More What’s Booming RVA: Nov. 21 to 28
A week of entertaining and inspiring events plus a road trip and news
Engines rev for holiday events alongside timeless author appearances, theater, lectures, art, films, and concerts – plus a road trip and event announcements. In today’s What’s Booming, Richmond, Virginia, November 21 to 28, 2025.
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.
November 21 to 28
Thursday, November 21
Tredegar Tree Lighting. Lighting the 20-foot tree, decorated with handcrafted 19th century-style ornaments, live music, cheer from Virago Spirits. Toys for Tots collections, too. FREE. November 21, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the American Civil War Museum, Richmond.
“Fingerprintz: One Woman’s Journey Through Loss, Love, and Very Little Babies.” Local author Lisa Roday is in conversation with Anne Holton for a frank talk about motherhood and all that comes with it. FREE, registration required. November 21, 6 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.
Vanessa Collier. The master musician and multi-instrumentalist weaves funk, soul, rock, and blues. She presents soulful vocals, searing sax, and witty songwriting. November 21, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
“The House That Will Not Stand.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
“Christmas with C.S. Lewis.” Gregory Williams Welsch plays C.S. Lewis at his home on Christmas Eve hosting a group of Americans in England. They experience an unforgettable assortment of Yuletide recollections and a range of emotions – curiosity, laughter, gladness, and tears. November 21 to 24 at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Friday, November 22
Sunrise Science: An Unusual Journey of a Scientist from Mumbai to NASA via the White House. Hear of two journeys – a personal progression starting in Mumbai, India, and scientific advancement culminating at NASA. World-renowned observational astrophysicist Dr. Kartik Sheth shares his research on galaxies. Nov. 22, 8 a.m., at the Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond.
4th Friday Art Shows and Opening Reception. Adding a holiday shop as well as reception, artist meet-up, and two figure drawing sessions. Nov. 22, 6 to 8 p.m., at Art Works Gallery, Richmond.
Gallery5 Fourth Fridays Jazz Night. WRIR DJs open the evening, followed by musician Mike Hawkins. Nov. 22, 7 to 11 p.m., at Gallery5, Richmond.
Michael McAdam & The McAccidentals w/ Mike Lucas. Richmond native Michael McAdam made his name as the founder/bandleader of the popular Good Humor Band in the ’70s. He moved on to Nashville and became a session guitarist for some of Americana’s top artists, including Steve Earle, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Jim Lauderdale, and others. He has just released “Tremolo,” his second solo album. Nov. 22, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
“Carmen” from Virginia Opera. Bold, uninhibited, and strong-willed, Carmen lives life on her own terms. She is a power to behold – until her obsessed ex violently and tragically rejects her choice to move on. Sung in French with English surtitles. Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 24, 2:30 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Pocahontas Reframed Film Festival. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Craft + Design. The annual contemporary craft show, produced by the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, has garnered a reputation for showcasing the finest in museum-quality crafts, attracting thousands of people to shop the work of over 160 artists from all over the country. Nov. 22 to 24 at Main Street Station, Richmond.
Artspace Gallery’s THRIVE! Members Biennial Exhibition. Coinciding with Artspace’s 36th anniversary in December, the gallery showcases gallery artists and their contributions to Richmond’s vibrant art scene. Nov. 22 to Dec. 21 at Artspace, Richmond.
Saturday, November 23
Local Authors at RVA Big Market. Richmond authors present their books from a variety of genres, perfect for holiday shopping or finding your next great read. They will be alongside the market’s regular lineup of produce, meat, handmade goods, prepared food vendors, and more, for one-stop local shopping. Nov. 23, 9 a.m. to noon, at Bryan Park, Richmond.
Family Pow-Wow. A culturally enriching family-friendly celebration includes powwow dancing, hoop dancing, films, demonstrations, storytelling, and art. FREE. Nov. 23, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
Parks Rountrey – Meet the Man Behind the Lens. Meet the local photographer and see many of his works. His photos are primarily of Central Virginia wildlife, flowers, and landscapes and is noted for clear, crisp details and soft contrasting backgrounds. Nov. 23, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Books, Beads & More, Mechanicsville.
Apple Cider Donuts & Brunswick Stew Pop-Up. Experience the vibrant colors and flavors of autumn at the farm cidery’s fall event: freshly made apple cider donuts, Brunswick stew with a Courthouse Creek twist, hot mulled cider, and more. Pick up fresh local apples and fresh pressed apple juice. Live music from 3 to 6 p.m. Nov. 23, noon to 7 p.m., at Courthouse Creek Cider, Goochland.
Tea at the Tavern. As part of Henrico 250, travel back to Revolutionary tea parties. Protests sparked across the 13 original colonies with citizens destroying tea, setting ships ablaze, and creating formal resolutions to demonstrate their beliefs. Meet reenactors as Loyalists, Patriots, British soldiers. Take part in the tea debates and take in period music, crafts, tea and sweets, and outdoor games. All ages. Nov. 23, 2 to 4 p.m., at Walkerton Tavern, Glen Allen.
James River Ringers Holiday Concert. Thirteen bell ringers, 7 octaves of bells, and 6 octaves of chimes present classics like “Sleigh Ride” and “Do You Hear What I Hear,” familiar carols, and jovial arrangements of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Wonderful Christmastime.” Nov. 23, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., at Bon Air Presbyterian Church, Richmond.
The Richmond Forum with Baratunde Thurston. Uncover what it will mean to be human as we barrel toward a more digitally integrated future fueled by new technologies like AI. Nov. 23, 7 p.m., online and at Altria Theater, Richmond.
The Skip Castro Band. The members have been playing together since 1978, playing with big names like Muddy Waters, James Brown, Chuck Berry, Buddy Guy, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Yardbirds, and more. Nov. 23, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Light Up the Tracks. Six weeks of twinkling displays, joyful activities, and small-town charm to make your holiday season brighter. Buildings and homes are decked out in holiday décor, and local shops and community groups have a sleigh full of holiday events. Nov. 23 to Jan. 1 in downtown Ashland.
Virginia & The Vietnam War. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Sunday, November 24
Local Authors at South of the James Market. Richmond authors present their books from a variety of genres, perfect for holiday shopping or finding your next great read. They’ll be there alongside the market’s regular lineup of produce, meat, handmade goods, prepared food vendors, and more, for one-stop local shopping. Nov. 24, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at South of the James Farmers Market, Richmond.
Marie Antoinette and Lafayette. As part of Henrico 250, presenting the story of the French queen and her encounter with a brave young man who would go on to play a pivotal role in America’s Revolution. Ages 13+. Nov. 24, 2 to 3 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.
Global Sounds. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
A Tribute to Grover Washington Jr. and Bill Withers. Musicians Wake Campbell, an accomplished saxophonist and composer and smooth jazz musician, alongside saxophonist Eddie Baccus Jr. Nov. 24, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Monday, November 25
University of Richmond Wind Ensemble. The ensemble will perform a variety of classical, contemporary, and popular wind literature. FREE, tickets required. Nov. 25, 7:30 p.m., at Modlin Center for the Arts, University of Richmond.
Tuesday, November 26
Holiday Sounds. Join the Richmond Concert Band for the holiday concert series, with old favorites and new holiday tunes. Nov. 26, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Regency Mall, Richmond.
GRIVA Virtual Program. Cassandra Farrell presents “More than Just a Pretty Map: Using Maps in Genealogical Research.” Maps are useful tools for genealogists to add to their research toolkit. Learn how you can incorporate and use maps and atlases in genealogical research. Nov. 26, 7 p.m., online
Wednesday, November 27
Bluegrass Jam. The weekly open jam session focuses on bluegrass music of all styles, vocal and instrumental. Musicians within the circle are expected to participate. All experience levels welcome, including beginners. On the first Wednesday of each month, there will be a jam etiquette lesson at 5:30. Nov. 27, 6 to 8 p.m., at Twin Hickory Recreation Center, Glen Allen.
Irish Christmas in America. Irish music, song, and dance in an engaging performance rich in humor and energy. The family-friendly performance features lively instrumental tunes on fiddle, flute, uilleann pipes, and harp, and old-style Irish dancing. Images provide a backdrop to rich historical traditions of Ireland. Nov. 27, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Thursday, November 28
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Turkey Trot 10k by RRRC. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Road Trip
Take a hike this weekend
Opt Outside on Thanksgiving Weekend. Virginia State Parks will participate in the annual #OptOutside event to encourage people to take a break from indoor activities to spend time outdoors. Spend time on your own or join an organized activity. Nov. 29 to Dec. 1 at all Virginia State Parks.
Announcements
Dirty Dancing and Bonnie Raitt
Two hot shows coming to RVA:
- “Dirty Dancing in Concert,” the film with live band and singers, hits the stage on Feb. 4, 2025. Tickets are on sale now.
- Bonnie Raitt: Live 2025 comes to Richmond on April 22, 2025. Use code ‘NOV24’ to access presale through tonight at 11:59 p.m. EST. Public tickets on sale Nov. 22 at 10 a.m.
Click here to make plans with this list of events to come and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
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