More What’s Booming RVA: Sept. 12 to 19
A week of entertaining and inspiring events plus road trips and news
From the annual RVA Pridefest to the start of Hispanic Heritage Month and Soul Sunday, it’s a blast of fall events! Take in art and music, theater and film, tour guides and authors, beer and spirits, and more. In Richmond, Virginia, September 12 to 19, 2024.
Also check out:
- Boomer’s Top 5 picks in RVA this week,
- Browse the week ahead below (PLUS news and road trips), and
- Go to our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.
September 12 to 19, 2024
Thursday, September 12
Salsa at Sunset. See Boomer’s Top Picks.
Opera in the Garden. The Virginia Opera Emerging Artists perform in the courtyard garden. FREE, cash bar. September 12, 6 to 7 p.m., at The Valentine, Richmond.
“Boardinghouse Women: How Southern Keepers, Cooks, Nurses, Widows, and Runaways Shaped Modern America.” Author Elizabeth S. D. Engelhardt looks at the significant impact of Southern boardinghouse women in shaping modern America. September 12, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Library of Virginia Lecture Hall, 800 E. Broad St., Richmond.
Strad Fest. A multi-day celebration of the world’s finest instruments: nine legendary Stradivarius violins, handcrafted between 1685-1725 by Italian luthier Antonio Stradivari, and centuries of musical history. Highlights include luthier demonstrations, violinist Itzhak Perlman, and the Symphony’s season opening concert. September 12 to 15 at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.
Friday, September 13
“Mamma Mia!” Tickets on Sale! Tickets available at the Altria Theater box office, by visiting BroadwayInRichmond.com, or by calling 1-800-514-3849(ETIX). Sales begin Friday, Sept. 13, 2024 at 10 a.m. for performances Dec. 10 to 14 at Altria Theater, Richmond.
Maymont Estate Walking Tours. On this one-hour tour, explore the gardens, outbuildings, and other estate features that made Maymont a showplace in Gilded Age Richmond. Learn about the design of the Italian garden, rare trees imported in the 1890s, and uses of the outbuildings. Fridays in September, 1 to 4 p.m., at Maymont, Richmond.
The Shepherd’s Center of Richmond Open House. See Boomer’s Top Picks.
Around the Block Exhibit and Sale. An exhibition and sale of unique millinery hat blocks from the 1920s through 1950s, alongside tools, supplies, and materials used by Ignatius Hats during the Petersburg Years. Exhibit opening on Sept. 13, 5 to 9 p.m.; exhibit runs through Oct. 5 at Petersburg Area Art League Gallery, Petersburg.
Constellation of Blackness. Artist Veronica Jackson addresses notions of invisibility, hypervisibility, devaluation, and triumph experienced by Black women in America. The exhibition features series of printmaking, typography, and vintage photographs that speak to past and present times. Opening reception with artist on Sept. 13, 5:30 p.m.; exhibition runs through Oct. 27, at Visual Arts Center, Richmond.
Sips on the Skyline. An evening celebration featuring a buffet of food, great music, creative craft cocktails designed by Virginia’s best distillers (several of whom are veterans), and skyline views of downtown Richmond and the James River. Sept. 13, 6:30 to 9 p.m., at the Virginia War Memorial, Richmond.
The U.S. Navy Band – Country Current. See Boomer’s Top Picks.
Long Point String Band. The old-time acoustic “neo-traditional” group presents the virtuosic stylings of four musicians that seamlessly transition between instrumentation to create unique yet traditional textures. Sept. 13, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.
Althea René. Born on Christmas Day in Detroit, the jazz musician started her musical journey at 4 years of age. The soul-jazz flutist educates, entertains, and inspires with music and art. Sept. 13, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
“The Sunshine Boys.” River City Community Players present a Neil Simon classic. Sept. 13 to 21 at Gayton Kirk Presbyterian Church, Henrico.
Saturday, September 14
James River Regional Cleanup. A chance to clean up at multiple locations in Central Virginia – from boat or on foot. Find details and register on the website. Sept. 14, 9 a.m. to noon, from Lynchburg to Henrico County.
Pridefest at BOHO Studios. Fitness classes followed by kombucha. Sept. 14, 9 to 11 a.m., at BOHO Fit Studio and BOHO Cycle, Richmond.
Bark in the Park. Henrico Humane Society presents an outdoor event of vendors, pet-related activities, food, and a 2K dog walk. Sept. 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Deep Run Park, Glen Allen.
43rd Street Festival of the Arts. See Boomer’s Top Picks.
Tour of Chesterfield’s Historic Courthouse Green. Walking tour examining historic buildings and monuments as well as the 210-year-old Nunnally Oak Tree. After the tour, participants can explore more local history at the County Museum and the Old Jail. FREE. Sept. 14, 11 a.m., at Chesterfield County Museum, Chesterfield Courthouse.
Celebrate the Art of Latin America: Brazil. Through art activities, performances, and artist demonstrations, discover the history and culture of the diverse country. FREE. Sept. 14, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.
Market Days with Richmond Makers Market. Local artists and makers present handmade goods. Stop by the Center’s four art galleries, with free admission. Sept. 14, noon to 6 p.m., at the Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen.
VA Pridefest 2024. A full day of celebration, with performances on two stages (including Crystal Waters, Robin S and Tank and the Bangas), vendor market, Allianz Youth Pride Pavilion with family-friendly activities, food trucks, adult beverages, and non-alcoholic options. FREE, VIP tickets available for a fee. Sept. 14, noon to 8 p.m., at the Bon Secours Training Center, Richmond.
Meet Francis Scott Key: Author of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” On this day, 210 years ago, Key witnessed the American flag over Fort McHenry after a 25-hour bombardment by British naval cannons. He penned the words to what would become known as “The Star-Spangled Banner.” A costumed historian portrays Francis Scott Key and shares the story of the anthem. Part of Henrico 250. Sept. 14, 2 to 3:30 p.m., at Belmont Recreation Center, Henrico.
Virginia Distilled. See Boomer’s Top Picks.
Sunday, September 15
Oktoberforest Fest 2024. See Boomer’s Top Picks.
“First Do No Harm.” A thriller novel presented by Lt. Joe Kenda. An evening of conversation from the author, star of “Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda,” and 23-year veteran of the Colorado Springs PD on a team with a 92% homicide solve rate. Sept. 15, 1 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Soulful Sunday. Celebrate Africans and African American traditions in art, music, food, religion, and the convictions of hope, determination, and courage, through dance and music performances, arts and craft activities, historical portrayals, and product and food vendors. FREE. Sept. 15, 3 to 7 p.m., at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center, Henrico.
Monday, September 16
Ashland 1949 Film Series: “All the King’s Men.” Ashland Theatre presents a series of films from 1949, including this Academy Award Best Picture winner. All tickets $5. Sept. 16, 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.
Tuesday, September 17
An Evening with Author Meg Medina. VCU Libraries presents Richmond-based writer Meg Medina, the 2023-24 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, in conversation with VCU’s SJ Sindu, an assistant professor in the Department of English and a Sri Lankan American novelist and short story writer. Registration required. Sept. 17, 7 p.m., at James Branch Cabell Library, Richmond.
Wednesday, September 18
“Becoming Baba Yaga.” As part of the Poe Museum Illumination Series, Richmond author Kris Spisak presents her newest book: an in-depth look at the Baba Yaga mythos and history through Slavic folklore, filled with historical and cultural context, analyses, and stories. FREE, registration required. Sept. 8, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Poe Museum, Richmond.
Liz Longley. The accomplished singer-songwriter, based in Nashville, Tennessee, presents deeply emotional songs with her stop-you-in-your-tracks voice. Sept. 18, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
Pollinator Container Garden Workshop. Make-and-take workshop, with all materials provided (except gardening gloves). For 21 or older. Bring photo ID for alcohol. Sept. 18 and Sept. 19, 6 to 8 p.m., at Maymont, Richmond.
Two New Exhibitions at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, Richmond.
- A Prescription for Change: Black Voices Shaping Healthcare in Virginia. Highlighting significant contributions of Black professionals in the health fields through images, artifacts, and documents, showcasing the efforts of Black medical professionals to combat healthcare disparities and inequities. The exhibition will extend as far back as the late 1700s. Sept. 18 to March 15, 2025.
- Sweet to the Soul and Healing to the Bones. Art exploring the complex relationship between the medical industry and the Black community. Fourteen artists explore physical, emotional, psychological, and historical aspects of healthcare disparities faced by Black patients. They confront persistent misconceptions about African-American physiology and highlight the community’s long-standing participation in American medical research. Sept. 18 to Nov. 30, 2024.
Thursday, September 19
“War on Record: The Archive and the Afterlife of the Civil War.” In-person book talk with author Dr. Yael Sternhell looks at the Civil War’s archive and how what we consider as factual knowledge was shaped by an intricate web of ideological currents and political struggles during the postbellum era. Sept. 19, 6 to 7:30 p.m., at The American Civil War Museum, Richmond.
Face Value – A Tribute to Phil Collins. Through five decades and 150 million albums sold, Collins has been one of the world’s best-selling artists. The tribute brings his hits to the forefront. Sept. 19, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.
News & Announcements
Richmond Forum + Virginia Wine Expo
The Richmond Forum 2024-2025 Season. Five evenings of ideas, stories, and perspectives regarding today’s important issues. The speakers can be seen live or online.
- Nov. 23, 2024: With Baratunde Thurston, uncover what it will mean to be human as we barrel toward a more digitally integrated future fueled by new technologies like AI.
- Jan. 11, 2025: Journey back into the intergalactic dark ages with NASA astrophysicist Dr. Amber Straughn and the James Webb Space Telescope.
- Feb. 15, 2025: Unlock the game plan to drive any team to success, whether on or off the court, with Coach K, one of the greatest college basketball coaches of all time.
- March 22, 2025: Navigate masculinity in the modern age with author Richard Reeves, who has spent 20 years worrying about boys, both as a researcher and as the father of three sons.
- April 26, 2025: Hear stories and lessons learned from every era of Martha Stewart’s life – from her early ambitions to her triumphs over adversity. In conversation with Soledad O’Brien.
Virginia Wine Expo 2025. The dates of the multiday event celebrating Virginia wine, spirits and food – taste, learn, enjoy, at an eclectic mix of curated experiences, seminars, dinners, and the walk-around tastings. Schedule to be revealed on Oct. 8; tickets on sale Oct. 17, 7 a.m. The Expo will run from Feb. 28 to March 9 at various venues around Richmond.
Road Trips
Wings + Poe in Maryland, Roots at Poplar Forest, Indigenous speaker in Jamestown
Official Grand Opening of the Hagerstown Aviation Museum. The museum opens as part of the annual Wings & Wheels Expo, for aviation and history buffs. Six newly acquired aircraft will be dedicated, including the oldest, a 1933 Fairchild C8A/24. The day also includes open-cockpit flight experiences, the colors, and more. Sept. 14, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Hagerstown Aviation Museum, Hagerstown, Maryland.
Roots and Reconnection Festival. Honor, celebrate and learn about the life, culture, and history of the enslaved African Americans who lived and worked on Jefferson’s plantation, the profound connection between the past and the present. With music and dance, exhibits and tours, food, conversations. FREE. Sept. 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Thomas Jefferson Poplar Forest, Forest.
Jamestown Settlement’s Director’s Series with Dr. Ned Blackhawk. Executive director of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Christy S. Coleman dialogues with Blackhawk, an enrolled member of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians of Nevada, who discusses how the historical past impacts the shift among Indigenous communities, including population increases, political activism, and social movements. Book signing option after. Sept. 16, 7 p.m., in Jamestown Settlement’s Robins Foundation Theater, Jamestown.
International Edgar Allan Poe Festival & Awards. Oct. 4 to 6, in Baltimore, Maryland. Special events include:
- Poe Baltimore Presents: “Red Masque” Movie Night & Poe House 75th Anniversary Reception. Commemorating the 175th anniversary of Edgar Allan Poe’s death in Baltimore and the 75th anniversary of The Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum, the evening includes panel discussions with Victoria Price, author and daughter of Vincent Price; tribute to Vincent Price and film director Roger Corman; a 60th Anniversary screening of their 1964 horror classic, “Edgar Allan Poe’s Masque of the Red Death”; and a first look at a new documentary exploring the enduring mystery of Edgar Allan Poe’s death in Baltimore. Oct. 4, 6 to 10 p.m., at the M&T Bank Exchange Theatre at France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, Baltimore, Md.
- The Black Cat Ball. Gothic 1840s Dance Party, featuring after-hours access to the “Poe Death Exhibit” at Carroll Mansion and a cognac toast to Edgar Allan Poe. Diamond Gala includes a private reception and Vincent Price-themed wine dinner, followed by the Cabaret Dance Party (which is also open to general admission ticketholders). Age 21 and over. Diamond Gala doors open 6 p.m., Dance Party at 8 p.m., at 1840s Plaza, Baltimore.
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