Make Plans for These Richmond Events

More Richmond events after November 7

“Carmen.” Virginia Opera presents a traditional staging of Bizet’s stirring production as part of its 50th anniversary season, with sought-after singers and rising talent. Presented at three Virginia venues. Nov. 8 and 10 at the Harrison Opera House, Norfolk. Nov. 22 and 24 at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond. Nov. 16 and 17 at the Center for the Arts at George Mason University, Fairfax.

Woodland Heights Makers Day. Shop and support outdoor beautification projects at Woodland Heights school, benefiting students and the neighborhood. Makers will be selling pottery, ornaments, jewelry, art, toys, fair trade goods, baked goods, bouquets, and more. Plus enter a raffle and see this historic building. Nov. 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts, Richmond.

Julian Vaughn. The dynamic lead bass player from Kansas City has made an international name for himself since 2010. As a bassist in the smooth jazz genre, Vaughn plays a variety of styles from smooth, finesse, and funk, which he developed while playing in the church his grandfather pastored. Nov. 9, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

An Evening with Steve Bassett. The long-time musician demonstrates the roots of southern rock, soul, gospel, blues, and jazz. He has performed throughout the U.S. but is especially appreciated in Virginia, notably as co-author with Robbin Thompson of “Sweet Virginia Breeze,” the official popular state song. Nov. 9, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester.

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.

“When Mayor Doug Wilder Ruled Richmond: Strong-Arm Politics in Virginia’s Capital City.” Author Linwood Norman offers candid insights during a discussion of his new book. Books available for sale and signing. In person and live-streaming. Nov. 14, noon, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

Weinstein Author Talk: “Dirt Don’t Burn: A Black Community’s Struggle for Educational Equality Under Segregation.” Authors Larry Roeder and Barry Harrelson discuss their new book, describing how Loudoun County, Virginia, which once denied educational opportunity to Black Americans, gradually increased the equality of education. Book signing to follow. Nov. 14, 6 p.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.

“Twelfth Night.” VCUarts Theatre presents the Shakespearean comedy of romance and mistaken identities, of a shipwreck, unrequited love, and meddling side characters. Nov. 14 to 17 at W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, Richmond.

Full Circle’s Fall Fest. The community celebration supports work of Full Circle of providing comprehensive, professional bereavement support to children and adults. The event features dinner, live music, a client testimonial, silent auction, raffle drawing, remembrance activities, and more. Nov. 15, 6:30 to 10 p.m., at Triple Crossing – Fulton, Richmond.

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.

Deputy Dan – A Steely Dan Experience. Seasoned professionals based out of Richmond pay tribute to Steely Dan along with hits from The Doobie Brothers, Michael McDonald and more. Nov. 16, 8 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.

• 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

Rex Richardson Jazz Concert. From his days as a sideman with legendary jazz saxophonist Joe Henderson to his current roles as a Yamaha Performing Artist and Professor of Trumpet and Jazz Studies at VCU, Richardson has earned accolades as a “genre-busting” international trumpet virtuoso for his playing in both the jazz and classical realms. Nov. 19, 7 p.m., at The Cultural Arts Center, Glen Allen.

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. 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.

“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.

BeatLegacy. Relive Beatlemania with this Beatles experience. Nov. 29, 8 p.m., at The Tin Pan, Richmond.

“Let It Snow.” Richmond Symphony presents carols, classics, seasonal favorites, and the vocals of American Idol golden ticket recipient and Chesterfield native Carrie Brockwell. Nov. 30, 3 to 6 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, 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.

• 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.

• 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).

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.

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

• “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

“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. 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.

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

“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

2024 Riverfront Canal Cruises. 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.

“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.

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. Through Nov. 10 at Maymont, Richmond.

“Lord of the Flies.” Richmond Shakespeare kick of its 26th season with a dark look at human nature. Based on the classic novel by William Golding, a group of young boys find themselves stranded and battling for survival. Two very different leaders vie for control, and the frightened youngsters gradually slip from civilized behavior into savagery. Through Nov. 10 at Dominion Energy 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. Through 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.

“Echoes: From Earth to Sky.” A moving and colorfully cohesive curated selection of Alyse Radenovic’s distinctive paintings within the genres of abstraction, calligraphic text, and minimalist landscapes. Through Jan. 3, 2025, at Weinstein JCC, Richmond.

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. Through Jan. 5, 2025 at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 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.

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.