Make Plans for These Richmond Events

More Richmond events after January 16

Welcome to 2025!

Sculpture Exhibition: Rich Soil Speaking Event. Artist Kristine Mays addresses her exhibit “Rich Soil,” which honors the lives of ancestors through 29 life-sized sculptures. Inspired by Alvin Ailey’s Revelation, Mays’ work reflects on those who lived, worked, and tended the land. Saajida Chohan of the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia, joins Mays to discuss why this exhibit holds special significance for Virginia. Jan. 17, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.

Sharon Rae North & Rob Zinn. Master vocalist Sharon Rae North showcases her tone, phrasing, articulation, and interpretation of lyrics. Veteran vocalist, trumpeter, and flugelhornist Rob Zinn brings high energy, with covers and originals. Jan. 17, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Health Equity Community Conversation: Powerful Legacies. Black communities continue to face disproportionately negative health outcomes. Creating pathways to address these disparities through education and awareness is crucial. Dr. Newby-Alexander leads a discussion on the historical development of healthcare for Black communities, from slavery to today, exploring the deep-rooted issues of racism, inequality, and healthcare and their lasting impact on African Americans. Jan. 18, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, Richmond.

New Beginnings. Chester Artists Association presents its exhibit grand opening, exploring the theme of new beginnings through allegorical roots. Plus light food, cash bar. Exhibit runs through March 8. Jan. 18, 2 to 4 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.

Brickwall Jackson. Virginia Americana band released their fourth album, “Big Orange Guitar,” in March 2024. Honest, unflinching storytelling is the heartbeat of their music. Energetic, soaring musicianship is their calling card. Jan. 18, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Pops – The Celebration of Black Music in Film. Richmond Symphony presents the rich musical heritage of Black cinema with music such as Luther Vandross’ work on “The Wiz,” the funk of Isaac Hayes’ “Shaft,” and others including Get Out, Superfly, Crooklyn, Do the Right Thing, Purple Rain, Dream Girls, and more. Pre-concert talk at 7 p.m. Jan. 18, 8 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

More of a Month of Poe. Gallery5, The Poe Museum, and St. John’s Church celebrates Edgar Allan Poe’s 216th birthday all month long. Still to come:

• Edgar’s Sweet 216th Birthday Bash. Jan. 18, 6 to 10 p.m., at The Poe Museum, Richmond.
• The Ghoul-Haunted Woodland: A Poe-Themed Tour of St. John’s Graveyard / A Lyrical Tour by Dean Knight. On the anniversary of Poe’s birth. Jan. 19, 2 to 3 p.m., at Historic St. John’s Church, Richmond.
• Drink & Draw RVA: A Poe Birthday Session with Brit Austin. Live model drawing event for artists of all skill levels, hosted and taught by a local artist. Jan. 19, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., at Gallery5, Richmond.
• Gallery5 Listening Room. Musical acts and literary readings. Jan. 19, 7 to 10 p.m., at Gallery5, Richmond.

Celebrate MLK with the Richmond Symphony. A chamber concert for all ages honoring Martin Luther King Jr. and celebrating his inspiring message. Jan. 19, 3 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

“Constellations.” One relationship. Infinite possibilities. Marianne and Roland meet at a party. They go for a drink, or not. They fall madly in love and start dating, but eventually break up. After a chance encounter they get back together, or maybe Marianne reveals that she’s now engaged to someone else. … Constellations is a play about free will and friendship; it’s also about quantum multiverse theory, love, and honey. From Yes And! Theatrical Co. Jan. 23 to Feb. 8 at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.

“Songs from the Center of the Universe” Streaming and Album Release. The 2024 Ashland song competition is available for streaming on major platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify. The compilation features tracks that celebrate the rich history and vibrant community spirit of Ashland. The official album release party will be held on Jan. 24, 5 to 6 p.m., at COTU Brewing, Ashland.

Geno Marriott & The Spirit of Jazz. Presenting the American jazz musician, producer, and entrepreneur, aka “GMusic.” Jan. 24, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

“The Diary of Anne Frank.” The award-winning drama has been newly adapted, for an even deeper exploration of a Jewish family’s claustrohobic and tragic existence during World War II. Heartwarming, honest, and impassioned. Jan. 24 to Feb. 15 at Swift Creek Mill Theatre, South Chesterfield.

En’Novation Band. The Richmond-based band brings smooth vocal and harmonies, showcasing oldies and current hits. Jan. 25, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.

Just Fine – The Ultimate Mary J. Blige Tribute Band. The seven-piece band’s groove and sound carries listeners back to favorite days and times in the go-gos, celebrating the music of multi-award winner Mary J. Blige. Jan. 25, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Dreams to Deadlines – Navigating Your Writing Year. James River Writers presents an in-person panel discussion on making writing dreams a reality – setting effective goals, managing roadblocks, and more. Jan. 28, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Visual Arts Center, Richmond.

Broadway in Richmond Presents Its 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. Still to come:

• The Virginia premiere of “MJ: The Musical” arrives to play Jan. 28 to Feb. 2, 2025.
• The 10-time Tony Award-winning hit “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” entertains March 4 to 16, 2025.
• “A Beautiful Noise,” in its first year of touring, entertains in RVA from April 15 to 20, 2025.
• Song and dance spectacular “Some Like It Hot” comes to Richmond, June 3 to 8, 2025.
• “Chicago The Musical” returns, May 9 to 11, 2025 (can be added to any six-show season ticket package).

The Dave Matthews Tribute Band. Since 2004, The DMTB is the only nationally touring tribute to the Dave Matthews Band. This 5-piece ensemble strives to pay homage to their famous counterparts by matching the excitement, energy, intensity and intimacy of a DMB live show. Jan. 30, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Richmond Shakespeare’s 26th Season. Classic and contemporary plays and musicals. At varying locations in Richmond. Still to come:

• “The Father: A Tragic Farce.” Now 80, André was once a tap dancer. He lives with his daughter, Anne, and her husband, Antoine. Or was André an engineer, whose daughter Anne lives in London with her new lover, Pierre? The thing is, he is still wearing his pajamas, and he can’t find his watch. Is he losing control? The play makes you question the truth and the nature of reality and see the cruelties of love and the limits of patience, how child-parent relationships become inverted. Presented by Richmond Shakespeare. Jan. 30 to Feb. 16 at Virginia Repertory Theatre’s Theatre Gym, Richmond.
• “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again],” March 13 to 30
• “Cyrano De Bergerac,” Summer, dates TBA
• “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Summer, dates TBA

Richmond Symphony: Goodyear, Perry, & Mendelssohn. The rhythmic precision of artist in residence Stewart Goodyear is at the core of his compositions. The concerts culminate with the First Symphony by the precocious 15-year-old Felix Mendelssohn. Jan. 31, pre-concert talk at 6:30 p.m., performance at 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.

Damn the Torpedoes – A Tom Petty Concert Experience. The signature riffs, harmonies and underlying parts of the music are all there, along with some fresh twists that are often inspired in the moment. Featuring Rich Kubicz as Petty. Jan. 31, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

February and beyond

The Seldom Scene. The Seldom Scene was established in 1971 in a basement in Bethesda, Maryland, with guitar, dobro, banjo, double bass, and mandolin.. The rest is history. The progressive bluegrass style played by the Seldom Scene had become increasingly popular during the 1970s, and the band, with many lineup changes, continues to perform. Feb. 2, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Ashland 1949 Film Series. Inspired by the rousing response to its 75th anniversary presentation of 1948 films, Ashland Theatre presents a series of films from 1949. All tickets $5, films beginning at 7 p.m., at Ashland Theatre, Ashland.

• Feb. 10, 2025: “They Live by Night,” starring Cathy O’Donnell and Farley Granger
• March 10, 2025: “Under Capricorn,” directed by Alfred Hitchcock
• April 14, 2025: “The Heiress,” starring Olivia de Havilland and Montgomery Clift
• May 12, 2025: “I Shot Jesse James,” starring Preston Foster and John Ireland
• June 16, 2025: “The Small Back Room,” starring David Farrar and Kathleen Byron
• July 14, 2025: “The Third Man,” starring Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, and Orson Welles
• Aug. 11, 2025: “Jour de fête,” starring Jacques Tati and Paul Frankeur

Songs for Lovers. Old classic and new love songs in a piano concert. The first half features captivating tunes from the American songbook and classical music, then originals by Barron Ryan. Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.

The Richmond Forum 2024-2025 Season. Ideas, stories, and perspectives regarding today’s important issues. Live and online. Still to come:

• 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.

Legends on Grace. This season highlights a different genre with each performance including a holiday show. All at Bob & Sally Mooney Hall at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond. Still to come:

• Heart & Soul: Ms. Jaylin Brown. Feb. 15, 2025, 8 p.m.
• ’70s Pop Night! The Super Sugar Beats. April 26, 2025, 8 p.m.

Mancini. He won OSCARS®. He won GRAMMYS®. And his legendary music won fans everywhere. The Richmond Symphony pays tribute to the great movie music of Henry Mancini, with such classics as “Moon River,” “The Days of Wine and Roses,” and “The Pink Panther.” Feb. 18, 8 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

“Murmurs in Time.” In a world premiere, Chicago-based percussion quartet Third Coast Percussion performs a work by tabla player Zakir Hussain, who will also perform. Feb. 21, 2025, at Modlin Center for the Arts, University of Richmond.

Kadencia! With their unique brand of Afro-Puerto Rican bomba, plena, and salsa music, you’ll find it impossible to sit still. Pay what you can. Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.

Virginia Wine Expo 2025. A multi-day event celebrating Virginia wine, spirits, and food – taste, learn, enjoy, at an eclectic mix of curated experiences, seminars, dinners, and the walk-around tasting. Feb. 28 to March 9, at various venues around Richmond.

March and beyond

“A Loving Community.” Presented in partnership with Virginia Opera, the play with music features music and history relevant to the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. The program will include excerpts from the new opera, “Loving v. Virginia,” which premieres April 2025. Q&A with performers follows. Accompanied by display panels to enhance understanding of the historical context. FREE, registration required. March 7, 6:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.

Adult Night Hike. Ever wonder who stays awake while you sleep? Meet some of Maymont’s nighttime residents and learn about their nocturnal adaptations through experiments, games, and a hike. Owls, bats, frogs, and other creatures of the dark help shed some light onto their mysterious ways. 21+ with adult beverages available for purchase. March 14, 2025, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Maymont, Richmond.

RTP’s 2024-2025 Spotlight Cabaret Series. Richmond Triangle Players presents four cabaret performances for the season. At Robert B. Moss Theatre, Richmond. Still to come:

• Georgia Rogers Farmer: Perfect Pair. March 27 to 29, 2025
• Nationally Renowned Act To be Announced. May 30 to 31, 2025

“STOMP.” A combination of percussion, movement, and visual comedy, STOMP uses  household and industrial objects find as musical instruments in the hands of a band of body percussionists. It’s a journey through sound, a celebration of the everyday, and a comic interplay of characters wordlessly communicating through dance and drum. The international percussion sensation will offer three performances, March 28 and 29, at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

“Aguas da Amazonia.” Third Coast Percussion and dancers of the Twyla Tharp Dance company will perform an original adaptation of Philip Glass’s work for percussion quartet and flute. April 5, 2025, at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

“The Impending Crisis.” A dynamic exhibit 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. Opening April 27 at the American Civil War Museum, Tredegar, Richmond.

RTP’s 2024-2025 Season. Four plays, including a new production of one of RTP’s biggest hits, will take the stage at Richmond Triangle Players, as the company celebrates its 32nd year as one of the Commonwealth’s most acclaimed cultural arts institutions, and the longest-operating LGBTQ+ theatre in the mid-Atlantic region. At Robert B. Moss Theatre, Richmond. Still to come:

• “Which Way to the Stage” by Ana Nogueira. What happens when dreams fall just out of reach, in a playful yet profound comedy of friendship and ambition. April 23 to May 17, 2025.
• “A Strange Loop,” book, music, and lyrics by Michael R. Jackson. Winner of every best musical award in New York for the story of Usher, a young, gay, Black writer in a loop of a hilarious ensemble play. June 25 to Aug. 2, 2025.

“Loving v. Virginia.” Virginia Opera premieres the operatic retelling of a young couple’s interracial marriage in 1958 that sparks a case which leads to the Supreme Court and a victory for civil rights in the United States. Based on the true story of Mildred and Richard Loving. Sung in English with English surtitles. May 9 to 11, 2025, at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

Ongoing Events

Around Richmond, and a few worth a road trip

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Charlie Bucket finds a golden ticket to the Wonka Chocolate Factory. When he and the other winners explore this world of sweets and imagination, they embark on an journey through Willy Wonka’s madcap mind. Through Jan. 12, 2025, at The November Theatre, Richmond.

Ken Ludwig’s “Moriarty: A New Sherlock Holmes Adventure.” An investigation into the Bohemian king’s stolen letters cascades into an international mystery filled with spies, blackmail, and intrigue. With world peace at stake, Holmes and Dr. Watson join forces with an American actress to take down the cunning criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty. Five actors play over 40 roles in this brand new adventure of danger and laughter. Through Jan. 26 at Hanover Tavern, Hanover.

Israeli & Jewish Film Festival. Six films with Israeli and Jewish connections. Through Jan. 26, at various venues, Richmond.

A Prescription for Change: Black Voices Shaping Healthcare in Virginia. This exhibition will highlight the significant yet often overlooked contributions of Black professionals in the health fields. Through March 15, 2025, at the Black History Museum of Virginia, Richmond.

“A Better Life for Their Children: Julius Rosenwald, Booker T. Washington, and the 4,978 Schools That Changed America.” Exhibition honoring the Rosenwald program, a unique school program established to provide educational opportunities for African Americans during the Jim Crow era. One of the most transformative educational initiatives in American history was forged by Booker T. Washington, a Black educator, and Julius Rosenwald, a Jewish businessman and philanthropist. The exhibition features photographs and stories of the schools alongside a Virginia-based collection of related artifacts, images, and more. Through April 20, 2025, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

Portraits: The “Style Weekly” Photograph Archive. Richmond’s alternative source of culture, arts, opinion, and local issues started in 1982, through words and photographs. This exhibition includes portraits selected from the archive. Through May 16, 2025, at The Valentine, Richmond.

“Mapping the Commonwealth, 1816–1826.” The story of 10 years, five governors, two principal surveyors, and one lead engraver – the time frame and team needed to create one of the first official state maps in the nation. Examples from 40 manuscript maps that highlight the painstaking task of creating Virginia’s first official state map, without the benefit of modern technologies like GPS. Through June 7, 2025 at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.

Virginia & The Vietnam War. Fifty years since the Fall of Saigon, Virginians still feel the impact of the Vietnam War, a long, costly, and controversial conflict. This exhibit examines, through personal objects and oral histories, what Virginia’s soldiers, policy makers, families, activists, and Vietnamese migrants carried during the war and its aftermath. Visitors explore relevant personal items and engage with multiple oral histories. Through July 6, 2025, at Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

Edmund Archer: Perspectives on Black Dignity. Portraits of Black men and women that radiate their dignity in contrast to caricatures and stereotypes of earlier Richmond artists and popular culture. Through Sept. 1, 2025.

“‘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.

“Sculpting History.” The new exhibition from the Valentine shows how those who created the Lost Cause narrative used cultural and social centers of power to make it successful: education, media, politics, money, religion, and violence. The exhibition demonstrates how sculptor Edward Valentine, Richmond leaders, and others around the country reframed the war. It uncovers the Lost Cause, its legacy, and those who resisted. The Valentine, Richmond.