POP CULTURE




more in culture

The Light That Never Went Out 

There is a spotlight still mounted in the rafters of 528 N. 2nd Street. It has been there since 1914. It has outlasted segregation, fire, the highway that cut Jackson Ward in two, and decades of silence. On the nights when the Hippodrome Theater fills up, that light...

Virginia’s New Marijuana Law: Everything You Need to Know

After years of legislative battles, vetoes, compromise negotiations, and numerous articles, Virginia finally has a roadmap for legal recreational marijuana sales. The state budget signed into law earlier this week establishes a regulated cannabis marketplace beginning...

Review | ‘As You Like It’ is Just How I Like It

If you’ve been reading these reviews for a while, you’ll notice I love me some context. Especially surrounding William Shakespeare’s plays. One of my favorite things about the existence of Richmond Shakespeare is that they’ve forced me to go back to the English Lit...

Fourth of July 2026 in Richmond: Fireworks, Festivals, and More

The best Fourth of July celebration in Richmond probably isn't the one with the biggest fireworks. It's the one where someone forgot the hot dog buns, the cooler is running low on ice, kids are chasing each other through sprinklers, and somebody insists they know a...

IllumiNATION Tells America’s Story on a Monumental Scale

Editor’s Note: RVA Magazine is partnering with the Virginia Museum of History & Culture on coverage related to America’s 250th anniversary, including Richmond SailFest and IllumiNation. It's hard to impress people with just a building. Yet standing in front of the...

Blöthar: “GWAR Didn’t Change. The World Freakin Changed.”

Richmond metal band GWAR says the Secret Service contacted the group following a recent performance at the Vans Warped Tour in Washington, D.C., that featured the mock execution of a Donald Trump effigy. Video of the performance, which showed band members...

Field Trip Bikes and the Long Ride of Richmond’s Cycling Culture

I recently bought my first bicycle in more than a decade. Like most people, I started my search online, comparing models, reading reviews, and trying to figure out what kind of rider I actually wanted to be. Eventually I visited several local bike shops before...

Comedian Kade Wonders and The Gayest Show on Earth

Hello reader! Today we chat with the fabulous Kade Wonders, who’s about to dazzle Richmond with "The Gayest Show On Earth" on July 18th at Hardywood Craft Brewery. From navigating the jitters of open mics to hosting big names at the Funny Bone, Kade spills the tea on their comedy journey, the art of bombing gracefully, and the thrill of blending...

Read More

Comedian-Kade-Wonders-and-The-Gayest-Show-on-Earth-by-Gabriel-Santamaria_photo-by-Alex-Burruss_RVA-Magazine-2024

Scenes from ‘The Garage’ Open House

The energy from The Garage open house, held a few weeks ago. Nestled on the edge of Scott's Addition, this community hub thrives as a creative space for performance and production. Captured moments by Mike Avey showcase the dynamic atmosphere and artistic spirit.

Read More

Scenes-from-The-Garage-by-Mike-Avey_RVA-Magazine-2024

‘Summer of Swayze’ at the Byrd Theatre: A Fundraiser

"If you want the ultimate, you’ve got to be willing to pay the ultimate price. It’s not tragic to die doing what you love.” — Bodhi, Point Break. Since the dawn of mankind, disparate religions have contemplated the nature of heaven, the afterlife, and the ethereal beings who have guided humanity (for better or worse) — some cultures refer to...

Read More

Summer of Swayze at The Byrd Theatre_RVA Magazine 2024

Chappell Roan Show: Less Concert, More Pink-Powered Pride Party

Driving down the business district toward Brown's Island on Thursday evening, there was nothing but a sea of pink—pink dresses, pink overalls, pink cowboy hats, pink glitter, pink rhinestones, pink everything. Anyone who didn't know better might have quietly wondered if they had accidentally time-traveled to July 2023, when the dress code was the...

Read More

Chappell Roan Brown's Island Show write up by Ash Griffith_RVA Magazine 2024

From Band Life to Big Dreams: Wes Parker’s Solo Journey

The name Wes Parker had been appearing on my radar for many weeks, and he seemed like the new kid on the block to talk to. Parker in 2024 alone had released two new singles, the second one by the name “Annie Moore” with a video to accompany it, and then with another track not far behind, this guitar playing stranger seemed to be making a name for...

Read More

Wes Parker Interview by Andrew Bonieskie_RVA Magazine 2024