More What’s Booming RVA: March 6 to 13
A week of entertaining and inspiring events plus day trips and news
A worm moon lunar eclipse, menus inspired by historic women, Wine Expo winds down, HistoryFest, theater, music, Michelangelo, and more worthwhile events. What’s Booming, Richmond, Virginia, March 6 to 13, 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 6 to 13
Thursday, March 6
First Friday Events of Note
- RVA First Fridays. Stroll the art galleries along and around Broad Street, plus restaurants, shops, and other organizations. Presenting live music, special events, tastings, and more. Beginning at 5 p.m., times vary.
- First Friday Featured Artist. Explore new art and works from featured artist Natalie. Food truck on site. 5 to 8 p.m. at The Brickhouse RVA, Richmond.
- First Fridays at the VMHC. Free museum admission, family-friendly activities, live music. FREE. March 6, 5 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Richmond.
- First Friday Art Opening. “Mood Indigo,” mixed media paintings by Richmond artist Mona Dworkin. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Hanbury Community Design Lab, Richmond.
- A Ramadan Room of Her Own. Commemorating the intersection of Ramadan and Women’s History Month, founder Ayah Davis-Karim transforms a portion of the gallery into a Sacred Space featuring some of her works. Guests are invited to remove their shoes, recline on floor pillows, and observe or partake in some of the rituals of Ramadan, while interacting with the artist and her work. 6 p.m. to midnight, with Tea & Talk from 6 to 9 p.m., at Chromophore Artspace, Richmond.
“A Prescription for Change” and Rx Partnership. Local healthcare leaders highlight how Rx Partnership is providing critical access to medication for vulnerable communities. The event pairs with the exhibition, “A Prescription for Change: Black Voices Shaping Healthcare in Virginia,” examining Black medical professionals in the state and their impact on healthcare. Food, beverages, conversations, and connecting with those committed to healthcare equity. March 6, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Black History Museum of Virginia, Richmond.
Wild & Scenic Film Festival Tickets. Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay presents its annual film festival, including its own short film about the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Virtual showing, through March 8. March 6, 6 to 8 p.m., at Studio Two Three, Richmond.
“Over the Deadline at Belle Isle.” Belle Isle in Richmond became notorious as an open-air prison camp, occupied during the Civil War by thousands of Union POW enlisted men. The atrocities and human suffering rival those of the better-known Andersonville camp in Georgia, but these two POW facilities are intimately linked. March 6, 7 p.m., at Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, Petersburg.
Virginia Wine Expo 2025. The multi-day event winds down, featuring wine, spirits, and food. Remaining events include Tequilabamba, SMOKED!, the Walk-Around Grand Tasting, seminars, and wine dinners. Through March 9, at various venues around Richmond.
“Moulin Rouge! The Musical.” The 10-time Tony Award-winning hit presents a world of splendor, eye-popping glitz, poignant drama, with freedom, truth, beauty, and love. New musical mash-up of fun, familiar songs. Through March 16 at Altria Theater, Richmond.
“Sanctuary City.” The play by Pulitzer Prize winner Martyna Majok is a moving tale of two teenagers, brought to America as children, who grapple with an impossible choice: what are they willing to risk to stay in the only home they’ve ever known? As they navigate the tender moments of coming-of-age, they must confront the harsh realities that threaten their dreams. March 6 to 22 at Robert B. Moss Theatre, Richmond.
Friday, March 7
Friday at the Museum – Deep Run Schoolhouse. Learn about Henrico County history and heritage at this 1902 two-room schoolhouse. March 7, noon to 4 p.m., at Deep Run School, Henrico.
Jimmie Strother and the Virginia Songster Tradition. Author, historian, and musician Gregg D. Kimball explores the world of songster James Lee Strother, based on his new book, “Searching for Jimmie Strother: A Tale of Music, Murder and Memory.” Through songs recorded during his time at the Virginia State Prison Farm for the Library of Congress in 1936, Strother epitomized the itinerant musicians who roamed the upper South. His songs have been covered by Pete Seeger, Jefferson Airplane, and others. March 7, 6 p.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.
“A Loving Community.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Nick Swardson. The comedian, actor, and writer is often known for his appearances on screen and TV. He tours with Adam Sandler, David Spade, and Rob Schneider. March 7 to 8 at Funny Bone, Richmond.
Do Portugal Circus. Presenting aerialists, trapeze artists, dancers, magicians, motorcyclists, and a smidge of audience participation. March 7 to 16 at The Diamond, Richmond.
Saturday, March 8
Symposium: Why Did War Come to Petersburg? Five presentations on Petersburg and war, including a historical overview, the Revolution, the U.S. Military Railroad, Civil War defense, and an officer and his relics. March 8, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Historic Union Station, Petersburg.
“.9K9” Dog Walk. Celebrate K-9 Veterans Day, honoring military and service dogs, by participating in a group walk with your dog (or not!) around the grounds of the Virginia War Memorial, with historical stops along the way. Online preregistration required; dogs and owners arrive before 9:50 a.m. March 8, 10 a.m., at the Virginia War Memorial, Richmond.
“Rich Soil” Celebration. Events throughout the Garden for the final weekend of artist Kristine Mays’s exhibition, including dance performances, live art, and more. March 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.
Women’s Work: Women and Craft in America. Examining the legacy of Black women and craft-making processes in the South in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, specifically quilting, embroidery, weaving, spinning, knitting, and sewing. March 8, 2 to 3 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.
“Have You Seen the Nurse?” By the end of the 19th century, formal nurse training programs afforded women a pathway into higher education, but nursing education was based on racialized exclusionary policies, which was costly for nurses, patients, and the community. Black nurses in Virginia were at the center of health and community activism, and nursing was a form of self-actualization, agency, and resistance. March 8, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia, Richmond.
Visit the Vault. Join staff on a short tour of the museum’s rare book and manuscript vault to see unique books, documents, and artifacts from across five centuries of Virginia history. March 8, 3 to 3:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
The Devil’s Brigade. Formerly The American Rogue, bringing Irish jigs your way. March 8, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.
The McCartney Experience. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Tchaikovsky’s Fifth. The passionate Fifth, plus a new work by Conni Ellisor with Nashville country soul, Jennifer Higdon’s Violin Concerto, and Massenet’s famous Meditation, performed by violinist Inmo Yang. March 8, 8 p.m., and March 9, 3 p.m., at Carpenter Theatre, Richmond.
Sunday, March 9
Mobile Soul Sunday. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Plena Percussion – Learn the Basics. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
History in Focus: Pocahontas. She’s on the Henrico County seal, and many Virginians trace their ancestry to her, but who was she? Learn about the life and times of Matoaka, Pocahontas, Rebecca Rolfe. Ages 16+. March 9, 2 to 3:30 p.m., at Deep Run Park & Recreation Center, Henrico.
Dar Williams. Savor acoustic energy backed by notes of optimism, delivered on melodies alternating between beguiling lightness and understated gravity. March 9, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Monday, March 10
Citywide Book Read for Black History Month. Challenging the citizens of Richmond to read “White Too Long,” which examines the legacy of white supremacy among Southern Baptists and other Christian denominations. Panel discussion with Q&A. March 10, 7 to 9 p.m., at First Baptist Church, Richmond.
“Under Capricorn.” As part of the Ashland 1949 Film Series, the historic theater presents the Alfred Hitchcock film with Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Cotton, and Michael Wilding. A young gentleman goes to Australia where he reunites with his now-married childhood sweetheart, only to find out she harbors dark secrets. March 10, 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Tuesday, March 11
Violence in Richmond and the Path to Safer Communities. Valentine’s Controversy/History Series explores the challenges facing the Richmond community with a dive into historical context, quantitative data, and solution-oriented thinking. FREE, registration requested. March 11, 5:30 to 7:15 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.
Genealogical Virtual Event. Paula’s Favorite Tools. Testing companies and third-party tools for genealogical study. Hosted by GRIVA, the Genealogical Institute of Virginia. FREE, registration required. March 11, 7 p.m., online.
Wednesday, March 12
Senior Mornings: Robots and Artificial Intelligence. Learn about cutting-edge technology. Interact with the Science Museum’s resident robots, program your own machine, and learn how AI is shaping the world. Designed for ages 60+. March 12, 8 to 9:35 a.m., at the Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond.
Leadership in America: “When Books Went to War.” Author Molly Guptill Manning speaks on her New York Times bestselling book, exploring the power of the written word and how the distribution of more than 120 million paperbacks to our military troops during World War II changed Americans’ relationship to literature. Reception and book signing to follow. March 12, 6 p.m., at the Virginia War Memorial, Richmond.
On the Air Radio Players. Presenting the Columbia Workshop version of “Alice in Wonderland,” an old-time radio show, with radio players and a studio audience and live music and sound effects. March 12 and 13, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. each night, at The Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen.
Thursday, March 13
Historically Speaking: A Tale of Two Spies. Rose O’Neal Greenhow, of Washington, D.C., and Elizabeth Van Lew, of Richmond, used their positions in society to conduct clandestine activities behind enemy lines during the American Civil War. A comparative biography exploring the successes and failures of their wartime activities will be presented. Ages 10+. March 13, 3 to 4 p.m., at Gayton Branch Library, Henrico.
Celebrating Women’s History Month. Motivational speaker Dr. CC Jackson shares inspiration to take better care of oneself: enjoy life, take mental health breaks, and balance a busy lifestyle. Bring a photo of one of your favorite women, share stories, and visit women entrepreneur vendors. Ages 13+. March 13, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, Henrico.
Becoming Citizens. Museum staff will prepare students to successfully complete the U.S. citizenship test with civics and history lessons PLUS the chance to interact with original historical objects, maps, books, and documents and engage with experts in the history of this state and nation. Seven weekly classes, beginning March 13, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged).” A fast-paced and irreverent take on the Bard’s entire canon, this madcap comedy condenses all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays into just 97 minutes, performed by three actors. Expect outrageous physical comedy, improvisation, pop culture references, and plenty of audience interaction. Part of Richmond Shakespeare’s 26th Season. March 13 to 30 at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
News to Know
Celestial show, Ken Burns, TJ, Black contributions, HistoryFest
Total Lunar Eclipse, Overnight of March 13 to 14. North America will be treated to a total lunar eclipse, as the earth blocks the sun’s rays, darkening the full “worm moon.” Given clear skies, you’ll be able to watch the earth’s shadow creep across the face of the moon. In Central Virginia, the eclipse begins on March 13, 11:57 p.m., builds to maximum eclipse on March 14, 2:58 a.m., and ends at 6 a.m.
FREE Preview Excerpts of Ken Burns’s “The American Revolution.” Get a first peek at the documentary that will premier on PBS on Nov. 6, plus hear Burns and co-directors as they speak about the project. Hosted by Colonial Williamsburg. FREE, registration recommended. March 25, 8 p.m., on an outdoor screen at the Governor’s Palace, Williamsburg.
Jefferson’s Curiosities. A new talk and performance series explores topics of interest to founding father Thomas Jefferson. At 6:30 p.m. each evening, at Poplar Forest, Forest.
- Botany & Friendship, Thursday, March 27
- Jefferson & The Virginia Wine Industry, Thursday, May 8
- Music, Friday, June 13
- Shakespeare, Friday, Sept. 5
New Exhibition – Bodies of Labor: Hands That Built a Nation. Highlighting African Americans’ contributions to labor over the past 400+ years, reflecting resilience, creativity, and progress. Painters, sculptors, illustrators, photographers, and artisans working with various mediums will be included. Opening April 2 at the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia.
HistoryFest. A fascinating day of festival-meets-conference with more than 20 full-sensory presentations, spanning musical revolutions, films, foods, travel, American presidents, and generation-defining events. May 17, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Road Trips
Women-inspired meals and Michelangelo
“Dining with History.” Honoring notable women during Women’s History Month with dining experiences inspired by their legacies and curated by Executive Chef Julianne Gutierrez. At Colonial Williamsburg Resorts, Williamsburg.
- Martha Washington, through March 8: Experience a dining journey inspired by America’s first First Lady, with a menu that reflects 18th-century culinary traditions. Highlights include Mount Vernon-style ham, chicken fricassee, and Martha Washington’s famed Great Cake, a rich dessert with citrus, currants, and brandy.
- Susan B. Anthony, March 9–15: Honor this pioneer for women’s rights and abolition. The menu features alligator bites, a nod to Anthony’s famous purse, followed by a hearty porterhouse steak and a light strawberry sponge cake – her favorite dessert.
- Eleanor Roosevelt, March 16–22: To honor this transformative First Lady and advocate for human rights, the menu includes deviled eggs, Parisian-inspired braised rabbit gnocchi, and a refined Charlotte Malakoff, reflecting Eleanor’s evolving taste for international flavors.
- Dr. Opal Lee, March 23–31: Celebrated the Grandmother of Juneteenth with a dining experience commemorating her legacy of activism, community, and agriculture. The menu includes a vibrant salad inspired by Dr. Lee’s community farm, cornmeal-crusted blue catfish reflecting her Texas roots, and a rich heirloom carrot cake celebrating the land she cherishes.
“Michelangelo: The Genesis of the Sistine.” Bringing 25 rarely-displayed masterpiece drawings by Michelangelo to the United States, the exhibition offers the opportunity to grasp the genius of the famed artist. Displaying Michelangelo’s initial studies and early drawings of the famous frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, it explores the story of the origin of these famous works. March 6 to May 28 at Muscarelle Museum of Art, Williamsburg.
Click here to make plans with this list of events to come and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
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