Thursday, Dec. 11
Cassandra Kim “A Winter’s Tale” art show at Gramophone Winery
How about a show featuring anthropomorphic paintings of animals who survive the winter without hibernation? Artist Cassandra Kim opens her exhibit, “A Winter’s Tale,” this Thursday with her signature anthropomorphic animals painted in a classic portraiture style. Her last show with Glave Kocen Consulting was a 100% sellout. All the animals featured in this exhibit find ways to survive and thrive during winter, instead of going into a comatose food sleep like some people we happen to be. According to the press release, this show is inspired by the upcoming production of “Coming Back Home … Out of the Cold” at Cultural Arts Center in Glen Allen on Jan. 17, 2026; and proceeds from the art show will go toward the production. Kim’s show runs through Jan. 8. Opening reception tonight from 6-9 p.m.
Artist conversation: Arthur Jafa and Enjoli Moon at VMFA
Artist and filmmaker Arthur Jafa’s “Big Wheel” — made from a modified monster truck wheel — stands large in the Cochrane atrium of the VMFA, serving as a giant signpost for the expansive multi-artist exhibit, “Giants,” curated by singer Alicia Keys and music producer Swizz Beatz. The Mississippi-born Jafa’s new time-lapse installation is also on view through Dec. 14 as part of the museum’s Rewind<<FastForward series. Enjoli Moon, founder and director of the Afrikana Independent Film Festival, will talk to Jafa about his creative focus on how the Black experience is shaped and constructed by modern culture. 6:30 p.m. $8 (members $5)—Don Harrison
Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings at John Marshall Ballrooms
The string quartet Listeso returns for the famous candlelight concerts Christmas performance at the lovely John Marshall Ballrooms. General admission starts at $44. Also on Dec. 19 at 6:30 and 8:45 p.m. 101 N. 5th Street. Find more information here.
Friday, Dec. 12
Hand/ Thrown Holiday Market at the ICA at VCU
Handmade ceramics by local artists and food from the Abby Moore Café. The Hand/Thrown project “aims to promote ceramic arts through community engagement, education, and partnerships, offering programs and opportunities for artists to teach and share their craft.” Pay as you go. Takes place Friday, Dec.12 – Sunday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find more information here.
Honky Tonk night at Gallery5 with Ramona and the Holy Smokes, Hannah Juanita and Mose Wilson
You say you like two-steppin’ to twangers? If you like honky tonk nights, here you go: some great country bands kick up some dust including Ramona and the Holy Smokes. There will be a dance lesson at 7 p.m. $12 in advance, $15 at the door. 7 to 11 p.m.
The 15th annual No BS Brass Canned Food Drive with Space Koi at The Broadberry
Two local bands, one big celebration: Brass party music with the local psych rock of Space Koi. This year, the drive is extra important because, if you haven’t noticed, everything is expensive now, including groceries. It’s tougher out there for pretty much everybody that isn’t in the 1%. The vibes will be high, bring a can or two, tickets are available at Plan 9 Music in Carytown. Doors at 7 p.m. and show at 8 p.m.
“Annie” at Libby S. Gottwald Playhouse at the Dominion Energy Center
That hard knock life jam hits different though. The classic singing redheaded orphan returns to blast out the sunshine and find familial love from Daddy Warbucks in another round of this classic musical. Tickets start at $61. Runs through Sunday, Dec. 21. Read our preview by Rich Griset later today. Find more information here.
Saturday, Dec. 13
The 14th annual Carytown Artisan Holiday Market at City Stadium
Unique, handmade gifts featuring over 190 talented local artisans. If you’re still looking for holiday gifts, this might be your jam. Live music, food trucks and beverages too. Runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Richmond Punk Flea Market at ACCA Shrine Center (also on Sunday)
Vendors, sellers and artists, and of course, it’s all DIY, that’s do-it-yourself, because they do it themselves, like a lot of people who pretty much do anything without assistance from a major corporation or benefactor. “Weirdo art,” vinyl records, vintage clothes, memorabilia, toys, CDs, taxidermy, VHS, yeah. 1712 Bellevue Ave. Runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Redd Volkaert show at Get Tight Lounge
He’s back! You can’t get a better deal than this; stop your last minute shopping for a midday break, if you’re so inclined, and come check out this legendary guitarist who used to back up country legend Merle Haggard and many other stars. He’s a master of the Telecaster and ever since he moved to Virginia, we’ve been lucky to have him as a regular performer at Get Tight. Free show at 2 p.m.
Richmond Boat Parade of Lights on the James River
An annual holiday tradition for those who need more twinkling lights to stave off the deep dark nights of the soul, the parade starts at Rocketts Landing and finishes at Osborne Park and Boat landing in Henrico. The event is free, though more select viewing available at The Lilly Pad, a favorite spot of actor Michael Keaton’s when he was filming “Dopesick,” for a $10 admission price. 5 to 7 p.m.
Sista Nickey McMullen at Reveler Experiences
Singer Nickey McMullen is a force of nature. With a big voice, energetic intensity, and a refreshing disregard for genre lines, she organizes the summer noon concert series at the Valentine Museum, and appears in multiple formats on RVA stages, from jazz and soul to Afro-Caribbean. This weekend at Reveler she is leading a reggae band, familiar territory given that she is a founding member of RVA favorites The Mighty Joshua and the Zion #5. It promises to be an interesting show. Her One Drop band is a veteran crew, including drummer Marcus Eshadd Parker (Maceo Parker), djembe percussionist Joe Bailey, bassist Ralph DuJour (Crucial Fiya), Orville Balfour – aka the Mighty Iratio, Drummah Jay Smith, and multi-instrumentalist Joshua David Robinson Poole. Behind the scenes is her sibling Ayanna, the almost inseparable other half of the Sisters McMullen, who has her own universe of community-centric activities. Expect a lot of positivity, a lot of passion, and a heavy, heavy beat. Two shows, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $15-25.—Peter McElhinney
Holiday Villages hosted by Richmond Night Market at 17 Street Market
A multicultural holiday market shopping experience featuring local goods, art, food, music and the best of Richmond culture. A family-friendly experience filled with independent artists and vendors. Pay as you go. 5 to 9 p.m. 100 N. 17th Street. Find more information here.
Sunday, Dec. 14
The Dream Syndicate plays “Medicine Show” at Richmond Music Hall
Should be a good one as this rocking and reunited Los Angeles band plays its final American show of a fall tour that has them performing their entire “Medicine Show” album for its 40th anniversary. Led by Steve Wynn, who Richmonders may recognize from his performances here with The Baseball Project, The Dream Syndicate was associated with the Paisley Underground of the 1980s (vocalist Kendra Smith was a co-founder before her days in Opal, which later became Mazzy Star) and the Syndicate name is an even earlier reference to La Monte Young’s 1960s experimental music featuring John Cale and Tony Conrad. Dream Syndicate’s 1984 album “The Medicine Show” has been out of print for years, but was just reissued in a four-CD box set format and on vinyl. For these shows, the band is opening each evening with a set of new material drawn from its four reunion albums made since 2017, then they will take a short break and switch over to “The Medicine Show” album (heralded by the London Guardian as one of the 40 best rock albums ever). They should have copies of the album to sign and sell. Doors at 7 p.m.
Winter Wander 2025 at The Valentine Museum
Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, refreshments, family crafts, a live performance, and a tour of the historic Court End neighborhood. Plus, catch a free trolley to nearby cultural sites for open houses and activities. Free event. Runs from noon to 4 p.m. 1015 E. Clay St. Find more information here.
Lydia Lunch and J.T. Habersaat at Cobra Cabana
A wild night of spoken word and comedy featuring the queen of No Wave and the American comedian and cult actor J.T.Habersaat from Austin, Texas. 7 p.m. $23.Ages 18 and up.
Logan Ledger with Jonathan Paige Brown at The Camel
A native Californian and early bluegrass prodigy, Logan Ledger sings in a classic country vein with a vocal tone that brought to mind past legends for T Bone Burnett, who produced his debut and helped get Ledger signed to Rounder Records. Also on the bill, Richmond’s own rising Americana talent, Jonathan Paige Brown, who has played the Richmond Folk Fest in the past. Doors at 7 p.m. and show at 8 p.m. Tickets are $24.14 w/fees, here.
The Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin Christmas show with special guest, Elvis, at Black Iris Social Club
A night of classic cheer and chugging featuring the Frank Sinatra and Dean “You’re not drunk if you can lie on the floor without holding on” Martin Holiday Revue with a special guest appearance by Elvis (and we don’t mean his bones). Doors open at 5 p.m. Showtime is 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $20 at the door.
Third annual Christmas DJ sets Final Gravity
Christmas DJ set with PJ Sykes and Melissa Koch, spinning “rare, obscure, regional and some classic Christmas vinyl” to kick off the season in true crate-digging style. Expect gems like “Santa Got a Sunburn,” “Tijuana Christmas,” and “Crabs for Christmas” among others. 1 to 5 p.m.
Winter Black Market at Fallout RVA
Ghoulishly good and “creep-tastic creations” for the holidays or any occasion. Unique, handcrafted items you probably won’t find anywhere else. Pay as you go. Takes place Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m. and also on Dec. 21 from 5 to 9 p.m. Ages 18 and up. No membership required. 117 N. 18th St. Find more information here.
Monday, Dec.15
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland at Altria Theater
Looking for a magical event to take the kids, or anyone really? Advance billing says this offers a “thrilling blend of world-class circus artistry” and favorite holiday music. A winter wonderland of “awe and enchantment.” You can watch a trailer video below. 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 16
Christmas with the Richmond Pops at Altria Theater
The Richmond Pops Band, under the baton of conductor Earl E Shaffer, Jr, returns to the Altria Theater stage for “Christmas with the Richmond Pops!” The band will be joined by vocal soloists Sarah Walston and Tracey Welborn for a musical celebration of the holiday season that includes classics, Christmas carols and other festive favorites, plus a special visitor from the North Pole. Free but donations encouraged. You need to reserve a seat online (just pretend like you’re buying one). 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 17
An Evening with Heart at Altria Theater
Iconic rockers Heart, featuring sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, bring their face-melting “Royal Flush” tour to Richmond this week. Lead vocalist Ann Wilson’s cancer diagnosis canceled last year’s string of dates, but she promised fans she’d “kick cancer’s ass and be back in 2025.” Well folks, she’s a woman of her word.
Since its breakthrough in the mid-1970s, Heart has sold over 35 million records worldwide, showcasing a rare blend of hard rock grit, folk sensibility and extraordinary vocal and instrumental virtuosity. The band’s catalog is a treasure trove of hits, including the ripper “Barracuda,” the tender brilliance of “These Dreams,” and the soaring melody of “Alone.” And who can forget the nimble finger-picking in “Crazy on You?” Recent setlists suggest fans are in for one powerhouse performance spanning the band’s five-decade career, delivering signature anthems and a few choice surprises.
The Wilson sisters’ enduring influence on music has earned them countless accolades. In 2013, Heart was rightfully inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a testament to their pioneering role and lasting impact. They also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2012 and throughout their career, they have consistently been cited as influential figures for female artists across all genres, proving girls don’t just rock – they can be a monumental force. Doors at 6:30 and show at 7:30 p.m. There is no opener. Tickets start at $72.50. Get additional scoop and purchase tickets here.—Hilary Langford
