More What’s Booming RVA: Aug. 29 to Sept. 5
A week of entertaining and inspiring events plus news
Richmond conflicts have forged new pathways, sometimes slowly and painfully. Honor Gabriel with two events and local LGBTQ history on an expert-led bus tour. Plus, find your fun with a ukulele master, outdoor concerts, comedy, Latin heritage, books, announcements, and more. In today’s What’s Booming, Richmond, Virginia, August 29 to September 5, 2024.
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.
August 29 to September 5
Thursday, August 29
Flowers After 5: Abrams Bridge. Live music, food, drinks, and garden beauty. This week featuring a Springsteen and the E Street Band tribute. August 29, 5 to 8 p.m., at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.
The Richmond Kickers vs. Spokane Velocity: Night at the Museums. Visit Fan Services to pick up your passport, then visit all nine participating museums throughout the concourse to get your passport stamped. Turn in your completed passport to Fan Services to enter into raffles for museum memberships, family packs, and swag. August 29, 7 p.m., at City Stadium, Richmond.
Chesterfield County Fair. A week of fair fun and a diversity of events – cow-milking, illusions and escapes, cowboy circus, pig races, dog show, foam zone, comedy hypnotist, and more – plus rides, live music, and vendors. Through Aug. 31 at the Chesterfield County Fair Grounds, Chesterfield.
“Misery.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Friday, August 30
Honoring the Plan: Gabriel’s Rebellion. Aug. 30, 1800, was the date the slave rebellion leader Gabriel and his comrades planned to launch a rebellion against slavery in Virginia. Had they not been thwarted by a terrible storm and betrayal, they might have changed the course of U.S. history. Honor the anniversary of the planned uprising at a historic place. Aug. 30, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at 2000 Park St., Henrico.
Saturday, August 31
Gabriel and a Man Named Nat: The Fight for Freedom. Explore the life of two men who changed Virginia history. Learn about their complex lives and how they both met the challenge of being enslaved in a country that stated, “All men are created equal.” Aug. 31, 2 to 3 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum, Glen Allen.
Latin Jazz and Salsa Show Festival. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
KC and The Sunshine Band. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
ZZ Top Notch. The tribute band pays homage to “that little ol’ band from Texas,” giving the audience the flavor and feel of a ZZ Top Show, with the hits, the look, the costumes, and the crowd engagement. Aug. 31, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
After Hours with Riverboat Stranger. Presenting the newest sketch show from Riverboat Stranger at downtown Richmond’s comedy venue. Aug. 31, 7 and 9 p.m., at Coalition Theater, Richmond.
Sunday, September 1
Festival of the Arts: Andrew Alli & Josh Small. The duo brings blues to the Dell stage for this open-air concert. FREE. Sept. 1, 8 p.m., at Dogwood Dell, Richmond.
Monday, September 2
HAPPY LABOR DAY!
LGBTQ Richmond Bus Tour. Explore the people, neighborhoods, and events that shaped the gay, lesbian, and queer community in Richmond. Led by Valentine director Bill Martin and Beth Marschak, author of “Lesbian and Gay Richmond.” Sept. 2, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., meeting at The Valentine, Richmond.
Tuesday, September 3
“Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human?” The Smithsonian traveling exhibition explores milestones in the evolutionary journey of becoming human. The run will include events as well. FREE. Sept. 3 to Nov. 15 at William S. Morton Library, Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond.
Wednesday, September 4
South for Winter. With a blend of dreamy acoustic duets, foot-stomping folk, and bluesy murder ballads, the trio South for Winter’s sound is as eclectic as their origins. Composed of New Zealander Nick Stone, Coloradan Dani Cichon, and Michigander Alex Stradal, the three multi-instrumentalists combine elements such as cello, acoustic guitar, mandolin, resonator guitar, foot percussion, and three-part harmonies into a genre-bending sound. Sept. 4, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Literary Virginia Virtual Book Group: “Starling House” by Alix Harrow. The online book group features Virginia authors. Loaner books available at the Library of Virginia security desk. Sept. 4, 6 to 7:30 p.m., online.
Thursday, September 5
Educator Night in Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Free refreshments and news on exciting titles for elementary and middle grade readers in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 to Oct. 15) with special guests Meg Medina, Sara Hudson, and Angela Dominguez. Sept. 5, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., at Book People, Richmond.
Westchester Concert Series: Kozy Cats. Live music on the field, chairs and blankets encouraged, and food and drink available. Sept. 5, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Westchester Concert Field, Midlothian.
“Floral Fields” Opening Reception. Reception with the artist Raven Smith for the new solo exhibition, a collection of paper-crafted floral environments reflecting a connection to natural landscapes. Sept. 5, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., artist remarks at 6:30 p.m., at Bond Millen Gallery, Richmond.
“Becoming Baba Yaga.” Richmond author Kris Spisak presents her newest book: an in-depth look at the Baba Yaga mythos and history through Slavic folklore, filled with historical and cultural context, analyses, and stories. Meet and greet, buy books, socialize. Presented by Fountain Bookstore. FREE, registration required. Sept. 5, 6 p.m., at Sam Miller’s Restaurant, Richmond.
Capturing Richmond – Style Weekly Photographer Panel. Photographers Scott Elmquist, Kent Eanes, and Stephen Salpukas captured the faces and stories of Richmond over the decades for local news. They discuss stories behind images featured in Portraits: The “Style Weekly” Photograph Archive and the process of documenting the life and culture of our region. Sept. 5, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.
60th Anniversary of the Desegregation of Brunswick High School. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Jake Shimabukuro, Ukulele Virtuoso. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Civil War in Cinema. Dr. Brian Steel Wills explores the early and controversial “The Birth of a Nation” and decades of other Civil War-related films, including “Major Dundee” starring Charlton Heston and modern releases like “Gods and Generals” and “Cold Mountain.” Sept. 5, 7 p.m., at Pamplin Historical Park, Petersburg.
Historically Speaking: The Battle of New Market Heights. The Sept. 29, 1864 battle is noted for the bravery of 14 Black soldiers, who became recipients of the United States’ highest award for military valor in action: the Medal of Honor. Learn more about the history surrounding these events. Sept. 5, 7 to 8 p.m., at Henrico Library, Libbie Mill, Richmond.
Walter Trout: Broken Tour 2024. All of us are broken. But no one is beyond repair. That’s a philosophy that Walter Trout has lived by during seven volatile decades at the heart of America’s society and blues-rock scene. Sept. 5, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
News & Announcements
BLK RVA awards, VA Voice garden walk, 2nd St. Fest, Time to Heal
2024 BLK RVA Community Awards. Winners were announced on Aug. 23 at the Hippodrome Theater, recognizing individuals, businesses, and initiatives making significant contributions to Black tourism and culture in the Richmond Region.
- Cultural Enrichment Award – Afrikana Independent Film Festival
- Culinary Heritage Award I – Richmond Black Restaurant Experience
- Cultural Preservation Award – Elegba Folklore Society
- Rooted Community Impact Award – Former CEO Team: Randy and Shirley Cooper
- Rising Community Impact Award – RVA Explore Tour
Special Focus Garden Walk Tour with Virginia Voice. The guided garden tour includes a live audio description for the visually impaired, highlighting Agecroft Hall’s 20th-century formal gardens and seasonal blooms. Accessible tour on multiple surfaces, including grass and gravel. Sept. 7, 11 to 11:45 a.m., at Agecroft Hall, Richmond.
2nd Street Festival Announces Full Performance Schedule. Marking its 36th anniversary year, the FREE annual festival celebrates the rich culture of Richmond’s historic Jackson Ward neighborhood. Visit the website for the stage schedule and other activities. Oct. 5 to 6 in Jackson Ward, Richmond.
Time to Heal. Community mindfulness with two-time Oscar-nominated actor and humanitarian Djimon Hounsou aims to reflect on a shared past and bring diverse communities together, to imagine a future of reconciliation and healing. The mindful community practice combines an African libation ceremony, meditation, breathwork, and movement to connect us as one, promote compassion and forgiveness, and strengthen community ties. (The evening is a pre-event for Run Richmond 16.19 – a 6.19k run/walk and a 16.19k run.) Registration required. Sept. 20, 5 to 8 p.m., at Main Street Station, Richmond.
Click here to make plans with this list of events to come and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
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