Richmond’s vibrant arts and culture scene continues to thrive with a dynamic lineup of events scheduled from September 4 through September 9. This week features a diverse array of concerts, art exhibitions, community festivals, and theatrical performances, offering something for every enthusiast.
Starting on Thursday, September 4, music lovers can enjoy a night at Cobra Cabana with performances by Canadian songwriter Ora Cogan, whose expansive folk melodies blend psychedelic influences, and Virginia’s own Pygmy Lush, known for their emotive neo-folk goth sound. Visiting Hour, an emerging post-rock band, also takes the stage, promising an evening of atmospheric soundscapes.
On the same day, the Maymont estate hosts a lively jam session featuring Daniel Donato’s Cosmic County along with Railroad Earth and Yonder Mountain String Band. Donato, a prodigious young guitarist from Nashville, has garnered attention for his impressive Telecaster skills. Tickets are reasonably priced at $35 for general admission.
In Williamsburg, a free outdoor concert by Jenny Don’t and the Spurs offers an authentic country-western experience with a touch of cowpunk, highlighting their energetic set of traditional and original country tunes.
Friday, September 5, brings a cultural highlight with the First Friday Art Trolley Tour. This interactive, free event offers stops at various arts organizations along Broad Street, culminating in a special Drag Trivia featuring Alvion Davenport. The tour runs from 6 to 8 p.m., providing a unique opportunity to explore Richmond’s vibrant arts community.
That evening, Afrikana Gallery celebrates its tenth anniversary with the opening of ‘Vintage Frames, Fresh Frequencies,’ showcasing a decade of short films from the Afrikana Film Festival. The exhibition runs through October 26 and offers a nostalgic look at the festival’s most cherished moments.
Also on Friday, the Dogwood Dell amphitheater hosts ‘Unheard of Practices 5,’ a celebration of dance and music featuring live performances by Rattlemouth and choreographed pieces by The Concert Ballet of Virginia, Richmond Urban Dance, and Starr Foster Dance.
Saturday, September 6, is packed with community events. The RVA Duck Race at Brown’s Island, a beloved annual fundraiser for the Autism Society of Central Virginia, invites participants to purchase rubber ducks and watch them race down the canal, supporting autism programs.
That night, the Allianz Amphitheater hosts a compelling double bill with soul singer Leon Bridges and Americana artist Charley Crockett. Bridges, often compared to Sam Cooke, delivers smooth, soulful performances, while Crockett offers a cinematic blend of roots and country.
The Richmond Music Hall welcomes a performance by Superchunk, a veteran indie rock band known for their politically charged lyrics and energetic shows. They are joined by Cor de Lux, blending melodic post-punk sounds.
Sunday, September 7, features Chicha Libre at Reveler Experiences, performing their signature Peruvian cumbia-rock fusion, perfect for a lively Sunday evening.
The same day, the Fuse Ensemble collaborates with Starr Foster Dance at Gallery5 for a unique multidisciplinary performance titled ‘Things Hidden,’ integrating dance, music, and visual art.
Finally, on Tuesday, September 9, Sierra Ferrell concludes her ‘Shoot for the Moon’ tour at Brown’s Island. The Grammy-winning artist is known for her eclectic blend of folk, jazz, and country, captivating audiences with her soulful voice.
Throughout the week, Richmond’s cultural calendar offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from live music and film to dance and community festivals, underscoring the city’s reputation as a hub of creativity and diversity. Whether you’re a local or visitor, this lineup promises memorable moments across the arts spectrum.
This lineup is quite impressive and really showcases Richmond’s diverse arts scene. I’ve attended the First Friday Art Trolley Tour before, and it’s such a fantastic way to experience multiple galleries and interact with local artists. The opening of ‘Vintage Frames, Fresh Frequencies’ also sounds like a nostalgic treat — I love short films, especially ones that celebrate a festival’s history. One thing I wonder about, especially with outdoor concerts like Jenny Don’t and the Spurs or Chicha Libre, is how the city manages weather unpredictability — does anyone know if there are backup plans or tents? I’ve been caught in unexpected rain at a concert before, so I always check those details. Also, for those planning to attend multiple events, are there any recommended transport options to move between venues safely, especially late in the evening? I’m excited to see how these events bring together the community and contribute to the city’s vibrant culture this week.
This week’s lineup really highlights Richmond’s incredible arts and music diversity. I especially love that there’s such a broad range of events—from the more intimate folk and neo-goth sounds on September 4th at Cobra Cabana to the lively outdoor concerts and community festivals later in the week. I attended a similar outdoor concert in Williamsburg last summer, and while the atmosphere is fantastic, weather unpredictability is always a concern. It’s reassuring to know many events like Jenny Don’t and the Spurs are planned with backup options or tents, but it might be useful for visitors to check the specific venue websites beforehand to confirm. Also, for those planning to explore multiple events, I recommend looking into local ride-share services or even bike rentals, as parking can sometimes be challenging in downtown areas during big festivals. I’m curious, has anyone had experience with transport or parking during similar busy event weeks? It’d be great to hear tips or recommendations for making the experience even smoother. Looking forward to soaking up all the culture Richmond has to offer this week!
This week’s arts and music lineup in Richmond really showcases the city’s vibrant cultural landscape. I’m particularly excited about the outdoor concert with Jenny Don’t and the Spurs because I love discovering authentic country-western acts with a modern twist. The mention of weather contingency plans made me think—during last fall’s festival season, I noticed many venues and organizers are increasingly proactive, setting up tents or rain backups, especially for outdoor events like these. For visitors planning to attend multiple events, I recommend checking venue websites or social media for real-time updates, especially since weather can be unpredictable at this time of year. Also, I’ve found that using local ride-sharing services or designated parking garages helps avoid the hassle of street parking, which gets crowded during these popular festivals. Has anyone experienced early morning or late evening traffic difficulties in downtown Richmond during major events? It would be great to share some practical tips to make the most of this exciting week—looking forward to experiencing all the culture Richmond has to offer!