More What’s Booming RVA: July 3 to 11
A week of local events PLUS road trips to a month of scenic music, July 4, Jubilee
As America nears its 250th birthday, let’s celebrate progress in this kaleidoscope of a country! Plus this week, enjoy musical performances, theater openings, lectures, sports, art, and more. All in today’s What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, July 3 to 11, 2024.
Also check out:
- Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
- Browse the week ahead below, and
- Go to our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
July 3 to 11
Wednesday, July 3
Petersburg Independence Day. Music, food trucks, drink tents, outdoor games, and fireworks. July 3, 4 to 9 p.m., at Trapezium Brewing and Petersburg Harbor, Petersburg.
The Richmond Kickers RED OUT. Wear red – or be among the first 2,500 fans for the red T-shirt giveaway – for this nationally televised soccer match vs. Forward Madison FC. July 3, 7 p.m., at City Stadium, Richmond.
Thursday, July 4
Free Fourth of July at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Admission to the gardens and “Women’s Work” exhibit, with food available for purchase. July 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.
Liberty or Death Reenactment Day. Go to the room where it happened. Historic St. John’s Church is open all day, with tours, the reenactment of the Virginia Assembly and Patrick Henry’s stirring speech (at 1:30 p.m.), and a reading of the Declaration of Independence. July 4, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Historic St. John’s Church, Richmond.
Naturalization Ceremony at VMHC. Celebrate America’s newest citizens at a naturalization ceremony (limited seating but also streamed live) followed by Ukrop’s cake, lemonade, and live music, plus American Treasures on display and an in-gallery scavenger hunt. July 4, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Hanover Arts Fourth of July Celebration. A parade, patriotic concert with a presentation of colors, food and drinks benefiting nonprofits, an apple pie contest, classic lawn games, and prizes for patriotic pets. July 4, 11 a.m., along Hanover Avenue, Ashland.
Red, White and Lights. Henrico County celebrates Independence Day. Live music, kids’ zone, and food trucks. Henrico Police Acoustic Blue Band, J. Roddy Walston, and Richmond Symphony present patriotic and America-themed selections, with a laser-light show finale. FREE. July 4, 4 to 10 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.
Independence Day at the Virginia State Capitol. Engage with the meaning of freedom through performances of spoken word, dance, and music, followed by unifying and inspiring keynote remarks and a special finale. FREE, RSVP requested. July 4, 5 to 9 p.m., at Capitol Square, Richmond.
Chesterfield Fourth of July Celebration. Kids’ zone, food vendors, live music by The Morgan Lynsey Band, special entertainment, fireworks, and more. FREE. July 4, 5 p.m., at Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, Chesterfield.
Dogwood Dell 67th Festival of the Arts: “The Big Show.” Featuring the Richmond Jazz Band at 5:30, Richmond Concert Band at 7:30, and fireworks at 9:15. July 4, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., at Dogwood Dell, Richmond.
Tri-City Chili Peppers Independence Day Celebration. Hot baseball and even hotter fireworks. July 4, 5:45 p.m. (game time 7 p.m.), at Shepard Stadium, Hopewell.
Richmond Flying Squirrels vs. Bowie Baysox. 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 Tuesday Boomer newsletter or Facebook. July 4 to 6 at The Diamond, Richmond.
“Doctor Faustus.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Friday, July 5
RVA First Fridays. Stroll the art galleries along and around Broad Street, plus restaurants, shops, and other organizations. Presenting live music, special events, tastings, and more. July 5, beginning at 5 p.m. – times vary at the many venues around downtown Richmond.
First Fridays for the Whole Family. Free museum admission, family-friendly activities, and café specials. July 5, 5 to 8 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Richmond.
Beers and Banjos. Join the Slack Family Bluegrass Band for music and suds. July 5, 6 to 8 p.m., at The Camel, Richmond.
First Friday Super Sampler. Five short improv acts. Drop-ins welcome, pay what you can. July 5, 7:30 to 10 p.m. at Coalition Theater, Richmond.
Della Mae. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Two-Week Celebration of Maggie L. Walker’s Birthday. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
“Buried Child.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Saturday, July 6
Independence Celebration at Pamplin Park. Presenting the Marquis de Lafayette as portrayed by Charles Wissinger, 18th and 19th century games, 18th century American soldiers, and a presentation on Dinwiddie County, Virginia, in the American Revolution. Part of VA250 celebrations in Virginia to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. July 6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Pamplin Historical Park, Petersburg.
Julia Highlight Tours. Join members of the VMHC Education team as they guide participants through the “Julia Child: A Recipe for Life” exhibition. Saturdays in July, 11:30 a.m. to noon each day, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Ahead of Her Time: The Life and Work of Ethel Bailey Furman. Ethel Madison Bailey was born prematurely on July 6, 1893. She overcame the odds as an infant, then defied expectations again to become the first African American and the first woman to obtain an architecture license in Virginia. July 6, 2 to 3 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.
Dogwood Dell 67th Festival of the Arts: The English Channel. July 6, 8 p.m., at Dogwood Dell, Richmond.
Sunday, July 7
Dogwood Dell 67th Festival of the Arts: 14th Annual Gospel Music Fest with The Belle. July 7, 5 p.m., at Dogwood Dell, Richmond.
Liberty or Death Reenactment. Go to the room where it happened. Historic St. John’s Church is open for tours, a reenactment of the Virginia Assembly and Patrick Henry’s stirring speech (at 1:30 p.m.), and a tour presentation. July 7, beginning at noon, at Historic St. John’s Church, Richmond.
Tuesday, July 9
Genealogical Virtual Event. Working with Shared Matches and Ancestry’s Newest Pro Tool. Shared Matching is a powerful tool when working with DNA, and Ancestry’s new enhanced shared matching makes it even more so. Hosted by GRIVA, the Genealogical Institute of Virginia. FREE, registration required. July 9, 7 p.m., online.
Richmond Flying Squirrels vs. Harrisburg Senators. 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 Tuesday Boomer newsletter or Facebook. July 9 to 14 at The Diamond, Richmond.
Wednesday, July 10
Live at The Branch: Folias Duo. Carmen and Andrew redefine classical music with a dynamic blend of jazz, world music, and improvisation. In the Main Gallery of The Branch, a venue specifically built for musical performances. July 10, 6 to 8 p.m., at The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design, Richmond.
Summer Nights at the Perk: Cheap Comfort. Music, drinks, food, and art activities. FREE. July 10, 6 to 8 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.
Amazing Acrocats. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Thursday, July 11
Summer Plein Air Painting in the Gardens. The gardens and grounds open early for artists to paint or simply find inspiration. July 11, 9 a.m. to noon, at Agecroft Hall, Richmond.
The Bonus Army and the Summer of Discontent: Virtual Event. During the summer of 1932, thousands of World War I veterans descended upon Washington, D.C. to demand early payment of bonuses for time spent in the military. General Douglas MacArthur, supported by infantry, cavalry, and tanks, removed the protestors and burned their belongings. Sponsored by the Virginia War Memorial. FREE, registration required. July 11, 10 to 11 a.m., online.
The Oasis: A High Noon Summer Concert. Relax in the courtyard of The Valentine with live music and free admission to the museum. FREE. July 11, noon to 1 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.
“Broiler” with Eli Cranor. The author discusses his newest book in conversation with SA Cosby. The troubles of two desperate families, one white, one Mexican American, converge in the ruthless underworld of an Arkansas chicken processing plant in this new thriller from the award-winning author of “Don’t Know Tough.” FREE, registration required. July 11, 6 p.m., at Fountain Books, Richmond.
Opening Day at Colonial Downs. Thursdays through Saturdays see action at the track, with Thirsty Thursdays, Party at the Downs each Friday, and Saturday special events. FREE for parking and general admission. July 11 to Sept. 7 at Colonial Downs, New Kent.
Road Trips
Independence Day, a month of scenery & music, and Jubilee
Independence Day Celebration at Poplar Forest. Head to Thomas Jefferson’s historic retreat home for colonial-style entertainment, artisans, games, and more, including a reading of the Declaration of Independence at 1:30 p.m. July 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Poplar Forest, Lynchburg.
Liberty Celebration at Yorktown. Salute the 248th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown with artillery demonstrations, art program, and interpretive programs that explore the challenges that faced our nation’s founders, including those who signed the Declaration of Independence and those for whom the new nation’s rights of freedom and liberty did not yet apply. July 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown.
July 4 at Colonial Williamsburg. Free admission to the Historic Area and Art Museums plus special programming, including fireworks, musical performances, Declaration of Independence readings, street theater, and much more. July 4 at Colonial Williamsburg.
Juneteenth July Jubilee. A three-day event including music, history, food, a walk around the lake, a Buffalo Soldiers motorcade, gospel choir, and guest speakers, including Dr. Opal Lee, “grandmother of Juneteenth.” Includes a Meet & Greet / Dance Party on July 5. Follow the park’s events page for updates. July 5 to 6 at Twin Lakes State Park, Greenbay.
Wintergreen Music Festival. The month-long summer music festival in the Blue Ridge Mountains offers concerts, seminars, and events, held at Wintergreen Resort and neighboring wineries, cideries, breweries, and venues. Symphonic, bluegrass, jazz, chamber music, and more, in one of Virginia’s most beautiful settings. July 4 to 28, in and around Wintergreen Resort in Nelson County.
Click here to make plans with this list of events to come and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
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