More What’s Booming RVA: June 6 to 13
A week of events to keep you entertained and inspired
From Maymont’s Summer Kickoff Festival to diversity-loving events; from birding and gardening to fishing; from music and food al fresca to author events; those and so much more in Richmond, Virginia, June 6 to 13.
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.
June 6 to 13
Thursday, June 6
“The Movement: Danville 1963.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
River City Slam Wheelchair Tennis Tournament. Sportable’s wheelchair tennis tournament returns. The USTA Level 1 / ITF Futures event anticipates top-class competition and nationally ranked wheelchair tennis players representing states from coast-to-coast, in both junior and adult divisions (A, B, C, D, and Quad Open). June 6 to 9 at Collegiate Schools Robins Campus, Richmond.
“Beetlejuice.” The edgy and irreverent Broadway smash hit musical comedy, based on Tim Burton’s beloved film. The humorous musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. It’s a surprisingly touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O! Through June 9 at Altria Theater, Richmond.
D+80:Virginians in the Normandy Invasion. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Friday, June 7
Friday at the Museum. Learn about the people, places, and events that have shaped Henrico County history through tours and hands-on activities. June 7, noon to 4 p.m., at Clarke-Palmore House Museum, Henrico.
“Indigo Girls: It’s Only Life After All.” A film about the lives of this iconic folk-rock band, with never-before-seen archival and intimate vérité. June 7, 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Mdou Moctar w/ Leon III at Friday Cheers. Richmond’s longest-running concert series. June 7, 6:30 p.m., on Brown’s Island, Richmond.
Movie in the Park: “Johnny Tremain.” A teenage boy decides which path to take in the early days of the Revolutionary War, meeting spies, witnessing the Boston Tea Party, and seeing the first shots of the American Revolution. Activities precede the sundown movie showing. Take a lawn chair, blanket, flashlight. June 7, 8:30 to 10 p.m., at Clarke-Palmore House Museum, Henrico.
Maymont Summer Kickoff Festival. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Saturday, June 8
Richmond Collector Car Show and Swap Meet. Will this year’s show top last year’s 500 vehicles and 60 vendors? You be the judge! June 8, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at St. Joseph’s Villa, Richmond.
Taste of Cuba-Rico: A Breaking Bread Flavortown Market Pop-Up. A local chef pop-up showcases the vibrant flavors of Cuba and Puerto Rico, featuring traditional dishes and fusion food concepts. Part of the weekly Saturday Latino Market. June 8, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Rockwood Park, Chesterfield.
Birding 101: The Wetlands. Richmond Audubon Society offers the basics of birdwatching, including finding birds by sight and sound and binoculars, using bird i.d. phone apps, and more. Slow-paced, ~1-mile walk on gravel trails. June 8, 9 to 10:30 a.m., at The Wetlands, Richmond.
Free Fishing Days. Fish for free without a license (rules and regulations still apply). DWR, Henrico staff, and volunteers will be on site with rods, reels, terminal tackle, and bait ready to teach people how to fish. June 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Dorey Park, Henrico.
Knit in Public Day at LVA. Worldwide Knit in Public Day brings knitters together to enjoy company and teach beginners. Bring your knitting project, view historic patterns and other items related to fiber crafts, see a sock-knitting machine and demonstrations, and listen to knitting-related lectures. Plus refreshments and door prizes. Lectures will be live streamed. June 8, 10 a.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.
Toys & Games of the Past. Featuring traditional children’s playthings such as Jacob’s ladder and quoits, cup and ball, and skittles. FREE. June 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Chesterfield County Museum, Chesterfield.
Bourbon, Brews & Barks Festival. Music, activities for pups and people, treats, and a variety of bourbons and beers. June 8, 11 a.m., at Park Lane Tavern, Glen Allen.
Ardent’s 10th Anniversary Block Party. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Love on Tap. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of marriage equality with Virginia Pride, presenting drag queen performances, market, live music, and beer. June 8, noon to 10 p.m., at Hardywood on Ownby, Richmond.
Classical Jam! Greenspring International Academy of Music. The GreenSpring American Youth Harp Ensemble and Virginia Choristers present a wide range of music in arrangements that meld harp and voice. June 8, 2 to 3 p.m., at St. John’s United Church of Christ, Richmond.
Mapping the World: Propaganda. Explore the ties between maps and propaganda. Maps are not always straightforward navigational tools but can be biased, misleading, and used to promote political views. Learn how maps were used to influence historical events. June 8, 2 to 3 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.
Artist Talk: Re(CLAY)mation of Collaborative Intersections. Lydia C. Thompson, a mixed media artist, discusses the history of African American ceramics from enslaved people who worked in brickyards and potteries, contemporary ceramic artists, and more. June 8, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia, Richmond.
One Voice Chorus Spring 2024. New selections and old favorites in an eclectic blend of musical styles – spirituals, jazz, show tunes, opera, and popular music – accompanied by professional instrumentalists and a dance performance. Preceded by “Diversity Discussions,” a facilitated exchange on diversity-related issues. June 8, discussion at 3 p.m., concert at 4 p.m., at J.R. Tucker High School, Henrico.
Military Appreciation Night: The Richmond Kickers vs. Charlotte Independence.June 8, 7 p.m., at City Stadium, Richmond.
“The Night Doctor of Richmond” Book Launch. Author Tony Gentry, professor emeritus at VCU, discusses this deeply researched biographical novel that imagines the life of Richmond’s notorious 19th-century grave robber Chris Baker, one of the city’s strangest tales. Born enslaved, Baker became the school’s notorious anatomist and body snatcher, who by his own admission robbed hundreds of graves. June 8, 7 to 9 p.m., at Book People, Henrico.
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.
Pocahontas Premieres. Music under the stars with The Training and Doctrine Command, 7 Cities Brass Band. The eight-piece New Orleans style ensemble presents music from America’s newest popular music genre, with hits from groups such as Youngblood Brass Band, Trombone Shorty, and Bonerama, as well as classic hits from Michael Jackson to Amy Winehouse. June 8, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield.
Multicultural Festival – Imagine 2024. The cultural extravaganza highlights ethnic communities in Richmond for a culinary journey, savoring flavors of different cultures. Connect to local resources and help build a welcoming and inclusive community. June 8, 1 to 8 p.m., at Dogwood Dell Amphitheatre, Richmond.
Sunday, June 9
RVA R.I.M.B.Y. (Right in My Backyard) Festival. Learn about Richmond’s amazing outdoor opportunities with vendors, prizes, and demonstrations, plus food trucks, music, and adult beverages. Benefiting Beyond Boundaries, a nonprofit opening access to outdoor adventures to kids and adults with disabilities, veterans, at-risk youth, and recovery programs. June 9, noon to 4, at Hardywood on Ownby, Richmond.
Big Gay Pride Market @Diversity Richmond. More than 50 makers and artists, live music, food trucks, contests, raffle, and more. June 9, noon to 4 p.m., at Diversity Richmond, Richmond.
“Once More … With Feeling!” A community exhibition presenting an emotive exploration of the human experience through the eyes of our community, from vivid paintings to captivating sculptures. Gallery opening on June 9, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Baxter and Elaine Perkinson Jr. Art Gallery, Chester.
History of Glen Allen. The community’s history is tied to the road that traverses the center of it: Mountain Road. Hear of the events that took place along the road, the people that have traveled it, and an overview of what has shaped it. June 9, 2 to 3 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.
Tasty Specials Band & Patrick Zampetti. An eclectic mix of musicians well versed in the annals of Americana present a mix of originals and favorite songs from the past 75 years, with complementary harmonies. June 9, 8 to 10 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Monday, June 10
Groovin’ in the Garden with Drive-By Truckers. The American rock band Drive-By Truckers stop by the Garden on their Southern Rock Opera Revisited 2024 Tour. June 10, 7:30 p.m., at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.
Ashland Theatre’s 1948 Film Series: “Sorry, Wrong Number.” The small-town theater celebrates its 75th anniversary with 1948 films. Barbara Stanwyck and Burt Lancaster star in this early thriller: “She heard her own murder being planned on the telephone!” June 10, 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Tuesday, June 11
Seasonal Stroll: Phenology Exploration. All ages receive a tutorial and then engage in citizen science by exploring phenology, the study of seasonal changes in nature, contributing valuable observations. June 11, 10 to 11:30 a.m., at Deep Run Recreation Center, Henrico.
“Holy City” with Henry Wise. The author will discuss his debut thriller with Virginia author S.A. Cosby. FREE, registration required. June 11, 6 p.m., at Benchtop Craft Brewing, Richmond.
Genealogical Virtual Event: Y-DNA. In honor of Father’s Day, a discussion of the men who contribute to DNA and how studying Y-DNA can help solve genealogical puzzles. Hosted by GRIVA, the Genealogical Institute of Virginia. FREE, registration required. June 11, 7 p.m., online.
Wednesday, June 12
Literary RVA Book Club. The virtual event, hosted by the Library of Virginia, will discuss “The Displacements” by Bruce Holsinger. The novel explores the aftermath of an unprecedented category six hurricane and the lives that are upended and transformed in its wake. Though dystopian, the resulting chaos and crime are likely results in real life. June 12, 6 p.m., online.
Jon McLaughlin and Leo Sawikin. American pop-rock singer-songwriter, record producer, and pianist Jon McLaughlin is joined by Leo Sawikin, former front man of the New York indie rock band The Chordae. Sawikin describes his solo work as “indie folk pop with a dreamy shimmer.” June 12, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Thursday, June 13
Pridos After 5. The weekly concert event in the gardens celebrates LGBTQ Pride this week and welcomes pups. Featuring drag performers and a dance party. June 13, 5 p.m., at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.
“An Unholy Traffic: Slave Trading in the Civil War South.” Author Robert K.D. Colby lectures on the slave trade, from the Confederates who used commerce in people to help them mobilize for the conflict, weather its crises, and ward off inflation, to those held in bondage. June 13, 6 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Road Trip
Norfolk Harborfest 2024
48th Annual Norfolk Harborfest. A symphony of maritime wonder at the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront: the Parade Sail of historic tall ships from around the world, fireworks, drone light show, interactive exhibits and demonstrations on naval history, live music, and food. America’s largest, longest-running, free maritime festival. FREE. June 7 to 9 at Town Point Park, Norfolk.
News & Announcements
New theatrical season, song contest, Avatar, & Modlin news
Richmond Shakespeare’s 26th season presents classic and contemporary plays and musicals. At varying locations in Richmond. The new season will include
- “Lord of the Flies,” Oct. 17 to Nov. 10
- “The Father,” Jan. 30 to Feb. 16, 2025
- “Jesus Christ Superstar,” March 6 to 23, 2025
- “Cyrano De Bergerac,” Summer, dates TBA
- “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Summer, dates TBA
“Avatar: The Last Airbender” in Concert. Experience the animated series’ soundtrack performed by a live orchestra as the film shows on a cinema screen. Aug. 24, 8 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Ashland Song Contest. Downtown Ashland Association is “calling on musicians to compose tunes that harmonize with the spirit of the Center of the Universe.” Musicians are invited to submit their songs for their chance at prizes such as gigs on Ashland stages, radio play, and label representation. Submit by Aug. 18.
UR’s Modlin Center for the Arts Awarded NEA Grant for Upcoming Season.The University of Richmond was awarded $27,500 from the National Endowment for the Arts for performances in the 2024-25 season. The grant funding will support three performances commissioned by the Modlin Center:
- “What Belongs to You.” The world premiere of a chamber opera based on the debut novel of the same name by Garth Greenwell. Composed by David T. Little and directed by Mark Morris, the opera will be performed by tenor Karim Sulayman and the contemporary instrumental ensemble Alarm Will Sound. Sept. 26 and 28 at Modlin Center for the Arts, University of Richmond.
- “Murmurs in Time.” In another world premiere, Chicago-based percussion quartet Third Coast Percussion performs a work by tabla player Zakir Hussain, who will also perform. Feb. 21, 2025, at Modlin Center for the Arts, University of Richmond.
- “Aguas da Amazonia.” Third Coast Percussion and dancers of the Twyla Tharp Dance company will perform an original adaptation of Philip Glass’s work for percussion quartet and flute. April 5, 2025, at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
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