More What’s Booming RVA: March 20 to 27
A week of entertaining and inspiring events plus a day trip and news
Learn more about Richmond’s wealth of history: colonists who battled the Powhatan Confederacy, 250 years of patriotism and puzzles, slave trading, Civil War soldiers, Donut Dollies, accomplished women, Pat Nixon, and more. Plus Richmond presents films and theater, a rainbow of music, flowers, and comedy. Plus news (Steve Earle fans, heads up!) and a day trip. In “RVA Events & News: March 20 to 27, 2025.”
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.
March 20 to 27, 2025
Thursday, March 20
Salad Container Garden Workshop. Create a beautiful container garden and learn how to care for it with guidance from Maymont staff in this make-and-take workshop. Two workshops to choose from. March 20, 6 to 8 p.m., at Maymont, Richmond.
Up Above My Head: A Tribute to Sister Rosetta Tharpe. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Jiaoying Summers. With a blend of unique observational humor from a Chinese immigrant’s perspective and personal anecdotes, Summers connects with audiences from all walks of life. Her fearlessness and dark humor are heavily inspired by her comedy icon Joan Rivers. March 20, 7 p.m., at Funny Bone Comedy Club, Richmond.
Candlelight Celtic. Classic Irish tunes, songs, and stories, surrounded by the glow of more than 1,000 candles. March 20, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.
James River Film Festival. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Friday, March 21
History at the Memorial: “Donut Dollies – 627 Women Who Also Served in Vietnam.” The premiere of a documentary telling the untold stories of the female Red Cross workers who volunteered for a year of duty in Vietnam to boost morale of American service members. FREE. March 21, noon, at the Virginia War Memorial, Richmond.
Herpetology Hunt. Participants learn how to safely locate and identify a variety of animals living in our parks. (This program requires walking through some potentially slippery areas.) All ages. March 21, 1:30 to 3 p.m., at Echo Lake Park, Glen Allen.
Boom of Blooms: Seed Bombs. Craft seed bombs using native seeds, to support and encourage native pollinators. March 21, 3 to 4:30 p.m., at Echo Lake Park, Glen Allen.
Abacab. Live performance paying tribute to the music of Genesis, Phil Collins, and Peter Gabriel. March 21, 7:30 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Legends of R&B “Tribute to The Isley Brothers, Maxwell, & Gap Band.” Three talented musicians paying tribute to musical heroes. March 21, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Jamie Lissow. The comedian and actor is a weekly guest on late-night talk show “Gutfeld!” He starred in two seasons of the Netflix “Real Rob” and recently wrapped his first movie, “Daddy Daughter Trip,” alongside John Cleese, Rob Schneider, and Micheal Bublé. March 21 to 23 at Funny Bone, Richmond.
“The Laramie Project.” Goochland Community Theatre pulls back the curtains through a theatrical performance based on interviews of the people of Laramie, Wyoming, after the murder of 21-year-old Matthew Shepard. March 21 to 23 at Eagle Theater, Goochland.
“Into the Woods.” The Sondheim musical presented by The Specialty Center for the Arts at Thomas Dale High School. March 21 to 23 at Thomas Dale High School, Chester.
Richmond Italian Film Festival. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Saturday, March 22
Central Virginia Coin Club Show. US, foreign, and ancient coins and currency available to buy, sell, and trade. Free parking, admission, and appraisals. ANACS accepting submissions for grading. March 22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at American Legion Post 284, 505 Springdale Avenue, Colonial Heights.
Literature & Her. Celebrating women authors with readings, crafts, teas, and pastries. Explore the poetry of the women Edgar Allan Poe knew like Frances Osgood and Sarah Helen Whitman. Or, read the works of Mary Shelley, Jane Austen, Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, and other women who influenced the literary sphere in the 19th century. A guided tour of the museum focusing on the women in Poe’s life begins at 11 a.m. March 22, 10 a.m. to noon, at The Poe Museum, Richmond.
“The Present Peace May Be Disturbed.” English colonists and the Powhatan Confederacy began an eight-year peace in 1614, but the peace was shattered on March 22, 1622. An exhibit and historical interpreters explore the people and events around the uprising and the destruction of the Falling Creek Ironworks; plus tours and a lecture. FREE. March 22, 10 a.m. to 4 pm., at Henricus Historical Park, Chesterfield.
Dog Jog, 5k, and Block Party. Richmond SPCA presents the 23rd annual pet-friendly event, including a 5k for runners and walkers, 1-mile dog jog, kids fun run, live music, and block party with local vendors, food trucks, and adult beverages. March 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Richmond SPCA, Richmond.
Wine-Tasting Festival. Five local wineries offer tastings. Benefits Chesterfield Food Bank, local charities, and scholarships. March 22, noon to 5, at Perkinson Center, Chester.
Oh, For Wings to Fly. The lives and accomplishments of women in the premodern era were often forgotten, including 18th century female writers, midwives, poets, and artists. Their legacy can be a hopeful challenge to explore and be more creative. Examining Phillis Wheatley, Mary Crathorne, Elizabeth Vigee le Brun, and Martha Ballard. March 22, 2 to 3 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.
Richmond Kickers: Opening Night. The hometown soccer club takes on AV Alta FC. March 22, 6 p.m., at City Stadium, Richmond.
Neave Trio. VCUarts Music presents its spring concert with the GRAMMY®–nominated group, presenting an evocative program featuring works by Ludwig, Smetana, and Shostakovich, exploring themes of memory, loss, and hope. March 22, 7 p.m., at the Sonia Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Richmond.
“White Light” with Jack Lohmann. The science writer presents a reflection on the cyclical nature of life, what happens when we break that cycle, and how to repair it, told through the fate of phosphorus. He carries readers from Henslow’s Suffolk, where the phosphate fertilizer industry took root, to Bone Valley in Central Florida, where it has boomed – leaving wreckage like the Piney Point disaster in its wake – to Nauru, an island stripped of its life force by the ravenous young industry. March 22, 7 to 9 p.m., at Book People, Henrico.
Johnny Folsom 4. Live performance paying tribute to Johnny Cash. March 22, 7:30 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Deanna Bogart. With 40 years as a world-touring musician, Deanna Bogart is a five-time Blues Music Awards Horn Instrumentalist of the Year winner, including a 2023 win and a 2024 nomination. March 22, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Virginia Daffodil Society Show & Sale. Hundreds of delightful prize-worthy daffodils and expert growers. March 22 to 23 at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.
“Give Me Liberty: Virginia & the Forging of a Nation.” See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Sunday, March 23
Patrick Henry’s Legendary Speech Livestreamed. On its 250th anniversary, view a rousing rendition of the Virginia patriot’s speech proclaiming, “Give me liberty or give me death!” His words galvanized the Virginia delegation, leading to a resolution that committed Virginia troops to the Revolutionary War. March 23, 1:30 p.m., online.
“Celtic Celebration!” GreenSpring Harp Ensemble presents a concert inspired by the musical traditions and history of harp music from Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and England. Repertoire ranges from lively to introspective, sacred and secular. March 23, 3 to 4 p.m., at St. John’s United Church of Christ, Richmond.
Mozart & Mahler. “The symphony must embrace the world,” said Gustav Mahler. And in his tender Symphony Number Four, he reveals his world through the innocent eyes of a child. Valentina Peleggi conducts Mahler’s Fourth Symphony and the first of Mozart’s miraculous final set of symphonies, “Haffner.” March 22, 8 p.m., and March 23, 3 p.m., at Carpenter Theatre, Richmond.
Documentary Preview with Ken Burns. The award-winning filmmaker and his co-director, Sarah Botstein, preview the upcoming documentary, “The American Revolution,” with a screening (official release is fall 2025), followed by a panel discussion including Burns, his co-director, and three historians who participated in the film. March 23, 7 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Chi-Town Transit Authority – The Ultimate Chicago Tribute. CTA is an eight-piece Chicago tribute band founded in 2017 and based out of Atlanta, Georgia, dedicated to reproducing the “Chicago” concert experience. March 23, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Monday, March 24
Nature’s Civil War: Common Soldiers & the Environment in 1862 Virginia. Learn more about how Civil War soldiers in 1862 Virginia battled harsh conditions, formed informal healthcare networks, adopted self-care habits, and tested army discipline in their fight for survival. March 24, 6 p.m., at The American Civil War Museum, Richmond.
Tuesday, March 25
National Medal of Honor Day. Honoring America’s Medal of Honor recipients with a special schedule of programs. March 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, Petersburg.
“An Holy Traffic” Virtual Event. Author Robert K.D. Colby discusses his book exploring slave trading in the Civil War South. He examines the reasons for the trade and the impacts on the enslaved, their lives, and their families, and how they pursued freedom during the war. Presented by the Library of Virginia. FREE. March 25, noon to 1 p.m., online.
Genealogical Virtual Event: Restoring Resting Places – Genealogy Meets Preservation. Discover the hidden stories buried below headstones. Learn how cleaning reveals names and dates, while research uncovers the rich histories behind them. Lecture hosted by GRIVA, the Genealogical Institute of Virginia. FREE, registration required. March 25, 7 p.m., online.
Speech and Silence. In an alternating series of live music works (many with spoken word) and reflective videos, Fuse Ensemble joins these two realms to explore the possibilities that lie within and outside of the auditory sphere. March 25, 7:30 p.m., at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.
Wednesday, March 26
Silver Screen Movie – “Priscilla.” Tickets and concessions just one dollar. March 26, 10 a.m., at Henrico Theatre, Henrico.
“The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon: The Life and Times of Washington’s Most Private First Lady.” Author Heath Hardage Lee, an award-winning historian, biographer, and curator, speaks on her book about the enigmatic but admired first lady: progressive on women’s issues and a survivor of the Watergate scandal. March 26, 6 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Peter Antoniou: Pretty Psychic Tour. See Boomer’s Top 5 picks.
Thursday, March 27
Knead-to-Know: Sourdough. Celebrate Sourdough Day and Women’s History Month by learning how to create sourdough starter from scratch. Explore the science and history of sourdough that have kept it a beloved tradition. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, you’ll leave with your own starter and the knowledge to continue your sourdough journey, while celebrating the women who have helped shape the world of baking. March 27, 11 a.m. to noon, at Springfield Schoolhouse, Pouncey Tract Park, Glen Allen.
Braille Circulating Library 100th Anniversary Celebration. This historic nonprofit will be celebrating its anniversary with an open house. Live music by local group PolyCeltic, cupcakes from Cumming Home Bakery, and tactile games for all. FREE. March 27, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Branch Museum of Design, Richmond.
All Henrico Reads Presents “The Paris Novel.” A young woman navigates Paris in the 1980s, finding a city that is a true feast for the senses, filled with food, fashion, and art. Following various book discussion groups, this capstone event features author Ruth Reichl, a James Beard award-winning writer, food editor, and restaurant critic. FREE. March 27, 7 p.m., at the Henrico Sports and Events Center, Glen Allen.
“PICKLED AS A PICTURE.” Henrico Theatre Company presents a staged reading of an original mystery-comedy-drama. When four middle-aged women meet for their weekly pickleball game in Hingham, Massachusetts, an accident occurs that unlocks a long-forgotten mystery involving a peer, reopening numerous old wounds and causing everyone to reexamine their life choices. Ages 10+. March 27, 7 to 9 p.m., at Henrico Theatre, Henrico.
Georgia Rogers Farmer: Perfect Pair. Richmond Triangle Players presents its final cabaret performances for the season. March 27 to 29 at Robert B. Moss Theatre, Richmond.
One Voice Chorus Spring 2025 Concerts. New selections and old favorites in an eclectic blend of musical styles, including spirituals, jazz, and popular music, with accompaniment by professional instrumentalists. One hour before each concert is “Diversity Discussions,” a facilitated discussion of diversity-related issues. March 27, 7 p.m., and March 29, 4 p.m., at Derbyshire Baptist Church, Richmond.
News to Know
You pick your brain – Steve Earle picks his guitar
The Shepherd’s Center of Richmond Spring Session. The new season of classes begins on March 31, presented by the center’s Open University, targeted to seniors. Courses include memoir writing, genealogy, chair yoga, downsizing, foreign languages (French, Spanish, German, and Japanese), presidential leadership, science, film, world travel, music, art, and the culture of food. A reading/discussion group will tackle “Democracy Awakening” by Heather Cox Richardson. March 31 to May 22, at various venues, Richmond.
Steve Earle – Solo & Acoustic. One of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters of his generation, Earle has been the protégé of legendary songwriters Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark. His songs have been recorded by Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, The Pretenders, and many others. His 1986 album “Guitar Town” is a classic of the Americana genre, and his 1988 hit, “Copperhead Road,” was made an official state song of Tennessee in 2023. May 29 and 30, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Road Trip
Books, book, and books
Virginia Festival of the Book. Writers and readers from across the nation gather to celebrate reading, accessibility, and diversity, showcasing voices through a range of events for all. March 20 to 23, at The Omni, Charlottesville.
Click here to make plans with this list of events to come and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
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