More What’s Booming RVA: July 13 to 20
A rainbow of events, announcements, and a link to future fun
More of What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, beginning July 13, 2023: outdoor performances and parties, beer festival, online and in-person learning and author events, a juicy celebration of watermelon, chances to support nonprofits, and more. Plus 804 music news and the biggest beer festival in the U.S.
Check out the Boomer Top 5 picks in RVA, browse the week ahead below, or go to our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
July 13 to 20
Thursday, July 13
A Constitutional Commonwealth. Historian Brent Tarter discusses “Constitutional History of Virginia,” more than 300 years of Virginia’s legislative policy and its backstory. July 13, 6 p.m., on YouTube and Facebook and in-person at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Virtual Book Talk: “One More War to Fight.” Stephen A. Goldman discusses his book, subtitled “Union veterans’ battle for equality through reconstruction, Jim Crow, and the Lost Cause.” Hosted by the American Civil War Museum. FREE. July 13, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., online.
“Voices of Abolition” Online Course. The Richmond-based American Civil War Museum is collaborating with Roundtable by the 92nd Street Y, New York, for live online courses and Q&As with experts. This two-part course covers lesser-known Black abolitionists who helped bring the issue of slavery to the forefront. FREE. Two-part course, July 13 and 20, 11 a.m. to noon, online.
“Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations.” The new musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Through July 16 at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Friday, July 14
Volunteers Needed to Help Remove American Flags. The 12,000 miniature flags erected for the annual Hill of Heroes display need to be picked up. Simply show up to help, July 14, 8 a.m., at the Virginia War Memorial.
Maggie L. Walker’s 159th Birthday Celebration. In honor of this accomplished, community-minded woman, the BHMVA presents a reception, documentary screening of “Our Inspiration,” Q&A, and Sweet Treat Reception. FREE, registration required. July 14, 5 to 8 p.m., at the Black History Museum, Richmond.
In Conversation with Ana and Mel Edwards. Artist Mel Edwards and his daughter, Ana Edwards, who is a public historian, activist, and educator in Richmond, explore the intersection of art and community. July 14, 6:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
Hanover Tomato Festival. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Historians on Tap: Historic Rivalries. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
“Head Over Heels: The Musical.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Saturday, July 15
Service Projects. In the spirit of Maggie Walker, volunteers pitch in for garden beautification, tree preservation, and sidewalk clean-up in Jackson Ward. July 15, 9 to 11 a.m., meeting at the Maggie L. Walker Historic Site.
“Sarah Elmira Royster Shelton: Poe’s Love.” The Parsons’ Cause Foundation presents the story of the youthful love between Edgar Allan Poe and his first true love, a relationship that stretched over the years, despite the obstacles. July 15, 10 a.m., at Historic Hanover Courthouse, Hanover.
RVA Is Brewtown-USA: Brewfest 2023. Eleven Virginia breweries offer “brewer’s choice” beers, representing the best offerings from each brewery. July 15, 1 to 9 p.m., at 2000 Dock St., Richmond.
Positively Delicious. Dine-around tasting event showcasing the work of eight respected chefs, from Richmond and beyond, benefiting The Positive Vibe Foundation. July 15, 6:30 to 10 p.m., at Faison Center’s Flo and Tony Guzman Community Center, Richmond.
North American Tales and Mythology. Shapeshifters and werewolves fill tales throughout North America – could truth lie behind the stories? Pamela K. Kinney, author of “Werewolves, Dogmen, and Other Shapeshifters Stalking North America,” shares her perspective. July 15, 7 to 9 p.m., at Book People, Henrico.
VMFA Art After Hours: Our Village. Music, dancing, art, culture, West African-inspired food, and more; 21 and older. VIP experience available. July 15, 7 to 11 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
Women in Sports Night. Celebrate sporting women as the Richmond Kickers take on the Charlotte Independence. July 15, 7 p.m., at City Stadium, Richmond.
Watermelon Fest. All things watermelon – and cider – with a special drink and food menu, plus live music on Saturday with Last Chance Cowboys from 4 to 7. July 15 and 16 at Courthouse Creek Cider, Goochland.
Trains, Trucks, Tractors: Titans of Transportation. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Sunday, July 16
Woodland Cemetery Tour. A walking tour of the final resting place of African Americans from Richmond and surrounding areas, highlighting influential people and the recovery efforts on cemetery grounds. Dress for walking. July 15, 9 to 11 a.m., at Woodland Cemetery, Richmond.
Worship Service Honoring Maggie L. Walker’s Legacy. July 16, 11 a.m., at Third Street Bethel A.M.E. Church, Richmond.
Meet Patsey – Patrick Henry’s Oldest Daughter. Costumed historian Debbie Phillips portrays the woman of the Revolutionary times, who witnessed her father’s political career and her mother’s struggle with mental illness. July 16, 2 p.m., at Belmont Recreation Center, Henrico.
Monday, July 17
Cul-de-sac 5k #3. The Richmond Road Runners brings back their annual 5k, three-Monday, race-run-walk series. Coming, run #3, the final run. Virtual option. July 17, 7 p.m., at Shady Grove Elementary School, Glen Allen.
OOYH Records @ Artspace. Cisco Bradley from Brooklyn discusses his new book, “The Williamsburg Avant-Garde: Experimental Music and Sound on the Brooklyn Waterfront.” Plus a performance by Gary Kalar and Pippin Barnett. July 17, 7:30 p.m., at Artspace, Richmond.
Tuesday, July 18
Cadence Youth Cabaret. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Wednesday, July 19
Summer Nights at the Perk, with Cheap Comfort. Soul-soothing folk rock music, plus drinks, art, and fun. FREE, registration available online. July 19, 6 to 8 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.
Thursday, July 20
Live “Voices of Abolition” Online Course. The Richmond-based American Civil War Museum is collaborating with Roundtable by the 92nd Street Y, New York, for live online courses and Q&As with experts. This two-part course covers lesser-known Black abolitionists who helped bring the issue of slavery to the forefront. FREE. Part 2, July 20, 11 a.m. to noon, online.
Apollo to the Moon: A History in Objects. Teasel Muir-Harmony, curator of Apollo collection at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, reassesses the history of Project Apollo through evocative objects of the Space Age: artifacts that highlight how Project Apollo touched people’s lives and reflect the interconnection between the project and broader developments in American society and politics. July 20, noon, on YouTube and Facebook and in-person at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
All-Abilities Fun @PARK365. Fun, accessible activities for all ages, with food trucks and music on site. July 20 features Sportable, which makes sports accessible and inclusive for individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments. July 20 and Aug. 17, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. each day, at Park365, Richmond.
Art Night. Four exhibits open – The Collexxion; Ancestral Stories: The Gathering; Conversations Through Canvas; and Virginia Glass Guild Member Exhibition – with a chance to meet the artists. Plus live music and a wine and beer cash bar. July 20, 6 to 8 p.m., at The Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen.
News worth knowing
Music news
Richmond Author Wins National Book Awards. Andrew Cothern’s book “RVA Playlist” took home Juror’s Choice Award for National Indie Excellence Awards and Best Regional Non-Fiction for Independent Publisher Book Awards.
Richmond Music Week. Events at the city’s many live music venues are part of this week-long celebration of Richmond, Virginia’s music scene. Aug. 4 to11, throughout Richmond.
- 804 Day. The week kicks off on Aug. 4 with an all-day music and arts block party in Shockoe Bottom around the 17th Street Farmers Market, featuring a diversity of local performers.
- HearRVA’s Music Mixer. Saturday, Aug. 4, HearRVA hosts its second annual fundraiser at Gallery 5.
- Throughout the week, live music venues will host performers from different genres, at the National, Maymont, and the Dominion Energy Center, The Camel, Black Iris, and Get Tight Lounge. The week also highlights local record stores, record labels, and recording studios along with surprise pop-up events. Events and dates announced on Richmond Music Week’s social media accounts.
Gladys Knight with the Richmond Symphony. The soul of Motown sings her hits – “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “If I Were Your Woman,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” and more – accompanied by the Richmond Symphony. VIP experience to the Knight of Soul Gala also available. Sept. 9, 3 to 5 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.
2nd Street Festival Headliner Announced. Average White Band makes an appearance at the 35th anniversary of the festival, plus I Would Die 4 U: A Musical Tribute to Prince. Three stages of live musical entertainment, food vendors, marketplace, and more. FREE. Oct. 7 to 8 in historic Jackson Ward, Richmond.
“Ghostbusters” in Concert. The Richmond Symphony accompanies the comic classic with a paranormal score. Oct. 28, 8 to 10 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Legends on Grace: Nightcaps & Stories, 2023-2024. Single tickets are on sale now, featuring local artists including Ali Thibodeau, Cassidy Snider & The Wranglers, Crystal Monee Hall, and DJ Harrison – a theatrical concert exploring the relationship between Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen, an inside look into the world of Broadway and music production, and more. At Dominion Energy Theater, Richmond.
Female focused
Women’s Wellness Retreat. A weekend of self-care with meditation, yoga, speakers, art therapy, chair massages, and more. Aug 25 to 27 at the Virginia Cliffe Inn, Henrico.
Cheers to beer
The Great American Beer Festival. Tickets are now available for the largest beer festival in America, hosted by the Brewers Association, which represents small and independent craft brewers. Four sessions are available, for tastings of a wide array of styles from hundreds of breweries, seminars, entertainment, and more. Sept. 21 to 23, Denver, Colorado.
Sporting boomers
Virginia Senior Games: Registration Open. The 2023 games will be held in September at Massanutten.
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