The RVA MAG What to Do in Richmond This New Year’s Weekend List

by | Dec 28, 2023 | COMMUNITY, DOWNTOWN RVA, EAT DRINK, NIGHTLIFE

It becomes truly difficult to do anything during this week of limbo; this odd liminal space between years where so many have time to spare and a beautiful apathy takes hold over the minds of the populous. In this period of relaxation and stagnation, one can become a bit stir crazy and the desire to find something to do and get out of the house rises. If you find yourself in this position, then I’ve got you covered. Below I’ve got everything from live music, comedy and parties that will bring the house down, so if you’re still undecided on what you’re doing this weekend, then simply take your pick.

Live Music

Celler Dwellers New Years RVA Mag 2023

CELLER DWELLERS, BONE MACHINE & NANCY RAYGUN
Sunday, December 31st @ The Camel
Doors: 8:00 pm

Make your way out to The Camel to catch some of Richmond’s hottest groups play in the new year at Richmond’s premiere spot for independent music. Celler Dwellers supported by Bone Machine and Nancy Raygun are sure to bring the house down on this night of rough-around-the-edges rock and roll that is sure to be one of the most energetic parties of the weekend.

ILLITERATE LIGHT, MO LOWDA & THE HUMBLE & HOLY ROLLER
Sunday, December 31 @ The Jefferson (Charlottesville)
Doors: 7:00 pm

Though it’s not downtown, if you’re a super fan or find yourself in Charlottesville this weekend then this is the show for you. Sons of Virginia Illiterate Light are heading this night packed to the brim with talent as Mo Lowda & the Humble come down from Philadelphia to lend their support, all opened up by Richmond favorites Holy Roller at the beautiful Jefferson Theater in gorgeous Charlottesville, Virginia.

NEW YEAR’S EVER
Sunday, December 31st @ Get Tight Lounge

Doors: 7:30 pm

Nostalgic for the 80’s? Get Tight Lounge has you covered! A plethora of local musicians are paying tribute to some of the greatest acts to come out of the 80s including Blondie, David Bowie, Madonna and more. For night full of hot tunes and a wonderful celebration to bring in 2024, then head on down to Get Tight Lounge!

CASSIDY SNIDER & THE WRANGLERS, LOW WATER BRIDGE BAND W/ LAUREL HELL RAMBLERS
Saturday, December 30th @ The Camel

Doors: 8:00 pm

If you’re itching to get out and hear some music this weekend before New Year’s Eve, where else would you go but The Camel? There you’ll find a night headed by musical chameleon Cassidy Snider as she helps you party the weekend away to get you to New Year’s Eve. Joining her are Low Water Bridge Band and Laurel Hill Ramblers for a night of eclectic country influenced tunes at The Camel where you can party the night away.

NYE WEEKEND Parties

ABIGASSNYE
Sunday, December 31st @ The Park RVA
The Celebration Starts at 8:00 pm

Get set for an electrifying New Year’s Eve at The Park RVA with ABIGASSNYE, in collaboration with A Big Ass Cookout event planners @abacrva! Mark your calendars for December 31, 2023, from 8 PM to 2 AM, as they host the most exhilarating NYE bash in town. The night will be ablaze with some of the hottest DJs spinning tracks, culminating in a spectacular balloon drop at midnight. Raise your glasses for a champagne toast that’ll make you feel like you’re on top of the world.

DECEMBERWEEN 2024
Sunday, December 31st @ Diversity Richmond
The celebration starts at 8:00 pm

This event is an annual fundraiser for the Party Liberation Foundation non-profit organization.  For over 15 years, PLF strives to nurture community growth in Richmond, VA, and beyond through community cultivation of creativity, education, art grants, and public events. Head on over to what has become a Richmond tradition and a hotspot in town for one of the craziest and wildest parties in the city this New Year’s Eve.

Slingshot New Year's RVA Mag 2023

NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS
Sunday, December 31st @ Slingshot Game Club
The Celebration Starts at 8:00 pm

Prepare to dive into the New Year with style and excitement at Slingshot, the place to be this December 31st. It’s more than just a party – it’s a celebration, a gathering, a social extravaganza at the heart of SlingShot Social Game Club.

HAVANA ’59 SABADO SENSACIONAL
Saturday, December 30th @ Slingshot Game Club
The Celebration Starts at 8:00 pm

Why wait for New Year’s Eve when you can immerse yourself in a Latin fiesta this Saturday at Slingshot Game Club? Whether you’re a salsa aficionado or a newcomer eager to learn the steps, this is your scene. Arrive at 8 for a complimentary salsa lesson, and then let the rhythm take over. This 21+ event is your passport to a night of exhilarating music and dance, bringing the spirit of Havana to our city.

Gatsby Gala Hofheimer New Year's RVA Mag 2023

NEW YEAR’S EVE GATSBY GALA
Sunday, December 31st @ The Hofheimer Building
The Celebration Starts at 8:00 pm

Step back into the dazzling era of the 1920s at The Hofheimer Building for a New Year’s Eve Gatsby Gala that promises to be the talk of the town. It’s a night to don your finest flapper dresses and sharpest suits, embracing the opulence and excitement of the Jazz Age. This 21+ event is not just a party; it’s a time-traveling experience complete with swingin’ jazz and an atmosphere dripping with vintage charm.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
Sunday, December 31st @ Bingo Beer Co.
The Celebration Starts at 9:00 pm

As the final hours of the year wind down, join the ultimate celebration at Bingo Beer Co. for the NYE Party 2024. It’s more than just a party; it’s a jubilant farewell to the old and a grand welcome to the new. With your first drink on the house and a champagne toast waiting to punctuate the midnight moment, this is where memories will be made. Be a part of the vibrant crowd, raise your glasses, and step into 2024 with style and cheer.

Live Comedy

PRE-NEW YEAR’S EVE COMEDY SHOW
Friday, December 29th @ Basic City Beer Co.
Doors: 7:00 pm

An evening where humor meets rhythm at Basic City Beer Co. They’re rolling out a night filled with side-splitting comedy and pulsating beats, featuring the crème de la crème of Richmond’s comedians and DJs. This event is your ticket to bidding adieu to the year with a burst of laughter and a dance of joy. Don’t miss this blend of comedic genius and DJ wizardry as they ramp up to the big countdown!

SKETCH-AGEDDON-AGEDDON
Saturday, December 30th @ Coalition Theatre
Show: 7:00 pm & 9:30 pm

Brace yourselves for the seismic resurgence and glorious finale of the Coalition’s trailblazing sketch comedy squads: Egg Group and Anarchy Barn! These vanguards of humor are primed to unleash a riotous ensemble of live sketches, video vignettes, and uproarious antics. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions where screams of laughter blend with chuckles of sheer terror. The moment has arrived – it’s Sketchageddon, where the end isn’t just nigh, it’s now. This epochal performance heralds a bittersweet adieu, paving the way for fresh faces and new monthly spectacles in 2024. A comedic metamorphosis awaits!

Andrew Bonieskie

Andrew Bonieskie

I'm a writer and musician living in Brooklyn, NY after having served as the Associate Editor of RVA Mag from 2023 - 2024. After graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in music and a minor in creative writing I have gone on to score feature and short films, released a book of poetry, recorded multiple albums of original music with my band Pebbles Palace and as a solo artist under the name Lawrence Bones.




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