Make Plans for These Richmond Events

Outdoor concert series

• Westchester Concert Series. Biweekly through Aug. 7 at Westchester Commons, Midlothian.
• Innsbrook After Hours. Through Sept. 25 at Innsbrook Pavilion, Glen Allen.
• Groovin’ in the Garden. Monthly through Oct. 2 at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.
• Allianz Amphitheater. Through Oct. 21 at Allianz Amphitheater at the Riverfront, Richmond.

Local sports teams

• Richmond Flying Squirrels
• Richmond Kickers
• Richmond Ivy
• Tri-City Chili Peppers

See Independence Day events

… on the Boomer June 26 to July 4 page

Richmond events after July 4

Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes. A dynamic group that came out of the Gamble-Huff music factory that produced groups like the Spinners and Stylistics. Credits include memorable love songs “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” (nominated for a Grammy), “The Love I Lost,” “Bad Luck,” “Wake Up Everybody,” and more. July 5, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Give Me Liberty Highlight Tour. Take a 30-minute highlight tour with VMHC staff of “Give Me Liberty: Virginia & the Forging of a Nation.” Advance registration required. Every Saturday from July 5 to Aug. 30 at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

“Task Force Hogan: The World War II Battalion That Spearheaded the Liberation of Europe” with William R. Hogan. A fourth-generation soldier tells of his father’s tank battalion, the “Spearhead,” that led the charge on the front lines from Normandy into Germany – against impossible odds, technologically superior weaponry, and a fanatical enemy on its home turf. July 9, noon, at the Virginia War Memorial, Richmond.

“Burial Tax.” Two estranged siblings and their spouses navigate an uncomfortable reunion at the old family lake house to spread the father’s ashes. July 9 to 27 at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.

Spirits with the Spirits Ghostly Tales Cocktail Tour. Drink in the thrills as you tour the rooms of the historic tavern, paired tales of paranormal happenings and ghoulish stories told by “the spirits” and four custom cocktails. Multiple tours, starting between 7 and 9 p.m. July 11, 7 to 9:45 p.m., at Hanover Tavern, Hanover.

Hanover Tomato Festival. Local agriculture and artisan vendors, live entertainment, tomato-themed activities, and delicious Hanover tomatoes for purchase, tasting and in tomato-focused cuisine. FREE. July 11 to 12 at Pole Green Park, Mechanicsville.

Music in the Park. Live music on the lawn by the old Stone House in one of Richmond’s legendary parks. Take blankets, lawn chairs, and a picnic and take in music and fresh air. FREE.

• July 13: DJ Harrison (soul, funk, and R&B) – 6 to 8 p.m.
• Aug. 3: Carmen Ann & The Low Down Gamblers (Americana, twangy pop, and country rock) – 3 to 5 p.m.
• Sept. 7 – Hot Seats (old time and bluegrass) – 3 to 5 p.m.
• Oct. 5 – Ben White (indie singer-songwriter) – 3 to 5 p.m.

Opening Celebration for “House to Highway: Reclaiming a Community History.” The new exhibition explores the story of the first Black homeowner in the area later 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. The evening includes guided exhibition tours, information booths, and a panel discussion. FREE. July 17, 4 to 7:15 p.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.

Dalton Dover. Short Pump Town Center Summer Concert Series presents country music artist from Polk County, Georgia. July 24, 5 to 8 p.m., at the Main Plaza.

Virginia Brews. Celebrate Virginia Craft Beer Month with beverages from across the Commonwealth, live music, and food trucks. Museum admission included. Aug. 2, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

804 Day Festival. Ten Richmond bands and performers celebrate the Richmond region, plus arts, crafts, food, drink, nonprofit showcase, and more. FREE. Aug. 2, 12:30 to 6:30 p.m., at 17th Street Market, Richmond.

• Nickelus F (Rap)
• Kadencia Orchestra (Latin)
• Høly River (Folk)
• REIN (Pop/Rock)
• Weldon Hill Quintet (Jazz)
• Bucko (Honky-Tonk/Goof-Rock)
• Los Hermanos Alacranes (Rock/Latin)
• Flora and The Fauna (Punk)
• Kaay Taurus (R&B)
• Vexine (Southern Rock Noir)

“The Father” Film for Alzheimer’s Awareness. The film centers on an 80-year-old London man who is experiencing memory loss and confusion from dementia. His daughter tries to care for him but faces challenges as he resists her help and grows increasingly suspicious. The film will be followed by remarks and a Q&A session with a representative from the Alzheimer’s Association. Aug. 21, 6:30 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.

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.

Ann Hampton Callaway – The Streisand Songbook. Iconic songs performed by a platinum award-winning singer-songwriter. Sept. 7, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Virginia Repertory Theatre’s 2025-2026 Season.

• Agatha Christie’s masterful mystery, “Murder on the Orient Express,” adapted for stage by Ken Ludwig, Sept. 11 to Oct. 12, at the November Theater, Richmond.
• Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” adapted by Virginia Repertory Theatre’s Artistic Director, Rick Hammerly. Nov. 28 to Dec. 28 at the November Theater, Richmond.
• Ira Levin’s “Deathtrap,” the classic comedy thriller. Dec. 12 to Jan. 18, 2026, at Hanover Tavern, Hanover.
• 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.

Conrad M. Hall Symposium for Virginia History. Full day of 16 panels with 50 experts that highlight groundbreaking research into Virginia history, highlighting the theme of “revolution” and a special keynote lecture. Oct. 4, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

2nd Street Festival. In its 37th year of celebrating rich local culture. Oct. 4 to 5, historic Jackson Ward, Richmond.

Richmond Folk Festival. In its 21st year of celebrating the roots, richness, and variety of American culture. FREE. Oct. 10 to 12, along the riverfront, Richmond.

“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.

Legends on Grace: Nightcaps & Stories.  Traditional cabaret-style performances with legendary Virginia artists. Subscriptions on sale now.

• An Evening with Tony DeSare: Hits from the Rat Pack + More – Oct. 18
• Yes And! Theatrical Company – Nov. 29
• My Funny Valentine: An Evening with Scott Wichmann + Friends – Feb. 14
• Laura Ann Singh + Rosette – April 25

“The Life and Music of George Michael.” The concert-style show revives the performer’s magic, chronicling his musical journey and connection with fans. One night only. Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

Boz Scaggs. The singer, songwriter, and guitarist, an early bandmate of Steve Miller in The Ardells and the Steve Miller Band, began his solo career in 1969. Nov. 19, 7:30 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.

Air Supply – 50th Anniversary Celebration. With nearly 50 years making music, the rock duo of the ’80s are still going. Nov. 23 at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

Friday Cheers 2025. Richmond’s longest-running concert series begins a new season on May 2, its 40th anniversary season, on Brown’s Island every week in May and June. Advance tickets for individual shows and season passes to Friday Cheers are available for purchase online at Ticketstobuy.com.

• June 27 – Say She She (8:00pm) with Big Fancy  (6:30pm)

Virginia State Parks Adventure Series 2025. The multi-sport race series features 20 races, including triathlons, mountain biking races, adventure races, and more, at 11 parks across the state. This year features a broader range of race difficulties and distances forall levels of adventure and one new race option. Highlights near the Richmond region include:

Bike: 

• Aug. 3: Guts, Gravel, Glory at Pocahontas State Park

Running:  

• Sept. 20: Paw Paw 5- and 10-Miler at Powhatan State Park
• Oct. 4: High Bridge Half Marathon and 5k at High Bridge Trail State Park
• Oct. 5: Pocahontas Trail Festival at Pocahontas State Park

Ashland 1949 Film Series. Inspired by the rousing response to its 75th anniversary presentation of 1948 films, Ashland Theatre presents a series of films from 1949. All tickets $5, films beginning at 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.

• July 14, 2025: “The Third Man,” starring Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, and Orson Welles
• Aug. 11, 2025: “Jour de fête,” starring Jacques Tati and Paul Frankeur

Summer Nights at the Perk. Live music, local food, drinks, and vibes at the Perkinson Center, Chester.

• July 2 – Sammy Lee. Rooted in blues tradition, Motown acoustic, unique and soulful.
• July 12 – Garden Variety String Band. Old time, folk and bluegrass
• July 30 – Carrie Brockwell. American Idol Golden Ticket contestant presents country, classics, and more.
• Aug. 13 – The Eli Cook Band. Blues singer, songwriter and guitarist – raw and robust vocals.
• Aug. 23 – The Sweet Potatoes. Richmond natives serve up a soulful blend of jazz that captivates audiences with every note.

Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront. Richmond’s new open-air amphitheater near Brown’s Island will open in June, with a variety of big names already lined up to play.

• June 19: Boyz II Men
• June 21: Dwight Yoakam
• June 26: Parker McCollum – What Kinda Man Tour 2025
• July 12: Counting Crows: The Complete Sweets! Tour
• July 15 and 16 – Dave Matthews Band
• July 17: Brad Paisley: Truck Still Works World Tour
• July 19: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
• July 26: Whiskey Myers – What We Were Born to Do Tour
• Aug. 1: The Head and The Heart: Aperture Tour
• Aug. 6: Styx & Kevin Cronin + Don Felder the Brotherhood of Rock Tour
• Aug. 10: Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts
• Aug. 23: Bailey Zimmerman – New to Country Summer Tour
• Aug. 24: The Red Clay Strays – Get Right Tour 2025
• Aug. 26: Simple Plan: Bigger Than You Think! Tour
• Aug. 28: Gavin Adcock – Need to Tour
• Aug. 29: Alison Krauss & Union Station Featuring Jerry Douglas
• Sept. 1: James Taylor and His All-Star Band
• Sept. 20: Steve Martin & Martin Short – The Dukes of Funnytown!
• Sept. 22: “Weird Al” Yankovic: Bigger & Weirder 2025 Tour
• Oct. 21: Tedeschi Trucks Band with Very Special Guest Little Feat: Live in 25

Ongoing Performances & Exhibitions

Around Richmond, and the occasional road trip

Virginia & The Vietnam War. Fifty years since the Fall of Saigon, Virginians still feel the impact of the Vietnam War, a long, costly, and controversial conflict. This exhibit examines, through personal objects and oral histories, what Virginia’s soldiers, policy makers, families, activists, and Vietnamese migrants carried during the war and its aftermath. Visitors explore relevant personal items and engage with multiple oral histories. Through July 6, 2025, at Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

Juneteenth Exhibitions at the Branch Museum. Two inspiring exhibits honor Black creativity and resilience. Community celebration with a DJ, book signing, print pop-up shop, public art honoring the creativity and strength of Black women, and Memory Lab, capturing personal stories. Through July 12 at The Branch Museum of Design, Richmond.

• “Echoes of Us.” Over 16 Black Virginia-based artists exploring the richness and evolution of Black identity through powerful, personal works.
• “(re)Framing Protest (NOW): Design + Hope.” Art and design that fueled the 2020 protests, showing how creativity became a tool for resistance, healing, and hope.

Professional Practices Summer Workshop Series 2025. Learn how to present your art professionally and expose it to a wider audience, covering social media, portfolios, networking, and more. Fridays, 10 a.m. to noon, through July 19 at Crossroads Art Center, Richmond.

“Glamour Is Resistance.” A celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride examining the subversive nature of glamour within queer identity, inspired by artist Justin Vivian Bond. Exhibition runs through July 19, at Artspace Gallery, Richmond.

26th Annual Richmond Shakespeare Festival: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Featuring William Shakespeare’s beloved comedy. Through July 20 at Agecroft Hall, Richmond.

“A Strange Loop.” A hilarious ensemble play. Usher, a young, gay, Black writer who hates his day job writes a musical about a young, gay, Black writer who is writing a musical about a young, gay, Black writer … making for a very strange loop. Through Aug. 2 at Robert B. Moss Theatre, Richmond.

“Waitress.” A waitress and expert pie maker is stuck in a loveless, abusive marriage. A nearby baking contest offers escape, and friends offer support. The rom-com features the music of singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles. Mature audiences. Through Aug. 3 at Virginia Repertory Theatre, Richmond.

“Towers of Tomorrow with LEGOⓇ Bricks.” Celebrating architecture and design, this hands-on exhibition showcases 20 of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers from North America, Asia and Australia, plus LEGO bricks for guests to build their own creations. Through Aug. 24 at the Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond.

Edmund Archer: Perspectives on Black Dignity. Portraits of Black men and women that radiate their dignity in contrast to caricatures and stereotypes of earlier Richmond artists and popular culture. Through Sept. 1, 2025.

Ultimate Dinosaurs. Challenge your understanding of the prehistoric predators through research from scientists around the world on dinosaurs that evolved in isolation from North American. Dozens of fossil specimens and 17 life-size skeletons with interactive elements and technology. The run will include “Dinosaurs of Antarctica” in the Dome and themed events. Through Sept. 1 at the Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond.

Homes & Habitats. Experience nature through the eyes of seven regional artists’ large-scale installations inspired by ecosystems. Many works feature interactive and educational elements. Through Sept. 28 at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.

2025 Season of Valentine Walking Tours. For 25 years, the Valentine’s guides have helped visitors and residents learn about important historic sites, discover off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods and engage with the diverse stories that define Richmond – this year, dog-friendly History Hounds series returns. Various times and locations around Richmond.

Riverfront Canal Cruises 25th Season. The new season offers of 40-minute historical narrated tours and private charters, beginning on April 4 and operate until November. Shockoe Bottom on the Canal, 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.

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” opens as the first major show for the anniversary commemoration, accompanied by traveling presentations across the state. The exhibition delves into Virginia’s important 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. The opening coincides with Patrick Henry’s “liberty or death” speech. Through Jan. 4, 2026, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture.

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.