MERRY CHRISTMAS! The Weekend Event Thread comes a day early. Share any Christmas Eve and Christmas Day events you know about as well.
Let's talk about events happening in RVA this weekend! Post upcoming live music, pop-up markets, festivals, community fundraisers, yard/estate sales, group exercise classes, outdoor recreation events, and more.
Please include details about pricing, links to purchase tickets or RSVP your attendance, location addresses, parking information, and anything else that will help the event be successful.
I don’t have an event, so delete this if necessary, but I just wanted to say… Thank you so much for these weekly threads /u/Herculicia.
Whenever I’m at an event and someone asks how I heard about it, they’re on their phones a few minutes later, often not even knowing /r/rva exists. Everyone is always thrilled to find such a useful weekly thread full of city happenings (especially zero-cost ones) that you and others curate. It brings a lot of new members to the subreddit.
Hope you have a wonderful holiday and know how much so many appreciate you.
Thanks so much for saying this, it's really sweet to hear. I'm glad to know it's useful for so many.
It definitely is!!
We love you!!!
Yes!! Piling on with a hearty thanks for the person who is responsible for my entire family’s social life! You’re amazing!!!!
Sat-Sun / Rails & Sails History Tour @ Shiplock Park / 10a / $27
https://rvahiddenhistory.com/
Walk with us though Richmond’s oldest neighborhoods, as we highlight the ports, canals and railroads that helped contribute to Richmond’s rise. Hear the tales behind numerous infrastructure landmarks, and also hear the stories of some of the people who are tied to these locations as well.
Many of the railways and waterways are still in place and active, but numerous sites that have been lost to time will also be talked about.
The impact that Richmond's Rails & Sails have had on the road to modern Richmond cannot be overstated, and we hope to leave you with an idea of how we got here today.
Tours will go rain or shine.
Sun / RVA Drum Shed at Gallery5 / 5p - 9p
WE ARE HOSTING A SPECIAL EVENT!! Join us SUNDAY 12/28/25 5pm-9pm for RVA Drum Shed at Gallery5!!!
Matt Wild and escargotwellsfargo will be hosting an evening of 1 on 1 percussion sessions featuring you and anyone who wants to come and play drums!
Put your name in the hat and get called at random, all ages are welcome, all skill levels welcome!!
There will be food available and you can bring food to share potluck style!
Featuring a brand new mocktail menu with the help of point5rva and mothershrub!!!
DON’T MISS OUT ON THE VIBES
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I have been wanting to learn drums. This may be a great opportunity to try it out. Thank you for sharing!!
Sat / Richmond Synth Collective @ Révéler Experiences / 2p - 5p / Free but RSVP
A free meetup for local electronic musicians to network, share knowledge, and play music together.
Richmond Synth Collective's free monthly synth meetup is all about connecting with Richmonders who also love to create and produce electronic sound art. No single discipline, musical genre, or approach is prized. We value all tools alike from free virtual instruments to bespoke synth modules, and likewise our regular participants range from seasoned musicians to bedroom hobbyists - and even those who may not create, but are simply interested in seeing a little of what the local electronic music scene has to offer. You are more than welcome to bring any kind of synth to display, play, and even perform with.
This gathering is all ages. There will be table space and power available. To improve your listening experience during the exhibition, we highly recommend bringing your own wired headphones. Our space will include instruments that you are invited to use and record with, should you wish to bring a mic or recording device.
SHOW NOTES
Admission: FREE
Doors: 2:00pm
Meetup: 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Seats and tables are selected upon arrival and cannot be reserved in advance.
Tickets: https://www.revelerexperiences.com/event/richmond-synth-collective-12272025
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Fri / Gallery5 Jazz Night with Mike Hawkins and the OMP Jazz Workshop / 7p - 11p / Tables sold out - Standing room only
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gallery5-jazz-night-with-mike-hawkins-and-the-omp-jazz-workshop-tickets-1978452416436
Gallery5 Fourth Friday Jazz Night!
On the fourth Friday of each month we open up our doors to the jazz world Inviting local jazz musicians to bless our stage with their individual sounds.
For December we are joined by Mike Hawkins and the OMP Jazz Workshop!
Purchase reserved seating to enjoy this night in style. Proceeds support the artists and ensures continued accessibility to the free community event!
Standing room available at no charge
Sat / DreamHaus Cabaret @ DreamHaus / 6p - 12a / $ 17.85
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dreamhaus-cabaret-tickets-1976418686495
DreamHaus Cabaret! Every weekend is never the same! 21+
Step inside DreamHaus for immersive live entertainment, bold performances, and a bite of our Italian cuisine.
Guests will experience a curated two act preview of DreamHaus' signature style of immersive storytelling, unforgettable acts, and a vibrant atmosphere designed to celebrate art, culture, and connection.
8:00 PM
Act 1
10:00 PM
Act 2
11:30 PM
Last Call
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Sat / Improv Drop-In: Pay Whay You Will @ Bridge 9 Theater / 11a - 12:30p
Interested in improv? Looking for a place to escape and laugh for 90mins? Join us for a Pay-What-You Will intro to improv class. This is a fun low-pressure way to try out improv! No experience is required to come learn! This is for folks 18+. Come learn, share a laugh, and connect with with the community!
Questions? Email us at [info@bridge9theater.com](mailto:info@bridge9theater.com)
Register: https://www.bridge9theater.com/classes
Location: Richmond Performing Arts Alliance, 600 E Grace St. Classrooms
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Sat / Mall Goth Night @ Fallout / 9p - 2a / $10
https://www.facebook.com/events/1166307738419551
Nu Metal * Industrial Metal * Industrial Rock All Night
Sport your best Tripp Pants, JNCO's & Ball Chain Necklaces
D E T A I L S
WHEN: 9pm-2am
ENTRY: 21+ with ID, No Membership Required
COST: No cover for members & up to 2 guests
NON-MEMBERS: $10 Cover
You do not need to message in advance for a one night pass, just show up and don't be a creep!
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What a find! Haha.
Thurs / Taking Back Xmas: Emo & Pop Punk @ Fallout / 8p - 12a
https://www.facebook.com/events/1667288941308371
Come spend the holiday with your favorite family and prove to your mom that its not a phase!
EMO & POP PUNK TUNES ALL NIGHT!
D E T A I L S:
18+ with ID
No Cover
Non-Members: This Night is open to everyone!
We will be open until at least 12am, later if we're feeling the vibe!
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A Christmas Carol at VA Rep is closing this weekend. Tickets are half off for Friday and Saturday night with the code MOREMERRY.
Christmas Carol Tickets
Tonight, 530pm, bike Monday Bros leading an Xmas Eve bike ride, starting at Starbucks parking lot in the fan
This Week in RVA Live Music:
Thurs / Dave & Buster's Open on Christmas / 5p - midnight
Spending Christmas in RVA and looking for something fun to do after the festivities? We’re open Christmas Day (5pm–12am) and running Half Price Games—perfect for a laid-back holiday night out. Come in for great food, drinks, and arcade fun for the whole crew at Dave & Buster’s Richmond – Glen Allen.
Sat / Capital City Kwanzaa Festival @ Convention Center / 1p - 7p / $7 - $9
https://efsinc.org/events/festivals/kwanzaa-festival/
Capital City Kwanzaa Festival presents performances, workshops, children’s activities, The African Market, food and more observe the year’s-end Kwanzaa holiday, a cultural affirmation of values, thanksgiving and growth. This event is the largest of its kind in Virginia, and therefore, one of the largest on the East Coast. Elegba Folklore Society’s Artistic Director first produced a Kwanzaa program in Richmond in 1986 and the Society first presented its festival in 1990. (Annually during the December Kwanzaa Holiday)
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Fri / FM SOCIAL CLUB 002 @ Black Iris / 8p - 12a
https://www.simpletix.com/e/fm-social-club-rva-002-tickets-248813
Forefront Recordings returns with the second installment of FM SOCIAL CLUB, bringing a diverse blend of dance music to the intimate halls of Black Iris Social Club. Expect a night that’ll keep you moving—curated for dancers, listeners, and everyone in between.
FREE w/RSVP before 10PM. (LIMITED)
[rsvp_rva@weareforefrontrecordings.com](mailto:rsvp_rva@weareforefrontrecordings.com)
(2 Guests per RSVP)
Pre-Sale : $5
Door : $10
______________
LINE UP :
KAMALASCOPE
MACK
SECRET SHOPPERS
VOIDCALLER
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Sat - Sat / RVA Winter Puppetfest @ Artspace / Various Dates and Times
https://www.puppetsoffbroadstreet.org/tickets
A Richmond tradition since 2015! We are thrilled to provide winter break fun for families with tickets that are less than a movie...and concessions that won't break the bank! This year, we have TEN performances plus an exhibit on puppets that we can't wait to share with YOU. Tickets this year are on sale now, just $8 each!
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Are any shows geared towards adults?
Fri - Jan 4 / Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights @ Lewis Ginter / 4p - 10p / $25 - Advance Tickets Required - Select Time Slot
https://www.lewisginter.org/visit/events/dominion-energy-gardenfest-of-lights/
Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights is a favorite tradition featuring a million lights, botanical decorations, model trains, festive dinners, warming fire, hot chocolate and s'mores, and more!
Fri / Trap Karaoke @ The National / 7p - 12a / $48.30
https://www.universe.com/events/trap-karaoke-richmond-tickets-0B9J8Y
Trap Karaoke is a fan-centered concert series that's been electrifying North America for the past nine years, selling out shows in over 40 cities, including venues like NYC's Terminal 5, New Orlean’s Fillmore, and Chicago's Aragon Ballroom. With this interactive concert experience, fans get to perform their favorite karaoke songs in front of a roaring crowd, and share the spotlight with surprise guests, which have included Sisqo, LeBron James, Ne-Yo, 2 Chainz, Chance the Rapper, and many more. Trap Karaoke celebrates all genres of music including hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeats, Gospel, and more. Whether you sing bad or you sing good, we just want you to sing your heart out!
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I have a sweet event. Don't you feel the need for something special? RVA WINTER PUPPETFEST - 2025 Puppets!Puppets!Puppets! ArtSpace 2833-A Hathaway Road, Richmond, VA - lots of parking Tickets for performances can be purchased through PUPPETS OFF BROAD STREET https://www.puppetsoffbroadstreet.org/winter-puppetfest
SAT 12/27 10:30 AM & 1 PM Harlequin & The Gift of Many Color SUN 12/28 1 PM & 3 PM Tangle of Tales (More shows 12/29 -01/03) Included with the show: 1.Exhibit to showcase thework of local puppet builders, with a spotlight on the work of the late Terry Snyder. 2. Adopt-A-Puppet: seeking to place nearly 50 deserving puppets into the loving homes of aspiring puppeteers of all ages. 3. Get information on our monthly The Puppet Collective, which is open to the public.
Sun / Welcome to the Haus: North Pole Edition @ Fallout / 9p - 11:30p / $8
https://www.sickening.events/e/welcome-to-the-north-pole/tickets
Welcome to the Haus: North Pole Edition!
Details:
Doors: 9pm
Show: 9:30pm
Cover: $7 In Advance, $8 at the Door
All Fees Included in Price!
Age: 18+
Hosted by: Javon Love
Performances by:
Tiffani Hunter-Monique
AuntieJ Renee
Leilani Envy
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Fri / Burlesque Bingo @ Basic City / 7p / $15
https://elliequinnpresents.square.site/product/rva-burlesque-bingo-12-26/B5MMXSNJZSBJSH4APHTFIARS
This is a bingo game not of numbers and letters, but where the details of the burlesque performances themselves make up the bingo card tiles. There are prizes for each winner!
Participation in the bingo game is completely optional; feel free to just enjoy the show.
Featuring: Bunny Noir, Conejita Luxxe, Erratic Kate, Strawberry Poundcake, and Vivi LaLush.
Hosted by Empress de Naste'
Doors 7pm show 7:30pm
Ages 18 and up
Advance tickets $15 and $20 day of.
Admission includes 1 bingo card. Additional bingo cards can be purchased for $1.
Seating: Seating is general admission with unconventional seating options, such as high top stools, picnic tables, and folding chairs. Please email [elliequinnpresents@gmail.com](mailto:elliequinnpresents@gmail.com) if you need specific accommodations.
Venue accessibility: The venue is accessible, with a ramp available for entrance.
Venue parking: Parking lot onsite.
Food and beverage availability: Beer, cider, wine, and non-alcoholic options. Pizzas, charcuterie, and snacks.
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