar for Sept. 27 to 29, 2024 (moved from its typical October weekend to avoid the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur). On and around Brown’s Island, Richmond.

2nd Street Festival. Celebrating the rich culture and vibrant present of the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood, when it was the heart and soul of Richmond’s African American community and known as “the Harlem of the South.” The two-day festival features three stages of live musical entertainment, a Kidz Zone, food vendors, a marketplace and Artists Row, and the Richmond Metropolitan Antique Car Club. Oct. 5 to 6, in Jackson Ward, Richmond.

Fine Arts & Flowers. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) announced 2024 dates for the biennial event. The museum-wide exhibition showcases floral designs inspired by works of art in VMFA’s permanent collection, with floral designs by the Garden Club of Virginia, The Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs and Ikebana of Richmond. Gala kickoff and preview, with other special events like talks from guest speakers and VMFA curators, luncheons, floral design workshops, exhibition tours, a fashion show, and family activities. Oct. 23 to 27, 2024, at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.

Ongoing Events

Around Richmond, and a few worth a road trip

Charles Atlas: Selected Video, 1987-2015. Three works by pioneering video artist Charles Atlas (American, b. 1949), highlighting his 50-year career and the diversity of his collaborations, subjects, and styles from the late 1980s to 2010s. Through March 24, 2024, at Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk.

Dr. Ride’s American Beach House. The evening before Dr. Sally Ride’s historic space flight, a group of women with passionate opinions and no opportunities sit on a sweltering St. Louis rooftop watching life pass them by. Their desires bump up against American norms of sex and power in this snapshot of queer anti-heroines. Presented by YesAnd! Theatrical Co. Through March 23 at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.

“War in Pieces.” Firehouse Theatre and the Virginia War Memorial Foundation presents “War in Pieces,” four one-act plays written by Virginia veterans and their families. Through March 24 at the Virginia War Memorial’s Alumni Hall, Richmond.

New Works Festival by Studio Two. Four modern and innovative creators choreograph an original work in just 25 hours, capped by performances. March 19 to 24 at Studio Theatre at Richmond Ballet, Richmond

Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods.” Richmond Shakespeare presents an epic fairytale about wishes, family, and the choices we make. James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim have gathered favorite storybook characters for a timeless modern classic. Through March 24 at The Steward School’s Cramer Center for the Arts, Richmond.

“Zero Hour.” In theatre legend Zero Mostel’s painting studio, a naïve reporter attempts to interview the famously volatile artist, prompting an explosion of memory, humor, outrage, and juicy backstage lore. Virginia Repertory Theatre in partnership with Weinstein JCC Jewish Family Theatre. Through April 7 at the Theatre Gym at the November Theatre, Richmond.

Steven Glass, A Retrospective: Turning Points in Clay / A Life in Art. Celebrating more than 40 years of the internationally recognized artist’s work, highlighting his creative approach to the art of functional ceramics. Glass has been the resident potter at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts School since 1982 and has lectured and served in other art capacities around the world. The exhibition features over 45 works spanning over four decades. Through March 31, 2024, at the Branch Museum of Architecture & Design, Richmond.

Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-1964: Eyes of the Storm. Get a peek into Beatlemania through more than 250 photographs taken by the band member using his own Pentax camera. Through April 7 at the Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk.

“Satchmo at the Waldorf.” Virginia Repertory Theatre presents a one-man, three-character play with Jerold E. Solomon portraying jazz great Louis Armstrong, his manager, and musician Miles Davis. The actions takes place in 1971, in a dressing room backstage at the Empire Room of New York’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, four months prior to Armstrong’s death. He attempts to come to terms with his long-standing relationship with Glaser, whom he once loved like a father but now believes to have betrayed him. Through April 7, at the November Theatre, Richmond.

Willie Anne Wright: Artist and Alchemist. Showcasing a groundbreaking, internationally renowned photographer and painter whose Richmond-based career spans over six decades, through 63 photographs and 9 paintings. From playful and irreverent scenes of everyday life to ethereal evocations of the past, Wright’s experimental paintings and photographs examine pop-culture, feminine identity, the pull of history, and the shifting cultural landscape of the South. Through April 28 at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.

“Sign Spotting: Richmond’s Signage.” Journey through Richmond’s history of signage: from vintage neon signs to public facility signs from the Jim Crow era to local advocacy signs, explore how iconic Richmond signage has been used to inform, advertise, and persuade. Includes an Audio Description Tour option, created in partnership with Virginia Voice. Through May 31 at The Valentine, Richmond.

“Indigenous Perspectives.” A multimedia exhibition highlights the commonwealth’s Indigenous history and how the tribes remain a vital part of Virginia’s culture today. Includes video interviews, archival records, and objects contributed by tribes. Through Aug. 17 at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.

Discover Steampunk. New touring exhibition looks at the movement inspired by Victorian ideals of industry and steam power. It blends science, art, and history, showing how thinkers and writers of the late 1800s envisioned the future. More than 20 interactive exhibits highlight electricity and Mary Shelley, deep ocean exploration with Jules Verne, time travel with H.G. Wells, and more. Through Aug. 18 at the Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond.

“Julia Child: A Recipe for Life.” The exhibition highlighting the popular chef will make its only East Coast stop on a national tour at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Including video, audio, photographs, memorabilia, recreated scenes from the chef’s life, and a special section exclusive to VMHC that highlights Julia Child’s impact on Virginians. Through Sept. 2 at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

Secrets & Symbols: Hidden Messages in Decorative Objects. A new display explores symbolic imagery, hidden messages, and other private references contained in a small selection of items from the museum’s collection. Through Oct. 20 at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

“‘I made this…’: The Work of Black American Artists and Artisans.” The first exhibition looking solely at the work of diverse Black artists and artisans from three centuries opens at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. Through Dec. 31, 2025, at the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, Williamsburg.

“Sculpting History.” The new 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.

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