What’s Booming RVA: Drink In the Season and Patriotic Fervor
Boomer’s top 5 picks for the week ahead
Not only is it the holiday season, it’s the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, a seminal event in the American fight for freedom! Commemorate the revolution, a Richmond-famous Christmas beer, honor for American veterans, and holiday music and décor. All in “What’s Booming RVA: Drink In the Season and Patriotic Fervor.”
Boston Tea Party Commemorations
With the anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, which took place on Dec. 16, 1773, commemorations of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America have begun, in Virginia and nationally, all leading up to the big anniversary on July 4, 2026!
Tea at the Tavern: 250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party
Dec. 16, 2 to 4 p.m., at the historic Walkerton Tavern, Glen Allen
Travel beyond textbook and timeline to learn about this historic event, on Dec. 16, 1773, in a fun, engaging way. Crafts, activities, sampling of the types of tea dumped overboard, and costumed reenactors featuring famed Virginian Patrick Henry and his daughter, Patsey Henry Fontaine. FREE.
Revolutionary 250th Anniversary Tea Party
Dec. 16, 2 p.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond
A lecture and a seated tea (sold out) commemorate the Boston Tea Party. Dr. Richard Bell, historian and history professor at the University of Maryland, explores the course of events that led Bostonians to board ships and destroy hundreds of chests of tea.
GBS Fest
Dec. 16, noon To 8 p.m., at Hardywood Park West Creek, Richmond
Drink in the beer that put Richmond on the craft beer map, Hardywood’s Gingerbread Stout, and its creative variants, including some special selections on draft. Plus Santa, train rides, craft and treat pop-ups, live holiday music from local bands, and a one-man “Christmas Carol” at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.
Holiday Wreath Laying Events
Dec. 16 at Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia (noon), the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin (1 p.m.), and the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk (at 9 a.m.).
Honor veterans by laying wreaths on the graves at Virginia’s three state veterans cemeteries. With speakers and patriotic music. Organizers suggest arriving early. For more information, call 855-4VA-VETS (855-482-8387).
DVS.virginia.gov
SWVAVCV.org
HortonWreathSociety.org
Virginia House Holiday Open House
Dec. 17, noon to 4 p.m., at Virginia House, Richmond
Festive fun at the historic Virginia House, decorated for the holidays. FREE, registration not required.
The Taters: Shiny & Brite Holiday Show
Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m., at Perkinson Center, Chester
The long-time Richmond favorite group presents an eclectic mix of roots-rock, power-pop, and Americana, in the spirit of the season.
Check websites for more details, including prices and registration requirements.
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