More What’s Booming RVA: April 10 to 17
A one-of-a-kind look at Richmond events plus day trips and news
Our curated calendar is full of events both entertaining and edifying – concerts, author events, comedy, films, plant sales and swaps, mountain films, and more. What’s Booming, Richmond, Virginia, April 10 to 17.
Featuring:
- Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
- The week ahead – below, and
- Our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
April 10 to 17, 2025
Thursday, April 10
Writing Civil War Richmond with Author Robert Hilliard. The author of “In Freedom’s Shadow” discusses research to recreate Civil War-era Richmond in his book, based on the true story of John Scobell, an enslaved man who made his way to freedom and was recruited as a Union spy. April 10, 6 p.m., at Richmond Main Public Library, Richmond.
Madeira Tasting. Learn about the fortified wine that journeyed across the Atlantic as a popular beverage among early American patriots. Enjoy tastings, light snacks, and a short talk about the history of Madeira. April 10, 6 p.m., at Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Weinstein Author Series – Katrina Powell. The author and professor discusses “Beginning Again: Stories of Movement and Migration in Appalachia,” oral histories that share narratives of refugees, immigrants, and generations-long residents in Appalachia. April 10, 6 p.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.
Book and Author with Richmond Connection: “The LGBTQ+ Travel Guide.”Presenting the Lonely Planet Guide to 50 queer-friendly destinations, including Richmond, with insights from locals. Author Alicia Valenski and the Richmond chapter writer, Paige Poprocky, have local connections. FREE, registration required. April 10, 6 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.
Jokes For Sale Comedy Tour – Kenny Brooks & Gerald Huston. Brooks gained fame for his hilarious sales pitches as a door-to-door salesman. Huston is known for prankster videos. April 10, 7 p.m., at Funny Bone, Richmond.
“East End Elegy” by Leyla McCalla. The UR resident premieres her work with the Rosette String Quartet and UR student musicians. The suite is dedicated to the cemetery stewards and community organizers at Friends of East End as well as African American families buried there. Pre-talk with co-founder of Friends of East End, Brian Palmer. April 10, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Recital Hall, University of Richmond.
The Wellermen – Northern Sky US Tour. Storytelling in music with centuries-old traditional folk songs. With much-loved traditionals and more modern songs. April 10, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
A Conversation with David Brooks. The writer, author, and commentator addresses the intersections of public life and culture, exploring how the humanities is relevant today. April 10, 8 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.
War in Pieces: 4th Annual Festival of One Act Plays. Plays written by veterans and a veteran’s spouse, guided by the Mighty Pen Project and professionally produced. Through April 13 at the Virginia War Memorial, Richmond.
Chesterfield Restaurant Week. More than 50 establishments, including restaurants, wineries, breweries, dessert shops, and more, prepare a dining special, create a menu, or discount an existing item. Portions of proceeds go to Chesterfield Food Bank Outreach Center. Through April 13 throughout Chesterfield County.
Friday, April 11
Genealogy Workshop: Maps & Research. A senior map archivist discusses why maps are critical to genealogical research, symbols, and a strategy for determining which maps to consult. Learn how to read and analyze a variety of maps. April 11, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.
“They All Fall the Same.” Author Wes Browne talks about his new book with SA Cosby. An organized crime boss in Kentucky believes money and power are everything until his enterprise collides with a family tragedy in this noir thriller. April 11, 6 p.m., at Fountain Books, Richmond.
Colorfields and Other Works. Bond Millen Gallery presents the art of Sanford Bond, with the opening reception on April 11, 5 to 7 p.m., at 3North Gallery, Richmond.
Jazzy Affair. Jazz music and light refreshments. 16+. April 11, 6 to 8 p.m., at Dorey Park and Recreation Center, Henrico.
The Big Bloom Party. An adults-only evening of music, art, and beauty to celebrate spring. Featuring artists, aerialists, dancers, hand-typed poems, and a collaborative mural with Matt Lively. April 11, 6 to 9 p.m., at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.
YES! Dance Festival. National companies presenting original works to engage audiences to think about contemporary dance in new ways. April 11 and 12 at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.
Simone Dinnerstein, Piano. In addition to performing at elite venues, the pianist remains committed to reaching audiences who don’t often hear classical music, such as in correctional facilities and elementary schools. April 11, 7:30 p.m., at Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond.
Glenn Jones. The soul singer started in the church, sang Gospel in various groups, and moved to secular R&B. Hits include “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Stay,” “Here I Go Again,” “I’ve Been Searching (Nobody Like You),” and “Here I Am.” April 11, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
The Bizarre Bazaar 33rd Spring Market. More than 275 juried exhibitors showcase new gift lines, decorations, home accessories, gourmet foods, clothing, jewelry, soaps and lotions, plants, and more. April 11 to 13 at Richmond Raceway Complex, Richmond.
The National Wheelchair Basketball Adult Championships. Teams from across the nation compete for national championship titles. April 11 to 14 at Henrico Sports & Events Center, Glen Allen.
Saturday, April 12
Monument Avenue 10k. Race, jog, walk, cheer (or avoid the area and the road closures if you’re driving!). You can join the Spirit Party Zone on the corner of Monument Avenue and Arthur Ashe Boulevard, with coffee and donuts from 8 a.m. to noon. April 12, 8:30 a.m., beginning at Broad Street near Harrison Street, Richmond.
Plant Sale and Spring Festival. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Spring Garden & Craft Show. A seasonal marketplace with handcrafted goods, from jewelry and artwork to garden décor, plus a concession stand, silent auction and 50/50 raffle, and bake sale. Proceeds support the Mechanicsville High School Band. April 12, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Mechanicsville High School, Mechanicsville.
Chesterfield Earth Day Festival. Outdoor activities, live demonstrations on environmental actions like composting and using rain barrels, kids’ activities, food trucks, and more. April 12, noon to 4 p.m., at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, Chesterfield.
A Toast to Richmond with Triple Crossing Beer. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Edgar Allan Poe at Home. Author Christopher Semtner delves into the man behind the madness, murder, and mayhem, peering into his homes in Richmond, Baltimore, Philadelphia, the Bronx, and more. Find out which home was owned by a man who kept Poe’s wife’s bones in a box under his bed, which might be haunted by Poe’s ghost, which has the best basement for hiding corpses, and which stood across the street from an anatomy lab. April 12, 1 p.m., at Book People, Richmond.
Mountainfilm on Tour. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Idlewild South – The Allman Brothers Band Tribute. The band plays from an extensive catalogue of the legendary blues/rock band, with long exploratory jams and the unique style instantly familiar to fans of the Allman Brothers. April 12, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Bill and Pam Gurley at the Shady Grove Coffeehouse. The Virginia couple presents many original songs with a mix of folk, bluegrass, blues, and humor, accompanied by Bill’s many instruments, including guitar, banjo, and fiddle, and Pam’s captivating voice. April 12, 8 p.m., at The Unitarian Universalist Community Church, Glen Allen.
Beethoven & Rachmaninoff – Two Performances. Stewart Goodyear plays Rachmaninoff’s ravishing Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. Plus, Beethoven at peace with the Pastoral Symphony and the energetic Anna Clyne’s Masquerade. April 12, 8 p.m., and April 13, 3 p.m., at Carpenter Theatre, Richmond.
Richmond Fringe Festival. A multi-vector, curated, profit-sharing festival aiming to cross pollinate people, foster the resilient creative spirit of the city, cultivate fertile ground for experimentation in performance and mutual aid, and bring together voices and hearts. April 12 to 14 at various venues, Richmond.
Sunday, April 13
Bryan Park Pond Restoration Project. Celebrating the completion of this three-year project – it has been 14 years since the fountain was operational. April 13, 1 to 4 p.m., at Joseph Bryan Park Azalea Garden Pond, Richmond.
RVA Tropical and Exotic Plants – Plant Swap. Uncommon plants and plant products (houseplants only). April 13, 1 to 5 p.m., at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.
History of Lakeside. Hear about the people who have shaped the community, the events that made an impact beyond, and the areas that still tell the story of its past. Ages 10+. April 13, 2 to 3:30 p.m., at Belmont Recreation Center, Henrico.
Monday, April 14
Hanover NAACP Commemorative Ceremonies to Honor Pioneering Students of School Integration. Honoring the courage and legacy of the eight students who led the effort to integrate the county’s public schools 60 years ago. April 14, 5 p.m., at Patrick Henry High School, Ashland; and April 21, 5 p.m., at Mechanicsville High School, Mechanicsville.
“The Heiress,” starring Olivia de Havilland and Montgomery Clift. Part of the Ashland 1949 Film Series. April 14, 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Wind Ensemble. A variety of classical, contemporary, and popular wind literature. FREE. April 14, 7:30 p.m., at Camp Concert Hall, Richmond.
Tuesday, April 15
Reverie Road. Eclectic Celtic combination featuring fiddler, accordionist, a former Gaelic Storm fiddler, and Jazz and Raga pianist. April 15, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
“The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise.” See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Wednesday, April 16
Intro to Geocaching. Learn about this outdoor activity that combines elements of treasure hunting, navigation, and exploration using GPS-enabled devices. Explore the basics, navigation techniques, and safety, and find geocaches. April 16, 4 to 6 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.
“Glorious Lessons: John Trumball, Painter of the American Revolution.” Author Richard Brookhiser tells how Trumball witnessed the American Revolution as aide to George Washington and dedicated his life to capturing the war’s legacy through art. His 50-year project helped define the values of the new country. April 16, 5:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
“Fat Ham.” See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Thursday, April 17
Classic Game Show. Have fun and win prizes playing a variety of pricing or matching game shows, like on TV. April 17, 10 to 11:30 a.m., at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, Henrico.
Music at Hardywood. Chamber classics, craft beer, and pizza. April 17, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery on Ownby, Richmond.
“Finding Edna Lewis” Film Screening and Panel Discussion. Deb Freeman, reporter on Black foodways and culinary history, is host of the new film on Virginia native and culinary icon Edna Lewis. Panel includes Freeman; Nina Williams-Mbengue, Edna Lewis’ niece; and chef and culinary historian Leni Sorensen. April 17, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Library of Virginia, Richmond.
The Dip. The Seattle-based rhythm & blues band shares songs from their latest album, “Love Direction.” The Dip is known for poignant songwriting, detailed arrangements, and vintage sound. Featuring a three-piece horn section, the music harkens back to earlier soul and funk influences while hinting at jazz foundations. April 17, 8 p.m., at The Broadberry, Richmond.
Benjie Porecki Band wsg Love & Bossa Nova. Porecki is a versatile and virtuosic musician whose career embodies many influences and styles, including jazz, blues, funk, country, reggae, and R&B. His skills on the B-3 organ, piano, and guitar have established him as a sought-after collaborator across genres. April 17, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
News to Know
Team Poppy T-shirt, spirited history, calls for entries
Call for Entries: May Gallery Member Exhibition, “The ’70s.” Inviting artists to submit works for a nostalgic exhibition that captures the vibrant spirit, culture, and aesthetic of this groovy decade – think disco fever, bold patterns, social movements, and more. Open to all artists working in any medium. Submit from April 1 to 20 for exhibition May 16 to June 29, at Crossroads Art Gallery, Richmond.
Call For Entries: May All-Media Show. Open to all artists working in any medium. Juror Reni Gower, Professor Emerita of Art Virginia Commonwealth University, and curator Wylie Contemporary, Inc. Submit from April 1 to 20 for exhibition May 16 to June 29, at Crossroads Art Gallery, Richmond.
Cheers! The Spirited History of Alcohol in Colonial Virginia. Nick Powers, curator of Collections at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, will share the spirited history of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, which has been infused by alcohol since the early 18th century. April 24, 6 p.m., at the American Revolution Museum, Yorktown.
Team Poppy T-shirt for Run Wild Races. In honor of Poppy, the new pygmy hippo, Metro Richmond Zoo presents three races: the one-miler Mini, a sprint inside the zoo; the Run Wild 5k through and around the zoo; and the Wild Ninja obstacle course around the zoo, with 41 obstacles over approximately 2 miles. All race participants will get a T-shirt featuring the baby hippo, plus medal and zoo entry. May 3 at 8, 8:45, and 10 a.m., at the Metro Richmond Zoo, Moseley.
Road Trips
Green thumbs and sheep
Colonial Williamsburg’s Annual Garden Symposium. Curators, archaeologists, and gardeners from Colonial Williamsburg, plus authors, gardeners, landscape architects, naturalists, and horticulturalists. Topics such as the influence of imported prints on Virginia’s early gardens, spring flowering bulbs, gardening and the Age of Exploration, and the horticultural impact of the fusion of three cultures. Virtual option. April 10 to 12 in Colonial Williamsburg.
Annual Fiber Festival. Celebrate spring, the shearing of the sheep, and fiber production. See demonstrations of wool production, including carding, spinning, weaving, and dyeing. Learn about Scotchtown history and culture with open house tours, kitchen demonstrations. Plus local crafters, vendors, and food trucks. April 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown, Beaverdam.
Explore future events and ongoing exhibitions and performances here.
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