This Week in Richmond - April 09, 2026

See Yourself Here — VMFA Community Celebration — Saturday, April 12, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM · Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond

This is one of those VMFA days where the museum stops feeling like a museum and starts feeling like a neighborhood block party that happens to be surrounded by world-class art. Hands-on art activities are geared toward kids of all ages — think printmaking stations, collaborative murals, and guided gallery hunts — plus live performances and food trucks parked along the Boulevard. It's free, it's indoors and outdoors, and your kids will actually make something they want to keep. Get there closer to 1:00 if you want first crack at the activity stations; by 2:30 the popular ones have lines. Parking in the VMFA deck fills fast on community days, so try the street meters along Grove or park in the Carytown lots and walk over.

Scotchtown's 5th Annual Fiber Festival — Saturday, April 11, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Patrick Henry's Scotchtown, Beaverdam (Hanover County)

If your kids have never watched a sheep get sheared, this is the year. Scotchtown's fiber festival is genuinely charming — set on Patrick Henry's historic homestead in Hanover, it's small enough to feel personal but packed with hands-on demos: spinning, weaving, natural dyeing, and yes, live shearing. Kids can card wool and try a drop spindle. Adults will find quality fiber vendors and handmade goods worth buying. Admission is $5–$10, and the grounds are beautiful for wandering. It's about a 30-minute drive from Short Pump, and the two-lane roads into Beaverdam are part of the appeal. Bring a blanket — the lawn is perfect for a picnic between demos.

Earth Day — Deep Run Park (Henrico) — Saturday, April 11, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM · Deep Run Park, Henrico

Henrico's Earth Day celebration is free, low-key, and genuinely educational without being preachy. Expect nature demos, composting workshops, local environmental vendors, and hands-on activities for elementary-age kids. The park itself is beautiful and has plenty of room to run around before and after. This is the kind of Saturday afternoon that costs you nothing and gives your kids something to talk about at school on Monday. Parking at Deep Run is ample, but the lot closest to the event area fills first — arrive by noon if you want to be close.

Richmond Flying Squirrels vs. Bowie Baysox — Thursday, April 9, 6:35 PM · The Diamond, Richmond

Opening-week baseball at The Diamond is a Richmond rite of spring, and this is one of the best-value family outings in the city. Tickets run $10–$15, the food is better than it needs to be for a minor-league park, and the between-inning entertainment keeps younger kids engaged even when the game doesn't. Grab seats along the third-base line for the best sunset views. The Diamond's parking lot can be a bottleneck after the game, so if you're coming from the Northside, park on the neighborhood streets east of the stadium and walk in — it's faster on both ends.

Southern Soul Explosion Tour — Friday, April 10, 7:00 PM · Altria Theater, Richmond

This is the kind of show where the entire audience is dressed up, the energy in the room is electric before the first note, and you leave feeling like you just went somewhere. The Southern Soul Explosion is a full-revue touring production — multiple acts, a tight band, and the kind of crowd participation that makes a seated theater feel like a house party. Tickets run $40–$90; spring for the orchestra seats if you can, because the Altria's balcony sound can be uneven on bass-heavy shows. Dinner beforehand at Julep's or Lemaire puts you within walking distance. This is a proper Friday night out — get the sitter, wear the good shoes.

Richmond Dance Festival — Professional Showcase — Friday–Saturday, April 10–11, 7:00 PM · Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, Henrico

Two nights of contemporary and modern dance from local and national choreographers, and at $21 a ticket, this is one of the best-value performing arts experiences in the metro. The Cultural Arts Center is intimate enough that you're close to the dancers — you can see the effort, the breathing, the precision. If you're not a regular dance-goer, Friday night is a great entry point; the programming tends to be accessible and visually stunning. The Glen Allen location means easy parking and a quick dinner at any of the Innsbrook-area restaurants beforehand. This is the kind of date that makes you feel cultured without making you feel broke.

Full Moon Fever — Tom Petty Tribute — Saturday, April 11, 8:00 PM · The Broadberry, Richmond

If you and your person bonded over "Free Fallin'" at any point in your relationship, this is your Saturday night. Full Moon Fever is a legit Tom Petty tribute — they play deep cuts, the harmonies are right, and The Broadberry's size means you're never more than 30 feet from the stage. At $37 a ticket, it's a steal for a full evening of music in a venue with good sightlines and a solid bar. The Broadberry's Scott's Addition location means you can grab dinner at Brenner Pass or ZZQ beforehand and walk over. Expect sing-alongs. Embrace them.

Thursday Trivia Night at Hardywood — Thursday, April 9, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM · Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Richmond

Hardywood's weekly trivia is one of those things that works whether you show up with a crew or walk in alone and join a table. The crowd skews late-20s to mid-30s, the questions are challenging enough to be fun without being humiliating, and the beer is obviously excellent. If you're going solo, arrive by 6:15 — the communal tables fill up and that's where the "hey, want to join our team?" energy lives. It's free to play, and the brewery's Olin Hall location has plenty of space to spread out. This is low-pressure socializing at its best.

Introduction to Wheel Throwing — Visual Arts Center of Richmond — Tuesday, April 14, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM · Visual Arts Center of Richmond, Richmond

VisArts' beginner pottery classes are quietly one of the best solo-friendly experiences in Richmond. You show up, you get your hands dirty, you make something terrible and laugh about it, and you leave feeling like you did something real with your Tuesday night. The wheel-throwing intro is designed for total beginners — no experience needed, and the instructors are patient and encouraging. The class draws a mix of solo attendees and couples, and the shared struggle of centering clay for the first time is a surprisingly effective icebreaker. Check the VisArts site for pricing and registration — these fill up.

Science on Tap — Tuesday, April 14, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM · Science Museum of Virginia, Richmond

A 21+ evening at the Science Museum with drinks and science talks — it's nerdy, it's social, and it's only $10. The format is casual: grab a beer, wander the exhibits, catch a short talk, and mingle with people who think learning things on a Tuesday night sounds like a good time (your people, in other words). The Broad Street location is easy to get to, parking is free in the museum lot after hours, and the crowd is reliably friendly. This is the kind of event where you leave with a new fact and possibly a new phone number.

Bizarre Bazaar — 34th Spring Collection — Friday–Sunday, April 10–12 · Richmond Raceway Complex, Henrico

Three days, hundreds of juried vendors, and the kind of sprawling indoor market that rewards a group approach: split up, text each other photos of things you find, reconvene at the food area. The Bizarre Bazaar has been doing this for 34 years because it works — the vendor quality is consistently high, with everything from handmade jewelry and pottery to gourmet food and home goods. Admission is $2.50–$14 depending on the day and time (Saturday morning is the premium slot). Go Friday evening or Sunday afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds. The Raceway Complex has endless parking, so that's one less thing to coordinate. Bring a tote bag — you will buy things.

The Legwarmers — Ultimate 80s Tribute — Friday, April 10, 8:00 PM · The National, Richmond

This is a group event, full stop. The Legwarmers don't just play 80s hits — they create an entire atmosphere of neon, hairspray, and enthusiastic audience participation. The National's standing-room floor is where you want to be, and it's infinitely better with four or five friends who are willing to commit to the bit. Tickets are $25–$35, the drinks are reasonably priced for a major venue, and the energy peaks around 9:30 when they hit the deep Madonna and Prince cuts. Coordinate your outfits. Seriously. Half the crowd will be in costume, and you don't want to be the group that didn't try.

South of the James Farmers Market (Forest Hill) — Saturday, April 11, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Forest Hill Park, Richmond

Richmond's best Saturday morning ritual, and it's better with friends. The South of the James market at Forest Hill Park is big enough to spend a real hour wandering — local produce is hitting its spring stride, the baked goods vendors are excellent, and the prepared-food options make this a legitimate brunch alternative. Grab coffees, split up to shop, and meet at the picnic tables. Get there by 9:30 for the best selection; by 11:00 the popular vendors are picked over. Street parking along Forest Hill Avenue fills fast, so carpool or park on the side streets south of the park and walk in.

Fido's After 5 — Friday, April 10, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM · Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Henrico

Lewis Ginter opens its gates to dogs on Friday evening, and it's as delightful as it sounds. The gardens are in full spring bloom (A Million Blooms is running all week), there's live music, and the vibe is pure golden-hour magic — people strolling the paths with their dogs, kids running on the lawn, the whole thing bathed in that late-afternoon April light. Regular admission ($17) gets you in, and well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome throughout the grounds. The rose garden path gets congested with excited pups, so if your dog is reactive, stick to the wider main paths. Water stations are set up throughout, but bring your own bowl just in case.

FETCH Fest (Hardywood West Creek) — Sunday, April 12, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM · Hardywood Park Craft Brewery — West Creek, Goochland

If you have a dog and you like beer, this is your Sunday. FETCH Fest at Hardywood's West Creek location benefits FETCH a Cure, and the setup is perfect — a big outdoor space, pet-focused vendors and activities, live music, and Hardywood's full tap list. It's free to attend, and the Goochland location means plenty of room for dogs to socialize without feeling cramped. The West Creek taproom has a great covered patio if the sun gets intense. This is the kind of low-key afternoon where you end up staying two hours longer than you planned, and your dog sleeps the entire car ride home.

A Million Blooms — All Week, April 9–15, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Henrico

This is the week to go to Lewis Ginter if you haven't been yet this spring. The seasonal display features thousands of tulips, daffodils, and spring plantings at their absolute peak — the kind of color saturation that makes your phone photos look filtered even when they're not. Admission is $17, and the gardens are large enough that even on a busy weekend you can find a quiet path. Weekday mornings are the photographer's sweet spot; weekends are livelier but still manageable. All ages welcome, stroller-friendly paths throughout, and the café is solid for a mid-visit coffee break.

Alabama Shakes with Joy Oladokun — Thursday, April 16 · Major headliner at the Allianz Amphitheater — this will sell out, and the riverfront setting is worth every dollar. Buy tickets now.

Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k presented by Kroger — Saturday, April 18 · Richmond's signature spring race and the city's biggest street party — register now if you're running, or just show up to cheer along Monument Avenue.

Richmond Ren Faire — Saturday–Sunday, April 18–19 · Two-day Renaissance fair at Dorey Park with combat demos, performers, and vendors — great family outing, and tickets ($22–$27) go faster than you'd think.

Historic Garden Week — Richmond Tours — April 18–25 · The annual statewide tour opens private homes and gardens you literally cannot see any other time — book your Richmond-area tour dates early.

Riverrock Festival — April 24–26 · The big one. Outdoor sports, live music, and competitions across Brown's Island and the James River parks. Free to attend, but plan your parking strategy now.

Friday Cheers Kickoff — Brown's Island — Friday, April 24 · The beloved outdoor concert series returns to Brown's Island — opening night always draws a huge crowd, so arrive early with a blanket.

Richmond African American Book Festival — Saturday, April 11, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Richmond Diversity Center, Richmond

Free celebration of Black authors with signings, vendors, and programming. Family-friendly and worth a stop if you're in the area Saturday.

Old-Time Jam — Pocahontas State Park — Saturday, April 11, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM · Pocahontas State Park Heritage Center, Chesterfield

Free afternoon of Appalachian and folk music in a gorgeous state-park setting. Park admission may apply; bring a chair.

Forté Handbell Quartet — Concert — Saturday, April 11, 4:30 PM · River Road Presbyterian Church, Henrico

Touring handbell quartet performing film themes and classical favorites. Free with donations welcome — surprisingly captivating in an intimate church setting.

Hermitage Pop-Up Artisan Market — Friday–Saturday, April 10–11, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Hermitage Richmond, Richmond

Outdoor maker market with local vendors on the Hermitage grounds. Relaxed daytime browsing — free to attend.

RVA Big Market — Bryan Park — Sunday, April 12, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Bryan Park, Richmond

Large outdoor market with farmers, artisans, and food trucks. Good Sunday outing if you missed the Saturday markets.

Richmond African American History Tour — Mama J's Kitchen — Friday, April 10 · Mama J's Kitchen (tour start), Richmond

Guided walking tour of Richmond's Black history — check times and booking in advance.

United Blood Fest — Friday, April 10, 1:30 PM · The Canal Club, Richmond

All-day hardcore and metal festival. If you know, you know — bring earplugs and hydrate.

Wednesday Wine Tasting — Barrel Thief Wine Shop & Cafe — Wednesday, April 15, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM · Barrel Thief Wine Shop & Cafe, Richmond

Drop-in tasting of curated wines for $5–$10. Low-key midweek outing — no reservation needed.

Open Mic Night — The Camel — Wednesday, April 15, 7:00 PM · The Camel, Richmond

Supportive local open mic for music and comedy. Free, and a great way to discover Richmond talent on a weeknight.

Patrick Henry's Scotchtown — 16120 Chiswell Lane, Beaverdam (Hanover County)

Even if you're not going for the Fiber Festival on Saturday, Scotchtown is worth the drive this month. Patrick Henry's 18th-century plantation home sits on rolling Hanover County land that looks its absolute best in mid-April — the grounds are green, the old trees are leafing out, and the whole property has a stillness that makes the 30-minute drive from Short Pump feel like you've traveled back in time. The house tour is genuinely interesting (the docents know their stuff and don't sugarcoat the history), and the property is small enough that you can see everything in an hour without feeling rushed. Afterward, drive into Ashland for lunch at Homemades by Suzanne or grab a coffee at Ashland Coffee and Tea. If you've lived in the Richmond area for years and never made it up to Scotchtown, this is the weekend — the Fiber Festival gives you a reason, but the place itself is the real draw. Admission is typically $5–$10.

• Weather — Expect highs in the low 70s through the weekend with a chance of afternoon showers Saturday; bring a light layer for evening events and keep an eye on the radar if you're heading to anything outdoor on Saturday afternoon.
• Parking tip — Between the Bizarre Bazaar, the farmers markets, and VMFA's community day, Saturday parking across the city will be tighter than usual. Give yourself an extra 15 minutes and have a backup lot in mind.
• Local resource — Richmond's real-time event calendar at RicToday is worth bookmarking for last-minute additions and schedule changes throughout the week.