More What’s Booming RVA: Oct. 17 to 24
A week of entertaining and inspiring events plus road trips and news
Big news for the Black Museum of History & Culture in Virginia, folk foods, Restaurant Week, festivals, music, theatre, glorious gardens, history, ghosts, art, road trips, and more. What’s Booming in RVA, October 17 to 24, 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.
October 17 to 24
Thursday, October 17
Lincoln Prize Lecture. Dr. Frances M. Clarke and Dr. Rebecca Jo Plant speak on their book “Of Age: Boy Soldiers and Military Power in the Civil War Era.” They examine military, legal, political, and cultural perspectives on the service of underage boys in both the Confederate Army and the U.S. Army. October 17, 6 to 8 p.m., at The American Civil War Museum, Richmond.
“Opacities.” Author Sofia Samatar speaks with Kris Spisak about Samatar’s book on writing, publishing and friendship. October 17, 6 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.
Jamie McLean Band. A musical gumbo of New Orleans soul, middle Americana roots, Delta blues, and New York City swagger. October 17, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
“H*tler’s Tasters.” 5th Wall Theatre presents a dark comedy about the young German women who were Adolf Hitler’s food tasters. Based on true events in history, the story explores the way girls navigate sexuality, patriotism, and poison against the backdrop of war. October 17 to November 2 at Theatre Gym.
“Lord of the Flies.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Garden Glow. New light sculptures line the Glow Path and the Japanese Garden, transforming the outdoors spaces with color and lighting effects into a mesmerizing experience for 22 nights – more nights than ever. Through Nov. 10 at Maymont, Richmond.
Friday, October 18
The English Channel. The British Invasion band faithfully recreates extraordinary British rock, pop & prog hits from the mid 1960s and 1970s to sound like the original recordings, from the Beatles to Queen. Oct. 18, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
The Wild, Wacky and Truly Wonderful Women Go to the Movies. Many favorite songs from favorite movies by six local performers. Expect “Footloose,” “The Candy Man,” “Part of Your World,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” and more. Oct. 18 to 20 at Henrico Theatre, Henrico.
Shower the People: A Tribute to James Taylor. Hear timeless classics, new JT songs from recent albums, and stories of how the songs came to be. Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.
“The Book of Mormon.” The popular Broadway production is coming to Richmond for a limited engagement on Oct. 18 to 19 at Altria Theater, Richmond.
August Hundley: Lil’ Guy in a Big Ol’ World. As part of RTP’s 2024-2025 Spotlight Cabaret Series, this musical cabaret highlights the heartfelt and empowering story of navigating the path of self-discovery. Oct. 18 to 19 at Robert B. Moss Theatre, Richmond.
Dr. Julian E. Zelizer. As part of the Jamestown Settlement’s Director’s Series, expert authors delve into topics of American history. Zelizer explores the most pernicious myths of the American past and how myth is formed around national narratives, for better or for worse. He’ll be signing his latest book, “Myth America.” Oct. 18, 7 p.m., in Jamestown Settlement’s Robins Foundation Theater, Jamestown.
Richmond Oktoberfest. The area’s most authentic German Oktoberfest presents foods, bands and dancers, beer from top German breweries, vendors, and more. Oct. 18 and 19 at Meadow Event Park, Doswell.
A Forlorn Ruin: Spirits, Scandals and Secrets. Once described as “one of the most ancient families in the country,” the roots of the Randolph family of Virginia run deep, as do their secrets. Venture through the c. 1753 plantation manor house under cover of night to hear tantalizing tales of murder, heartbreak, ghostly spirits, and more. Oct. 18 to 19 at Wilton House Museum, Richmond.
Richmond Tattoo and Arts Convention. See what the buzz is all about! Top tattoo artists, live painting, and performance art, in one of the most tattooed regions in the world. Oct. 18 to 20, DoubleTree, Midlothian.
Saturday, October 19
Fall Line Trailblazer Hikes. Take a guided hike along one or more of three segments of the forthcoming Fall Line Trail, which will travel north-south through Richmond. FREE, registration required. Oct. 19, 8 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2 p.m., locations different for each hike.
Plant Native! Festival. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Richmond Out of the Darkness Walk to Fight Suicide. Giving people the courage to open up about their own connections to the cause and a platform to create a culture that’s smarter about mental health. Walk side-by-side with others in support and in memory of those we’ve lost. From the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Oct. 19, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., at Byrd Park, Richmond.
Open House and Artist Talks. Explore the exhibitions, including “The Feel of Fall” member exhibition and the juried all-media show, plus talks from resident artists Robin Caspari (11 a.m.) and Tsveti Sowers (1 p.m.). Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Crossroads Art Center, Richmond.
Virginia Czech & Slovak Folklife Festival. Experience the culture through food, Czech beer, baked goods, traditional music and dancing, vintage farm equipment, and a petting zoo. Plus assistance with genealogical information and a gift shop with Czech & Slovak items. Dog and kid friendly. Oct. 19, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 6406 Courthouse Rd., Prince George County.
Richmond Taco, Beer, Tequila Festival. Get your fill of Margaritas, tacos, guacamole, churros, craft beers, and tequila. Oct. 19, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Kanawha Plaza, Richmond.
Scott’s Addition Pumpkin Festival. Richmond’s party neighborhood hosts an afternoon of live music, food, drinks – plus a costume contest. Dog and kid friendly. FREE, pay as you go. Oct. 19, noon to 6 p.m., at Midtown Green (formerly the Bon Secours Training Center), Richmond.
Pump House Centennial Celebration Tours. Be among the first to see the newly restored windows on the first floor of this historic building, which ceased active use as Richmond’s waterworks in 1924. Tours will include the history of both the building and the James River & Kanawha Canal. Oct. 19, 1 to 4 p.m., at the Pump House, Richmond.
Asian Food Festival. Five Asian food trucks paired with COTU beers, including a special release Lychee Wheat Beer. Oct. 19, 2 to 6 p.m., at Center of the Universe Brewing, Ashland.
Fancy Me Mad! Graveyard Tours. A spooky spirits tour in historic Church Hill featuring historical characters performing in the graveyard. Learn about the stories of those who lie in the first city cemetery and explore Richmond history, the War for Independence, tragedy, murder, and lives cut short. Also includes a costume contest and a reading by Edgar Allan Poe. Oct. 19, 6 p.m., at St. John’s Church, Richmond.
Breast Cancer Awareness Night with the Kickers. The Richmond Kickers take on the Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. Oct. 19, 6 p.m., at City Stadium, Richmond.
The Martin Sexton Abbey Road Show. The musician uses his signature style on his rendition of this iconic Beatles album combining what Rolling Stone calls his “soul-marinated voice” with his inventive guitar. Oct. 19, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Richmond Series: “The Rite of Spring.” Stravinsky’s savage masterpiece continues to surprise and provoke. Plus, two masterworks of French Impressionism: Debussy’s sensuous “La Mer” and Ravel’s jazz-inspired Piano Concerto in G. Oct. 19, 8 p.m., and Oct. 20, 3 p.m., at Carpenter Theatre, Richmond.
Traveling Bricks: An Exhibition Made of LEGO® Bricks. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Sunday, October 20
Follow the Flow Bike Ride. Pedal through Richmond history, highlighting the city’s water distribution system, from the Pump House, Byrd Park Reservoir, and more. Learn how water influenced community development. Oct. 20, 10:30 a.m., beginning at the Pump House, Richmond.
Brunch and Book Tour. Lillian restaurant welcomes Chef Ashleigh Shanti, author of the new release, “Our South: Black Food Through My Lens,” part cookbook, part personal interpretation of Black cuisine. Brunch features some of the author’s favorite dishes alongside Lillian’s regular menu. Oct. 20, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. reservation times, at Lillian, Richmond.
U.S. Navy Band Country Current. The versatile bluegrass-country ensemble has played at the Grand Ole Opry and for U.S. presidents, celebrating our military, veterans, and community. Vendors available. Bring a lawn chair. Oct. 20, 5 to 7 p.m., at Montpelier Center, Montpelier.
Shemekia Copeland. Award-winning blues, soul, and Americana singer Shemekia Copeland possesses a recognizable and deeply soulful roots music voice. She is appreciated for the fearlessness, honesty, and humor of her revelatory music. Oct. 20, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Ghosts Walk at Night. Tour the Haunted Hanover Tavern, Historic Courthouse, and Old Stone Jail. Meet a ghastly cast of characters as they recount ghostly tales of actual events and recorded paranormal activity at these locations. All proceeds to Hanover Tavern Foundation. Oct. 20 to 22, multiple times each evening, at Hanover Tavern, Hanover.
Monday, October 21
“Dumbo.” As part of the Ashland 1949 Film Series, the historic theatre presents the Disney classic film, originally released in 1941, re-released in 1949. Oct. 21, 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Richmond Restaurant Week. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
“Mapping the Commonwealth, 1816–1826.” The story of 10 years, five governors, two principal surveyors, and one lead engraver – the time frame and team needed to create one of the first official state maps in the nation. Examples from 40 manuscript maps that highlight the painstaking task of creating Virginia’s first official state map, without the benefit of modern technologies like GPS. Oct. 21, 2024 to June 7, 2025 at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.
Discussions on “Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human?” As part of the Smithsonian traveling exhibition, scientists and other experts from the NMNH Human Origins Program will visit Richmond to host various events. FREE. Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond.
- Science Lecture: Oct. 21, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
- Clergy Tour & Conversation: Oct. 22, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Community Conversation: Oct. 22, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
- Seminary Community Conversation: Oct. 23, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
- Christian Educators Workshop: Oct. 24, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 22
The Constitution of Virginia – Then and Now. As a Virginian was drafting the Declaration of Independence, Virginians were writing the original Constitution of Virginia, a document that parallels America’s road to and from the Revolution. Experts discuss Virginia’s Constitution and its nuanced relationship to the U.S. Constitution. Oct. 22, 6 to 8:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Gary Machlis on Sustainability. The author of “Sustainability for the Forgotten” gives a provocative and critical talk on the future of sustainability. Machlis has been active in international conservation and has worked in China on the giant panda, in the Galápagos Islands, and in Kenya, Cuba, and Eastern Europe. Oct. 22, 7 p.m., at Book People, Henrico.
Genealogical Virtual Event: Mattie’s Middle Name and Other Delights Found in Newspapers. Newspapers were our ancestors’ lifeline, their social media, and a record of events. They can hold treasures to help bring our ancestors back to life. Learn strategies for finding newspapers to search and how to search beyond obituaries. Hosted by GRIVA, the Genealogical Institute of Virginia. FREE, registration required. Oct. 22, 7 p.m., online.
Ken Block & Drew Copeland of Sister Hazel. Two of the five members of the platinum-selling southern rock band Sister Hazel bring their successful tunes for intimate acoustic shows. Oct. 22, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Wednesday, October 23
JRW Writers Wednesday Online: Newcomers Welcome. The top of the program includes a brief overview of James River Writers programs and membership levels. Other time is for connecting and asking questions. FREE, registration required. Oct. 23, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., online.
Richmond Mayorathon. Richmond candidates will share their views on five areas of public policy: youth and families, community safety, transportation, housing, and the environment. Virtual option available, too. Oct. 23, 6 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Richmond.
Drew Gibson – “Burning Horses” Album Release Show. Gibson’s music reflects influences from the American days of country-blues and the singer-songwriters of the recent past. His fifth album touches on themes of simpler times, where old and fond memories occupy the mind and when the world seemed like a quieter, more romantic place. Oct. 23, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Gallery at First UU Arts & Crafts. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Fine Arts & Flowers. The museum-wide exhibition showcases floral designs inspired by works of art in VMFA’s permanent collection, with floral designs by the Garden Club of Virginia, The Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs and Ikebana of Richmond. Includes special events like talks from guest speakers and VMFA curators, luncheons, workshops, exhibition tours, luncheon and fashion show, and more. Oct. 23 to 27, 2024, at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
Thursday, October 24
AARP Virginia Scam Jam. Scam education event and shredding. Speakers from the FBI, Attorney General’s office, and more provide fraud prevention tips. Light breakfast and lunch provided. FREE, registration required. Oct. 24, speakers from 9 a.m. to noon, document shredding from noon to 2 p.m., at Annie Marie Giles Community Resource and Training Center, Richmond.
Collections Connections LIVE! How did Richmonders dress in the 1820s? Richmond’s history museum looks at fashion and style of the city when the Marquis de Lafayette paid a visit to the city in 1824. Oct. 24, 6 to 7 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.
Henrico County’s Forgotten Battles of 1864. In the fall of 1864, Union and Confederate armies fought a series of battles in eastern Henrico County. Historian Bert Dunkerly will discuss what they accomplished, or didn’t, as well as what to see today at these sites. Ages 12+. Oct. 24, 7 p.m., at Belmont Recreation Center, Henrico.
Halloween UnHappy Hour. Music by The Embalmers, creature feature-themed costume contest, beer, wine, and TBT El Gallo food truck. Oct. 24, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Poe Museum, Richmond.
Jim Messina. The musician’s legacy of musical genius spans five decades, three super groups, a vibrant solo career, and scores of producing and engineering credits. Think Buffalo Springfield, Poco, and Loggins & Messina. Oct. 24, 8 to 10 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
News & Announcements
RVA UNESCO museum, Christmas toys, volunteer need
Richmond Museum Added to UNESCO. As part of the new UNESCO emphasis on the transatlantic slave trade and its victims, 22 places have joined the UNESCO’s Network of Places of History and Memory linked to Enslavement and the Slave Trade, including the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia. BHMVA is one of only four places in the U.S. included. UNESCO is a specialized United Nations agency (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). Earlier this year, the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia was designated as a member of the National Park Service’s African American Civil Rights Network.
Samaritan’s Purse Project Operation Christmas Child. Drop-off locations and hours have been announced for people to share gift-filled shoeboxes packed with toys, school supplies, and personal care items for children. National Collection Week, Nov. 18 to 25.
Jacob’s Chance Needs Coaches and Volunteers. Make a difference in the lives of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities The organization is currently in need of coaches for all sports, a STEM instructor, and a sign language instructor. Contact Jacob’s Chance, Richmond.
Road Trip
Head east for historical entertainment: Lafayette + farming
Bicentennial of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour Visits Yorktown. In 1824, Lafayette visited America as “Guest of the Nation,” visiting all 24 states. Historian Mark Schneider will appear as Major General Lafayette. This event features lectures, reenactments, and family-friendly events to celebrate our alliance with France, the founding of our nation, and the charismatic Frenchman. FREE. Oct. 18, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Riverwalk Landing, Yorktown.
Harvest Festival. Classic fall fun with a historic bent! Activities include tractor pulls, an active 1930s sawmill cutting lumber, draft horse plowing, historic building tours, demonstrations (including antique harvest equipment in operation and 1850s hearth cooking), costumed interpretation, and family activities such as corn cob doll crafting and tractor-drawn hay rides. Take in the Mobile Dairy Classroom, complete with a live cow. Also on the schedule are live music, food trucks, and craft vendors Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Chippokes State Park, Surry.
FEATURE PHOTO (TOP) CAPTION: (L-R) Trinity Posey, Sam McLellan, and Sam Nackman in THE BOOK OF MORMON North American tour. Photo by Julieta Cervantes
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