More What’s Booming RVA: April 24 to May 1

This week’s curated calendar presents Garden Week, two tasty food and drink festivals, the Bard’s birthday, plus more events both entertaining and edifying – concerts, indie bookstore day, comedy, lectures, and more. What’s Booming, Richmond, Virginia, April 24 to May 1, 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 24 to May 1, 2025

Thursday, April 24

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. 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. April 24, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Poe Museum, Richmond.

Pure Prairie League. Hear the iconic country-rock band from the 1970s and ’80s, with songs from their new album, the first new material in almost 20 years. April 24, 7:30 p.m., at Beacon Theatre, Hopewell.

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. The American folk musician and founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has been performing since 1964, with numerous instruments in his repertoire: banjo, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, dobro, piano, and dulcimer. April 24, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Richmond Coin and Currency Show. Over 55 tables of dealers with U.S., foreign, and ancient coins and currency, medals, tokens, and more to buy, sell, and trade. Raffle prizes. FREE. April 24 to 26 at the ACCA Temple Ballroom, Richmond.

Richmond Restaurant Week. Support local restaurants with prix fixe meal specials. Portions of each meal sold go to benefit Feed More. Through April 27 at restaurants around Richmond.

“The Impending Crisis.” A dynamic exhibit of events, people, and circumstances that led America to a pivotal point in its history, exploring differing viewpoints from across the nation in pre-Civil War America. Now open at the American Civil War Museum, Tredegar, Richmond.

Friday, April 25

Beginner Genealogy Workshop (Virtual) | Finding Your Family History: Introduction to Genealogical Research Online. Learn about basic research strategies, useful websites, and helpful resources at the Library of Virginia. April 25, 10 to 11 a.m., online.

“Democracy’s Forgotten Virtue.” An expert on democratic theory and public policy addresses humility as a leadership virtue, especially for leaders in a democracy, pulling from his own experience and from the Founders, especially Washington and Jefferson. April 25, 5:30 to 8 p.m., at St. John’s Church, Richmond.

Galumpha: “Art of Human Architecture.” See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.  

Nikki Glaser: Alive and Unwell Tour. The comedian known as host of the Golden Globes and for her roast of Tom Brady. April 25, 7 and 9:30 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.

Speidel, Goodrich, Goggin & Lille. Combining wit with their acoustically driven sound. April 25, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Talk | Frida: Her Life and Art. Exploring Frida Kahlo’s art and life, how her imagery came from the things that happened to her: her illnesses, childlessness, and complex and often-painful relationship with her husband, muralist Diego Rivera. Also livestreamed. April 25, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.

RavenCon. The science fiction and fantasy convention presents author panels, cosplay contests, live concerts, an escape room, a blanket fort contest, and family-friendly activities. April 25 to 27 at The Virginia Crossings Hotel, Glen Allen.

Treasures of the Earth. Vendors from across the U.S. bring treasures to sell, including estate, classic, and handmade jewelry; loose stones and beads; crystals, mineral specimens, and fossils; on-site jewelry makers; and more. April 25 to 27 at Richmond Raceway Complex, Richmond.

Saturday, April 26

Herbs Galore. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.    

World Tai Chi & Qigong Day. Soak in the peace and harmony of Tai Chi & Qigong with lion dancers, demonstrations, and an opportunity to learn. All ages and ability levels. Participate or observe. April 26, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, Henrico.

CureSearch Richmond Walk. Help raise funds and awareness for pediatric cancer. Food trucks, yard games, and other family friendly activities. April 26, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Byrd Park, Richmond.

“Shot Heard Round the World.” Chesterfield presents a Revolutionary War 250 event. News of the Battle of Lexington and Concord – the beginning of the Revolutionary War – reached Virginia. Experience history through artillery demonstrations, militia reenactments, blacksmithing, candle making, tin punching, and more. FREE. April 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at historic Eppington Plantation.

Indie Bookstore Day 2025. Visit nine local independent bookstores for door prizes, giveaways, signed exclusives, and more. Use the tour passport (available to download or pick up in stores) for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate from each store. April 26, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., at independent bookstores around town.

Ashland Train Day. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.

Farm Field Day. Learn about agricultural practices, trades, and crafts of days past. Local craftsmen and businesses demonstrate trades and sell wares, plus crafts and food trucks. April 26, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Meadow Farm, Glen Allen.

Shakespeare’s Birthday: A Celebration of the Bard. The 16th-century English Tudor manor home honors the Bard’s 461st birthday with entertainment, dances, games, songs, and other merry activities. Costumed living history staff demonstrate Tudor-era crafts, and performers present Shakespearean sonnets and scenes. Coffee, baked goods, and ice cream. All ages. April 26, noon to 5 p.m., at Agecroft Hall and Gardens, Richmond.

Swine & Brine. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.   

Film & Talk | Frida. Salma Hayek stars as Frida Kahlo in the acclaimed feature film, “Frida: Beyond the Myth.” The exhibition’s curator discusses the film, which captures Kahlo’s crippling injury, tempestuous marriage to Diego Rivera, and other events that influenced her art. April 26, 1 to 4 p.m. at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.

“Underwater & Uprooted: The History of Climate Gentrification and Black Displacement in Virginia” Film and Panel Discussion. Rising sea levels and climate change threaten communities across the Commonwealth, yet the burden falls disproportionately on Black residents. Exploring how environmental racism and housing injustice (redlining, urban renewal, and public housing disinvestment) have forced Black communities into flood zones and food deserts, and highlighting the work of local activists. FREE, registration required. April 26, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Black History Museum, Richmond.

Kayaking and Canoeing with the Community. In two separate sessions, learn how to have a safe and fun experience on the water. April 26: Kayaking from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Canoeing from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.; at Dorey Park lake, Henrico.

A Toast to Opera: VCU Opera’s 75th Anniversary Gala. Distinguished alumni perform alongside current students, accompanied by the VCU Symphony. Also honoring individuals who have helped shape VCU Opera into a nationally recognized program. Reception following. April 26, 7 p.m., at Sonia Vlahcevic Concert Hall, W.E. Singleton Center, Richmond.

The Jason Cale Band. Blending soulful blues rock, New Orleans funk, and jazz fusion elements into a musical gumbo, inspired by the late ’60s and early ’70s. April 26, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.

Legends on Grace: ’70s Pop Night with The Super Sugar Beats. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.

Wild + Weird. More than a dozen breweries join to present wild, funky, barrel aged, and sour beers. Plus live music and food on site. April 26 and 27 at Fine Creek Brewing, Powhatan.

Sunday, April 27

Desirée Roots Jazz Concert. The local performer presents an outdoor afternoon concert of music spanning gospel, blues, jazz, soul, and more. Take lawn chairs or blankets. April 27, 3 p.m., at the Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen.

Petersburg Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert. The sounds of spring with live symphonic music. April 27, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Petersburg High School, Petersburg.

Alyssa & Wayne Brewer – Forever George & Tammy. The husband-wife country duo plays the music of George Jones and Tammy Wynette. April 27, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Whose Live Anyway? Laugh through 90 minutes of improvised comedy and song from seasoned pros based on audience suggestions. April 27, 7:30 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

Tuesday, April 29

International Dance Day. Richmond Urban Dance showcases a mix of contemporary, street jazz, hip hop, and Afro beat, with audience participation. All ages. April 29, 6 to 7 p.m., at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, Henrico.

Scotland’s Tannahill Weavers. Traditional Celtic music, with fire-driven instrumentals and songs, haunting ballads and humor, bagpipes and fiddle. April 29, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Click here for the Richmond Squirrels 2025 schedule.

Wednesday, April 30

Silver Screen Movie – “Red.” Tickets and concessions are just one dollar. April 30, 10 a.m. to noon, at Henrico Theatre, Henrico.

Thursday, May 1

Spotlight on SPARC: Legends, Lore, and Legacy. Performances, upscale dining, and celebration benefitting SPARC’s scholarship program. Hosted by Grey Garrett with live performances from over 40 SPARC students and musical guest Zane Carney. Online silent auction is open to all. May 1, 5:30 to 9 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

An Evening with Michael Rapaport. The actor and comedian’s career spans more than three decades, more than 60 films and TV appearances. A relentless advocate for Jewish issues and critic of misinformation and hate, he discusses his dedication to raising awareness, fostering understanding, and standing in solidarity with the Jewish community. May 1, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., at Weinstein JCC, Richmond.

The High Kings. Making and sharing Irish folk music for 15 years. May 1, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Road Trip

Gardens galore

Historic Garden Week. Private properties, public gardens, and historic sites throughout Virginia – including many in Richmond – are open to the public and showing off spring blooms and landscaping. Presented by the Garden Club of Virginia to preserve Virginia’s public gardens. April 26 to May 3, throughout Virginia.

Explore future events and ongoing exhibitions and performances here.

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