More What’s Booming RVA: Sept. 26 to Oct. 3

Favorite annual events, food, music, premieres, art, and history, plus news, a road trip, and more. In today’s What’s Booming, Richmond, Virginia, September 26 to October 3, 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.

September 26 to October 3

Thursday, September 26

The Poe Down Unhappy Hour. Have a miserable time with some rootin’ tootin’ tunes from Richmond’s own Rachel Dunway & Friends and the Crooked Creek Misfits. 1115 Mobile Kitchen dishes out traditional and plant-based Southern cuisine while The Veil Brewing pours the brews. September 26, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Poe Museum, Richmond.

Becoming Citizens: FREE Citizenship Preparation Class. This 7–session course prepares students to successfully complete the U.S. citizenship test. In addition to civics and history lessons, the museum offers opportunities to engage with original historical objects, maps, books, and documents and with experts in the history of the state and nation. Beginning September 26, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

CatVideoFest 2024. See Boomer’s Top Picks.

History on Tap. Corrupt Bargains: History’s Wildest Presidential Campaigns, a talk by Dr. Joseph Rizzo, executive director of Wilton House Museum. September 26, 7 p.m., at Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop, Richmond.

“What Belongs to You.” The chamber opera, commissioned by the Modlin Center and the instrumental ensemble Alarm Will Sound, examines the search for self and the desire to belong amidst loneliness and enduring heartbreak. Q&A on Sept. 27, in the Alice Jepson Theatre, performances September 26 and 28, at the Modlin Center for the Arts, University of Richmond.

RIFF 2024. The Richmond International Film Festival presents 175 film premieres and 25 bands, plus more than 200 guest filmmakers and artists from around the world. Through September 29 at various local venues.

Friday, September 27

Full Moon Caberet2. The annual fundraiser features 12” x 12” or smaller square art for only $50. Remaining art will be available through Oct. 19. Sept. 27, 5 to 8 p.m., at Artspace, Richmond.

Ashland Fourth Fridays. The final Fourth Friday of the season features Ashland Song Contest winner Ginny Ray alongside other talented finalists performing Center of the Universe inspired creations. Plus the Ashland Dance Academy, Virginia Pride from TransJam Events, food, drinks, arts, and more. Sept. 27, 5 to 8 p.m., in downtown Ashland.

Film, Mixer + Live Music Under the Stars by Rodney Stith. The Petersburg Area Art League and Richmond International Film Festival present an experience of history, moving room by room with legacy art, photography, film, and live music. Sept. 27, 5:30 to 9 p.m., at Petersburg Area Art League and Art Park, Petersburg.

Henrico Live: Kozy Cats. Danceable covers of Wilson Pickett, Herman’s Hermits, David Bowie, and more soul and pop artists. With the mighty Kozy Cats Horns. Sept. 27, 7 p.m., at Henrico Theatre, Highland Springs.

Richmond Folk Festival 2024. See Boomer’s Top Picks.  

State Fair of Virginia. See Boomer’s Top Picks.

Edmund Archer: Perspectives on Black Dignity. Portraits of Black men and women that radiate their dignity in contrast to caricatures and stereotypes of earlier Richmond artists and popular culture. Sept. 27, 2024 to Sept. 1, 2025.

Saturday, September 28

Lecture Series: Freedom Will Be Theirs by the Sword. The Battle of New Market Heights Memorial and Education Association presents three speakers addressing this important Civil War event. Sept. 28, 9 a.m. to noon, at the Varina Area Library, Henrico.

ChesterFest Fall Festival. Foods, crafts, music, fun. Perkinson Center will also be open with entertainment, gallery tours, and more. Sept. 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Chester Village Green, Chester.

Marco Lopez. The author talks about things that go bump in the night, in conjunction with the paperback release of “The Nightcrawlers.” Sept. 28, 1 to 3 p.m., at Book People, Henrico.

New Market Heights Battlefield Tour. As part of the commemoration of the 160th anniversary, join staff from the Battle of New Market Heights Memorial and Education Association for an hour-and-a-half walking tour of the historic battlefield. Sept. 28, 1:30 p.m., and Sept. 29, 11 a.m., leaving from Four Mile Creek Park, Henrico.

Pocahontas Premieres. With Zoso The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience and Hold the Line RVA. Music under the stars and surrounded by nature. Sept. 28, 6:30 p.m., at Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield.

“Samson et Dalila!” Commonwealth Concert Opera presents Saint-Saën’s retelling of the biblical tale. Sept. 28, 7:30 p.m., at Westminster Presbyterian Church,

Atomic Light Orchestra – A Tribute to ELO. See Boomer’s Top Picks.    

Festival of India. See Boomer’s Top Picks.

Sunday, September 29

Sprinkles & Refreshments: Donut Ride. Ride with fellow cyclists, stopping by Richmond donut and pizza shops. All paces welcome, with no one left behind. Sept. 29, 10 a.m., leaving from Dogwood Dell, Richmond.

Electricarpalooza 2024. Find out how electric vehicles can save time, money, and the planet, with an EV policy summit, free screening of two EV-related films, a panel discussion on the past, present, and future of EV advocacy, a display of electric vehicles and e-bike demos, and more. Sept. 29, 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., at The Millworks in Chesterfield County, Midlothian.

American Revolution Experience. The pop-up exhibition includes display panels and interactive digital kiosks using storytelling, illustration, technology, artifacts, and primary accounts to connect modern audiences with the people and places that shaped the birth of our nation. Opening reception on Sept. 29 (FREE, registration required). Exhibition runs Sept. 29 to Oct. 26 (weekdays and weekend special events) at the Montpelier Center for Arts & Education, Montpelier.

Tuesday, October 1

Play It Forward: Generations in Motion. An intergenerational event connecting seniors with preschoolers, youth, and teens. Activities center around fitness and movement games. In honor of Active Aging Week, hosted by Henrico Advocate for the Aging and Senior Connections. Oct. 1, 10 to 11:30 a.m., at Deep Run Recreation Center, Henrico.

artoberVA Block Party Kickoff. Celebrate the region’s creative and cultural community across Richmond and the Tri-Cities. Art vendors, art activity, corn hole, music by Sweet Potatoes, food, beer, and wine, and more. FREE. Oct. 1, 4 to 7 p.m., at 1906 N. Hamilton St., Richmond.

“Monuments with Blackboards” Premiere. The documentary explores the history of Rosenwald Schools in Virginia through interviews with alumni, community leaders, and experts. It demonstrates the impact of the program and highlights the efforts of communities to ensure that the Rosenwald Schools’ legacy lives on through the preservation and restoration. FREE, registration required. Oct. 1, 6 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

Genealogical Virtual Event: German Special Interest Group. Focusing on grammar and vocabulary for reading records. Hosted by GRIVA, the Genealogical Institute of Virginia. FREE, registration required. Oct. 1, 7 p.m., online.

Ashland Halloween. Presenting 31 days of dastardly delights from local business events, decorated Victorian homes, and more. Over 20 events already planned, from weekend special events, a spooky lights tour, market, and scavenger hunt. Oct. 1 to 31 in downtown Ashland.

Wednesday, October 2

Songs of Town Hall & Mark Rogers. Part concert, part comedy, and part performance art for a one-of-a-kind show. The transatlantic duo in Sons of Town Hall dresses in shabby Victorian clothing and tells stories of traveling the world by boat in between their Simon and Garfunkel-esque songs. Oct. 2, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Thursday, October 3 

StART – Seniors trying Art: Paint and Sip. Ages 50+ for creativity and fellowship and staff-guided painting. Oct. 3, 10 to 11:30 a.m., at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, Henrico.

Cinema at the Center. Family-friendly movie. FREE. Oct. 3, 2 to 4 p.m., at Belmont Recreation Center, Henrico.

Sip & Color. Have hot apple cider and use crayons and markers to create seasonal pictures. Oct. 3, 2 to 4 p.m., at The Springs Recreation Center, Henrico.

Westchester Concert Series Finale: En’Novation. Live music on the field, chairs and blankets encouraged, and food and drink available. Sept. 5, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Westchester Concert Field, Midlothian.

“Relics Reunited: The Story of LTC Richard S. Thompson.” The Petersburg Civil War Roundtable presents Kenneth Bage on a soldier who served with the 12th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, as part of the II Corps in the Army of the Potomac. Oct. 3, 7 p.m., at Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, Petersburg.

Jackiem Joyner. The Norfolk native, contemporary saxophonist, author, and music producer has a number one jazz album, several Billboard chart-topping hits, and a series of critically acclaimed books to his name. Oct. 3, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Out-of-School Day Camps. On 15 select days when students are out of school, Maymont offers educational and fun day camps. Oct. 3 to April 21, 2025, at Maymont, Richmond.

News & Announcements

Art invitations + Virginia wines

November All-Media Show: Call For Entries. Theme “Feast” summons ideas like cultural celebrations, historical or modern feasts, feasts in nature, fantasy feasts, and more. Submission dates Oct. 1 to 9, online. Exhibition Nov. 15 to Jan. 5, 2025.

Call For Entries: “McMasterpieces.” Themed art to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Richmond. Artists are invited to share their unique perspectives and interpretations of what McDonald’s means to them. Submission dates Oct. 1 to 19, online. Exhibition Nov. 15 to Jan. 5, 2025, at Crossroads Art Center, Richmond.

Virginia Vines. Unlimited samples from five commonwealth wineries and a cidery, plus live jazz, food trucks, barrel-making demo, and access to the museum’s exhibitions. Oct. 26, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

Road Trip

Help care for our public lands

Volunteer Day for National Public Lands Days. Participate in one of the hundreds of planned volunteer events and other cool activities in Virginia and beyond. Virginia events include a mid-18th century archeological site at Quantico, Varina LandLab, Twin Lakes State Park, Naval Station Norfolk, and Manassas National Battlefield Park. Entry fees waived at national sites and Virginia State Parks. Sept. 28 at federal public lands across the U.S.