More What’s Booming RVA: Jan. 2 to 9
A week of inspiring and entertaining events plus news of more to come
Start the new year with old history – a wise way to understand the past and work toward a better future! Plus music, art, mead, and more. In “What’s Booming in RVA, January 2 to 9.”
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.
January 2 to 9
Thursday, January 2
“Shipwrecked: A True Civil War Story of Mutinies, Jailbreaks, Blockade-Running, and the Slave Trade.” Dr. Jonathan White examines a swashbuckling sea captain whose life intersected with important moments, movements, and individuals of the mid-19th century, from the California Gold Rush, the Civil War and Reconstruction, and the Lincoln Administration’s efforts to stop the illegal trans-Atlantic slave trade. January 2, 7 p.m., at Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, Petersburg.
Arnold’s Raid and Revolutionary War Battle. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
A Month of Poe. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Friday, January 3
Benedict Arnold’s Raid Encampment. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
First Fridays at the VMHC. Free museum admission, family-friendly activities, drink specials, food trucks – this month only, special screening of “The LEGO Movie 2.” FREE. Sept. 6, 5 to 8 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Richmond.
First Fridays Opening Reception: A Midnight Dreary – A Poe Celebration. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Pamela Williams The Saxtress. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Saturday, January 4
Re-enactor Camps and Demonstrations. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Symbols and Sentiment of Blandford Cemetery, Part 1. Historic Blandford Cemetery in Petersburg is home to over 300 years of history. Much of that history is preserved in the symbols, sentiment, and sculptures featured on tombstones from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries and help tell the stories of the people buried here. Learn more in this PowerPoint presentation. Jan. 4, noon to 1 p.m., at Magnolia Grange, Chesterfield.
3-Year Anniversary. Funktastic Meads & Beer celebrates its birthday with bottle releases, past favorite meads, an anniversary stout, and Tazza Kitchen pizza specials. Jan. 4, 1 to 10 p.m., at Funktastic Meads, Midlothian.
Shadows of the Night. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Sunday, January 5
History and Preservation in Church Hill. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
2025 Writer’s Den Poetry Grand Slam. Finalists return to see who will make the team that represents Richmond on a national level. Jan. 5, 8 p.m., at Studio Two Three, Richmond.
Tuesday, January 7
3 in 30 | The Reinstallation of Hubert Robert. Explore three art objects in 30 minutes. This week features Hubert Robert’s 1773 painting “The Finding of the Laocoön,” its reinstallation in the European galleries, and its connection to other works in the collection. FREE. Jan. 7, 11 a.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, and Jan. 9 online.
Cold War Virginia. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Greater Richmond Rockstar Connect Networking Event. Network and nurture relationships for career building. FREE. Jan. 7, 6 to 8 p.m., at River City Roll.
Dancing with the Stars: Live! 2025 Tour. See glitz, glam, athleticism, artistry, and breathtaking performances. Jan. 7, 7:30 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Israeli & Jewish Film Festival. Six films with Israeli and Jewish connections. Jan. 7 to 26, at various venues, Richmond.
Wednesday, January 8
Literary Virginia Book Group – “The House Is on Fire.” Discuss Virginia literature in an online group, this month featuring a historical fiction take on the tragic 1811 Richmond theater fire. Hosted by the Library of Virginia. FREE, registration required. Jan. 8, 6 to 7:30 p.m., online.
Amythyst Kiah. Tennessee-bred singer, songwriter, and guitarist Amythyst Kiah explores a deep-rooted affinity for Eastern philosophies and spiritual traditions, a connection with the natural environment, the life lessons as a self-described “anime-nerd mall goth.” Jan. 8, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
X-Cops. A unique blend of punk rock and alternative music from a band born in the 1990s, presenting fan favorites and new material that showcases their evolution. Jan. 8, 8 p.m., at Richmond Music Hall, Richmond.
Thursday, January 9
Game On! Compete against friends and family in a game of Jeopardy! Play individually or with a team. Ages 13+. Jan. 9, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, Henrico.
Conversation | Portraiture and Identity in the South. Join artists Jill Frank, Tommy Kha, and José Ibarra Rizo in conversation about portraiture and identity in Southern photography. Jan. 9, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
Yes! You Can Do It – Tiling. Learn the basics of tiling, including materials, tools, and supplies. Ages 18+ Jan. 9, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, Henrico.
Last Train Home. For more than a quarter century, the band has blended rock and country and bluegrass with swing and sambas, Tin Pan Alley and indie, lush pop and barrelhouse blues. Jan 9, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
News to Know
2025 dates for your calendar
Richmond Kickers Announce Their 2025 Schedule. From March through October, find out when and where to get your kicks.
Maymont Announces the Dates of Its Signature Events.
- April 19 – Dominion Energy Family Easter – family fun on the Carriage House Lawn
- April 26 – Herbs Galore – a giant plant and garden accessories sale
- May 17 – Vintage on the Green, presented by Capital Square – black-tie fundraising gala
- June 6 – Summer Kickoff Concert – local bands in the great outdoors
- September 20-21 – Bier-Garden – a German-style fall festival
- October 15 to November 9 – Garden Glow – the immersive outdoor experience
Click here to make plans with this list of events to come and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
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