More What’s Booming RVA: June 20 to 27
A week of events to keep you entertained and inspired
Celebrate nostalgia with old favorite music, a memorable actor and other icons – plus honey bees and tie dye, history, sports, and theater, in our very own Richmond, Virginia, June 20 to 27, 2024.
To fine-tune your calendar, check out:
- Boomer Top 5 picks in RVA here,
- Browse the week ahead below, and
- Go to our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
June 20 to 27
Thursday, June 20
Flowers After 5. Live music from The Orbital Blues Band in the Grace Arents Garden, with food and drink vendors to complement the music. June 20, 5 p.m., at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.
“Justice for Ourselves” Book Launch. A new book from Library of Virginia historians sheds light on Black Virginians who defined and realized their freedom after slavery, men and women who persevered to create a new world for themselves and subsequent generations. The authors will be joined in conversation by U.S. Representative Jennifer McClellan and NPS Ranger Ajena Cason Rogers. FREE, registration required. June 20, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.
Pride Unhappy Hour. Music by Pretty Bitter and drag performance by Sweet Pickles, alongside Benchtop beer, wines, and food from 1115 Mobile Kitchen. June 20, 6 to 9 p.m., at The Poe Museum, Richmond.
Henrico Community Concert Band. Take your lawn chair or blanket for music under the stars. June 20, 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Walkerton Tavern, Glen Allen.
The Forgotten Soldiers of Juneteenth. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Friday, June 21
“Eyes Wide Open.” The art quilts of Michelle Wilkie, native New Zealander and now U.S. resident. The upper gallery will feature “The Photography of Gary D. Jones, A collection of images and memories of Petersburg, the town where I grew up.” Opening reception for Wilkie on June 21, 5 to 8 p.m. Exhibits through Aug. 3 at Petersburg Area Art League (PAAL) gallery, Petersburg.
Sips & Strings. The inaugural concert at the new venue features bluegrass from South Hill Banks and Harwell Grice Band. June 21, 6 p.m., at Henrico Sports & Events Center, Glen Allen.
Richmond Ivy vs. Eagle FC. See Richmond’s hot new women’s soccer team. June 21, 7 p.m., at City Stadium, Richmond.
A Midsummer Night’s Slam. A Shakespeare and Spoken Word night created exclusively for the Festival of the Arts, with music, spoken word, and choreography. June 21, 8 p.m., at Dogwood Dell, Richmond.
“9 to 5, The Musical.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Ron Bosse with Jeff Lorber. The Burning Room Only Tour brings together Bosse’s edgy, deeply funky, wildly adventurous and intensely melodic sound with Lorber’s storied jazz. The tour and the album of the same name present uber funky and high-energy songs. Jan. 21, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Saturday, June 22
Chesterfield Honey Bee Festival. Bee and pollinator education, honey tasting, children’s activities, local artisans, food trucks, live music, and more, June 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, Chesterfield.
Tie Dye Workshop – An Introduction to Ice. Experienced crafters share their techniques. Ticket includes one T-shirt plus equipment to create a custom shirt. (BYO shirt for $10 off.) Mead, beer, or NA beverage while you work. June 22, 1 p.m., at 2004 Dabney Rd., Richmond.
“The Elixir: Journey On” with Richmond Author E. G. Kardos. Presenting Book Three of The Elias Chronicles series. Sixteen-year-old Elias embarks on a perilous journey through the enigmatic Isle of Eahta, facing off against formidable dark forces in a tale of courage, friendship, and self-discovery, woven with captivating characters, enchanting creatures, and potent magic. June 22, 1 to 3 p.m., at Book People, Henrico.
History in Focus: Murder, Mayhem and Natural Causes. Before Sherlock Holmes and C.S.I., how were suspicious deaths investigated? Join us for this focused presentation as we examine Mosby Sheppard’s career as a coroner during the early 1800s in Henrico County. June 22, 2 to 3 p.m., at Belmont Recreation Center, Henrico.
River City Roller Derby Double Header. The local teams take on Bradentucky. River City RIOT takes on Bradentucky A Team and River City Rats take on the B Team. June 22, 5 to 9 p.m., at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, Richmond.
The Richmond Kickers vs. Northern Colorado Hailstorm. Pride Night and soccer. July 1, 7 p.m., at City Stadium, Richmond.
A Tribute to the Music of Motown. The 14-piece Brencore Allstars Band presents some of the greatest Motown hits, like The Temptations, Four Tops, Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, and more. June 22, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Festival of Arts Presents: Plunky and Oneness. Take in a soulful evening under the stars with the infectious rhythms and positive vibes of a local legend. June 22, 8 p.m., at Dogwood Dell, Richmond.
Sunday, June 23
Juneteenth Freedom Celebration. The Love Movement Social Event Series and the Black History Museum presents a day of celebration and commemoration. Food, vendors, education, and live music. FREE. June 23, noon to 7 p.m., at Brambly Park, Richmond.
Artisan Market at The Veil. Shop small with local artisans selling handmade home décor, art, jewelry, apparel, candles, and more. June 23, 1 to 6 p.m., at The Veil – Forest Hill, Richmond.
Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons: The Last Encore Tour. The original Jersey boy himself, Frankie Valli is a true American legend. His incredible career with the Four Seasons, as well as his solo success, has spawned countless hits: “Sherry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “December ’63 – Oh What A Night,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” and “Grease.” June 23, 8 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Monday, June 24
Virginia Tango Summer Bootcamp. Learn the tango in this extensive two-week program. Come in knowing zero (with or without a partner) and leave knowing all the basics of this popular Argentinian social dance. June 24, 6:30 p.m., to July 6, 9 p.m., at Tangueros, Richmond.
Tuesday, June 25
Shaping Family History into Compelling Stories. Virtual master class from James River Writers with memoirist Annette Gendler. Do you have family stories in your head or trinkets, photographs, letters, or family documents with which you always wanted to “do something?” This workshop will explore different approaches to creating compelling stories from family history: how to develop a narrative, do research, and transform material into a story. June 25, 6 to 8 p.m., online.
“Looking for Andy Griffith” with Author Evan Dalton Smith. Andy Griffith (1926-2012) captured America’s heart as Sheriff Andy Taylor. Author Evan Dalton Smith was born four decades after Andy, an hour south of the actor’s North Carolina hometown. Both men grew up in similar places, and both faced tragedy. Through Andy Griffith’s story, Smith looks at celebrity and self, on home and leaving home, on why we love and admire the people we do. Through telling Griffith’s life, Smith finds his own story. June 25, 7 to 9 p.m., at Book People, Henrico.
“Remembering Paule: Her Richmond Years”: Author Talk. Dr. Daryl Cumber Dance shares stories of her longtime personal and professional relationship with Paule Marshall, the renowned novelist, MacArthur Fellowship recipient, and Virginia Commonwealth University professor emeritus. The book tells of two friends, both committed truth-tellers, teachers, cultural critics, writers, and activists who wielded their pens to revolutionize their literary world. Marshall is often hailed as the matriarch of the Black Women’s Literary Renaissance, and Dance has been dubbed the Dean of American folklore for her work in African American and Jamaican folklore. June 25, 6 to 7 p.m., at Richmond Public Library / Main Library, Richmond.
Richmond Flying Squirrels vs. Somerset Patriots. Go Nutz and have Funn with professional baseball, giveaways, and fireworks on featured nights. For your chance to score a pair of free tickets, follow our Tuesday Boomer newsletter or Facebook. June 25 to 30 at The Diamond, Richmond.
Wednesday, June 26
Summer Nights at the Perk: Chan Hall Trio. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Silver Screen Movie – Book Club: “The Next Chapter.” The monthly movie series offers new and classic favorites, with tickets and concessions still just one dollar. June 26, 10 a.m., at Henrico Theatre, Highland Springs.
Through the Spectacles of Ethiopia: Garveyism, Black Judaism and the Virginia Commonwealth. The project, led by the founder of the Black Judaic Heritage Center, delves into the intersection of Garveyism, Black Judaism, and early 20th-century Virginia, including the influence of Marcus Garvey’s philosophy on Black Judaic/Jewish groups in Virginia. June 26, 4:30 to 8 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
On the Air Radio Players presents Cosmic Chronicles: A Sci-Fi Radio Show. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Thursday, June 27
“Wild, Tamed, Lost, Revived: The Surprising Story of Apples in the South.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
“Plain Paths and Dividing Lines: Navigating Native Land and Water in the Seventeenth-Century Chesapeake.” Historian Dr. Jessica L. Taylor discusses her book, which follows the Native peoples and the newcomers who crossed emerging boundaries surrounding Indigenous towns and developing English plantations in the 17th-century Chesapeake Bay area. FREE, registration required. June 27, noon to 1 p.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.
Mike Birbiglia: Please Stop the Ride. The comedian and actor weaves comedy with relatable stories. June 27, 7 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Road Trips
Music and Makers
The Beach Boys at Williamsburg Live. The Beach Boys are led by Mike Love, who, along with longtime member Bruce Johnston, musical director Brian Eichenberger, Christian Love, Tim Bonhomme, Jon Bolton, Keith Hubacher, Randy Leago, and John Wedemeyer continue the legacy of the iconic band. June 21, 5:30 p.m., on The Lawn of the Art Museum of Colonial Williamsburg.
Boomer Audrey Hingley on memories of The Beach Boys
Historic Menokin’s Makers Day. Craft demonstrations and activities, gift shopping, and food trucks. Demonstrations and sale booths include chair making, glassblowing, basketry, brick making, woodworking, stained glass, quilting, and more. Plus learn about innovative renovations at Menokin, home of signer of the Declaration of Independence Francis Lightfoot Lee. June 22, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Menokin, Warsaw.
“1776: The Musical” at Poplar Forest. Founding Fathers take the stage in this rousing musical that details the events leading to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, capturing the spirit of the Revolutionary Era. June 27 to 29, 7:30 p.m. nightly, at Poplar Forest, Forest.
News & Announcements
The founding of our nation and honoring its heroes
Chesterfield Announces the “1774 Chesterfield Resolves” Performance. As part of the county’s celebration of the coming 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Chesterfield Historical Society of Virginia will hold an interactive performance marking local burgesses and citizens who approved supporting Massachusetts in their struggle against British rule, laying the groundwork for the American Revolution and rejection of the British parliament’s claim of supreme authority over the American colonies. Attendees at the performance will be able to experience if they are for or against the Resolves and if they would join the rebels. FREE, registration required. July 13, 2 p.m., at the Historic 1917 Courthouse, Chesterfield.
Volunteers Still Needed for Planting Flags for Hill of Heroes. Each year, the Virginia War Memorial places 12,000 flags on the hillside to honor Virginians killed in service to the country from WWI to today. June 28: installation from 8 to 10 a.m.; celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; at the Virginia War Memorial, Richmond.
Click here to make plans with this list of events to come and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
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