More What’s Booming RVA: August 1 to 8
A week of entertaining and inspiring events plus a spirited road trip
Immerse yourself in art – from Van Gogh to talented local artists – live music in the fresh air, Black theatrical works, Virginia beer, insights on Southern marriage over the years, a spirited road trip, and more! In today’s What’s Booming, Richmond, Virginia, August 1 to 8, 2024.
Also check out:
- Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA,
- Browse the week ahead below, and
- Go to our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
August 1 to 8
Thursday, August 1
Westchester Concert Series: The Embers featuring Craig Woolard. Live music on the field. Aug. 1, 5:30 to 8:30, at Westchester Concert Field, Midlothian.
Summer Stanzas: An Evening of Poetry with Joanna Lee & Gwyn RC Moses. Capital Region Land Conservancy and Friends of the Lower Appomattox River present a casual evening of poetry and conservation. The featured poets take listeners on a journey to protected natural and historic places through their readings. Aug. 1, 6 to 8 p.m., at Basic City Beer Co., Richmond.
Classic Albums Live Performs “Rumours.” A re-creation of a live performance, covering the classic Fleetwood Mac album. Aug. 1, 8 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Exhibition of Mathematical Art, Craft, and Design. The internationally focused Bridges Organization examines mathematical connections in art, music, architecture, and culture. As part of its annual conference, held this year in Richmond, it presents a public exhibition of works that combine mathematics and art. FREE. Aug. 1 to 4 at the STEM Building, VCU, Richmond.
“Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience.” With the mix of 360-degree projections, 10,000 square feet of screens, and VR headsets, you’ll feel like you’re stepping into a Van Gogh painting. Aug. 1 to 31 at the Exhibition Hub Richmond Art Center, Richmond.
Friday, August 2
Richmond Music Week. Celebrate RVA’s thriving music scene with performances from across different genres and artists, from big name acts to local and regional musicians. Also highlighting local record stores, record labels, and recording studios with pop-up events. Aug. 2 to 11 at venues around Richmond.
804 Day. Three stages feature 15+ diverse performances for Richmond’s Biggest Block Party. Headliner is Richmond hip-hop artist Nickelus F. More than 15 other bands cover genres such as pop, rock, R&B, jazz, folk, and country. Plus 40 local vendors, artists, nonprofits, and a kids’ zone, as well as a ticketed VIP area. FREE. Aug. 2, 4 to 9 p.m., in Shockoe Bottom, Richmond.
- RVA Music Lovers Bus Tour. See Aug. 4, below.
- Music Mixer & Fundraiser, Aug. 4 at KavaClub, Richmond.
- Shockoe Sessions Live with Deau Eyes, Aug. 6 at In Your Ear Studios, Richmond.
- Writers Round, Aug. 8 at Spacebomb Studio, Richmond.
Friday at the Museum: Dabbs House Museum. Learn about Henrico County’s people, places, and events at historic museums and homes. The Dabbs House served as General Robert E. Lee’s field headquarters during the summer of 1862. The museum tells the history of the Dabbs House from its use as a residence for the Dabbs family to its tenure as Henrico’s police headquarters from 1941 to 2005. Aug. 2, noon to 4 p.m., at Dabbs House Museum, Henrico.
“Indigenous Perspectives” Closing Celebration. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Found Emotions: Our Revolution. The final exhibition and culmination of the Atlas Artist Residency, a summerlong art intensive for an esteemed group of creative and dedicated high school artists, led by teaching artists-in-residence, Xolani Sivunda from Cape Town, South Africa, and Nastassja Swift, based in Petersburg. Aug. 2, 5 to 8 p.m., at ART 180’s Atlas Gallery, Richmond.
Victoria Victoria. In 2023, Victoria Victoria was named a “rising act” by Rolling Stone after performing on NPR’s Mountain Stage. With an air-tight rhythm section, the soul pop group is brimming with harmonies. Live performances invite audiences into a communal experience. Aug. 2, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Doswell VA Pro Rodeo. Bull riding, bronc riding, and barrel racing. Aug. 2 and 3 at The Meadow Event Park, Doswell.
Saturday, August 3
Richmond International Dragon Boat Festival. A modernized 2,000-year-old tradition breaks the surface of the James River as crews from Central Virginia and beyond race dragon-decorated boats. Plus cultural performances to celebrate the tradition and its heritage. Aug. 3, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Rocketts Landing, Richmond.
RVA Duck Race & Festival of Inclusion. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Summer Wine, Food and R&B Festival. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Community Art Day. All materials supplied for all ages to make 12 X 12 artworks to support the upcoming fundraiser, Full Moon Cabaret. Aug. 3, 1 to 3 p.m., at Artspace, Richmond.
Virginia Brews. Formerly known as BrewHaHa, the celebration of Virginia Craft Beer Month features beverages from across the Commonwealth, paired with live music, food trucks, and free museum admission. Aug. 3, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Pocahontas Premieres: The Nashville Nights with Polly Windham. Music under the stars. Aug. 3, 7 to 10 p.m., at Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield.
Dog Days of Summer. Learn why the season is called “the dog days of summer” and about dogs throughout history, including dogs bred by the Sheppard-Crump family. Lots of dog vendors and activities, plus a family-friendly outdoor movie after sunset. For movie information, call 804-501-7275. Aug. 3, 5 to 10:30 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Henrico.
The Critical Race Theatre Project: 1st Annual Black Theatre Festival. An evening of Black creative expression and excellence, providing a platform for Black artists to get their work seen. Aug. 3 and 4, 7 p.m. both days, at Robert B. Moss Theatre, Richmond.
Harvest Festivals. Take a hayride, nibble on roasted sweet corn, take home fresh sunflowers and sweet corn. Aug. 3 and 4, and Aug. 10 and 11, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Chesterfield Berry Farm.
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 August, 11:30 a.m. to noon each day, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Sunday, August 4
Brunch Market at River City Roll. Local Richmond artists and makers selling handmade home décor, art, jewelry, apparel, and more. Aug. 4, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at River City Roll, Richmond.
ATE-OH! 04 DAY. Richmond Black Restaurant Experience presents food, art, entertainment, and beer. Aug. 4, noon, at Hardywood West Creek, Richmond.
RVA Music Lovers Bus Tour. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Forest Hill Music in the Park. The annual summer concert series features Elizabeth Wise and Her Guys blues music. Take chairs, blankets, and picnics and enjoy one of Richmond’s iconic parks. Aug. 4, 6 to 8 p.m., beside the Stone House at Forest Hill Park, Richmond.
Monday, August 5
Kenny Wayne Shepherd. The Louisiana-born songsmith has long been known for his guitar proficiency, highlighting classic blues with his own modern twist. Aug. 5, doors at 6:30 p.m., at the Beacon Theatre, Hopewell.
Tuesday, August 6
Front Lawn Fun. Classic toys like jacks, Jacob’s ladders, and yo-yos in hands-on play with colonial-era replicas, plus slinky races, giant checkers, and more. All ages welcome, but recommended for elementary to middle school. Aug. 6 and 13, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Thursday, August 8
Hymn Sing-Along. Learn about Joyful Voices, a chorus for people in the early to mid-stages of memory loss and their caregivers. No musical experience necessary. Have snacks and socialize, then sing some favorite songs. Aug. 8, 10 to 11:30 a.m., at Salisbury Presbyterian Church, Midlothian.
National Pickleball Day. Age 12 and up are invited to celebrate with other players – beginners welcome, refreshments served. Aug. 8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, Henrico.
“You’ll Do: A Southern History of Marrying for Reasons other Than Love.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
The Oasis: A High Noon Summer Concert. Relax in the courtyard of The Valentine with live music and free admission to the museum. This week featuring Tiara & Andrew. FREE. Aug. 8, noon to 1 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.
1774, The Year of Resolves: Preparing for War. The year 1774, 250 years ago, saw Henrico County and Virginia move quickly toward war with England. How did we go from peaceful protests to violence and threats? Within six months the Revolution was underway. Learn how people in Virginia and Henrico County moved toward preparing for war. Aug. 8, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Belmont Recreation Center, Henrico.
Road Trip
Celebrate Southwest Virginia
A. Smith Bowman Summer Fest. Play adult games and drink adult beverages. The Sour Mash Dash pits the Fredericksburg Roller Derby team against all takers on feet. Or visit the mobile axe throwing trailer, tour Virginia’s oldest distillery, shop the vendors, and visit food trucks. Aug. 3, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at A. Smith Bowman Distillery, Fredericksburg.
And spend some time in Fredericksburg while you’re there!
News & Announcements
Call for Entries
Crossroads Art Center September 2024 Call for Entries. Artists are invited to submit their work for the following shows: All Media Show (click here to enter) and Themed Online Only Gallery Member Show “The Feel of Fall” (click here to enter). For dates and other requirements, go to the links above or contact Crossroads Art Gallery, Richmond.
Click here to make plans with this list of events to come and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
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