More What’s Booming RVA: May 30 to June 6

So much is better outdoors! Music, food, markets, a Plein Air + oyster + wine road trip to Gloucester, and oh-so-much more to do in Richmond, Virginia, May 30 to June 6.

• Boomer Top 5 picks in RVA here,
• Browse the week ahead below, and
• Go to our updated events page for Down the Road happenings and ongoing exhibitions and performances.

May 30 to June 6

Thursday, May 30

Westchester Concert Series Kickoff – The Voltage Brothers. Take in the music, tote your chairs or blankets, and, should you so choose, eat and drink from Napa Kitchen & Wine or Sedona Taphouse. FREE. May 30, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Westchester Commons Concert Field, Midlothian.

“The Grand Old Man of the Army: General Winfield Scott’s Unionism and the Secession Crisis.” Dr. Barton A. Myers examines the crucial role Scott played in the American government for two decades before the Civil War and how his stances on slavery, abolition, and unionism influenced his decisions. To explore his personal loyalty, Myers analyzes his relationships with notable figures like James Buchanan, John B. Floyd, Abraham Lincoln, and Robert E. Lee. May 30, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the American Civil War Museum, Richmond.

Carbon Leaf at Groovin’ in the Garden. Featuring the long-time Richmond band, known for alt-country, Celtic, and folk-infused indie rock. May 30, 7 p.m., in Cochrane Rose Garden at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond.

Richmond Greek Festival. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Richmond Flying Squirrels vs. Erie SeaWolves. Go Nutz and have Funn with professional baseball, giveaways, and fireworks on featured nights. For your chance to score a pair of free tickets, follow our Tuesday Boomer newsletter or Facebook. Through June 2 at The Diamond, Richmond.

Cap Trail Summer Challenge. The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation is running a three-month challenge to help people stay active this summer by covering all 51.7 miles of the Virginia Capital Trail, in bits and pieces or all at once. Run, walk, bike, or skate. Through Sept. 9 along the Virginia Capital Trail, from Richmond to Jamestown.

LGBTQ Tours from The Valentine. Two tours take in the story of LGBTQ Richmonders: History of Carytown Walking Tour (May 30, 6 p.m.) and a gallery tour (June 6, 6 p.m.), Richmond.

Friday, May 31

CSR at Beers & Banjos. Catch the traditional string band, Cary Street Ramblers. May 31, 6 p.m., at The Camel, Richmond.

Friday Cheers. Richmond’s longest-running concert series on the James presents Sir Chloe with Prabir Trio and Deux Visages. May 31, 6 p.m., on Brown’s Island, Richmond.

Billy Prine Presents: Songs & Stories of John Prine SWG Scarlett Egan. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Saturday, June 1

Celebrate Varina at the Dorey Park Farmers Market. Kids’ activities, live music from The Taters, and an antique tractor display. June 1, 9 a.m. to noon, at Dorey Park, Henrico.

Ashland Strawberry Faire. Nearly 300 vendors, including arts & crafts, non-profits, food, and businesses. Plus kids’ activities, BARKing lot and pet pageant, and a new dessert section, Sugar Lane Sweets. FREE. June 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Randolph-Macon College, Ashland.

Historically Speaking: Wake of War Aftermath of Seven Pines. Henrico’s rural communities of Seven Pines and Fair Oaks experienced firsthand the horrors of war on May 31 and June 1, 1862. The battle scarred the land, the buildings, and its residents. Learn stories about the aftermath of this first big battle in Henrico. Ages 16+. June 1, 11 a.m. to noon, at Sandston Branch Library, Sandston.

Artspace RVA Clay Tour Bus. Ride in comfort on one of two limos provided by Richmond Limousine LLC while enjoying complimentary beverages and snacks on board, stopping to visit as many studios as possible. June 1, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., leaving from Artspace, Richmond.

First Drafts and Bagels: “The Bell Lyre.” Playwrights, directors, performers, and any other interested people join to hear then talk about new plays. This family drama speaks to environmental degradation, mass shootings, Alzheimer’s miracles, and more. June 1, noon to 2 p.m., at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.

Call of the Cicadas. Learn about the life cycles of cicadas and how those cycles vary between species. Find out what happens when those life cycles line up and how that affects humans and insects. June 1, 2 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.

Richmond Ivy vs. Christos FC. Cheer on Richmond’s new women’s soccer with futbol and a Pride Party. June 1, 2 p.m., at City Stadium, Richmond.

Scott’s Addition Pride. Celebrate Pride Month with dozens of neighborhood businesses, restaurants, breweries, and distilleries. Proceeds from special promotions at participating establishments support Virginia Pride and Side by Side. June 1, throughout Scott’s Addition, Richmond.

Discussion with Pulitzer Prize Winner Alan Taylor. The historian will discuss and take questions about his newest book, “American Civil Wars: A Continental History, 1850-1873.” June 1, 4 p.m., at Book People, Richmond.

Verdi’s Requiem. The Richmond Symphony, Chorus, and soloists, all under Valentina Peleggi, present Giuseppe Verdi’s powerful masterpiece. June 1, 8 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

160th Anniversary of the Battle of Cold Harbor. At the site of the 1864 battle between United States and Confederate armies, the event features living history demonstrations, including Ulysses S. Grant’s encampment, a variety of ranger-led tours, and kids’ activities. FREE. June 1 to 2 – begin at the Cold Harbor Battlefield Visitor Center, Mechanicsville.

Julia Highlight Tours. Get a guided tour through the Julia Child Exhibit from VMHC education team members. Every Saturday in June, 11:30 a.m. to noon, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

Virginia is for Music Lovers: A History of Virginia’s Black Excellence in Music. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Sunday, June 2

The Dazzling Josephine Baker. The brilliant and brave American dancer and French Resistance soldier in World War II was also noted for her contributions to the Civil Rights movement. June 2, 2 to 3 p.m., at Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park, Glen Allen.

Verdi’s Requiem. The Richmond Symphony, Chorus, and soloists, all under Valentina Peleggi, present Giuseppe Verdi’s powerful masterpiece. June 2, 3 p.m., at Dominion Energy Center, Richmond.

RCS Swings! Richmond Choral Society presents a musical journey with favorites from America’s Golden Age of Jazz: music from the ’20s, ’30s and ’40s, tunes by Duke Ellington, Hoagy Carmichael, Irving Berlin, and others. With special guests Jay Brown’s Grace Street Seven and dancers; Markus Compton, conductor. June 2, 4 p.m., at the Louis F. Ryan Recital Hall, Richmond.

Jazz at the Fountain: Corey El. Bring your lawn chair and picnic and relax to jazz. June 2, 4 p.m., at Byrd Park Boat (Fountain) Lake, Richmond.

Blood from a Turnip. A puppet salon celebrating the diversity of puppet expression and the range of folks who tell stories through objects, presenting short form puppet shows in a variety of styles. June 2, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., at Firehouse Theatre, Richmond.

Monday, June 3

Dine Out for Pride. See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Tuesday, June 4

Kids’ Front Lawn Fun. Try out historic toys like jacks, Jacob’s ladders, and yo-yos, plus Slinky races, checkers, and more. Tuesdays in June, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

“Hall of Mirrors” Launch Party. Join author John Copenhaver at the launch of his latest novel. FREE, registration required. June 4, 6 p.m., at Fountain Bookstore, Richmond.

Profs and Pints Richmond presents “The Warrior Queen Who Challenged Rome.” Learn how the indigenous peoples of Britain nearly drove Nero’s armies from the island. June 4, 6 to 8:30 p.m., at Triple Crossing Fulton, Richmond.

Richmond Flying Squirrels vs. Altoona Curve. Go Nutz and have Funn with professional baseball, giveaways, and fireworks on featured nights. For your chance to score a pair of free tickets, follow our Tuesday Boomer newsletter or Facebook. June 4 to 9 at The Diamond, Richmond.

“Beetlejuice.” See Boomer’s Top 5 Picks.

Thursday, June 6

“The Movement: Danville 1963.” Free screening of a documentary about the peaceful Civil Rights protest in Danville on June 10, 1963, that was met with violence by police and became known as Bloody Monday. A panel discussion with protest participants will follow. June 6, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Library of Virginia, Richmond.

River City Slam Wheelchair Tennis Tournament. Sportable’s wheelchair tennis tournament returns. The USTA Level 1 / ITF Futures event anticipates top-class competition and nationally ranked wheelchair tennis players representing states from coast-to-coast, in both junior and adult divisions (A, B, C, D, and Quad Open). June 6 to 9 at Collegiate Schools Robins Campus, Richmond.

Stories at the Museum for Kids. Story time and craft activity for early elementary learners, with a different theme every Thursday. June features Julia Child, Food Traditions, Edna Lewis, and Rosenwald Schools. June 6, 13, 20, and 27, 10:30 a.m., at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, Richmond.

Road Trip

Gloucester Arts Festival Kick-Off

Gloucester Arts Festival: Brews, Brine, & Wine. Pair oysters, beer, wine, more food, music, and beautiful scenery with Plein Air artists at work, creating small works that will be available for sale at the event. The event is on land that was part of the Powhatan empire, downriver from Werowocomoco, home of chief Powhatan and Pocahontas. The new state park serves as a “gateway” to the Tsenacomoco region, land of the Algonquin tribes. It is also part of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. Take your own lawn chairs and bug spray. May 31, 5 to 8 p.m., at Timberneck Farm at Machicomoco State Park, Hayes.

News & Announcements

Theatrical hilarity and legacy

“The Book of Mormon” Returns – Tickets Sales Begin May 31, noon. The popular Broadway production is coming to Richmond for a limited engagement on Oct. 18 to 19 at Altria Theater, Richmond.

“The Best of Times: A Celebration of Richmond Triangle Players.” The new retrospective honors RTP’s vibrant production legacy, featuring performances that illuminate its most beloved productions from the past 30+ years, from “Kiss of the Spider Woman” to “Cabaret” to “La Cage aux Folles” to “Grey Gardens,” incorporating cherished songs, scenes, and memories. The production features a cast of RTP veterans as well as special guest performers each week. June 14 to July 13 at Robert B. Moss Theatre, Richmond.