What’s Booming RVA: Bad Romance and Other Good Events

This week is for the birds, and the rest of us. Hear about historic romances that went south, count the birds, tap your feet with The Legwarmers, savor chocolate, wine, and whiskey, and get inspired at a read in. All in “What’s Booming RVA: Bad Romance and Other Good Events.”

Great Backyard Bird Count Events

Feb. 16 to 19, wherever you are

The Great Backyard Bird Count brings people from all over the world together to connect and share their love of birds while learning about migration patterns. These observations help scientists better understand global bird populations before the annual migrations. Log the birds that you count in a 15-minute period on at least one day from Feb. 16 to 19. You can download the Merlin Bird ID app to help identify the birds in your area or use the eBird Mobile app to enter your sightings. Binoculars recommended.

Count on your own time or join a nearby event:

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Grab your binoculars and help with the Great Backyard Bird Count on Feb. 17. Drop by the Lora Robins Library between 9 a.m.-noon for a checklist of birds to look for in the Garden; meet other birding enthusiasts and partner organizations. Feb. 17, 9 a.m. to noon, at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.

Virginia State Parks, including three near Richmond

• Bear Creek Lake State Park, Cumberland County. Feb. 16-19, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Powhatan State Park, Powhatan County, includes a guided walk. Feb. 17, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
• Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield County, Birding Basics ranger-led hike. Feb. 17, 2 to 3 p.m.

Historians on Tap: Bad Romance

Feb. 16, 7 to 9 p.m., at Starr Hill Richmond Beer Hall, Richmond

A night of torrid affairs turned deadly liaisons—and they’re all true. Join historians Alison Herring, Joe Rizzo, and Travis Shaw as they tell tales of historic romances gone horribly wrong. FREE.

The Legwarmers

Feb. 16, 8 p.m., at The National, Richmond

Relive that memorable decade with the ultimate ’80s tribute band.

Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival

Feb. 17, with two sessions (general admission sessions, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m., each with a VIP early entry option) at Main Street Station, Richmond

Chocolate, wine, spirits, and more, including other spirits and sweets, mead, fashion and art vendors, food, candy cocktails, boozy milkshakes, a chocolate bar. Sample, then take some home with you!

African American Read In

Feb. 22, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond

See and hear notable figures from the Richmond community as they read prose and poetry throughout the galleries, pairing works by African American artists and authors. FREE.

Check websites for more details, including prices and registration requirements.

More of What’s Booming in Richmond besides bad romance

More fun to fill your plate

Boomer’s featured flavor:

Boomer’s featured exhibition:

And lots more events to throw on your calendar:

February 15 to 22, 2024 + Down-the-Road events