"The message of Passover remains as powerful as ever. Freedom is won not on the battlefield but in the classroom and the home. Teach your children the history of freedom if you want them never to lose it." ~ Rabbi Shimon Raichik
This week brings the beginning of Passover for the Jewish tradition as well as Holy Week for the Christian tradition. And for our Muslim community, this week continues the observation of Ramadan. We are in a season steeped in history, culture, and appreciation for those who have gone before us. This week also coincides with Spring Break for many of our local students. So, below you will find lots of amazing ways during this time to dive into local stories, celebrate our beliefs, and gather together in recognition of how fortunate we are to have each other.
To list your events on Artsline, go to vpm.org/artsline.
1. SATURDAY NIGHT CONTRA DANCE TO LIVE MUSIC!
Dance, Music
Saturday, April 8, 7:30 PM
West End Ballroom, 2300 John Rolfe Parkway, Henrico, 23233
$9-$12
Enjoy a Contra Dance to live music! Contra is a beginner-friendly American folk dance, no partner required. It's a fun way to get active, meet new people and easy to learn! Presented by Richmond Contra Dance. Dress is casual with comfortable shoes. Purchase admission at venue.
2. HAPPY HOLIDAYS: CELEBRATING PASSOVER AND EASTER DURING WWII
History
Tuesday, April 4, 2 PM
Online
As World War II continued to rage in the Pacific and Europe, the spring holiday season in America had to be a different kind of celebration than it had been in the past. Being separated from loved ones, having to ration holiday meals at Lent and Seder tables, struggling with the harsh reality of war and the news of Jewish genocide all impacted the ways in which those on the homefront could celebrate Easter and Passover. Join the Virginia War Memorial’s Assistant Director of Education Crystal Coon as she discusses the spring holiday season during World War II, how celebrations were forced to change, and what those holidays grew to be for Americans. Register online for this free event.
3. CASTLEBURG BREWERY RENAISSANCE FAIRE
Festival, Music, Dance
Saturday, April 8
Castleburg Brewery & Taproom, 1626 Ownby Lane, Richmond, 23220
Here ye! Here ye! Join Castleburg Brewery's first Renaissance Faire and enjoy the festivities! Music from Bard City, Richmond Renaissance Dancers, The Pink Boots x Castleburg beer, Guinevere's Pink Slippers beer release! The Richmond Moon Market will be present with weird, wild and wonderful vendors Come dressed as you please! You may see a few knights in shining armor, maidens, princesses, poets, soldiers, and bards. No registration required for this free event.
4. VIENNA LIGHT ORCHESTRA PRESENTS: A TRIBUTE TO THE GREATEST SHOWMAN & MORE!
Music
Saturday, April 8, 3 PM & 7 PM
The Byrd Theater, 2908 West Cary Street, Richmond, 23221
$45-$125
After traveling around the world (to cities like Edinburgh, London, Kotor, Montenegro and Vancouver, BC) the experience of the Vienna Light Orchestra has finally made its way to Richmond, VA! Surrounded by over 2,000 flickering candles, enjoy music and vocals from your favorite musicals and The Greatest Showman. Vienna Light Orchestra is not your typical classical music ensemble! Purchase tickets online.
5. DOMINION ENERGY FAMILY EASTER
Culture, Music
Saturday, April 8
Maymont, 1700 Hampton Street, Richmond, 23220
$5 (Children 2 & under are free)
Grab an Easter basket and bring the whole family to Maymont for Dominion Energy Family Easter, one of Richmond’s favorite spring traditions! This year’s “eggs-travaganza” is bigger than ever and packed with games, activities and crafts for the whole family. With 100 acres in full bloom to “eggs-plore,” why not make a day of it with a picnic from local food trucks, live entertainment on three stages and an expanded Community Zone filled with local helpers and heroes! Purchase tickets online.
6. MISSION SUPERSTITION: CHILDREN'S CRAFT WORKSHOP
History
Thursday, April 6, 10 AM
Agecroft Hall & Gardens, 4305 Sulgrave Road, Richmond, 23221
$10 per child
Agecroft Hall’s educators are calling all junior investigators to help explore the world of the unknown! In a mission to discover superstitions of the past our junior investigators will learn about the supernatural, skepticism and folklore from the Tudor period. Junior investigators will be tasked with a mission of a seek and find and required to investigate evidence of superstition and folklore in the Tudor house. They will also do craft activities related to their mission. Join us at Agecroft Hall and Gardens for an adventure filled with magic, fairies and the things beyond us. Recommended for age 7-11. Purchase tickets online.
7. SAINT SAMUEL ON SHOCKOE SESSIONS LIVE!
Music
Tuesday, April 4, 7:30 PM
In Your Ear Studios, 1813 East Broad Street, Richmond, 23223
$15
Shockoe Sessions’ weekly concert showcasing Richmond’s goldmine of music talent! Saint Samuel has been an artist from Richmond, VA, since 2021. Sam McCoig (Saint Samuel) played under a few bands and his name for about ten years leading up to the release of Saint Samuel a year and a half ago. Sam decided he wasn't playing the kind of music that was true to him. His influences had dramatically changed. He grew up into a different person than he used to be and decided that the thing he loves the most and holds the closest to his heart should reflect that. Purchase tickets online.
8. TURING'S SHADOW - AN ESCAPE
Immersive Art, Music
Saturdays & Sundays through May 28
Times: 12:30 PM, 2:15 PM, 4 PM
Révéler Experiences, 3108 West Cary Street Richmond, 23221
$39
A powerful institute. A sudden disappearance. A menacing presence. Join the Révéler Society as investigators to solve the mystery of the missing artist, a promising Luminary named Turing. The threads of the case have been collected, but only a creative and intrepid team can uncover the dark secrets lurking beneath Révéler's surface. Summon your wits and enter. Purchase tickets online.
9. TEST PATTERN 07: HOLLAND ANDREWS
Sound Art
Friday, April 7, 7 PM
Institute of Contemporary Art at VCU, 601 West Broad Street, Richmond, 23220
Test Pattern returns to the ICA at VCU auditorium with a performance by vocalist, composer, and performance artist Holland Andrews. Their work focuses on the abstraction of operatic and extended-technique voice to build cathartic and dissonant soundscapes. Andrews arranges music for voice, clarinet, and electronics and frequently highlights themes surrounding vulnerability and healing. Register online for this free event.
10. SPRING INTO SPACE
History
Monday, April 3 – Friday, April 7
Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, 23220
Admission: $10 adults | $8 seniors, educators, military | $5 youth ages 6-17
Children 5 and under are free
Join Virginia Museum of History & Culture Education for a week of Spring Break fun celebrating Apollo: When We Went to the Moon. Daily offerings vary, so please check the museum’s calendar listing for more details. Events included with daily admission. Purchase tickets online.
If you are an arts or cultural organization with lectures, exhibitions, performances, or even book readings, submit your events to Artsline here.
If you are an artist or an arts or cultural organization in need of resources and tools, check out the list of local and national resources from Richmond CultureWorks.
The Maymont Foundation and VCUarts are sponsors of VPM.
