More What’s Booming RVA: April 11 to 18
A week of events to keep you entertained and inspired
Richmonders emerge from hibernation with a plethora of outdoor activities, from concerts to adventures to beautiful backyard picnics. Find your springtime bliss in What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, April 11 to 18, 2024.
Check out the Boomer Top 5 picks in RVA here, browse the week ahead below, and go to our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
April 11 to 18
What’s happening in and around the Richmond region
Thursday, April 11
The Other Tea Parties. Learn about the roughly 17 other tea parties, including one here in Virginia, and how the tea protests fit into the growing conflict with England and set the colonies on the course for independence. April 11, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Belmont Recreation Center, Henrico.
Ashland Museum HistoryTalk – Galloping Through Hanover’s Horse History with Secretariat. Author and historian Leeanne Meadows Ladin will cover horse racing in Virginia’s colonial days; famous Thoroughbreds from Hanover and Central Virginia; and how the legacy of Meadow Stable and Secretariat lives on today. FREE. April 11, 7 to 8 p.m., at Brock Commons, Randolph-Macon College, SunTrust Theater.
John Ford Coley. The American singer, guitarist, classically trained pianist, actor, and author is most known as half of the Grammy-nominated duo with England Dan. April 11, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Curious Intentions. Starr Foster Dance, an award-winning contemporary dance company based in Richmond, presents emotionally resonant works that embrace the human spirit. April 11 to 14 at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.
Free Concert Series from the UR Department of Music. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Friday, April 12
Natu Camara. A vibrant blend of Miriam Makeba, Nina Simone, Tracy Chapman, and Tina Turner, singer/songwriter Natu Camara projects her West African heritage, high-energy performance style, and passion for social justice. April 12, 7:30 p.m., at Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond.
The Big Bloom. A festive garden party for adults only, presenting NYC-based DJ Illexxandra, fire performers, visual projection art, roaming entertainers, and more. Food and drink are available for purchase. April 12, 6 p.m., at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.
NWBA Wheelchair Basketball National Championships. The top 16 ranked wheelchair basketball teams for each Adult Division (I, II, III) of the National Wheelchair Basketball Association will earn an invitation to their respective divisions’ national tournament. April 12 to 14 at Henrico Sports & Events Center, Glen Allen.
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.
Triple Crossing Beer 10th Anniversary Celebrations.
- Fulton Friday. @gametruckrva at 5 p.m. and live music at 6 p.m. April 12 at Triple Crossing Fulton, Richmond.
- Foushee Saturday. Music by Roger Carroll, and in-house led band, One Bourbon. one Scotch. One TC Beer. Music starts at 3 p.m. Plus Mystic Market, @saltyslobsterco, and @rubyscoopsic. April 13 at Triple Crossing Foushee, Richmond.
- Midlothian Sunday. OG Grilled Cheese menu, Garden Variety Band at 2 p.m., @artisanmakersrva from noon to 5 p.m. April 14 at Triple Crossing, Midlothian.
Saturday, April 13
Richmond History Tours Return: Kickoff with “Women of the Gilded Age Walking Tour.” Get to know Richmond on a walking tour with the Valentine’s expert guides. The museum hosts walking tours featuring historic sites, cemeteries, neighborhoods, and diverse stories that define the city. April 13, 10 to 11:30 a.m., meeting at t good to know. Hopefully, you will let your guests help themselves and help you out! Throwing a party when you are nine months pregnant is not an easy feet.he Bolling Haxall House, Richmond.
Chesterfield Outdoor Fest. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
125 Community Day. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Mapping the World: Views of Virginia. Exploring maps of Virginia: how they changed over time, the influences behind the production of the maps, technological changes in cartography, and what the selected maps tell us about societal values and priorities at the time. April 13, 2 to 3 p.m., at Meadow Farm at Crump Park, Glen Allen.
“Black Panther” in Concert. Travel to the kingdom of Wakanda as the Richmond Symphony performs Ludwig Göransson’s Oscar-winning score while the movie is projected on the big screen above the orchestra. Even the credits are worthwhile. April 13, 8 p.m., at Altria Theatre, Richmond.
Legends on Grace: Crystal Monee Hall. Richmond native Crystal Monee Hall has held roles on Broadway, toured with award-winning artists, and released three studio albums. She presents an intimate cabaret style performance and discussion with Sheila E. Battle diving into her career, beginning with her Richmond roots. April 13, 8 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Richmond Comedy Festival. With Sommore, Lavell Crawford, Don DC Curry, and alone for a minute Teddy Carpenter. April 13, 8 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Bill and Pam Gurley at the Shady Grove Coffeehouse. Lifelong Virginians, the folk duo and married couple present music described as “clean and polished, yet still rustic and natural,” a mix of folk, bluegrass, blues, and humor. April 13, 8 p.m., at Unitarian Universalist Community Church, Glen Allen.
“Illumination.” Beginning with Silvestrov’s meditative cello solo, this spring program journeys from Ukraine through America and Belgium and ends in Russia with Rachmaninoff’s cello sonata. This program will premiere composer Domenic Salerni’s “Seven Meditations” for piano trio, in The Belvedere Series’ first commissioned work. April 13, 7 p.m., and April 14, 3:30 p.m., at Marburg House, Richmond.
Earth Day Beer Release. In a collaboration with Shalom Farms, a nonprofit farm and food justice organization, Fine Creek Brewing presents a Maibock with yarrow and sweet potatoes for extra earth-forward character, with all ingredients sourced from nearby. Shalom Farms will be at the brewery on Saturday from noon to 3. April 13 and 14 at Fine Creek Brewing, Powhatan.
The Richmond Fringe Festival. Splashed across three neighborhoods, The Richmond Fringe brings cabarets, immersive gaming, indie theatre, live music, and markets, with bold, curious, and risky works. April 13 to 15 at various locations in Richmond.
Sunday, April 14
Artisan Makers RVA at Triple Crossing Beer’s 10-Year Anniversary Party. Local creators will be selling bath and body products, jewelry, baked goods, books, and more – including “100 Things to Do in Richmond Before You Die” by Boomer editor Annie Tobey. April 14, noon to 5 p.m., at Triple Crossing Beer, Midlothian.
London Pleasants: From Enslaved to Redcoat. Pleasants was enslaved and then freed in Henrico County. After his liberation, he joined the British Army during the American Revolution. Learn about his life and the post-war fate of other Black Loyalists. April 14, 2 to 3 p.m., at Dorey Park, Henrico.
Benjamin Banneker’s Clock. In 1750, a man named Benjamin Banneker borrowed a pocket watch, studied it, and created an intricate working clock. The self-taught mathematician, surveyor, astronomer, inventor, and son of a formerly enslaved man led a remarkable life. Join Pearl the Sheep in a puppet show and story bother metime to learn more about this 18th-century inventor. April 14, 2 to 3 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.
The Whiskey Rebellion Outdoor Concert. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Monday, April 15
Coffee & Conversation with Isabelle Abbot. The artist discusses her new work and current gallery exhibition, “Intimations.” April 15, 10 a.m., at Page Bond Gallery, Richmond.
“Hamlet.” Ashland Theatre’s 1948 Film Series presents the Shakespearean classic in film, starring Laurence Olivier. April 15, 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Tuesday, April 16
Book Launch for LynDee Walker’s “The General’s Gold.” The newest novel from this national bestselling Richmond author sees billionaire computer genius Avery Turner seeking answers for a friend’s death, linking his suspected murder to his search for the legendary treasure. April 16, 7 to 9 p.m., at Book People, Richmond.
Dining with Shakespeare Tour. As part of the month-long celebration of the bard’s 460th birthday, participants learn about culinary customs in the Elizabethan era; explore seasonal culinary displays; and take home period recipes to try on their own. April 16, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Agecroft Hall, Richmond.
GRIVA GenChat Expanded. Join GRIVA members and friends for an informal opportunity to chat, share information, network, solve problems, explore new topics, techniques, sources, and more. April 16, 2 p.m., online.
Photography on the Trail with Bill Draper. Learn how to take photos in nature and on the Capital Trail with Richmond photographer Bill Draper. April 16, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Varina branch of Henrico County Public Libraries, Richmond.
Wednesday, April 17
Bubbles & Blooms. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
“The Art of Presidential Persuasion.” Achieving success required eight of America’s most successful presidents to be accomplished in the skill of persuasion. Presidential historian Talmage Boston explores their approaches to effective communication and advocacy and offers insights regarding how individuals can be more successful persuaders. April 17, 5:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Richmond.
Profs & Pints Richmond: The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories. What is a conspiracy theory? Are people who believe in conspiracies fundamentally different from those who do not? Are there ways to protect yourself from buying into false theories? How often do conspiracy theories actually turn out to be true? Presented by Brian A. Sharpless, licensed clinical psychologist, visiting research fellow at Goldsmiths, University of London, and editor of “Unusual Psychological Disorders.” April 17, 6 to 8:30 p.m., at Triple Crossing Beer, Fulton, Richmond.
Thursday, April 18
“Hughie” by Eugene O’Neill. One of O’Neill’s last works, and one of his best. Presented by Cadence Theatre’s Unstaged Adult Acting Classes and Richmond’s new Onomatopoeia Productions. April 18 to 21 at The Basement, Richmond.
Click here to make plans with this list of events to come and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
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