More What’s Booming RVA: Oct. 24 to 31
A week of entertaining and inspiring events plus road trips and news
FREE concerts, fall festivals, dog costume contests, spooky season celebrations, and more! What’s Booming in RVA, October 24 to 31, 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 24 to 31
Thursday, October 24
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 discusses 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.
Keith Phares. The baritone has a repertoire from Baroque through present day, performing in numerous leading roles. FREE, tickets required. Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Recital Hall, Modlin Center for the Arts, University of Richmond.
Jim Messina. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Fine Arts & Flowers. A museum-wide exhibition showcases floral designs inspired by works of art in VMFA’s permanent collection. Special events include talks from guest speakers and VMFA curators, luncheons, floral design workshops, exhibition tours, a fashion show, and family activities. Through Oct. 27 at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
Gallery at First UU. The annual fine art and craft show features more than 160 artists presenting up to 4,000 pieces of arts or crafts in a variety of media: fiber, jewelry, pottery sculpture, painting, furniture, and more. Through Oct. 27 at First Unitarian Universalist Church, Richmond.
Richmond Restaurant Week. Dine local for a cause. Richmond restaurants, from casual to fancy, continental to cosmopolitan, strut their stuff while helping our neighbors. Participating restaurants offer three-course prix-fixe meals for $35.24, with $5.24 of each meal donated to Feed More, helping Central Virginia neighbors in need. Through Oct. 27 at more than 30 restaurants in and around Richmond.
Friday, October 25
Trick or Treat at VMHC. Spooky stations for kids to safely trick or treat for candy and other giveaways. Crafts, games, a Halloween band, bounce house, trackless train, chocolate-making demos, and free museum admission, including Traveling Bricks LEGO exhibition. Oct. 25, 5 to 7 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Jazz Night with Ceili Galante Quartet. Fourth Friday jazz event. FREE (VIP tables available). Oct. 25, 7 to 11 p.m., at Gallery5, Richmond.
Wagner & Kong Duo. Christoph Wagner plays cello alongside Joanne Kong on piano, acclaimed for sensitive and passionate artistry. FREE. Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m., at Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond.
Bob Baldwin. Dubbed the Ray Charles of contemporary jazz, the American pianist, composer, arranger, radio host, and inventor has recorded on six of the seven inhabitable continents. Oct. 25, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
New Exhibitions, Opening Reception, and Artist Talks. Five artists open their exhibits: prints, installations, and performance pieces by Megan Nolde; embroidery by Simone Paterson; mixed media by Martha Prideaux; digital and mixed media by Katie Shaw and Renée Stramel. Opening reception, Oct. 25, 6 to 9 p.m.; talks, Oct. 26, 2 p.m., and exhibitions Oct. 25 to Nov. 16, at Artspace, Richmond.
Saturday, October 26
Cap Trail 10M & 5k. A Halloween-themed run/walk with river views and fall colors, a fully supported and marked course, top-finisher prizes, and a beverage ticket to Stone Brewing. Along the paved Virginia Capital Trail, separated from vehicle traffic. All ages and fitness levels. Profits support the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation. Oct. 26 along the Capital Trail, Richmond.
Revolutionary Petersburg and the Marquis de Lafayette, America’s Favorite Fighting Frenchman. Commemorate the bicentennial of the 1824 Farewell Tour visit to Petersburg of the American Revolutionary War hero, the Marquis de Lafayette. Tours of historic buildings (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and lectures (1 to 5 p.m.). Oct. 26 at Petersburg Public Library, Petersburg.
Harvest for All Festival. Live music from Cary St. Ramblers, RVA Express Train rides, fall produce, fire trucks, vendor tables, food trucks, and giveaways – plus specials and giveaways throughout the shopping center. Oct. 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Good Foods Grocery and the Stony Point Shops, Richmond.
Medication Take-Back. Safely dispose of expired and unneeded medications. Oct. 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Wegmans, 12501 Stone Village Way, Midlothian.
Railroading in the U.S., Virginia, and Chesterfield. A docent from the Richmond Railroad Museum discusses railroading around the country and locally, historic and modern. The County Museum will also open a new temporary exhibit, Chesterfield County Railroads: From Mule Power to Steam Power, on the history of Chesterfield County’s railroads in the 19th century, including artifacts, photographs, and stories. Oct. 26, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Chesterfield County Museum, Chesterfield.
RBC Pecan Festival. Live music and kids’ activities alongside a wide variety of food, crafts, beer, wine, and product vendors. Oct. 26, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Pecan Grove, South Prince George.
Halloween Howl. Pet costume contest, donation station for local animal welfare organizations, refreshments, and raffle basket. Oct. 26, noon to 2 p.m., at Forest Hill Park, Richmond.
Diwali at the Garden. Celebrate the Hindu Festival of Lights – the victory of light over darkness – with delicious food, Bollywood dancers, music performances, an artisan market, henna art, and more. Oct. 26, noon to 8 p.m., at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.
Scott’s Addition Halloween Booz Crawl. Pick up a Booz Crawl stamp card, get four unique stamps from any of the 11 participating alcohol producers, and be entered to win a $25 gift card individually for each location. Oct. 26, noon to 10 p.m., throughout Scott’s Addition, Richmond.
19th Annual Richmond Zombie Walk. Walk like an undead or just cheer them on their march through Carytown. Staging at 1 p.m. at Boat Lake at Byrd Park, then starting across from the Byrd Theatre at 2:30 p.m. for the march down Cary Street, Richmond.
Haunted Woods and Fall Festival. Chesterfield Police Activities League hosts a family-friendly festival with music, activities, raffles, a cornhole tournament, and evening haunted woods tours (PG-13). Oct. 26, 1 to 9 p.m., at MidLothian Mines Park, Midlothian.
Poe @ the Pump House. Poe Museum curator Chris Semtner as Edgar Allan Poe, delivering dramatic readings of his most beloved works. Oct. 26, at 2, 3, 4, and 5 p.m., at the Pump House, Richmond.
Off the Rails Craft Beer Festival: Brews, Boos and BBQ. A horror costume contest for scariest costume and best film-inspired costume with prizes from Red Vein Escape and Ashland Theatre. “Human Slot Machine,” lawn games, barbecue, beer, wine, and live music from Buckville Hootenanny. Oct. 26, 3 to 7 p.m., Hanover Arts and Activities Center, Ashland.
Woofyween. Dog costume contest and Halloween party for all, with vendors, music, food, and craft beers. Oct. 26, 3:50 to 6 p.m., at Main Line Brewery, 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.
Fan Appreciation Night. The Richmond Kickers vs. Charlotte Independence. Plus prizes and raffles, happy hour beginning at 4:45, and Uncool Happy Hour. Oct. 26, 6 p.m., at City Stadium, Richmond.
Step Afrika! See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
David Wilcox. The folk musician is a penetrating storyteller with an effortless talent for spinning lyrics that quietly cut deep and for crafting melodies that embody the power of musical catharsis. Oct. 26, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Americana Folk Rock: Frank Coleman, Chris Fuller, and Brad Tucker. Legends on Grace highlights a different genre with each performance. This acoustic trio presents songs by John Prine, Gordon Lightfoot, James Taylor, and more. Oct. 26, 8 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Sunday, October 27
Fall Festival. Petting zoo, live music, bouncy house, small business vendors, and food and beverages inside Tavern 19. Oct. 27, noon to 3 p.m., at Independence Golf Club, Midlothian.
Historic Cemeteries Walking Tour. Established in 1917 as a rural garden cemetery park, Woodland landscape fell into disrepair as families moved away or died out. Restoration of this important historic African American burying ground began in 2020. Learn from Valentine guides about the cemetery and leaders buried there, including Arthur Ashe, John Jasper, William Washington Browne, Charles Thaddeus Russell, Mary Richards Bowser, Zenolbia Gilpin, and more. Oct. 27, 2 to 4 p.m., at Woodland Cemetery, Richmond.
Mama J’s Block Party – Celebrating 15 Years. Mama J’s food faves and family style seating, Papa’s Bar, Lena’s “Little J’s” corner, live music, merch, and photo booth. Oct. 27, noon to 6 p.m., at Mama J’s, Richmond.
Fall Choral Concert. Schola Cantorum commemorates the 100th anniversary of Gabriel’s Fauré’s death by performing his “Requiem” and “Cantique de Jean Racine” with orchestra. FREE. Oct. 27, 3 p.m., at Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond.
Romeo & Juliet – A Symphonic Evolution. Richmond Philharmonic presents a diverse repertoire of pieces spanning over a hundred years of the re-telling of this classic love story, all the way back to 1867. FREE. Oct. 27, pre-concert talk at 3 p.m., performance at 4 p.m., in Louis F. Ryan Recital Hall, St. Christopher’s, Richmond.
Tony Craddock, Jr & Cold Front with Chan Hall. Smooth jazz sounds from D.C.-based Craddock on the sax and Richmonder Hall on keyboard. Oct. 27, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Monday, October 28
Eat.Talk.Connect. Discover new cultures through food, conversation, and shared experiences. The dinner features the flavors of India alongside traditional Indian dance, the chance to learn Indian dance steps, and connections with others from different backgrounds. Oct. 28, 6:30 p.m., at Lemon Cuisine of India, Richmond.
Tuesday, October 29
All-American Horror. Profs & Pints Richmond presents Joshua Barton, lecturer in English at VCU and scholar of horror, on homegrown literature and film that used monsters and other frights for social commentary. Oct. 29, 6 to 8:30 p.m., at Triple Crossing Fulton, Richmond.
“Life, Love & Legacy” with Kaisha McCrea. The author discusses her moving memoir, a tribute to her young father who died tragically when she was 18 months old. Oct. 29, 6 to 8 p.m., at Book People, Henrico.
“The Pirate’s Secret” with LynDee Walker. The author chats about the book, an adventure thriller uncovering an ancient secret that beckons the protagonist into the shadows of history. Oct. 29, 6 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.
Grown-Up Field Trip: Trick or Treat! Hear real-life creepy stories and infamous urban legends from Richmond’s past, do spooktacular crafts, and get prizes for the best dressed. Don your Halloween costume for extra credit and enjoy grown-up beverages and snacks. FREE, registration encouraged. Oct. 29, 6 to 8 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.
The Ruta Beggars & Garden Variety String Band. Appealing to traditional and progressive acoustic music fans, The Ruta Beggars combine bluegrass and early swing to create a timeless act filled with intricate vocal harmonies, fiery instrumentals, and fun. Oct. 29, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
“Shucked.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Wednesday, October 30
Silver Screen Movies: “The Birds.” The monthly movie series offers new and classic favorites, with tickets and concessions just one dollar. Oct. 30, 10 a.m., at Henrico Theatre, Highland Springs.
Shalom Farms Harvest Festival. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Vincent Ingala. The multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer has become one of the fastest emerging contemporary jazz artists since his 2010 critically acclaimed debut album, “North End Soul.” Still in his early 30s, the charismatic saxophonist has earned numerous accolades. Oct. 30, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Thursday, October 31
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Halloween @ Dave & Boo-ster’s. Video games, costume contest, candy scavenger hunt, crafts, and spooky surprises. Oct. 31, 4 to 7 p.m., at Dave & Busters, Short Pump.
Gold Rush and The Sounds of Simon & Garfunkel. Two tribute bands: a salute to Neil Young, the godfather of grunge rock, with classic songs from every era of his career, and a salute to the best-selling duo, with accurate musical renditions and vocal harmonies. Oct. 31, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Road Trips
Fall fest in Appomattox, brewery birthday, Halloweekend
Fall Festival at American Civil War Museum-Appomattox. Live music, pumpkin painting, dancing, wood carving, blacksmithing, hearth cooking, cannon firing demonstrations, performances by Farm Use String Band and Shenandoah Valley Dancers, and a variety of vendors with wood crafts and other handcrafted items. Oct. 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the American Civil War Museum, Appomattox.
7th Birthday Bash. Celebrate the Historic Triangle brewery with multiple new beer releases, live music, food trucks, craft cocktails, and new merch. Oct. 26, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., at Billsburg Brewery, Williamsburg.
Halloweekend. Halloween-themed events such as pumpkin-carving, mini golf, corn hole, potato sack races, and nature-focused events like Creepy Crawlies search and fossil excavation. Oct. 26 to 27 at Westmoreland State Park, Montross.
News & Announcements
Snooze if you dare!
A Richmond Airbnb Is Named One of the Spookiest in the U.S. Axios Richmond reported that a 2-bed, 2-bath unit in Oregon Hill is among the top listings with words like “spooky,” “haunted,” or “horror.” Named “The Black Pine,” it’s next to Hollywood Cemetery and features a decorating scheme that sets the stage for thrills and chills. Read more.
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