More What’s Booming RVA: March 14 to 21

The season of festivals is here, with more to do than time to do it! A new Julia Child exhibition, Irish-themed events, art, authors, music, veteran honors, and more. What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, March 14 to 21, 2024.

Check out the 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.

March 14 to 21

Thursday, March 14

KSB Grand Opening Celebration. A Goochland-based brewery celebrates the opening of its celestial-themed satellite location in Richmond with live music, food, and beer. Thursday, March 14, 3 p.m., at Kindred Spirit Brewing, 1626 Ownby Lane, Richmond.

Community Conversation: Willie Anne Wright and the Victorian Connection.Examining the history of Victorian decorative arts and fashion and the material culture of the past, as reflected in the artworks of Willie Anne Wright, whose first major museum exhibition is at VMFA. March 14, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.

“The Tudors By Numbers: The Stories and Statistics Behind England’s Most Infamous Royal Dynasty.” Author and speaker Carol Ann Lloyd discusses her book, with real stories behind the monarchy. March 14, 7 to 8 p.m., at Agecroft Hall and Gardens, Richmond.

2024 Virginia Festival of the Book Richmond Preview Event: Julia Ridley Smith at Fountain Books. A lively, interactive conversation with author Julia Ridley Smith, including her latest book, “Sex Romp Gone Wrong,” a collection of 12 short stories of friendship, awkward confessions, and wit. FREE. March 14, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond. March 14, 7 to 9 p.m., at Book People, Henrico.

“American Visions.” Historian Edward L. Ayers discusses his book, covering the shaping of America from 1800 to 1860, focusing on the men and women who celebrated ideals of shared humanity and free expression in the face of growing Black slavery and Native dispossession. He presents poets, novelists, artists, and musicians in the same frame as abolitionists, women’s rights advocates, and early environmentalists. March 14, 7 to 9 p.m., at Book People, Henrico.

Celtic Woman: 20th Anniversary Tour. Four young Irish women bring Irish music and culture to the stage, performing classics, contemporary songs, classical favorites, and originals. Their vocals and instrumentals are joined by an ensemble of dancers, bagpipes, and traditional Celtic instruments. March 14, 7 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.

Difficult Conversations: A Series for Caregivers – Preneeds Planning and Preparing an Estate. The series for caregivers runs through March 27, covering a different topic weekly, providing resources and sharing tactful approaches to managing challenging situations in supporting aging parents and loved ones. Call 804-501-5065 for info. March 14, 6 to 7 p.m., at Libbie Mill Library, Richmond.

Friday, March 15

Crossroads Art Center Open House/Artist Reception. Crossroads showcases both emerging and established mid-Atlantic artists across a spectrum of art forms. Artist reception on March 15. Featuring James River Art League and ceramic art exhibits, including “Liminal Spaces” and “Nature & Coalescence,” in collaboration with NCECA, the National Council of Education for Ceramic Arts. March 15, 5 to 8 p.m.; March 16, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; March 17, noon to 4 p.m.; and March 21 to 22, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; at Crossroads Art Center, Richmond.

Shamrock Shindig. An all-ages celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, with competitions, raffles, and prizes. March 15, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, Henrico.

Henrico Live: Susan Greenbaum in Concert. The long-time Richmond favorite musician produces powerful music from a small “instrument”! March 15, 7 to 8 p.m., at Henrico Theatre, Henrico.

Art for the Soul + Karaoke. Fusing fashion, art, music, and culinary delights with a focus on hip hop, R&B, Afro beats music, blended with food and the chance to make art, guided by experienced artists. March 15, 7 to 11 p.m., at Studio Two Three, Richmond.

Chris Knight. An Americana-fueled, backwoods-grown merger of folk, country, and rock. March 15, 8 p.m., at Richmond Music Hall, Richmond.

Dan & Jim: A (Sorta) Love Story. Richmond Triangle Players presents two favorite Richmond performers who serenade the audience and each other with songs and stories from their 25 years together. March 15 to 17 at Robert B. Moss Theatre, Richmond.

“War in Pieces.” Firehouse Theatre and the Virginia War Memorial Foundation present four one-act plays written by Virginia veterans and their families. March 15 to 24 at the Virginia War Memorial’s Alumni Hall, Richmond.

“Zero Hour.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Saturday, March 16

“0.9k for K-9s” K-9 Veterans Day Memorial Dog Walk. Celebrate the contributions of military and service dogs during wartime and in local communities throughout history. Dogs optional. FREE, but registration required. March 16, 10 a.m., at the Virginia War Memorial, Richmond.

Church Hill Irish Festival. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Women’s History Tour of Woodland Cemetery. A walking tour highlighting women who helped shape our regions, like Zenobia Gilpin, Elizabeth Gaiters, Elnora Branch, Florence Ragland, and more. March 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Woodland Cemetery, Richmond.

First Drafts and Bagels: Swallow the Sky. Take in mimosas, bagels, and the creative process of making a new play, with playwrights, directors, performers. March 16, noon to 2 p.m., at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.

Shamrock the Block. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Lucky Number 7 Anniversary Party. Celebrate with the release of 1581 estate cider, a reserve flight featuring vintage ciders from 2015-2017, case discounts and growler fill specials, the best of tasting room foods, plus ciders, beer, and wine. March 16, noon to 7 p.m., at Courthouse Creek Cider, Goochland.

“A Grave Robbery.” Author Deanna Raybourn talks about her newest Veronica Speedwell book. March 16, 1 p.m., at Sam Miller’s, Richmond.

Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Wanda Sykes: Please & Thank You. The tell-it-like-it-is standup comic, writer, actor, and producer. March 16, 5 and 7 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

Women’s History Month Movie Night. Celebrate a team of female African-American mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program. March 16, 6 p.m., at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, Henrico.

“Julia Child: A Recipe for Life.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Sunday, March 17

Celtic Celebration. The GreenSpring Harp Ensemble and Choristers present a concert inspired by the rich tradition of harp and choir music from Scotland, Ireland, Wales, England, and beyond. Repertoire ranges from lively to introspective, sacred to secular, familiar and beloved. March 17, 2 to 3 p.m., at St. John’s United Church of Christ, Richmond.

From Darkness to Light. The Richmond Choral Society, accompanied by orchestra, presents “Lux Aeterna” by Morten Lauridsen and “Illuminare” by Elaine Hagenberg, two works that exemplify the solemnity and promise of the Lenten season. March 17, 4 to 5:30 p.m., at Grace Baptist Church, Richmond.

Irish Brunch. A tapas-inspired brunch with Irish-inspired foods and drinks, like Irish stout stew, Irish egg bites, and Shamrock shandy, plus ciders, beer, and wine. March 17, noon to 5 p.m., at Courthouse Creek Cider, Goochland.

Virginia Women Veterans Week. Honor the women who have and continue to serve in the U.S. military.

• Virtual presentation by the Military Women’s Memorial in Arlington on Zoom (passcode: 995495) on March 19, 7 to 8 p.m., online.
• Virtual presentation by the U.S. Army Women’s Museum, Fort Gregg-Adams (passcode: 497429) on March 20, 6 to 7 p.m., online.
• Capstone Event. The Virginia Department of Veterans Services hosts a ceremony unveiling Virginia’s new “Support Women Veterans” license plate and presenting a special lapel pin to women veterans on March 21, 9 a.m., at the Virginia War Memorial, Richmond.

Tuesday, March 19

VSU Ag Fest Block Party: “Growing a Climate for Tomorrow.” Music, food, entertainment, and interactive STEM-related learning exhibits for all ages, highlighting the importance of agriculture, even on everyday life. FREE. March 19, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at VSU Foster Hall on University Ave., Petersburg.

Virtual Artist Talk. Kansas City photographer Elijah Gowin discusses his work, which uses photography to speak about ritual, landscape and memory. Presented by Page Bond Gallery. March 19, noon, online.

The Art of the Cocktail Tasting & Recipe Demonstration. Learn the history of gin, gin botanicals, and how the spirit is made, then see how to craft five cocktails that highlight the history and versatility of gin. March 19, 5 to 7 p.m., at Virago Spirits, Richmond.

“Guardians of the Valley.” Launching the book’s paperback edition, author Dean King talks about John Muir’s journey to save Yosemite. March 19, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Sam Miller’s, Richmond.

New Works Festival by Studio Two. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Wednesday, March 20

The Centennial of the Passage of the Racial Integrity Act of 1924. As a complement to the Library’s “Indigenous Perspectives” exhibition, a panel discusses the law designed to prevent interracial marriage, its impact on Virginia’s Indigenous communities, and its long-lasting legacies. March 20, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.

“The Exvangelicals.” Author and NPR correspondent Sarah McCammon looks at the post-evangelical movement. March 20, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Sam Miller’s, Richmond.

Two New Ceramics Exhibitions. Opening reception, March 22, 6 to 9 p.m.; exhibitions run March 20 to Aug. 17 at the Black History Museum, Richmond.

• NCECA Multicultural Fellowship ceramics exhibition includes pieces from tabletop vases to life-sized creations representing the theme “Coalescence.” Artists come from various backgrounds, showing the value of diversity and of ceramic arts.
• “Like the Dust Settles in Layers, So Does the Story” ceramics exhibition invites viewers to challenge stereotypes related to communities, environments, race, economics, and societal roles, focusing on the themes of self-reflection, strength, and the beauty of resilience during challenging times.

Thursday, March 21

“The Tory’s Wife: A Woman and Her Family in Revolutionary America.” Author Cynthia A. Kierner tells of Jane Spurgin, a patriot who supported the American Revolution and wife of a loyalist who fought for the king, then abandoned his family after the war. Kierner shows how the revolution drew women into the public sphere to claim citizenship and rights. March 21, noon, online on YouTube and Facebook and in person at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

Matt Lively: Opening Reception. The artist has been enhancing walls inside and out for decades. This new collection spans 27 years and includes his first Beecycle painting (“Beecycle Dirigible,” 1997). Opening reception on March 21, 6 to 9 p.m. Exhibition runs through May 5. At Gramaphone, Richmond.

Science on Tap: STEMpunk. Adults only for four hours of smart, retrofuturistic science fun, inspired by the touring exhibition, Discover Steampunk. Activities, food trucks, and themed bars – create your own steampunk-inspired goggles, play the giant Operation game, decode secret messages using Morse code, and much more. March 21, 6 to 10 p.m., at the Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond.

Benjamin Franklin Butler. As part of The Civil War & Remaking America Spring Lecture Series, Dr. Elizabeth Leonard explores how Butler’s prewar identity, character, and views, his skills and weaknesses, shaped the Union general he became. March 21, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the American Civil War Museum – Tredegar, Richmond.

Road Trips

Highland County Maple Festival. Enjoy one of Virginia’s sweetest natural products in some of the commonwealth’s most beautiful countryside. Explore sugar camps to see the tapping of the trees, eat pancakes, buckwheat cakes, and maple doughnuts, take in live entertainment, explore the juried arts and crafts vendors, and more. March 16 and 17 in Highland County, Virginia.

Military Through the Ages. Centuries of military history unfold in one weekend, from 500 B.C.E. to present day, with re-enactments, music, and demonstrations of artillery and military equipment. March 16 and 17 at Jamestown Settlement.

The Director’s Series: Joseph McGill. Executive director Christy S. Coleman chats with McGill, who has a 30-year career in public history, is founder of the Slave Dwelling Project, which allows people to sleep in extant slave dwellings to raise awareness and preservation of these often-neglected structures, and is author of “Sleeping with the Ancestors.” March 20, 7 p.m., at Jamestown Settlement’s Robins Foundation Theater, Jamestown.

Virginia Festival of the Book. Five days of literary conversations and lively parties with locally and nationally renowned authors. March 20 to 24, at various locations around Charlottesville.

News Worth Knowing

‘Beetlejuice’ tickets, Canal cruises, adventures, and Legends

Anticipation … !

Click here to make plans with this list of events to come and ongoing exhibitions and performances.

Follow What’s Booming on Boomer, updated every Thursday.

And sign up at the bottom of our website for our twice-weekly newsletter.

Submit your event here.