More What’s Booming RVA: March 21 to 28
Announcements and events to keep you entertained and inspired
Flowers and festivities are blooming in RVA, with green news, art, dog fest, soccer, music, lectures, a mead-iversary, plus news of upcoming events sparks anticipation. What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, March 21 to 28, 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 21 to 28, 2024
Thursday, March 21
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.
RVA Green Drinks. Chat with environmental professionals and learn about a new nonprofit, Local Ecotypes Richmond Native (LERN). March 21, 5:30 to 7 p.m., at Ardent Barrel Room, 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.
James River Park Updates. Superintendent Giles Garrison and Executive Director Josh Stutz share what’s going on at Richmond’s river park and answer audience questions. March 21, 6 to 8 p.m., at Basic City Beer Co., 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.
Difficult Conversations: A Series for Caregivers – When to Consider Care and What the Options Are in Our Community. Resources for managing challenging situations in supporting aging parents and loved ones. March 21, 6 to 7 p.m., at Libbie Mill Library, Richmond.
Friday, March 22
Hearth & Heroes: Women Throughout History. From suffragettes to spies to healthcare workers to athletes to artists, explore women’s contributions throughout history at interactive stations. March 22, 10 a.m. to noon, at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.
Spring Bash at Belmont. Family-friendly event with a rock wall, fantasy castle, crafts, and games outside or in the indoor community game room. March 22, 4 to 6 p.m., at Belmont Recreation Center, Henrico.
Nine @ the Hive. Celebrate nine years at Richmond’s first meadery. Friday features a barbecue pork dinner paired with vintage meads. Saturday celebrates with guest taps, special releases, food, and fun. March 22, 6 to 9 p.m., at the 2004 Dabney Rd. production space, and March 23, noon to 10 p.m., at Black Heath Meadery, Richmond.
“Madama Butterfly.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Saturday, March 23
22nd Annual Dog Jog, 5k and Block Party. Support the work of the SPCA. Event modified due to the weekend weather forecast: 5k and Dog Jog on Saturday, March 23 (10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.); Little Paws Fun Run and block party with music, beer, food trucks, vendors, and more on Sunday, March 24, noon to 5 p.m., at the Richmond SPCA, Richmond.
Virginia Daffodil Society Show and A Million Blooms. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Central Virginia Coin Club Show. U.S., foreign, and ancient coins and currency to buy, sell, and trade. Free parking, admission, and appraisals. March 23, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Ivey Memorial Church, South Chesterfield.
159th Breakthrough Battle Anniversary. On April 2, 1865, some 14,000 Union soldiers moved toward the Confederate fortifications near Petersburg. Less than an hour later, the American flag flew over the Confederate line. The victory led to the evacuation of Petersburg and Richmond and to Lee’s surrender to Grant. This event includes author presentations, living history, artillery demonstrations, guided tours. March 23, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, Petersburg.
Hearts Afire Storytelling Series. Author and professional storyteller Mark Binder presents “Cracked Pots – and other stories,” a blend of reading, storytelling, conversation, and music. For ages 13+. March 23, 1 p.m., at Church of the Holy Comforter, Richmond.
One More River to Cross. Discover life in the Reconstruction South through images. Life would be far from easy or safe after the Civil War for African Americans, but courage and hope blossomed in the survivors of enslavement. March 23, 2 to 3 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.
Richmond Kickers Opening Night. The hometown soccer team takes on South Georgia Tormenta FC. March 23, 6 p.m., at City Stadium, Richmond.
“An Expected End”: Author Event with Amanda Sue Creasey. In 2045, thanks to artificial intelligence, people can accurately predicts their deathdays. When two people with differing deathday philosophies fall in love, secrets threaten to destroy their romance. March 23, 7 to 9 p.m., at Book People, Richmond.
Sunday, March 24
André Ward. Jazz sax and R&B legend comes to Richmond. March 24, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Monday, March 25
“Easter Parade.” Ashland Theatre celebrates its 75th anniversary with classic 1948 films on one Monday each month, and 75-cent tickets. “Easter Parade” stars Judy Garland and Fred Astaire. March 25, 4 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Tuesday, March 26
The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line Zoom Meeting. A conversation with Major General Mari K. Eder (U.S. Army, retired), author of “The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of World War II.” Livestream hosted by the Virginia War Memorial. FREE, advanced registration required. March 26, 2 to 3 p.m., online.
Genealogical Virtual Event: Connecting Faces Through Time. Learn how related faces can help identify unknown people in old photos, how to use your cell phone to digitize old photos, and more. Hosted by GRIVA, the Genealogical Institute of Virginia. FREE, registration required. March 26, 7 p.m., online.
If I Sing. Stephen Rudlin, local vocal coach and music director, returns to the cabaret stage in his one-man show, featuring special guest stars. Presenting songs from Sunset Boulevard, Company, Nine, The Prom, and more. Featuring Kevin Barger (piano) and Marissa Resmini (violin), 10% of ticket proceeds go toward The Longest Day – Outshine the Darkness of Alzheimer’s. March 26, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.
John McEuen & The Circle Band. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Wednesday, March 27
Seasonal Stroll: Phenology Exploration. Explore the study of seasonal changes in nature. Learn the art of observation and contribute to science with your own observations. March 27, 10 to 11:30 a.m., at Deep Run Park & Recreation Center, Henrico.
Silver Screen Movies: “Paint.” The morning movie series featuring new and classic favorites the last Wednesday of every month. All tickets and all concessions are still just one dollar. March 27, 10 a.m. to noon, at Henrico Theatre, Highland Springs.
Senior and Caregiver Resource Expo. Over 50 local providers share available resources for aging, plus raffles and giveaways. Call 804-501-5065 for info. March 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Deep Run Recreation Center, Richmond.
Agatha Christie’s “Yellow Iris”: A Radio Play. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
The Poe Museum Illumination Series. Author Mark Dawidziak discusses his newest biography, “A Mystery of Mysteries: The Death and Life of Edgar Allan Poe.” March 27, 6 to 8 p.m., at The Poe Museum, Richmond.
Chris Thile, Mandolin. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Thursday, March 28
Speaking About Speech with Suzanne Nossel. Suzanne Nossel, chief executive officer of a free expression organization, a human rights advocate, and author of “Dare to Speak: Defending Free Speech for All” addresses speech as a tool for understanding and navigating differences in a democratic society. March 28, 5 p.m., at Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond.
Two New Exhibitions Open. “Intimations” by Isabelle Abbot and “Rebel” by Laurie Fisher. Exhibitions run through May 3. Opening reception on March 28, 5 to 7 p.m., at Page Bond Gallery, Richmond.
All Henrico Reads: Cheryl Strayed. The author discusses her memoir, “Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail,” which was made into a movie (2014, with Reese Witherspoon). March 28, 7 p.m., at the Henrico Sports & Events Center, Glen Allen.
Randy Rainbow for President Tour. Uproarious political humor with an unapologetically gay stance, enhanced with music and costumes. March 28, 7:30 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Road trip
Virginia Festival of the Book. Five days of literary conversations and lively parties with locally and nationally renowned authors. Through March 24, at various locations around Charlottesville.
News worth knowing
Secretariat Day, new Broadway in Richmond season, Big Bloom, Cap2Cap, Groovin’ news
Secretariat Day. Celebrate the birthday of the legendary Triple Crown champion and the dedication ceremony for the bronze statue, “Secretariat Racing Into History.” The 21-foot-long monument depicts a larger-than-life Secretariat at a full run. This is the only monument of Secretariat in Virginia, where he was born on March 30, 1970. March 30, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Ashland.
- Free showing of the Disney film, “Secretariat,” with welcome by Kate Chenery Tweedy and sculptor Jocelyn Russell, 11 a.m. at Ashland Theatre.
- Birthday Party. Live music by local musicians, food trucks, local vendors, and exhibits including a time capsule with a scroll for fans to sign for Secretariat Day; a “Kiddie Corral” with crafts, racing items, and more. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Randolph-Macon Parking Lot.
- Monument dedication ceremony. 2 p.m. at the new Secretariat Reynold Family Plaza at Randolph-Macon College.
- Jocelyn Russell and Kate Tweedy speak on “The Secretariat Monument’s Journey to Ashland.” 3:15 p.m. at Ashland Theatre.
The Big Bloom. A new festive garden party for adults only, presenting NYC-based DJ Illexxandra, fire performers, visual projection art, roaming entertainers, and more. Food and drink are available for purchase. April 12, 6 p.m., at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.
“The Impending Crisis” Exhibit Coming to Tredegar. A dynamic view of events, people, and circumstances that led America to a pivotal point in its history, exploring differing viewpoints from across the nation in pre-Civil War America. Beginning April 27 at the American Civil War Museum, Tredegar, Richmond.
19th Annual Cap2Cap. This family-friendly cycling event provides fun for all, competition for any who want it. Participants enjoy a fully supported course, furnished rest stops, and distance options ranging from a 10-mile fun ride to 100+ miles, for any age or fitness level. Look for customizable routes, a flexible open-start format, SAG and tech support, restroom facilities, sample ride itineraries, and on-site packet pick-ups; a party and vendor fair at Chickahominy Riverfront Park in James City County on Friday, May 10, and at Dorey Park in Henrico County on Saturday, May 11. Festivities include a community celebration, DJ, and local artisans. Other perks include an event shirt, lunch, beverage, ride bib, and SWAG bag. May 10 and 11 on the Virginia Capital Trail between Richmond and James City County.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Groovin’ Announcement. The third Groovin’ in the Garden concert will feature American rock band Drive-By Truckers on their Southern Rock Opera Revisted 2024 Tour. Tickets go on sale to the general public on March 29 at 10 a.m. Groovin’ concert on June 10 at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.
Broadway in Richmond Announces 2024 to 2025 Season. The new season includes five Richmond-area premieres with three of them in their first year of touring along with the return of a popular rom-com, pop musical. Season ticket packages are on sale now. Current season ticket holders can renew online at BroadwayInRichmond.com/Renew2425. New season ticket holders can purchase season tickets at BroadwayInRichmond.com/New2425. All performances at the Altria Theater, Richmond.
- “Shucked” kicks off the season, making one of the first stops fresh off its Broadway run, in October 2024.
- Fan favorite and global smash hit “Mamma Mia!” returns to the Altria Theater in December 2024.
- The Virginia premiere of “MJ” arrives in January 2025.
- The 10-time Tony Award-winning hit “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” plays in March 2025.
- “A Beautiful Noise,” in its first year of touring, plays in April 2025.
- Song and dance spectacular “Some Like It Hot” comes to Richmond in June 2025. (See feature image, top, credit Marc J. Franklin)
- “Chicago The Musical” returns in May 2025 (can be added to any six-show season ticket package).
Click here to make plans with this list of events to come and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
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