More of What’s Booming RVA: Oct. 6 and Beyond
Plus announcements and down-the-road events
More of What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, from Oct. 6 and beyond – way beyond – including music, museums, educational events, festivals, fundraisers, announcements, and more.
Oct. 6 to 12
Thursday, Oct. 6
“The Importance of Being Earnest.” Oscar Wilde’s madcap farce about mistaken identities, secret engagements, and entangled lovers is as delightful as it was at its 1895 premiere. Presented by VCUarts Theatre Oct. 6 through 9 at the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts.
Hackensaw Boys. The Americana folk group performs in the barrel room, with opening act Tarrant. Oct. 6, 6 p.m. at Hardywood Park Craft Brewing, Ownby Lane, Richmond.
Online Poetry Panel Discussion. Virginia author Lauren Alleyne moderates a discussion with poetry award finalists Sandra Beasley, Rita Dove, and Tina Parker. Hosted by the Library of Virginia. Sept. 6, 6 p.m., online.
Petersburg Civil War Roundtable. Author Kevin Pawlak explores a pivotal event in American history: “John Brown’s Raid: Harpers Ferry and the Coming of the Civil War.” Oct. 6, 7 p.m. at Pamplin Historical Park, Petersburg.
Historians on Tap: True Crime. A trio of historians tell bizarre and unusual crime stories from Virginia’s past. Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. Presented by The Wilton House at Starr Hill Beer Hall and Rooftop, Richmond.
Dana Cooper, Michael Lille, and Kyle Davis. The alternative folk and roots artists perform Oct. 6 at 8 p.m. at the Tin Pan, Richmond.
The Sleepy Hollow Experience. Lose your head at this thrilling Halloween attraction from producer Brian Clowdus. This immersive theatrical nightmare transports you into the classic Washington Irving tale with a fresh and horrifying new spin as the audience becomes part of the action. Oct. 6 through 31 at Mount Rouge Farm, Roseland.
Friday, Oct. 7
Red Vein Haunt, Summer of ’87. Step into four immersive Red Vein haunted attractions, with creepy performers, frightening sets, and scary props – if you dare! Select days, Oct. 7 through Oct. 30 and Oct. 31, with a special less-scary night on Oct. 27. At Hanover Vegetable Farm, Ashland.
Creepy Hollow Scream Park 2022. Live actors, monsters, animatronics, illusions and plenty of screams, in legendary Scream Forest. Select days from Oct. 7 to 31 at 14437 Stone Horse Creek Rd., Glen Allen.
52nd Annual Richmond Oktoberfest. The city’s most authentic Oktoberfest celebration, organized by German clubs of Central Virginia, presents food, entertainment, beer, and “gemütlichkeit.” Oct. 7 and 8 at Richmond Raceway, Richmond.
Carnival of 5 Fires. Visual and performing art, live music, DJs, a variety show, circus arts, tarot readings, vendors, and more. Oct. 7, 5 to 11 p.m. at Gallery 5, Richmond.
Special Focus Tour: Wizards, Magic, and Potions. Tour the grand old British hall, learn about witchcraft and other dangers in Tudor England, and answer wizard trivia questions. Oct. 7, 6 p.m. at Agecroft Hall and Gardens.
Beers & Banjos: Slack Family Band. Start your weekend off with the Richmond-based bluegrass group. Doors open at 6 p.m. on Oct. 7 at The Camel, Richmond.
The Blackbyrds. These pioneers of jazz funk and smooth jazz bring their magic to Richmond on Oct. 7, 8 p.m. at the Tin Pan, Richmond.
Saturday, Oct. 8
26th Annual Glen Allen Day. A 5k at 8, followed by a parade, entertainment and music, kids’ activities, vendors, and food stands. Oct. 8 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Crump Park and Meadow Farm.
Shockoe Hill Cemetery Walking Tour. Enjoy the grounds, botanical variety, sculptural artworks, and stories of notable tenants laid to rest in the 1822 Shockoe Hill Cemetery, as well as neighboring Hebrew Cemetery and Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground. Presented by The Valentine on Oct. 8 at 10 a.m. at the Shockoe Hill Cemetery, Richmond.
Stone Brewing Richmond Oktoberfest Celebration. German-inspired beers, live music, beard and mustache contest, stein hoisting, and contests to benefit RACC. Oct. 8, noon to 9 p.m. at Stone Brewing, Richmond.
Lager World. Highlighting this easy-drinking, clean, crisp beer style with a collection of The Veil’s best lagers. Oct. 8 beginning at noon at two locations of The Veil, in Scott’s Addition and Forest Hill, Richmond.
2nd Annual John Prine Memorial. Musicians pay tribute to the musical master. Doors open at 7 p.m. on Oct. 8 at The Camel, Richmond.
Soundtrack Hits from the Brits: The Channel goes to the Cinema. The English Channel British Invasion band presents a new specialty concert featuring music from British rock icons who graced the silver screen or rockers who performed songs expressly written for film soundtracks. Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. at the Tin Pan, Richmond.
“The Rocky Horror Show.” The popular cult classic musical returns just in time for Halloween month. Oct. 8 to 22 at Richmond Triangle Players, Richmond.
Sunday, Oct. 9
West Creek 5k for ALS. Walk, run, or jog to raise money for ALS research. Or purchase the benefit brews, Bob’s Brew 2022 juicy pale ale and Andrea’s Ale 2022 juicy pale ale with ginger and lime. 9 a.m. on Oct. 9 at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, West Creek (or participate virtually), Goochland.
I Am Tourism Ambassador Academy. Learn more about the Richmond Region and its history in this free, six-week course – enough to be endorsed as an Ambassador Guide. Every Sunday between Oct. 9 to Nov. 13 from 1 to 5 p.m. at various locations throughout the region.
Highlights of Hollywood Cemetery Walking Tour. Explore the graves of rebels and rockers, politicians and Pulitzer prize winners, presidents, and more. Presented by The Valentine. Meet near the stone cottage. Oct. 9 at 2 p.m., at Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond.
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. A Celebration of the Legendary Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, comes to town on Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Monday, Oct. 10
Mockery by Mail. Americans in the Civil War Era loved their puns, jokes, and low humor. Loyal citizens mobilized that sense of humor to define the cause of the union 1861. They’re funny, but they also tell us a great deal about what mattered to them as the war broke out. Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m. Presented by the American Civil War Museum at Capital Ale House, Richmond.
Freedom on the Capital Trail. The free history walking tour through Shockoe Bottom, presented by the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation and The Valentine, begins at 10 a.m. on Oct. 10 on the Capital Trail at Great Shiplock Park, Richmond.
United States Air Force Heritage Winds. The wind dectet uses the power of music to honor veterans, inspire patriotism, share the USAF story, and inspire service. Highlighting music of Schubert and Stravinsky. Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m. at the Perkinson Center for Arts and Education, Chester.
Tuesday, Oct. 11
Tempest Tunes: A Lecture with Sarah Schilling. Explore four centuries of music used for Shakespeare’s most musical play, “The Tempest.” Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. at Agecroft Hall & Gardens.
Wednesday, Oct. 12
Nonfiction Discussion Panel. In this virtual event, the host of The Stacks podcast, Traci Thomas, moderates a discussion with the Library of Virginia nonfiction award finalists John Woodrow Cox and Carolyn Eastman. Oct. 12, 6 to 7:30 p.m., online.
The Violence That Binds Us. True accounts of eight domestic violence survivors in a theatrical performance. Oct. 12, 6 p.m. at Perkinson Center for Arts and Education, Chester.
Literary Virginia Book Group. The virtual book discussion group changed its title to “All the Little Hopes” by Leah Weiss, A Southern story of friendship during World War II, involving American-based POW camps. Oct. 12, 6 p.m. Sponsored by the Library of Virginia; held online.
Created Equal: “These Things Can Be Done.” Presenting a film on women’s suffrage in Virginia, followed by panel discussion. Oct. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Julius Pittman & The Revival. A blend of musical influences and creativity, with sounds and dynamics reminiscent of Otis Redding, Al Green, Jack Mack & The Heart Attack, and Tower of Power. Oct. 12 at 8 p.m. at the Tin Pan, Richmond.
Ticket Flash Sale!
“Dear Evan Hansen.” Use code “MURPHY” to buy discounted tickets to select performances of “Dear Evan Hansen” (Oct. 18, 19, and 20, and the Oct. 23 evening performance). The heartfelt Tony award-winning musical runs Oct. 18 through 23 at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Hot Off the Press!
Festival of Grapes and Hops, Petersburg. Historic Petersburg hosts the annual festival of Virginia wine, beer, and crafts, plus food vendors, downtown restaurants, live music, and shopping. Oct. 15 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Petersburg.
Light Up the Tracks in Downtown Ashland. The historic small town in the Center of the Universe transforms into a vintage Christmas village, with light displays and special events, along with ongoing shopping, dining, and entertainment. The holiday weeks include special events: a kick-off celebration on Nov. 19, Ashland Christmas Market on Dec. 4, Jolly Jaunt Bar Crawl on Dec. 10, and Light the Way on Dec. 31. Nov. 19 to Jan 1, 2023, in downtown Ashland.
Ongoing
PopUp RVA at The Diamond. Richmond’s largest vendor market, featuring dozens of artisan, craft, and other local businesses, plus beer and wine and food trucks. Saturdays through October, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at The Diamond, Richmond.
“Gaslight.” With an inheritance at stake, a husband attempts to drive his wife to insanity through incremental manipulation. This Victorian era psychological thriller explores trust, control and how we perceive our own reality. Now synonymous with mental and emotional abuse, the term “gaslight” originates from this tale of deception. Through Oct. 15 at Swift Creek Mill Theatre, South Chesterfield.
Down the Road
Unstaged: An organic approach to the art and craft of acting. Adult acting classes taught by director Rusty Wilson. Eight Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m., beginning Oct. 12, at RPAA, Dominion Energy Arts Center, Richmond. Email lainesatterfield7@gmail.com.
Garden Glow. Dramatic lighting transforms the historic buildings and gardens, including Big Bright Mega Light. Oct. 13 to Nov. 6 at Maymont, Richmond.
RESONATE Podcast Festival. Workshops, exhibitions, and special performances showcase celebrated podcasters and offer opportunities to learn and win. Oct. 14 to 15 at the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU, Richmond.
Virginia Vines Wine Festival. Wine selections from wineries around the commonwealth, live jazz, food trucks, and after-hour access to museum galleries, including “Cheers, Virginia!” Oct. 15, 6 to 9 p.m. at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
¡Virginia Fiesta! Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with cultural performances, live demos, food trucks, vendors, and more. Oct. 15, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond.
Richmond Bluegrass Festival. Music, food, and beer to toast Hardywood’s 11th anniversary. Oct. 15, noon to 9:30 p.m., at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Ownby Lane, Richmond.
“Let Me Entertain You” with Matt Beyer. Cabaret-style performance of song and spirits. Oct. 21 and 22 at Swift Creek Mill Theatre, South Chesterfield.
2022 Richmond Home Show. Besides more than 100 exhibits with home- and yard-focused products, services, demonstrations, and inspiration, the show features Patric Richardson, host of HGTV’s “The Laundry Guy.” Oct. 21 to 23 at Richmond Raceway Complex, Richmond.
“‘I made this…’: The Work of Black American Artists and Artisans.” The first exhibition looking solely at the work of diverse Black artists and artisans from three centuries opens at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. Oct. 22 through Dec. 31, 2025 at the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, Williamsburg.
Wine Dinner: Flavors of Italy. Four courses paired with wines from a country that knows food and wine! Oct. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Swift Creek Mill Theatre, South Chesterfield.
Ashland Halloween. Get the good kind of chilled with quaint and quirky events, themed Victorian homes, trick-or-treat, bar crawl, concerts, spooky movies, and ghost tours. Oct. 28 to 31 in Downtown Ashland.
Harvest Hustle with Richmond Sports Backers. A fall festival for the whole family, with a 1-miler and 5k race in addition to festival fun – costumes welcome. Oct. 29 beginning at 9 a.m. at Byrd Park, Richmond.
HarvestFest. A festival vibe at the Garden with live music, food, adult beverages, and family-friendly activities, like pumpkin-carving demos, scary story time, and fairy-house building. German fare includes bratwurst, warm pretzels, beer cheese soup, and German potato salad. Oct. 29, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.
Mummenschanz: Les Musiciens du Silence. Celebrate the 50th anniversary of this troupe of “genial madness” and mask-based theater with a journey through productions of years past. Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. at Chrysler Hall, Norfolk.
November
RPAA’s Alternate Routes: A Night in NYC Annual Gala. See hip hop icon Doug E. Fresh and support the Richmond Performing Arts Alliance. Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Inaugural William Buckland Architectural Tour. A special tour focused on the life and design works of 18th-century master architect William Buckland, with visits to Gunston Hall and Menokin in Virginia and the Hammond-Harwood House in Maryland – 3 days and 2 nights of bus transportation, lodging, partial meals, and more. Nov. 4 to 6, starting and ending at Menokin in Warsaw, Va.
Ales Through the Ages. International experts convene to share a wealth of knowledge about beer and history, a subject that stretches from ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt till today. Nov. 11 to 13 in Williamsburg.
The Richmond Marathon. America’s friendliest marathon, right here in RVA: from Broad Street to Riverside Drive through VCU up to Northside and down to Brown’s Island. Half Marathon and 8k options, too. Nov. 12 in Richmond.
The Last Waltz Tour. Capturing The Band’s historic 1976 Thanksgiving concert in San Francisco. Concert is on Nov. 13, 8 p.m. at Altria Theater.
The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting. Lisa Genova, New York Times best-selling author and neuroscientist speaks and answers questions. Presented by the Rick Sharp Alzheimer’s Foundation. Nov. 15, 7 p.m. at Dominion Energy Center.
J. S. Bach’s St. John Passion. The International Bach Academy of Stuttgart presents the composer’s celebration of faith on Nov.18, 7:30 p.m., at Saint Bede Catholic Church, Williamsburg.
Royal Comedy 2022. Get ready for an evening of laughter at Royal Comedy 2022, featuring performances by Sommore, Bruce Bruce, Lavell Crawford, and Tony Rock. Nov. 18 at 8 p.m. at Altria Theater, Richmond.
The Autism Society of Central Virginia’s Annual Gala. The seated dinner, drinks, auctions, entertainment, and awards ceremony does more than just provide an enjoyable evening – it celebrates the local autism community and benefits the organization’s important work. Nov. 19, 6 to 10:30 p.m. at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Harry Connick Jr. Celebrate the 2022 holiday season with Christmas classics and Connick’s originals on Nov. 20 at the Altria Theater in Richmond
“Pretty Woman: The Musical.” The popular romantic musical plays Nov. 22 to 27 at the Altria Theater, Richmond.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas. Chip Davis, founder and creator of Mannheim Steamroller, will celebrate over 35 years of his annual Christmas concert tour, making it the longest running concert tour in the entertainment industry. The show includes dazzling multimedia effects. Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the Altria Theater, Richmond.
December
Christmas with C.S. Lewis. Join the thought-provoking Christian writer (or a facsimile thereof) at his Oxford home for Yuletide recollections. Dec. 1 to 4 at the Gottwald Playhouse at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Handel’s “Messiah.” The Richmond Symphony and Richmond Symphony Chorus present the annual inspirational performance of the seasonal classic. Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m. at River Road Church in Richmond.
Jerry Seinfeld. The comedian’s Richmond show sold out so quickly that a late show was added, on Dec. 2, 9:30 p.m.
Hip Hop Nutcracker. The holiday mash-up blends innovative digital graffiti and visuals to transform the landscape from traditional 19th-century Germany to the vibrant sights and sounds of contemporary New York City. Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Channel 5 Live with Andrew Callaghan. Deadpan humor and unfiltered reporting on social and political issues. Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. at the Libby S. Gottwald Playhouse at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
CarMax Tacky Light Run: “10 Years of Tacky.” Registration is open for the colorful nighttime 6k walk-jog-run event. Dec. 10, 6 p.m., beginning at Mid-lothian Mines Park, Chesterfield.
Vienna Boys Choir. Soak in the sweet holiday sounds of the renowned choir. Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Richmond’s First Baptist Church, Richmond; Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. at Harrison Opera House, Norfolk; and Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m. at Saint Bede Catholic Church, Williamsburg.
A Magical Cirque Christmas. World-acclaimed performers and cirque artists take audiences back in time, immersing them in the spirit of the season and performing Christmas classics through the decades. Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Altria Theater, Richmond.
Coming in 2023
Virginia Wine Expo. The 9-day educational wine, spirits, and food experience highlights Virginia wine, plus wine from our guest regions – Napa Valley and Argentina – and local cuisine. Feb. 25 to March 5, 2023. Tickets on sale in October.
Hamilton. Featuring a musical score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, has created somewhat of a revolution, itself. Catch it when it returns to Richmond on April 11 through 23, 2023, at the Altria Theater, Richmond.
Burning Man Artist Kate Raudenbush Exhibit Coming to Richmond. The Burning Man artist will premiere her enchanting and evocative new exhibit, “Incanto: An Oasis of Lyrical Sculpture,” in collaboration with poet Sha Michele, the show will feature five monumental sculptures and run from April 28 through Oct. 29, 2023, at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.
RSOL Designer House, 2023. The Richmond Symphony Orchestra League has announced its 19th designer house: the Taylor Estate, located on Monument Avenue. Save the date for Sept. 11, 2023.
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