Make Plans for These Richmond Events

More Richmond events after October 10

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. Oct. 11 and March 14, 2025, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. both nights, at Maymont, Richmond.

“Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” Orchestra World Tour. A new concert based entirely on the game, with symphonic arrangements of the game’s music performed by the Richmond Symphony and Richmond Symphony Chorus. Accompanied by high-definition video scenes created exclusively for the production. Oct. 12, 8 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.

“Don Giovanni” from Virginia Opera. Mozart’s masterpiece tells the story of a handsome playboy, Don Giovanni, as he blazes a path to his own destruction in a single day. He’s loved by women as much as he loves them, but his disregard for decency catches up with him. In the end, supernatural forces exact the final punishment and, for the first time, the Don cannot outwit fate. Sung in Italian with English surtitles. Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m., and Oct. 13, 2:30 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

Fall Jazz Nights. Live performances from renowned local musician, Charles Owens, paired with Martini Trees, an up to five-drink offering perfect for gathering, which feature fall-inspired martinis (starting Oct. 14). Tuesdays in fall at Gather & Hem, Richmond.

Garden Glow. New light sculptures line the Glow Path and the Japanese Garden, transforming the outdoors spaces with color and lighting effects into a mesmerizing experience for 22 nights – more nights than ever. Oct. 16 to Nov. 10 at Maymont, Richmond.

Lincoln Prize Lecture. Featured speakers are recipients of the 2024 Gilder Lehrman Lincoln Prize, Dr. Frances M. Clarke and Dr. Rebecca Jo Plant, for their book “Of Age: Boy Soldiers and Military Power in the Civil War Era.” They examine military, legal, political, and cultural perspectives on the service of underage boys in both the Confederate Army and the U.S. Army. Oct. 17, 6 to 8 p.m., at The American Civil War Museum, Richmond.

“H*tler’s Tasters.” 5th Wall Theatre presents a dark comedy about the young German women who were Adolf Hitler’s food tasters. Based on true events in history, the story explores the way girls navigate sexuality, patriotism, and poison against the backdrop of war. Oct. 17 to Nov. 2 at Theatre Gym.

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

• “Lord of the Flies,” Oct. 17 to Nov. 10
• “The Father,” Jan. 30 to Feb. 16, 2025
• “Jesus Christ Superstar,” March 6 to 23, 2025
• “Cyrano De Bergerac,” Summer, dates TBA
• “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Summer, dates TBA

Shower the People: A Tribute to James Taylor. Hear timeless classics, new JT songs from recent albums, and stories of how the songs came to be. Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.

“The Book of Mormon.” The popular Broadway production is coming to Richmond for a limited engagement on Oct. 18 to 19 at Altria Theater, 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:

• August Hundley: Li’l Guy in a Big Ol’ World. Oct. 18 to 19
• Georgia Rogers Farmer: Perfect Pair. March 27 to 29, 2025
• Nationally Renowned Act To be Announced. May 30 to 31, 2025

Jamestown Settlement’s Director’s Series, Fall 2024. Executive director of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Christy S. Coleman dialogues with expert authors on topics of American history. Still to come:

• Dr. Julian E. Zelizer, a pioneer in the revival of American political history, will explore the most pernicious myths of the American past and how myth is formed around national narratives, for better or for worse. Oct. 18, 7 p.m., in Jamestown Settlement’s Robins Foundation Theater, Jamestown.
• Dr. Edward L. Ayers, examines digital history and how this reimagining helps others to fully understand and visualize the past. Nov. 20, 7 p.m., in Jamestown Settlement’s Robins Foundation Theater, Jamestown.

Traveling Bricks: An Exhibition Made of LEGO® Bricks. In its first continental U.S. appearance, Traveling Bricks features more than 100 models of iconic land, air, sea, and space vehicles constructed from nearly 1 million LEGO® bricks. After viewing the exhibition guests can get creative with thousands of LEGO bricks. Oct. 19 to Jan. 5, 2025 at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 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.

• Oct. 21: “Dumbo,” the Disney classic film, originally released in 1941, was re-released in 1949
• Nov. 18: “I was a Male War Bride,” starring Cary Grant
• Dec. 16: “Little Women,” starring Elizabeth Taylor and Janet Leigh
• Jan. 13, 2025: “Adam’s Rib,” starring Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy
• 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

Diana Ross: Beautiful Love Performances. The iconic, legendary singer was known as the leader of The Supremes and for her solo work. Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m., at Altria Theater, Richmond.

Gallery at First UU. The annual fine art and craft show features more than 160 artists offering a variety of media: fiber, jewelry, pottery sculpture, painting, furniture, and more. Oct. 23 to 27 at First Unitarian Universalist Church, Richmond.

Fine Arts & Flowers. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) announced 2024 dates for the biennial event. The museum-wide exhibition showcases floral designs inspired by works of art in VMFA’s permanent collection, with floral designs by the Garden Club of Virginia, The Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs and Ikebana of Richmond. Gala kickoff and preview, with other special events like talks from guest speakers and VMFA curators, luncheons, floral design workshops, exhibition tours, a fashion show, and family activities. Oct. 23 to 27, 2024, at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond.

Jim Messina. The musician’s legacy of musical genius spans five decades, three super groups, a vibrant solo career, and scores of producing and engineering credits. Think Buffalo Springfield, Poco, and Loggins & Messina. Oct. 24, 8 to 10 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Cap Trail 10M & 5k. This Halloween-themed run/walk event offers river views with fall colors, a fully supported and marked course, top-finisher prizes, an event shirt, and a post-run celebratory beverage ticket to Stone Brewing. Routes along the paved Virginia Capital Trail, separated from vehicle traffic. Perfect for all ages and fitness levels. Prizes for costumes. Profits support the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation. Oct. 26 along the Capital Trail, Richmond.

Virginia Vines. Unlimited samples from five commonwealth wineries and a cidery, plus live jazz, food trucks, barrel-making demo, and access to the museum’s exhibitions. Oct. 26, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

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.

• Americana Folk Rock: Frank Coleman, Chris Fuller, and Brad Tucker. Oct. 26, 8 p.m.
• A Jazzy Holiday! Desirée Roots, Georgia Rogers Farmer, and Scott Wichmann. Dec. 7, 8 p.m., and Dec. 8, 2 p.m.
• Heart & Soul: Ms. Jaylin Brown. Feb. 15, 2025, 8 p.m.
• ’70s Pop Night! The Super Sugar Beats. April 26, 2025, 8 p.m.

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.

• “Shucked” kicks off the season, making one of the first stops fresh off its Broadway run, Oct. 29 to Nov. 3, 2024.
• Fan favorite and global smash hit “Mamma Mia!” hits the stage Dec. 10 to 14, 2024.
• 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).

Gold Rush and The Sounds of Simon & Garfunkel. Two tribute bands. A salute to Neil Young, the godfather of grunge rock, with classic songs from every era of his career. And a salute to the best-selling duo, with accurate musical renditions and vocal harmonies. Oct. 31, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

And to November and beyond!

The Kingston Trio. Fans of legendary folk icons can re-discover their timeless music as the iconic folk group performs their best-loved songs as part of the ‘Keep The Music Playing’ national tour, celebrating 60+ years. All three current members have links to the original group. Nov. 11, 2 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Literary Virginia Book Group Fall Books. The online book group features Virginia authors. Loaner books available at the Library of Virginia security desk. Fall 2024 book discussions still to come:

• Nov. 13 – “Happiness Falls,” Angie Kim
• Dec. 11 – “Crossing the River Styx,” Russ Ford

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:

• A Campy Christmas Featuring “With Bells On” and “Who’s Holiday!” by Darrin Hagan and Matthew Lombardo. A very campy Christmas celebration to make your spirits bright. Nov. 13 to Dec. 22.
• “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.

Library of Virginia 2024 Carole Weinstein Author Series. Respected authors address topics focusing on history, literature, and the experiences of Virginians. Each event runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Library of Virginia Lecture Hall, 800 E. Broad St., Richmond.

• “Dirt Don’t Burn: A Black Community’s Struggle for Educational Equality Under Segregation” with Larry Roeder & Barry Harrelson. The history of a Black community’s struggle for educational equality under segregation in Loudoun County. Nov. 14.

Family 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. Ages 4 and over. Nov. 15, April 4, May 30, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. all nights, at Maymont, Richmond.

“Carmen” from Virginia Opera. Bold, uninhibited, and strong-willed, Carmen lives life on her own terms. She is a power to behold – until her obsessed ex violently and tragically rejects her choice to move on. Sung in French with English surtitles. Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 24, 2:30 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center at Carpenter Theatre, Richmond.

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.

A Tribute to Grover Washington Jr. and Bill Withers. Musicians Wake Campbell, an accomplished saxophonist and composer and smooth jazz musician, alongside saxophonist Eddie Baccus Jr. Nov. 24, 7 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

Virginia Roots Music Series. Hardywood Park Craft Brewery present a new year-long music series. Four shows feature a Virginia band covering an iconic musical artist, paired with a pre-release of a Hardywood Virginia Roots beer, highlighting a Virginia ingredient. The final concert in the series is scheduled for Dec. 19 at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery on Ownby, 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.

Virginia Wine Expo 2025. The dates of the 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.

“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.

“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

“5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche.” Richmond Triangle Players, the longest-operating LGBTQ+ theatre in the mid-Atlantic region, presents this smart, sharp, and hysterically funny performance. Through Oct. 5 at Robert B. Moss Theatre, Richmond.

“True West” by Sam Shepard. An exploration of the tumultuous California landscape, as two brothers clash over a film script. Through Oct. 5 at The Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.

2024 Riverfront Canal Cruises Launch. The 24th season of 40-minute, historically narrated boat tours of the James River and Kanawha Canal continues till fall. Departing from the Canal’s Turning Basin, Richmond.

Secrets & Symbols: Hidden Messages in Decorative Objects. A new display explores symbolic imagery, hidden messages, and other private references contained in a small selection of items from the museum’s collection. Through Oct. 20 at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

“Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience.” With the mix of 360-degree projections, 10,000 square feet of screens, and VR headsets, you’ll feel like you’re stepping into a Van Gogh painting. Through Oct. 31 at the Exhibition Hub Richmond Art Center, Richmond.

Richmond City Tours with the Valentine. Discover Richmond with experienced Valentine guides. From historic cemeteries to the murals of Jackson Ward and the streets of Church Hill, walking and bus tours dive deep into Richmond’s historic sites and charming neighborhoods, uncovering the hidden histories in the art, architecture, and landscape. April through November at various starting points, Richmond.

“Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human?” The Smithsonian traveling exhibition explores milestones in the evolutionary journey of becoming human. The run will include events as well. FREE. Sept. 3 to Nov. 15 at William S. Morton Library, Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond.

Weekly Artisan Market at Brambly Park. Shop Small with local artisans selling handmade home décor, art, jewelry, apparel, ceramics, candles, woodworking, and more. In Richmond’s urban winery, BYO dogs and kids and support the community. Sundays till Dec. 8, 3 to 7 p.m., at Brambly Park, 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.

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.

“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.