More What’s Booming RVA: June 15 to 22
Events for Dad and the rest of the fam, celebrations of June 19, and more
Check out the Boomer Top 5 picks in RVA, browse the week ahead … below … or go to our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
June 15 to 22
What’s happening in and around the Richmond region
Thursday, June 15
“Crow Mary” with Kathleen Grissom. The NYT-bestselling author speaks with Sadeqa Johnson about her latest book, the story of an indigenous woman torn between two worlds in 19th-century America. June 15, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Richmond Library Main Branch, Richmond.
Dinner on the Infield. Dine on the Squirrels baseball infield, play games, sip on drinks from the open bar, and dance to live music. Benefits Squirrels’ All-Star Legacy and Richmond 34 Scholarships. June 15, 6 to 10 p.m., at The Diamond, Richmond.
Curator’s Talk: “Benjamin Wigfall and Communications Village.” The Richmond-born artist’s career centered on the relationship between art and community. June 15, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
Friday, June 16
Tank and the Bangas (8:00pm) with Piranha Rama (6:30pm) at Friday Cheers.Richmond’s favorite outdoor summer concert series continues. June 16, 6 to 9:30 p.m., on Brown’s Island, Richmond.
Wait Wait Stand-Up Tour. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Maymont Summer Kickoff Concert Under the Stars. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Festival of the Arts: Juneteenth. The 66th edition of Richmond’s Dogwood Dell celebration, with Desiree Roots and Friends (Friday, June 16, at 8 p.m., Dogwood Dell), Legacy Band (Saturday, June 17, at 8 p.m., Dogwood Dell), and Festival & Fireworks (Sunday, June 18, 3 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m., at 3101 Wharf St.), Richmond.
Juneteenth Recognition at Richmond Hill. Honoring freedom for all, especially of Black Americans, the ecumenical Christian fellowship community offers Prayers & Lunch (June 15 at noon), “The Warmth” Reading (June 16, 7 p.m., on Zoom), Tour of the Trail of Enslaved Africans (June 17, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.), and Worship & Community Dinner (June 20, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.). At Richmond Hill, Richmond.
Saturday, June 17
Music on the Lawn. Presenting local roots music band Goats on a Leash. FREE, but reservations required: 804-748-1498. June 17, noon to 2 p.m., at Magnolia Grange House Museum, Chesterfield.
Juneteenth Celebration at Dorey Park. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Juneteenth at Hardywood Richmond, Powered by Unlocking RVA. Live music, spoken word/poetry readings, and a live art walk with local artists and vendors. June 17, noon to 8 p.m., at Hardywood Pizza Kitchen & Taproom, Richmond.
Richmond Official Pride Bar Crawl. Members of the LGBTQ+ community as well as allies are invited to hop around to six welcoming bars and clubs in the city. June 17, 3 to 10 p.m., Richmond.
Reggie Rice’s Fool of Illusions. A family-friendly show of magic, comedy, and foolish antics. June 17, 7 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.
Tredegar History Tours. Learn about the largest iron foundry in the southern U.S., which made more than half of the cannons for the Confederate army and the thick armor plating for the Ironclad CSS Virginia (Merrimack). June 17 and 18, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., at the American Civil War Museum at Tredegar, Richmond.
Father’s Day Weekend at Courthouse Creek. Smash burgers, live music, Paw Paw Cider release, and plenty more cider and beer. June 17 and 18 at Courthouse Creek Cider, Goochland.
Sunday, June 18
Free Admission for Dads. June 18 at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Dads at the Diamond and Juneteenth Event. Flea Market with more than 100 vendors (vintage clothing, sneakers, home goods, and more) plus kid- and dad-friendly events and activities and prizes, food trucks, and entertainment. Black-owned organizer and 75% Black-owned vendors. June 18, noon to 6 p.m., at The Diamond, Richmond.
Keg ’n’ Oyster Fest. Hardywood’s traditional Father’s Day event of beer, oysters, and more food and music. June 18, noon to 8 p.m., at Hardywood West Creek, Goochland.
Riders in the Sky. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
We the Kingdom. A blend of pop, country, folk, and rock rooted in worship. June 18, 7 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Monday, June 19
Juneteenth Freedom Celebration. Live music, dance performances, and fun. A partnership between The Love Movement and the Black History Museum of Virginia. FREE. June 19, noon to 7 p.m., at Brambly Park, Richmond.
Juneteenth Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The tribute to the 60th anniversary of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech is based on stories and facts about his life, with music and spoken word. The performance features Desirée Roots and her brother, Rev. Dr. Arthur L. Roots. FREE, registration required. June 19, 7 to 8 p.m., at Meadowbrook High School, North Chesterfield.
Tuesday, June 20
The Voice of the Moody Blues: Justin Hayward. Soak in the sounds of the legendary performer and backing musicians, including guitar player Mike Dawes. June 20, 7:30 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Wednesday, June 21
Henrico Bingo: African American History Edition. Ages 10+ are welcome to play and learn about Henrico African American trailblazers. June 21, 2 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.
Kia Bennett at Summer Nights at the Perk! The series kicks off this week with music, drinks, food, art activities, and fun. June 21, 6 to 8 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.
“Ecosomatics: Embodiment Practices for a World in Search of Healing” Launch Party. Meet the author, get the book, and learn how ecosomatics – embodiment work for personal and planetary health – can shift our consciousness and raise our awareness. June 21, 6:30 p.m., at Manchester Table, Richmond.
Essentials of Craft Beer. A two-night mini-course provides an overview of the fundamentals of beer terms, styles, ingredients, history, brewing process, industry practices, and more, with beer samples to bring the lessons to life. June 21 and 28, 6 to 8 p.m. each night, at Ardent Craft Ales, Richmond.
“Native Gardens.” Cadence Theatre presents hot-button comedy about a high-powered couple who transform their yard into a lovely native garden – next door to a blooming brigade of non-native plants. June 23 to 26 on the Wilton House Museum lawn, Richmond.
Thursday, June 22
The Virginia Venture. Ordinary women, children, and men in England contributed to (and sometimes opposed) the colonization of the first permanent English colony in America, Jamestown. Learn about this history as it unfolded across England. FREE. June 22, noon, hosted by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, streamed on YouTube and Facebook.
Henrico Bingo: African American History Edition. Ages 10+ are welcome to play and learn about Henrico African American trailblazers. June 22, 2 p.m., at Belmont Recreation Center, Henrico.
All-Abilities Fun @PARK365. Fun, accessible activities for all ages, with food trucks and music on site. June 22 partners with the YMCA of Greater Richmond, which includes accessible programs. July 20 features Sportable, which makes sports accessible and inclusive for individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments. June 22, July 20, and Aug. 17, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. each day, at Park365, Richmond.
Pride Unhappy Hour at the Poe Museum. Live music from gay indie-pop artist Landon Elliott, libations from Hardywood, and food from TBT El Gallo. June 22, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Poe Museum, Richmond.
“My Garden of a Thousand Bees” Movie Screening. An English gardener filmed more than 60 species of bees, from Britain’s largest bumblebees to tiny scissor bees, and notes differences in behavior. FREE, registration required. June 22, 7 p.m., at 4301 E. Parham Rd., Henrico.
“SOUND OF THE GUNS” World Premiere. Based on writer, composer, and performer Jim O’Ferrell’s personal experiences, the story encompasses two long days in a soldier’s life, in 2006 in the Iraq War and 2016 as a veteran. The performance includes four actors backed by rock music from The J.O.B., featuring songs that O’Ferrell wrote about his years as a soldier and a veteran. Ten performances from June 22 to July 14 at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.
The Taters at Main Line. A boomer favorite band at a boomer favorite venue. Cheers! June 22, 7 p.m., at Main Line Brewery, Richmond.
News to whet your anticipation
Richmond International Film Festival Announced. Final selections have been made for the 12th annual RIFF – more than 160 films from the U.S. and 15 other countries – plus musical performances, panels, awards, mixers, and more. Sept. 26 to Oct. 1, Richmond.
- PLUS RIFF will host a First Friday event on Aug. 4 to unveil the festival theme and poster reveal – details TBA.
- PLUS RIFF Partnership for the Heartstrings Music Festival, joining with BoxCar Entertainment, to support the unhoused and mental health awareness and foster local community. Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 at the Hippodrome Theater, Richmond.
- PLUS RIFF + Virginia Breeze Radio Partnership. Interviews on Richmond’s own online music channel, featuring interviews and music of musicians and filmmakers. Details TBA.
Fall Citizens Police Academy in Chesterfield County. The county is now accepting applications for the morning academy (Aug. 3 to Sept. 14) and the evening academy (Sept. 12 to Oct. 24). Visit the website for more information.
“Sign Spotting: Richmond’s Signage” Now with Audio Description Tour. The Valentine has partnered with Virginia Voice to create an audio tour for its newest exhibition. Through May 31, 2024, at The Valentine, Richmond.
Run Richmond 16.19 Returns. The history of Richmond, Virginia – from the beginnings of the transatlantic slave trade to the American Civil War and the toppling of the confederate statues on Monument Avenue – encapsulates the history of the nation itself. It hence offers the ideal setting for RUN RICHMOND 16.19, the cultural running event that lets you experience over 400 years of Black history as you run with community. Featuring 16.19K (10 mile) and 6.19K (3.8 mile) courses. This event is organized by the Djimon Hounsou Foundation in collaboration with the City of Richmond, BHMVA, and Sports Backers. Sept. 30 in downtown Richmond.
Featured regional events
Firefly Festival. Look down from the High Bridge on the many fireflies flashing above the Appomattox River valley, plus a ranger talk, activities, and insect displays. June 16 and 17, 9 to 11 p.m. both days, at High Bridge State Park, Camp Paradise parking area, Rice.
Williamsburg Live. The Virginia Arts Festival has announced headliners, including The Wood Brothers, Shovels & Rope, Kenny Loggins, Yacht Rock Revue, and Keb’ Mo’. June 16 to 18 on The Lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg.
Virginia State Parks History & Culture Day. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Juneteenth at Colonial Williamsburg. Special programming, including “Answer the Call” music event, master blacksmith Darryl Reeves, “A Taste of Freedom” on Americus Weston, and the “Freedom’s Paradox” tour. Free admission to the Historic Area and Art Museums on June 19, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Colonial Williamsburg.
Israel Hill: The Free People of Farmville. Learn about this communal experiment of limited social and economic freedom for over 100 formerly enslaved people, engaging in business opportunities and land ownership. June 15, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the ACWM-Appomattox.
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