What’s Booming RVA: First Day Fun
Boomer’s top 5 picks for the week ahead
Celebrate the fullness of the season in Richmond, Virginia: Kwanzaa and Hanukkah, jazz music, NYE, and time in nature. “What’s Booming RVA: First Day Fun.”
Capital City Kwanzaa Festival
Dec. 28, 1 to 7 p.m., at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, Richmond
Elegba Folklore Society presents the annual celebration, said to be the largest on the East Coast, with performances, kids’ activities, and an African market.
Hanukkah Party
Dec. 28, 5:30 p.m., at Art Factory, Midlothian
Celebration includes a bring-your-own Menorah lighting (6 p.m.), free sufganiyot (jelly donuts), coffee and beverages for purchase, Judaica Store, bookstore, festive Hanukkah music, and more. All are welcome regardless of religious practice or affiliation. Interfaith family and LGBTQ+ affirming community.
Plunky & Oneness of Juju
Dec. 28, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., at Révéler Experiences, Richmond
Two shows of jazz, funk, and R&B. A vanguard of Afro-centric jazz, curating musical forms from funk and R&B to house and go-go into a progressive message of empowerment, positivity, and cultural awareness.
A Musical New Year’s Eve Celebration
Dec. 31, 7:30 to 10 p.m., at Congregation Or-Ami, Richmond
Celebrate with music (and a touch of nostalgia), drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and a warm, convivial atmosphere. Richmond’s own Antique Melody Show will perform early American standards, a handful of Euro-klezmer anthems, a sentimental splash of jazz age swing, Tin Pan Alley songs, and more.
First Day Hikes
Hike on your own or join rangers to examine nature, history, technology for naturalists, dog hikes, ADA accessible hikes, and more. Plus FREE parking (except fee at Natural Bridge). Jan. 1, at all Virginia State Parks.
DCR.Virginia.gov/state-parks/firstdayhikes
Richmond regional events include:
- Sunrise Hike. Make your way around Beaver Lake trail to start off your new year. Meet at the visitor center. Jan. 1, 6:45 to 8:45 a.m., at Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield.
- First Day Hikes at Pocahontas State Park. Guided hikes during the day, including Sensory Hike, Investigation Hike using nature apps, and Swift Creek Dam history hike. FREE, INCLUDING FREE PARKING. Facilities open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., guided hikes vary, at Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield.
- Orienteering with Central VA Orienteering Club. Learn or sharpen your navigation skills. Reservations rquired by Dec. 29 at noon. Jan. 1, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield.
- Photo Bingo Hike. Search for items around the park and take photos to complete a park bingo board. Prize for first three completed boards. Jan. 1, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Powhatan State Park, Powhatan.
- Ranger-led Hike. Accompany a ranger through the woods, along the James, and beside cool meadows. Jan. 1, 10 a.m. to noon, at Powhatan State Park, Powhatan.
Check websites for more details, including prices and registration requirements.
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