More What’s Booming RVA: Nov. 27 to Dec. 5
A week of entertaining and inspiring events plus a road trip and news
As Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season, RVA dives in with holiday performances, shopping, and road trips – plus a new Holocaust presentation. What’s Booming, Richmond, Virginia, November 27 to December 5, 2024.
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.
November 27 to December 5
What’s happening in and around the Richmond region
Wednesday, November 27
Bluegrass Jam. The weekly open jam session focuses on bluegrass music of all styles, vocal and instrumental. Musicians within the circle are expected to participate. All experience levels welcome, including beginners. On the first Wednesday of each month, there will be a jam etiquette lesson at 5:30. November 27, 6 to 8 p.m., at Twin Hickory Recreation Center, Glen Allen.
Irish Christmas in America. Irish music, song, and dance in an engaging performance rich in humor and energy. The family-friendly performance features lively instrumental tunes on fiddle, flute, uilleann pipes, and harp, and old-style Irish dancing. Images provide a backdrop to rich historical traditions of Ireland. November 27, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Thursday, November 28
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Turkey Trot 10k by RRRC. The Richmond Road Runners Club presents its annual Thanksgiving Day 10k – trot, run, or walk at your own pace – plus Turkey Trot Kids Run. Virtual option available, too! Nov. 28, 9 a.m., at Bryan Park, Richmond.
Friday, November 29
Small Business Saturday Artisan Market. Local artists and makers selling handmade home décor, art, jewelry, apparel, and more, in Hardywood’s Barrel Room. Nov. 29, noon to 5 p.m., at Hardywood on Ownby, Richmond.
BeatLegacy. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Model Railroad Show. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Christmas at the Inn Arts and Craft Show. Crafters showcase their handmade crafts and baked goods in the Clifton house, with festive decorations, seasonal scents, and tea. Nov. 29 to Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Virginia Cliffe Inn, Glen Allen.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Saturday, November 30
Small Business Saturday at Book People. Author events, door prizes, benefit raffle, vendors. Purchase a raffle for a chance to win a copy of “The Book of Elsewhere,” signed by Keanu Reeves, to benefit Henrico CASA, advocating for abused and neglected children. Nov. 30, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Book People, Richmond.
“Let It Snow.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
Marcus Johnson: Smooth Jazz Christmas. The renowned jazz keyboardist and pianist ushers in the holiday spirit. Nov. 30, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Sunday, December 1
Holiday Artisan Market at Zorch Pizza. Holiday gifts made by local vendors selling handmade home décor, art, jewelry, woodworking, vintage, handmade apparel, and more. Plus pizza, bar, and games. A dog-friendly outdoor event. Dec. 1, 1 to 5 p.m., at Zorch Pizza, Richmond.
Handel’s “Messiah.” The Richmond Symphony and Richmond Symphony Chorus bring this timeless masterpiece to life, from the triumphant “Hallelujah” chorus to the tender “Messiah.” Dec. 1, 3 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Monday, December 2
Johnny King & Friends “Christmas with a Case of The Blues.” Blues royalty featuring drummer Tony “TC” Coleman and bassist Russell Jackson, the former blues rhythm section of the legendary BB King, backed by top-notch blues musicians. Dec. 2, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Tuesday, December 3
3 in 30: Photography & Place. Dr. Sarah Kennel makes connections to VMFA’s permanent collection, inspired by VMFA exhibitions of “American, born Hungary: Kertész, Capa, and the Hungarian American Photographic Legacy”; “A Long Arc: Photography and the American South since 1845”; and “Home/Grown: Photographs by Susan Worsham and Brian Palmer.” Dec. 3, 11 a.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
“Practical Jokes” with Charlie Finley. The author presents his humorous book, including 19 short stories about pranks he’s pulled, his experiences at Woodstock and white-water canoeing, and samples of amusing bogus letters, fake newspaper articles, and signs. All good clean fun. Dec. 3, 6 p.m., at Book People, Richmond.
A Shockoe Sessions Live Christmas! See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.
On the Air Radio Players present “Dickens in the Jazz Age.” An old-time radio show and an art deco take on “A Christmas Carol” featuring live music and sound effects. Dec. 3 and 4, 7 p.m. both days, at Henrico Theatre, Henrico.
Maymont Wreath Workshop. Make your own holiday wreaths with fresh evergreens and pro tips from Maymont staff. Adult refreshments included. May 3 to 7 at Maymont, Richmond.
Thursday, December 5
Scientist Turned Spy. André Michaux was one of the most accomplished scientific explorers of North America before Lewis and Clark. But there is more to his story. Michaux found himself thrust into the middle of a vast international conspiracy as the revolutionary French government conscripted him into its service as a secret agent in 1793. Dec. 5, 5:30 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Petersburg Civil War Roundtable: The Battle of Dranesville. After the guns of Manassas fell silent, the opposing armies grappled for position wondering what would come next. Popular history has us believe that daily briefings reported something along the lines of “All quiet along the Potomac.” Reality was altogether different. Dec. 5, 7 p.m., at Pamplin Historical Park & The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, Petersburg.
Dexter and The Moonrocks and Nashville rocker Liam St. John. The originators of western space grunge showcase a blend of country western, rock, and grunge influenced by their lives in Abilene, Texas. Liam St. John is full of grit, passion, and deeply personal storytelling. Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m., at The National, Richmond.
“It’s a Great Holiday, Flashlight Tag” wsg Vexine. Seasonal music classics, favorites, and originals with special guests Arthur Grant, BJ Kocen, and more. Plus shenanigans, outfits, and wholesome family mayhem. Dress in your favorite holiday pajamas, sweaters, character cosplay, and seasonal garb. Portion of proceeds to Foxfire Eventing. Dec. 5, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
The Bizarre Bazaar 49th Christmas Collection. More than 475 exhibitors showcase new and unique gift lines, holiday decorations, gourmet foods, jewelry, clothing for adults and children, accessories, toys, crafts, books, fine art, soaps, lotions, and more. Dec. 5 to 8 at Richmond Raceway Complex, Richmond.
Road Trips
Tasty history, holiday lights, and a parade
Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia. Long before microwaves, electric stoves, and refrigerators, early Virginians prepared meals in clay pots and iron kettles and preserved food by smoking and salt curing. Explore culinary practices and cooking techniques of the 17th and 18th centuries. Nov. 29 to 30 at Jamestown Settlement & American Revolution Museum, Yorktown.
New Kent Grand Illumination. Santa, holiday marketplace vendors, kids’ activities, silent auction, sweet treats walk, hot chocolate, and illumination of the historic courthouse area. Dec. 1, 3 to 6 p.m., at the Historic Courthouse, New Kent.
Colonial Heights 71st Annual Christmas Parade. In the parade themed Candy Canes and Christmas Carols, festive marchers travel from Temple Avenue to the courthouse. Dec. 3, 7 p.m., on the Boulevard, Colonial Heights.
Announcements
Local Holocaust testimonies
“Dimensions in Testimony.” The presentation features four Holocaust survivors and one U.S. liberator with whom visitors can interact, ask questions, and hear their stories about topics like life before the war, hiding, experiences in concentration camps, life after the war, forgiveness, family, and more. At the Virginia Holocaust Museum, Richmond.
Click here to make plans with this list of events to come and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
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