Friday, Oct. 20
The sixth annual Garden Glow at Maymont (through Nov. 12)
Light up your night with a lovely stroll through Glow Village at Maymont, just as soon as the sun goes down, with fire pits, food trucks, immersive installations and more. Read our preview here. Held on Carriage House Lawn at 1700 Hampton St. Children tickets (3-16) are $12 and adults are $16. Kids 2 and under get in free.
Richmond Shakes’ “Hamlet” at Dominion Energy Center’s Gottwald Playhouse
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Richmond Shakespeare with a classic featuring Josh Carter as Hamlet. Read our preview here. Runs from Oct. 19 through Nov. 12. Friday and Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 21
Scott’s Addition Pumpkinfestival at Bon Secours Training Center
If you’re looking for a free seasonal event that will make you see orange, drop by this festival that includes bands (The Embalmers play from noon to 2 p.m. and Slippery When Wet, The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute, plays from 4:15 to 6 p.m.), a costume contest (2:30 to 3:30 p.m.), food and drink, all the usual stuff. Runs from noon to 6 p.m. For more info, go here.
“Willie Anne Wright: Artist and Alchemist” at VMFA
A big retrospective show from Richmond photographer Willie Anne Wright, exploring six decades of her work, opens to the public today at Evans Court Gallery, VMFA. Runs through April 28, 2024. Read about it in our preview piece by Tina Eshleman. Free admission.
Rocky Horror: The Concert at the National
Dammit Janet! A cover-to-cover concert of the beloved musical/cult film presented by Yes And Theatrical Company and featuring local performers backed by the Trunk Show Band. The large cast will present musical numbers only and a few film vignettes directed by Monica Moehring and Maggie Roop with choreography by Suzi Redling. “It’s going to be louder, brighter, and explode with more choreography and production value than prior years,” explains Matt Shofner, Yes And’s executive director (who is also taking on the part of Frank N. Furter for the second year in a row). “Our band, Trunk Show, has been playing full-album cover shows for a long time — 11 albums so far — and we wanted to take a stab at covering a film score. Rocky Horror is the perfect opportunity since it’s rooted in the theater and has the best fan base.” Two shows, one at 7 p.m. and one at 10:30 p.m. Ages 13 and over.
Battlemaster celebrates 20 years and a record release party with Inter Arma, Infernal Stronghold and Heavy Penalty at Fuzzy Cactus
Come celebrate the 20-year milestone with Richmond metal band, Battlemaster, which is releasing its fourth album, “Greedgripped & Spellspoilt,” that will be available to stream and also through an LP pressing courtesy of Vinyl Conflict Records. The rest of the stacked bill includes friends Inter Arma and a reunion show from Philly’s Infernal Stronghold plus the debut of Heavy Penalty (featuring past and current members of Battlemaster, Government Warning and Twisted Tower Dire). Tickets are $15/$20 at the door and going fast. 8 p.m. 221 West Brookland Park Blvd.
Sunday, Oct. 22
Virginia Pridefest at Bon Secours Training Center
Richmond’s largest LGBTQ+ celebration of the year was rescheduled from September due to weather, but things are looking good this weekend. Features mainstage headliner Mýa, a pop singer, actress and dancer from Washington, DC, as well as New Jersey born singer Cookiee Kawaii, known for her song “Vibe (If I Back It Up)”, which became popular on TikTok in 2020 plus performances by Riley Knoxx, Trapcry, House of Prodigy, Richmond Allied Voices, RVA Drag Superstars, DJ Ease, and hosted by Danny Franzese. Lots of fun, food, drinks and great company, plus don’t forget to checkout the Allianz Youth Pride Pavilion. Starts at noon. Free. 2401 W. Leigh St. Go here for more info.
Sixth Annual Oktoberfest at Final Gravity Brewing
Gets your German on with the release of Kingdoms Rise Marzen (stein and two beers for $20), plus brats from Mayor Meats and a German-inspired pizza from River City Wood Fire Pizza. The Elbe Musikaneten German Band provides tunes and there will be contests throughout the day including stein holding, best dressed and best beard. So don your lederhosen and dirndls, organizers say. Held at 6118 Lakeside Ave. Runs from noon to 6 p.m.
