More What’s Booming RVA: Oct. 27 and Beyond
Halloween happenings, big announcements and down-the-road events
More of What’s Booming in Richmond, Virginia, Oct. 27 and beyond – Halloween, music, festivals, fundraisers, announcements, tickets and more.
Scroll down or click for
Halloween fun
Ticket pre-sale opportunity
Event news (Valentine Meat Juice Bloody Mary, anyone?)
Holiday theatre announcements
And lots to look forward to
Oct. 27 to Nov. 3
Thursday, Oct. 27
Spooktacular! Thomas Dale High School Band and Orchestra present a Spooktacular concert, followed by a trunk or treat. Costumes encouraged! Oct. 27 at 5 p.m. at the Perkinson Center, Chester.
Wine Dinner: Flavors of Italy. Four courses paired with wines from a country that knows food and wine! Oct. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Swift Creek Mill Theatre, South Chesterfield.
“All’s Well That Ends Well.” Or is it? See our top 5 picks on What’s Booming RVA.
Coco Peru is Bitter Bothered and Beyond! The legendary diva returns to RTP, ready to unleash all her thoughts. Oct. 27 to 29 at Richmond Triangle Players, Richmond.
Friday, Oct. 28
Kari Smith Music. Live music in English and Spanish, plus Mexican food and drinks. Oct. 28, 5 to 8 p.m. at Ay Mamá Mexican Grill, Glen Allen.
“Squirrel-O-Ween.” The Richmond Flying Squirrels host the annual Halloween celebration with free trick-or-treating, hayrides, and costume contests for humans and canines. Oct. 28, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Diamond, Richmond.
Lakeside HalloweenTowne Block Party. Safe Space Market presents a pop-up of shopping, costume contest, trick-or-treating, live music, food, and games. More than 45 businesses and vendors. Oct. 28, 6 to 9 p.m. at Lakeside Farmers Market, Henrico.
4th Friday Opening Reception. Halloween costumes, kids’ artful scavenger hunt, music, and door prizes … plus new exhibits: “Phantasmagorium” by Chris Semtner, “Spontaneous Markings” by George Hughes, “The Magical World of Little Lamzy Divy” by Andrea Danner, and a “dark art” media show. Oct. 28, 6 to 8 p.m. at Art Works, Richmond.
Rocky Horror Picture Show. Relive the fun of the interactive movie on the big screen, with your Transylvanian costume and approved props (sold at the center). Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. at the Perkinson Center, Chester.
Ashland Halloween. Get the good kind of chilled with quaint and quirky events, themed Victorian homes, trick-or-treat, bar crawl, concerts, spooky movies, and ghost tours. Oct. 28 to 31 in Downtown Ashland.
“Melancholy Echo.” A surreal comedy that explores a pastor’s quest to map the inner workings of his mind after quitting the church. His experiences blend fables and other tales. Oct. 28-30 at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.
Saturday, Oct. 29
Harvest Hustle with Richmond Sports Backers. A fall festival for the whole family, with a 1-miler and 5k race in addition to festival fun – costumes welcome. Oct. 29 beginning at 9 a.m. at Byrd Park, Richmond.
HarvestFest at the Garden – see our top 5 picks on What’s Booming RVA.
Shockoe Hill Cemetery Walking Tour. Enjoy the grounds, botanical variety, sculptural artworks, and stories of notable tenants laid to rest in the 1822 Shockoe Hill Cemetery, and neighboring Hebrew Cemetery and Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground. Oct. 29, 10 a.m. Sponsored by The Valentine, meet at Shockoe Hill Cemetery near Hospital and 4th streets, Richmond.
The American Civil War Museum Appomattox Fall Festival. Farm Use String Band live music, local food, games, programs, artisans, and more – for kids and adults. Oct. 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the ACWM in Appomattox.
Medication Take-Back. Safely dispose of expired and unneeded medications through the Chesterfield County Police Department. Oct. 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 14701 Hancock Village Street, Chesterfield. For information on ongoing disposal options, visit Chesterfield.gov.
Roots and Reconnection: Celebrating Our Story. A day of traditional African music and dances, speakers, an art workshop for youth, African American folktales, basket making, book talks, and kids’ activities. The event celebrates the new exhibit, “Inextricably Intertwined: Jefferson and the Enslaved Community at Poplar Forest,” at the Quarter Site, where enslaved men, women and children lived from 1790-1812. Oct. 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, Forest.
Mozart Festival – see our top 5 picks on What’s Booming RVA.
The Richmond Zombie Walk. Don your best undead duds to participate, or watch the live procession. Zombies gather at 1 p.m. at Byrd Park, procession begins at 2:30 p.m. through Carytown, Richmond.
Halloween Candy & Beer/Cider Pairing. Enjoy a self-guided pairing of five 5-ounce beers/ciders paired with the appropriate candy. Oct. 29, 3 to 7 p.m. at Intermission Beer Company, Glen Allen.
The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra: The Greatest Hits Show. Travel back in time with jazz and swing classics like “In the Mood,” “Moonlight Serenade, “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” and more. Oct. 29 at 3 p.m. at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Mummenschanz: Les Musiciens du Silence. Celebrate the 50th anniversary of this troupe of “genial madness” and mask-based theater with a journey through productions of years past. Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. at Chrysler Hall, Norfolk.
The Music of Danny Elfman from the Films of Tim Burton. Richmond Symphony Pops plays spine-tingling scores from “Batman,” “Beetlejuice,” “Edward Scissorhands,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and more. Oct. 29 at 8 p.m. at the Altria Theater, Richmond.
Sunday, Oct. 30
UR Schola Cantorum and Women’s Chorale. The annual fall concert from student choral ensembles. Oct. 30, 3 p.m. at Camp Concert Hall, University of Richmond.
Fermented Films Movie Club. Every fifth Friday, this theater-based brewery hosts movie discussions. This week features “Hocus Pocus 2” and others. Oct. 30, 4 to 6 p.m. at Intermission Beer Company, Glen Allen.
Whose Live Anyway? That wacky, wild improv show performs live! Oct. 30, 7 p.m. at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
The Taters Halloween Party – see our top 5 picks on What’s Boomin RVA.
Monday, Oct. 31
Happy Halloween!
All the Saints Theater Company’s Halloween Parade. This year’s march honors trans youth, clean water, urban and ecological resilience, and reproductive autonomy. Oct. 31, 7 p.m. at Monroe Park, Richmond.
Tuesday, Nov. 1
“Where Are We Going? Changes in Transportation.” As part of The Valentine Controversy/History Series, expert panelists discuss the status of the high-speed rail, new and alternative transportation options, and the possibility of highway expansion in the Richmond Region. Nov. 1, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Richmond Railroad Museum, Richmond.
Wednesday, Nov. 2
Lunch Break Science: “Black Holes and Dancing Galaxies.” Hear an expert talk about these amazing celestial phenomena. Nov. 2, noon to 12:45 p.m. at the Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond.
Thursday, Nov. 3
Small Farm Outreach Annual Conference. If you’re a small farmer – or a wannabe – the Farming in Challenging Times conference has answers you need. Nov. 3 to 4 at the Renaissance Hotel, Portsmouth.
Doug E. Fresh – Alternate Routes: A Night in NYC. See hip hop icon Doug E. Fresh in concert. Tickets available for the concert only, or wrap your evening up with the RPAA gala in support of the Richmond Performing Arts Alliance. Nov. 3: Gala begins at 5:45, concert at 7:30 p.m. at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Get your ghouls on with Halloween-themed fun
Spooky Cinema. Catch showings of “Nightmare on Elm Steet” (Oct. 27), “Friday the 13th” (Oct. 28), “Gremlins” and “Rocky Horror Picture Show” (Oct. 29), and “The Addams Family” (Oct. 30) at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Squirrel-O-Ween. The Richmond Flying Squirrels host the annual Halloween celebration with free trick-or-treating, hayrides, and costume contests for humans and canines. Oct. 28, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Diamond, Richmond.
Lakeside HalloweenTowne Block Party. Safe Space Market presents a pop-up of shopping, costume contest, trick-or-treating, live music, food, and games. More than 45 businesses and vendors. Oct. 28, 6 to 9 p.m. at Lakeside Farmers Market, Henrico.
4th Friday Opening Reception. Halloween costumes, kids’ artful scavenger hunt, music,and door prizes … plus new exhibits: “Phantasmagorium” by Chris Semtner, “Spontaneous Markings” by George Hughes, “The Magical World of Little Lamzy Divy” by Andrea Danner, and a “dark art” media show. Oct. 28, 6 to 8 p.m. at Art Works, Richmond.
Rocky Horror Picture Show. Relive the fun of the interactive movie on the big screen, with your Transylvanian costume and approved props (sold at the center). Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. at the Perkinson Center, Chester.
Scott’s Addition Booz Crawl. Enjoy the neighborhood’s numerous breweries, cideries, distillery, and meadery. Collect five stamps at the craft alcohol producers for the chance to win a $25 gift card. Oct. 29, noon to 10 p.m. in Scott’s Addition, Richmond.
The Richmond Zombie Walk The march of the walking dead returns to the streets of Carytown on Sat., Oct. 29. Don your best undead duds and gather at Byrd Park at 1 p.m. to participate, or watch the procession, which will start ~2:30 p.m.
Geek RVA (Smashing Pumpkins Tribute) Halloween. Smashing music, with costumes encouraged. Oct. 29, 9 p.m. at Brambly Park, Richmond.
The Taters Halloween Party. The Richmond fan favorite band presents its Halloween show, filled with surprises as well as songs from its own Halloween CD, “DON’T SCREAM” and other classics to keep you up at night. You may not scream, but you WILL smile. Oct. 30, 7 p.m. at the Tin Pan, Richmond.
All the Saints Theater Company’s Halloween Parade. This year’s march honors trans youth, clean water, urban and ecological resilience, and reproductive autonomy. Oct. 31, 7 p.m. at Monroe Park, Richmond.
The Sleepy Hollow Experience. Lose your head at this thrilling Halloween attraction from producer Brian Clowdus. This immersive theatrical nightmare transports you into the classic Washington Irving tale with a fresh and horrifying new spin as the audience becomes part of the action. Through Oct. 31 at Mount Rouge Farm, Roseland.
Red Vein Haunt, Summer of ’87. Step into four immersive Red Vein haunted attractions, with creepy performers, frightening sets, and scary props – if you dare! Select days, Oct. 7 through Oct. 30 and Oct. 31, with a special less-scary night on Oct. 27. At Hanover Vegetable Farm, Ashland.
Creepy Hollow Scream Park 2022. Live actors, monsters, animatronics, illusions and plenty of screams, in legendary Scream Forest. Select days from Oct. 7 to 31 at 14437 Stone Horse Creek Rd., Glen Allen.
Ashland Halloween. Get the good kind of chilled with quaint and quirky events, themed Victorian homes, trick-or-treat, bar crawl, concerts, spooky movies, and ghost tours. Oct. 28 to 31 in Downtown Ashland.
New Now!
Tickets on sale + pre-sale
Dragons and Mythical Beasts. Fun family entertainment comes to town on March 29, 2023 at Altria Theater, Richmond. Tickets release to the public on Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. Use code “JUNO” online to access the venue presale starting at 10 a.m. Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. Presale code not valid for phone or in-person sales.
New events to scintillate your calendar
First Fridays for the Whole Family. A new series offers free museum admission, food trucks, ever-changing family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and happy hour specials. The first First Friday happens on Nov. 4, 5 to 8 p.m. at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Richmond.
Valentine Meat Juice Bloody Mary Mix Launch Party. Announcing a perfect new product for a city that loves brunch, inspired by one of its well-known historical figures. This new Bloody Mary mix is a revised recipe of the original Valentine Meat Juice. Taste it at the launch party and learn more about the OG on Nov. 17, 5-7 p.m. at the Valentine Museum.
28th Annual Artisans Studio Tour. Drop in and see 39 artisans in 21 studios creating masterful media in wood, clay, metal, fiber, and glass. Nov. 12 to 13 in Charlottesville and surrounding counties.
Holiday happenings
“Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley.” In the charming sequel to Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” the Bennet sisters celebrate the holidays at the Darcy estate. Nov. 25 to Jan. 1, 2023, at Virginia Rep’s November Theatre, Richmond.
“A Broadway Christmas.” Musical theatre performers celebrate timeless Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa songs from Broadway, Hollywood, and Virginia Rep musicals. Dec. 2 to Jan. 1 at Hanover Tavern, Hanover.
“’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” A jolly Santa, reindeer on the roof, moonlight on the snow, Ma and Pa in their caps, and sugarplums dancing in the dreams of hopeful children. Suggested for ages 5 and up. Dec. 17 to Jan. 1, 2023, at the new Virginia Rep Center for Arts and Education, 4204 Hermitage Rd., Richmond. Tickets go on sale Nov. 1.
Down the Road
Inaugural William Buckland Architectural Tour. A special tour focused on the life and design works of 18th-century master architect William Buckland, with visits to Gunston Hall and Menokin in Virginia and the Hammond-Harwood House in Maryland – 3 days and 2 nights of bus transportation, lodging, partial meals, and more. Nov. 4 to 6, starting and ending at Menokin in Warsaw, Va.
Breakthrough Trail 5k. Pamplin Historical Park and The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier hosts the fourth running of the race through Civil War Breakthrough Battlefield trails. Registration includes park admission to historic homes, museum, and more. Nov. 5, 9 a.m. to noon (race day registration from 7:30 to 9 a.m.) at Pamplin Historical Park.
Woodland Heights Makers Day, Arts & Crafts Show. Presenting 40+ local vendors, raffle, kids’ crafts, and food trucks. Sponsored by the Woodland Heights Civic Association to benefit the community food closet and promote local artists. Nov. 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside Woodland Heights Baptist Church, Richmond.
Broadway Sings for Haiti Benefit Concert. Broadway performers exit the Big Apple for RVA to perform a gala concert for the Richmond-based nonprofit, Hearts with Haiti, which supports providing housing, food, medical care, education, and employment to former street children, child slaves, and those affected by disability and poverty. Nov. 5, 6 p.m. (VIP reception) and 7 p.m. (general admission), at The Hippodrome Theater, Richmond.
“Poe for Your Problems” at the Virginia Literary Book Group. Grab your copy of “Poe for Your Problems: Uncommon Advice from History’s Least Likely Self-Help Guru” by Catherine Baab-Muguira. When life’s got you down and things aren’t going your way, who better to turn to than Edgar Allan Poe? Discover how to say “nevermore” to your problems in this darkly comedic and refreshing self-help guide. Then make plans for the book discussion, with author in attendance, on Nov. 9 at 6 p.m.
Ales Through the Ages. International experts convene to share a wealth of knowledge about beer and history, a subject that stretches from ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt till today. Nov. 11 to 13 in Williamsburg.
The Richmond Marathon. America’s friendliest marathon, right here in RVA: from Broad Street to Riverside Drive through VCU up to Northside and down to Brown’s Island. Half Marathon and 8k options, too. Nov. 12 in Richmond.
The Last Waltz Tour. Capturing The Band’s historic 1976 Thanksgiving concert in San Francisco. Concert is on Nov. 13, 8 p.m. at Altria Theater.
The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting. Lisa Genova, New York Times best-selling author and neuroscientist speaks and answers questions. Presented by the Rick Sharp Alzheimer’s Foundation. Nov. 15, 7 p.m. at Dominion Energy Center.
J. S. Bach’s St. John Passion. The International Bach Academy of Stuttgart presents the composer’s celebration of faith on Nov.18, 7:30 p.m., at Saint Bede Catholic Church, Williamsburg.
Royal Comedy 2022. Get ready for an evening of laughter at Royal Comedy 2022, featuring performances by Sommore, Bruce Bruce, Lavell Crawford, and Tony Rock. Nov. 18 at 8 p.m. at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Light Up the Tracks in Downtown Ashland. The historic small town in the Center of the Universe transforms into a vintage Christmas village, with light displays and special events, along with ongoing shopping, dining, and entertainment. The holiday weeks include special events: a kick-off celebration on Nov. 19, Ashland Christmas Market on Dec. 4, Jolly Jaunt Bar Crawl on Dec. 10, and Light the Way on Dec. 31. Nov. 19 to Jan 1, 2023, in downtown Ashland.
The Autism Society of Central Virginia’s Annual Gala. The seated dinner, drinks, auctions, entertainment, and awards ceremony does more than just provide an enjoyable evening – it celebrates the local autism community and benefits the organization’s important work. Nov. 19, 6 to 10:30 p.m. at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Harry Connick Jr. Celebrate the 2022 holiday season with Christmas classics and Connick’s originals on Nov. 20 at the Altria Theater in Richmond
The Shockoe Swap Meet. Shop vintage pieces, jewelry from 50+ vendors. Nov. 20, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Main Street Station, Richmond.
GardenFest of Lights. The Richmond holiday tradition features lights, decorations, model trains, holiday dinners, hot chocolate, and more. Tickets on sale now. Nov. 21 to Jan. 8, 2023 at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.
“Pretty Woman: The Musical.” The popular romantic musical plays Nov. 22 to 27 at the Altria Theater, Richmond.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas. Chip Davis, founder and creator of Mannheim Steamroller, will celebrate over 35 years of his annual Christmas concert tour, making it the longest running concert tour in the entertainment industry. The show includes dazzling multimedia effects. Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the Altria Theater, Richmond.
December
Christmas with C.S. Lewis. Join the thought-provoking Christian writer (or a facsimile thereof) at his Oxford home for Yuletide recollections. Dec. 1 to 4 at the Gottwald Playhouse at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Handel’s “Messiah.” The Richmond Symphony and Richmond Symphony Chorus present the annual inspirational performance of the seasonal classic. Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m. at River Road Church in Richmond.
Jerry Seinfeld. The comedian’s Richmond show sold out so quickly that a late show was added, on Dec. 2, 9:30 p.m.
Hip Hop Nutcracker. The holiday mash-up blends innovative digital graffiti and visuals to transform the landscape from traditional 19th-century Germany to the vibrant sights and sounds of contemporary New York City. Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Channel 5 Live with Andrew Callaghan. Deadpan humor and unfiltered reporting on social and political issues. Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. at the Libby S. Gottwald Playhouse at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
CarMax Tacky Light Run: “10 Years of Tacky.” Registration is open for the colorful nighttime 6k walk-jog-run event. Dec. 10, 6 p.m., beginning at Mid-lothian Mines Park, Chesterfield.
Vienna Boys Choir. Soak in the sweet holiday sounds of the renowned choir. Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Richmond’s First Baptist Church, Richmond; Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. at Harrison Opera House, Norfolk; and Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m. at Saint Bede Catholic Church, Williamsburg.
A Magical Cirque Christmas. World-acclaimed performers and cirque artists take audiences back in time, immersing them in the spirit of the season and performing Christmas classics through the decades. Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Altria Theater, Richmond.
“Annie JR.” Cadence Theatre brings the classic 1930s story to the stage, Dec. 16 to 23 at Libby S. Gottwald Playhouse, Richmond.
Coming in 2023
Poe Museum Centennial Celebration. Honor the 100th anniversary of the Poe Museum as writers R.L. Stine (Goosebumps) and Nnedi Okorafor (Who Fears Death, Black Panther) honor the legacy of Edgar Allan Poe, the “master of the macabre,” and hear how Poe’s strange and groundbreaking works still influence our world today. Jan. 23, 2023 at 7 p.m. at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Virginia Wine Expo. The 9-day educational wine, spirits, and food experience highlights Virginia wine, plus wine from our guest regions – Napa Valley and Argentina – and local cuisine. Feb. 25 to March 5, 2023. Tickets on sale in October.
Hamilton. Featuring a musical score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, has created somewhat of a revolution, itself. Catch it when it returns to Richmond on April 11 through 23, 2023, at the Altria Theater, Richmond.
Burning Man Artist Kate Raudenbush Exhibit Coming to Richmond. The Burning Man artist will premiere her enchanting and evocative new exhibit, “Incanto: An Oasis of Lyrical Sculpture,” in collaboration with poet Sha Michele, the show will feature five monumental sculptures and run from April 28 through Oct. 29, 2023, at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.
RSOL Designer House, 2023. The Richmond Symphony Orchestra League has announced its 19th designer house: the Taylor Estate, located on Monument Avenue. Save the date for Sept. 11, 2023.
Ongoing
PopUp RVA at The Diamond. Richmond’s largest vendor market, featuring dozens of artisan, craft, and other local businesses, plus beer and wine and food trucks. Saturdays through October, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at The Diamond, Richmond.
“Chicken & Biscuits.” Rival sisters come together for their father’s funeral, and a family secret arrives at the church, throwing the proceedings into comical chaos. Through Oct. 30 at Virginia Repertory Theatre, Richmond.
Garden Glow. Dramatic lighting transforms historic buildings and gardens, including Big Bright Mega Light, plus food trucks, fire pits, a Glow Bar, and Glow Shop. Advance ticket purchase recommended. Through Nov. 6 at Maymont, Richmond.
“Steel Magnolias.” Laugh, cry, and call your friends to see the on-stage performance of the 1989 classic movie by Virginia Repertory Theatre. Through Nov. 13 at Hanover Tavern, Hanover.
American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith. Examine our government’s founding and the continuing story of America’s bold experiment in a government “of, by, and for the people.” Through Dec. 31 at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Richmond.
“Cheers, Virginia!” Learn about how everyday people and crafters have used their skills and ingenuity to make and improve beer, cider, spirits, and wine for their home tables and to consumers – from early settlers to today’s craft beverages. Through Feb. 9, 2023, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.
Forging Freedom, Justice and Equality. An exhibition covering important themes of Black history across Virginia, from commerce to military, education, sports, entertainment, and more. Through April 29 at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.
“Storied Strings.” A new exhibition premiering at the VMFA explores the guitar’s symbolism in American art and its story, through a variety of artistic and musical media. Through March 19, 2023, at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
“‘I made this…’: The Work of Black American Artists and Artisans.” The first exhibition looking solely at the work of diverse Black artists and artisans from three centuries opens at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. Through Dec. 31, 2025, at the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, Williamsburg.
