More What’s Booming RVA: May 9 to 16
Events and day trips to keep you entertained and inspired
How gigantic is this week? As big as the 500-pound pterosaur and as exciting as RVA’s new women’s soccer team! Plus events for Mother’s Day, including free admission for Mom, outdoor music and biking both leisurely and serious, and more – plus day trips and announcements. What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, May 9 to 16, 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.
May 9 to 16
What’s happening in and around the Richmond region
Thursday, May 9
Richmond Symphony Capital String Quartet. An outdoor performance of classical music in the Valentine Garden. FREE. May 9, 6 to 7 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.
Richmond Coin and Currency Show. Over 55 tables of dealers with U.S., foreign, and ancient coins and currency to buy, sell, trade. May 9 to 11 at ACCA Temple Ballroom, Richmond.
“Roman á Clef.” In a quiet, seemingly empty theatre, six actors rehearse a new play about family, fear, and flight. When a stranger joins the group demanding answers, the line between fiction and reality fades. A world premiere play by local playwright Chandler Hubbard. Through May 26 at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.
RVA Bike Month Continues. Hop on your bike for a variety of outings and tours around the Richmond area. Highlights include leisurely history tours, a mystery ride, and a treasure hunt alongside rides for more serious cyclists. Throughout May at various locations around Richmond.
Friday, May 10
Journey on the Silk Road. Discover the goods, produce, and influences brought to Europe and then America from places along the road. May 10, 10 a.m. to noon, at Meadow Farm, Glen Allen.
Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country with Mackenzie Roark & the Hotpants. The second week of the 2024 Friday Cheers, Richmond’s longest-running concert series. May 10, 6 to 9:30 p.m., on Brown’s Island, Richmond.
Science After Dark: Prehistoric Party. The Science Museum of Virginia has installed a three-dimensional sculpture of an ancient flying reptile. Quetzalcoatlus was a prehistoric reptile, the largest flying animal known to science, a nearly 500-pound pterosaur that lived between 70 and 66 million years ago. The party features hands-on activities related to ancient plants, stars, and animals. May 10, 5 to 8 p.m., at the Science Museum of Virginia.
Rhapsody in Blue @ 100: A Gershwin Tribute. The fascinating rhythms of George Gershwin fill the air as pianist Russell Wilson joins the Richmond Symphony for a centennial salute, the centerpiece of this all-Gershwin evening. Who could ask for anything more? May 10, 8 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Nicholas Rodriguez: Sincerely, Sondheim. Richmond Triangle Players presents the Spotlight Cabaret Series. Rodriguez (“One Life to Live,” “Sex and the City 2,” and recently on Broadway in the Tony award-winning revival of “Company”) celebrates Sondheim’s lyrical and musical genius. May 10 to 11, at Robert B. Moss Theatre, Richmond.
19th Annual Cap2Cap. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Sylvan Spirit Jewelry. Lexington, Virginia, artists Maureen and Rebecca Worth present an in-store pop-up event. Jewelry from the mother-daughter duo is inspired by the scenic Shenandoah Valley and the history of Lexington, blending nature and heritage while representing causes. May 10 to 12 at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
Saturday, May 11
5th Annual Breakthrough Car Show. Cars and trucks from yesteryear and super cars of today. All makes, models, and years are welcome. May 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Pamplin Historical Park, Petersburg.
Days of a Quiet Sun: Garage Rock & Soul in Henrico County. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Mile of Music. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Artist Talk with P. “Muzi” Branch. The illustrator, designer, and painter is a Richmond native and double VCU graduate. He is the current president of Black American Artists Alliance of Richmond, and his award-winning paintings have been exhibited at BHMVA and other museums across the Commonwealth. FREE, registration required. May 11, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Black History Museum of Virginia, Richmond.
Midnight Brewery’s 12th Anniversary. Toast 12 years of beer with music from “That Dog Bite,” food from River City Wood Fire Pizza, and plenty of beer. May 11, 2 to 9 p.m., at Midnight Brewery, Rockville.
“Haunted Inns and Hotels of Virginia” with Susan Schwartz. The author and paranormal expert shares stories of hotels and inns with spirited inhabitants. May 11, 3 to 5 p.m., at Book People, Richmond.
Women’s Pre-Professional Soccer with Richmond Ivy. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Vintage on the Green. A gala and auction celebrating and supporting Maymont. Seated dinner under the big tent on the lawn and an auction featuring wines, libations, treasures, and travel. May 11, 6 p.m., at Maymont Carriage House Lawn, Richmond.
Rhapsody in Blue @ 100: A Gershwin Tribute. The fascinating rhythms of George Gershwin fill the air as pianist Russell Wilson joins the Richmond Symphony for a centennial salute, the centerpiece of this all-Gershwin evening. Who could ask for anything more? May 11, 8 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Sunday, May 12
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
Free Admission for Moms. Explore the newest exhibition, “Julia Child: A Recipe for Life.” May 12 at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Free Agecroft Hall Garden Admission and Concert for Moms & Guests. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Mother’s Day Market. Local artists and makers selling handmade home décor, art, jewelry, apparel, and more. 1 to 5 p.m., at Kindred Spirit Brewing, Henrico.
Crossings of the James Riverfront History Tour. As part of RVA Bike Month, this leisurely bike ride goes from Shiplock Park to Tredegar Street with history along the way. May 12, 3 to 4:30 p.m., meeting at Great Shiplock Park, Richmond.
Forest Hill Music in the Park. The annual summer concert series begins, featuring Los Hermanos Alacranes with Latin rock and alt country. Take chairs, blankets, and picnics and enjoy one of Richmond’s iconic parks. May 12, 6 to 8 p.m., beside the Stone House at Forest Hill Park, Richmond.
John Hiatt. Your chance to see and hear the legendary singer, songwriter, guitarist, and musician. May 12, doors open at 6 p.m., at The Beacon Theatre, Hopewell.
Monday, May 13
“Unfaithfully Yours.” The classic film starring Rex Harrison and Linda Darnell, as part of Ashland Theatre’s 1948 Film Series celebrating its 75th anniversary with 1948 films. May 13, 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Tuesday, May 14
Richmond Flying Squirrels vs. Fightin Phils. Go Nutz and have Funn with professional baseball, giveaways, and fireworks on featured nights. For your chance to score a pair of free tickets, follow our Boomer newsletters or Facebook. May 14 to 19 at The Diamond, Richmond.
Genealogical Virtual Event. The Women Who Contribute to Our DNA. How mitochondrial DNA, X-chromosome DNA, and autosomal DNA can help with our elusive female ancestors. Hosted by GRIVA, the Genealogical Institute of Virginia. FREE, registration required. May 14, 7 p.m., online.
AI in Publishing: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. An expert-led discussion of how AI is being used by authors and publishers for positive and creative ends alongside the most prevalent types of fraud or infringement, and what to do if you’re affected. May 14, 6 to 8 p.m., online.
Wednesday, May 15
Planting a Pollinator Garden. The Henrico Master Gardener team discusses the ins and outs of growing and maintaining a pollinator garden. Take home a plant to start your own butterfly-attracting space. May 15, 10 to 11 a.m., at Armour House, Henrico.
Centennial Anniversary Anthology of Poems by Member Poets. As part of the Library of Virginia 2024 Carole Weinstein Author Series, the Poetry Society of Virginia commemorates 100 years with readings and discussions from some of its distinguished members. May 15, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.
Thursday, May 16
“Finding Value in Your Prime.” Learn about resources available for older adults and connect with representatives from various agencies. Embrace an active lifestyle and discover the keys to positive aging. An Active Aging Event from Hanover County. FREE, but register by May 9. May 16, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Fairmount Christian Church.
Thank You for the Music Concert. Joyful Voices, a community chorus for singers with Alzheimer’s or other dementias and their caregivers, presents a morning of music and joy. May 16, 11 a.m., at Salisbury Presbyterian Church, Midlothian.
Road Trips
Afrofuturism and Wildflowers
“Afrofuturism in Costume Design” Exhibit and Discussion. At Jamestown Settlement, Jamestown.
- New Exhibition. Iconic costume designs by Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter converge with fashion of the 1600s and 1700s in a new exhibition. Visitors can view more than 60 of Carter’s original garments and learn about her immersive process, historical research, and attention to detail in every project. May 11 to Dec. 1.
- Director’s Series Discussion. Ruth E. Carter, Academy Award-winning costume designer of film and TV (including “Yellowstone,” “Roots,” “Amistad,” “Malcolm X,” “Selma,” “Do the Right Thing,” and “Black Panther”) talks with Jamestown director Christy Coleman. May 11, 3 p.m., at Jamestown Settlement, Jamestown.
Wildflower Weekend. Guided hikes and programs focus on the diversity and importance of wildflowers and seasonal changes. All programs are free. Join rangers and naturalists to learn about and search for wildflowers such as trillium, jack-in-the-pulpit, purple clematis, and pussytoes, as well as spring amphibians, botanical art, wildflower photography, ferns, fungi, burls, birds, and local history. May 11 to 12 throughout Shenandoah National Park, Virginia.
News & Announcements
Music in the Parks
Summer Music Series at Virginia State Parks. Experience a variety of musical genres surrounded by the beauty of nature: bluegrass, jazz, gospel, country, rock and roll, symphony, and contemporary.
- Belle Isle State Park features Music by the River
- Caledon State Park features Songs in the Woods
- Hungry Mother State Park features Music in the Park
- New River Trail State Park features Foster Falls Music Series
- Westmoreland State Park features Music on the Cliffs
- Pocahontas State Park features Pocahontas Premieres. Close to home, catch Pocahontas Premieres, beginning with The Embers ft. Craig Woolard, on May 17, 7 to 10 p.m., at Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield.
Click here to make plans with this list of events to come and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
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