CULTURE




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When Progress Meets Petunias: A Test of Richmond’s Imagination

For 35 years, Richmond hairdresser Rick Bridgforth has been quietly transforming a forgotten alley in The Fan into something remarkable. What began as a way to clean up trash and keep crime at bay grew into a lush oasis that's alive with color, buzzing with...

Richmond’s Zoning Code Refresh: Developers Know, Do You?

Most Richmonders haven’t heard about it, but the City of Richmond is rewriting the rules that will determine what can be built, and where, for decades to come. It’s called the Zoning Code Refresh, and right now, it’s quietly moving through the public comment stage. If...

Griffin in Summer: How a Tribeca Winner Was Filmed in Richmond

The new coming-of-age feature Griffin in Summer is already drawing attention for its Tribeca wins and upcoming theatrical release, but for producer Bobby Hoppey, the film carries an extra layer of meaning: it was made in Richmond, a city he’s connected to...

It’s Still Our City | Ep. 13 GULL

"When Nate first got on my radar, it was via SNACK TRUCK. Thanks to @falseidolstoys for this wonderful discovery. There were so many Virginia-based bands absolutely knocking it out of the park, really helping me and my bandmates in our project at the time, The...

Southern Gothic: The Global Underground Hits Richmond

Richmond has always produced world-class talent and just as often, watched it leave. That cycle was exactly what Warren Jones, performer and co-founder of Prison Religion, and Christian Detres, filmmaker and longtime RVA Magazine contributor, set out to change. Their...

Sound Check | Spooky Cool, Weedeater, The Be-Sides & More!

Sun’s up, we ain’t dead yet. Plenty of good stuff on the bills -- your favorites, my favorites, maybe even your next favorite. Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? I am your guy at griffin@rvamag.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtZ8kwWtUfI Spooky Cool, Fight Cloud, Raavi, Ducctape JesusFriday July 25th,...

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OP-ED | Richmond’s Stages Are Worth the Investment

Why federal arts funding keeps the city’s creative economy alive. by Catie-Reagan King, Ed.D. On any given weekend in Richmond, you can find a stage lit up with stories, some bold and provocative, others warm and familiar. Whether it’s a world premiere at Firehouse Theatre, a boundary-pushing musical at Richmond Triangle Players, or a Shakespeare...

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Protest or Parade, Richmond Likes to Get ‘Fancy’

For the Richmond we know, “fancy” doesn’t belong to the country club set. It doesn’t sip cocktails under chandeliers or care much about matching buttons. Here, fancy has dirt on its boots and glitter in its hair. It shows up to a protest in drag. It haunts the streets on Halloween in a costume held together with duct tape and conviction. The...

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Fancy_-Costumes-Characters-and-the-Richmond-Masque-at-The-Valentine_photo-by-Michael-Simon_RVA-Magazine-2025

Get JURASS-ic to Science on Tap! Dino Night

Drink like a grown-up. Wonder like a kid. No children, no judgment, just dinosaurs. Ah, dinosaurs. We never outgrow them. They’re the original fascination and the gateway drug into the natural world. When we were kids, they were terrifying and magical. Now? They’re still magical. Just with better science and slightly more plausible theories about...

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It’s Still Our City | Ep. 12 Hotspit

“This interview was a blast. You know it’s a good one when even the editing (work) is fun. Join us in this episode as we discuss the creation of this wonderful band, their goals, and the process of building the perfect lineup (it’s tough), Crayola House and unwanted snowball fights, the unfortunate ending of Strange Matter, and quitting one Red...

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Photos | Teddy Swims Packed out Virginia Credit Union LIVE! in Richmond

Singer-songwriter Teddy Swims performed to a near-capacity crowd at Virginia Credit Union LIVE! in Richmond on Monday night, delivering a high-energy set that showcased his wide vocal range and genre-blending style. The show is part of Swims’ current tour in support of his debut album I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy. Fans filled the outdoor...

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Teddy Swims in Richmond VA_photo by Joey Wharton_RVA Magazine 2025