More What’s Booming RVA: April 17 to 24
A one-of-a-kind look at Richmond events plus a day trip and news
Our uniquely curated calendar presents Earth Day & Easter, FREE concerts, a Vietnam War hero’s story, “Dirty Dancing” weekends, Chincoteague Decoy & Art Festival, author events, Restaurant Week, and more. In Richmond, Virginia, in “RVA Events & News: April 17 to 24, 2025.”
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 17 to 24, 2025
Thursday, April 17
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.
The Dip. The Seattle-based rhythm & blues band 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, skilled on the B-3 organ, piano, and guitar. April 17, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
“Fat Ham.” In this humorous reinvention of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” the protagonist is a queer Black Southern college kid, grappling with serious questions of identity, when the ghost of his father shows up in their backyard, demanding that his son avenge his murder. Through April 19 at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.
“The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise.” The uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became an American rock icon – filled with his best memory-stirring songs, like “America,” “Forever in Blue Jeans,” and “Sweet Caroline.” In the spirit of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” this is an inspiring, exhilarating, energy-filled, hip-swinging musical memoir. Through April 20 at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Friday, April 18
Beers & Banjos: Garden Variety String Band. Music and happy hour. FREE (or $10 table reservation). April 18, 6 to 8 p.m., at The Camel, Richmond.
Trial by Fire: Tribute to Journey. Journey’s Trial by Fire tour never happened because Steve Perry injured himself. Imagine what it would have looked like with this tribute show. April 18, 7:30 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Scott Wichmann: Mister Showtime. The iconic Richmond actor and performer blends the Rat Pack, Bobby Darin, Tony Bennett, Mel Torme, and more to showcase a bygone era. April 18, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Avie & Uma Live. Petersburg Area Art League present the musical duo along with food from Soul Rebel and Indian beer. FREE (suggested donation). April 18 and April 19, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Art Park, Petersburg.
“40 Years at 43rd Street: Robin Cage. Works in Clay.” For more than 40 years, the artist has poured her heart into crafting timeless stoneware pottery, celebrating the beauty in the everyday. Her mastery in high-fired, reduction pottery and her work ethic have earned her a place among the region’s most respected and passionate artisans. April 18, 6 to 8 p.m., and April 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 43rd Street Studios, Richmond.
“The Wild Party.” Set in the Roaring Twenties, the story takes place in one night in the Manhattan apartment of vaudevillian performers and couple Queenie and Burrs. Filled with jealousy, violence, excess, and indulgence, the musical undoubtedly earns the moniker of “party to end all parties.” Presented by VCUarts Theatre. April 18 to 27 at Singleton Center, Richmond.
Saturday, April 19
Dominion Energy Family Easter. Activities, crafts and games, live entertainment from local performance groups and Jonathan the Juggler, DJ Dance Zone, and more. April 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Maymont, Richmond.
Earth Day Buy Nothing Event. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Egg Hunt at Crossroads Art Center. Eggs filled with candy, stickers, and more, surrounded by beautiful art and crafts for sale. All ages, FREE. April 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Crossroads Art Center, Richmond.
Anniversary of Lexington & Concord Military Demonstrations. On April 19, 1775, the first military engagements of the American Revolution took place at the Battles of Lexington and Concord. On the 250th anniversary of these events, meet with living historians portraying Revolutionary War soldiers to learn about military life during the 1700s. April 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Earth Day Henrico. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Earth Day SMV. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Celebrate Earth Day at the BHMVA. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Patrick Lamb. The talented, seasoned saxophonist is joined by Alyse Thompson. April 19, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Sunday, April 20
Easter on Parade. The iconic Richmond Easter parade is here, with vendors, music, and people and pets sporting Easter attire and bonnets. April 20, 1 to 5 p.m., along Monument Avenue, between North Allen and Davis avenues, Richmond.
Monday, April 21
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 21, 5 p.m., at Mechanicsville High School, Mechanicsville.
Chamber Ensembles. Musical performances by student instrumentalists, vocalists, and pianists. FREE. April 21, 7:30 p.m., at Modlin Center, University of Richmond.
Richmond Restaurant Week. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Tuesday, April 22
Seasonal Stroll: Phenology Exploration. All ages. Engage in citizen science by exploring phenology, the study of seasonal changes in nature. Learn the art of observation and contribute to scientific understanding and research. April 22, 10 to 11:30 a.m., at Deep Run Park, Henrico.
Curator-Led Gallery Tour. Boxed lunch and gallery tour of Charles Gillette: Genius by Nature and Habitat Stewardship. April 22, noon, at The Branch Museum, Richmond.
“The Lost Trees of Willow Avenue.” Author Mike Tidwell discusses his new book about climate change and hope with author Dean King. April 22, 6 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.
GRIVA Photo Angel Project. Kate Kelley speaks on the project reuniting long-lost photos with relatives. April 22, 7 p.m., online.
Bonnie Raitt: Live 2025, with Special Guest Larry John McNally. The singer, songwriter, and guitarist blends blues, R&B, rock, and pop. She rose to the top in the early ’90s with her GRAMMY-award winning albums featuring hits such as “Something To Talk About” and “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” The 13-time Grammy winner was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. April 22, 7:30 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Longwood Jazz Ensemble. The traditional 18-piece big band presents a repertoire of music from all periods of jazz history with emphasis on swing, Latin, and jazz-rock styles. April 22, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Wednesday, April 23
Christopher Titus. The prolific stand-up comedian, writer, actor, producer, and podcaster has numerous accolades and has sold out shows at clubs and theaters across the country, with a take-no-prisoners wit and years of experience writing edgy and poignant comedy. April 23, 7 p.m., at The Funny Bone, Richmond.
Alex Lopez Band. Presenting a blend of blues, rock, pop, and fun, revitalizing blues for new generations. April 23, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Mixed Herbs Container Garden Workshops. Create a beautiful container garden of mixed culinary herbs with guidance from the Maymont staff in this make-and-take workshop. Learn how to care for, harvest, and cook with herbs. Alcoholic refreshments available (bring ID). April 23 and 24, 6 to 8 p.m., at Maymont, Richmond.
University Symphony Orchestra. UR’s largest music ensemble performs a varied program at the annual spring concert. FREE. April 23, 7:30 p.m., at Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond.
“Which Way to the Stage?” Richmond Triangle Players presents a comedy about friendship, ambition, and what happens when dreams fall just out of reach, on the roles we perform and transcending one’s “type.” April 23 to May 17 at Robert B. Moss Theatre, Richmond.
Thursday, April 24
Muse + Machine: Exploring the Intersection of AI and Human Creativity. Two panel discussions, one on higher conscientiousness and AI, and one on navigating the future of the arts with protocol and innovation. FREE. April 24, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Robinson Theater Community Arts Center, Richmond.
“The Unlikely War Hero: A Vietnam War POW’s Story of Courage and Resilience in the Hanoi Hilton.” Author, historian, and journalist Marc Leepson explores the story of Doug Hegdahl, the youngest and lowest-ranking American to be held prisoner in the notorious Hỏa Lò Prison in Hanoi. He memorized the names of his 254 fellow prisoners and shared the information upon his return to the United States in 1969. April 24, noon to 1 p.m., at Library of Virginia, Richmond.
Jefferson Davis & Robert E. Lee. Learn more about these two very different men who evolved a working relationship that produced almost a model commander-in-chief-general-in-chief team, achieving seemingly impossible things, even if ultimate victory eluded them. April 24, 6 p.m., at the American Civil War Museum, Richmond.
Cirque du Poe-leil UnHappy Hour. Full of wacky service fun, with beer from Stone Brewing, wines, and 1115 Mobile Kitchen – for a miserable time. April 24, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Poe Museum, Richmond.
Pure Prairie League. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Cuban Spectacular: From Mambo to Motown. Witness the transformation of American popular music from the ’50s, sprinkling Motown with a bit of Mambo. FREE. April 24, 7:30 p.m., at Alice Jepson Theatre, University of Richmond.
John McEuen & The Circle Band. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
News to Know
Plan ahead for “Dirty Dancing Weekends”
“Dirty Dancing” Weekends Schedule for 2026. Mountain Lake Lodge, known as Kellerman’s Mountain House in the movie, announced the themed weekends celebrating the iconic film. “Dirty Dancing” was recently named to the Library of Congress National Film Registry for its cultural and historic importance in preserving the nation’s film heritage. Seven weekends, from February to October, at Mountain Lake Lodge, Pembroke.
Road Trip
Decoys, art, and wild ponies
Chincoteague Annual Easter Decoy & Art Festival. The juried festival returns for its 44th year, with 75 artisans, including decoy carvers, painters, photographers, jewelers, potters, and more. Demonstrations, the Wooden Egg Auction, People’s Choice voting. Food available. April 18 and 19 at the Chincoteague Combined School, Chincoteague Island.
Explore future events and ongoing exhibitions and performances here.
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