Things to Do in RVA This Week: Oct. 26

Looking for things to do in RVA this week? The October 26–November 1 calendar leans into Richmond’s music and cultural range: a newly added local-band Halloween set, Louisiana zydeco, New Orleans jazz and blues, classic soul, a free Jackson Ward market, hip-hop and reggae, and a major gospel anniversary concert.

Details checked October 26, 2026. Ticket prices can change. When access or parking information was not published, we’ve marked it below; follow the event or venue link before heading out.

Thursday, October 29

Halloween Party on Shockoe Sessions Live! featuring Vexine

7:30–9 p.m. (doors 7 p.m.)
In Your Ear Studios, 1813 E. Broad St., Richmond
Richmond’s Vexine brings its “southern rock noir” to a Halloween edition of Shockoe Sessions Live. The show can also be watched live or later online.
Admission: Ticket price not listed on the TCC calendar; check the registration page. Parking/access: Not published.
Event details and registration

Friday, October 30

Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. & The Legendary Ils Sont Partis Band

7–10 p.m.
The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Road, Glen Allen
Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. carries forward the Dural family’s Louisiana Creole musical tradition with accordion, rubboard and a dance-driven blend of zydeco and blues.
Admission: $45. Parking/access: Consult the venue ticket page for current details.
Event details and tickets

Richmond Symphony: When the Saints Go Marchin’ In

7 p.m.
Carpenter Theatre, 600 E. Grace St., Richmond
Trumpeter, vocalist and conductor Byron Stripling leads an evening of New Orleans jazz, blues and gospel, with music associated with Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, W.C. Handy and Jelly Roll Morton.
Admission: Ticketed; current price on the official page. Parking/access: Review Dominion Energy Center’s visit information before arrival.
Official event and tickets

“70’s Soul Party” celebrating the music of The Mighty O’Jays

8–9:30 p.m.
The Tin Pan, 8982 Quioccasin Road, Richmond
A Friday-night tribute centered on the Philadelphia soul catalog of The O’Jays.
Admission: Ticket price not listed on the TCC calendar; The Tin Pan also requires a $15 food-and-drink minimum per guest. Parking/access: Not published on the listing.
Event details and tickets

Saturday, October 31

Jackson Ward Farmers Market

10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Abner Clay Park, Brook Road, Richmond
The Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia hosts this community-centered market with local growers, handmade goods, wellness, culture and neighborhood entrepreneurship.
Admission: Free. Parking/access: Not published; street conditions may be affected by Halloween activity.
Event details

Richmond Symphony Halloween Spooktacular

3 p.m.; Boo-Fest opens at 1:30 p.m.
Carpenter Theatre, 600 E. Grace St., Richmond
The family program moves from Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and Stranger Things to Harry Potter, E.T. and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Boo-Fest activities are included with a concert ticket.
Admission: Ticketed; current price on the official page. Children age 2 and younger do not need a ticket if seated on an adult’s lap. Parking/access: Review Dominion Energy Center’s visit information.
Official event and tickets

Halloween Night: Hip-Hop vs. Reggae

10 p.m.–2 a.m.
Ember Music Hall, 309 E. Broad St., Richmond
A late-night Halloween set built around hip-hop and reggae at the downtown venue.
Admission: Ticket price not listed on the TCC calendar; check the ticket page. Parking/access: Not published.
Event details and tickets

Sunday, November 1

Cedar Street Baptist Church of God 159th Anniversary Concert featuring Pastor Shirley Caesar

5–7 p.m.
Cedar Street Baptist Church of God, 2301 Cedar St., Richmond
The historic church marks 159 years with gospel legend Pastor Shirley Caesar, plus John Foxx & New Fellowship and Voices of Cedar.
Admission: $40 general admission; $50 at the door. Seating is first come, first served, and every attendee needs a ticket. Parking/access: Not published; contact the church for accommodation questions.
Official registration

Plan the rest of the week

These are selected highlights, not the full calendar. Browse more live music, arts, family and community events on The Cultural Current Events calendar. Event details can change; confirm with the organizer before traveling.

Author

M. T. Bostic

Multimedia Journalist | Photographer | Writer | Musician | Army Veteran

I’m M. T. "Bostic", a Richmond-area multimedia journalist, photographer and writer covering arts and culture, music, community, sports, food and military life. Based in Midlothian, Virginia, I use reporting, writing and documentary photography to tell stories about the people, places and experiences that shape our communities.

My work has appeared in publications across the region and country, and I also serve as Publisher and Editor of The Cultural Current, an independent publication covering Richmond and surrounding communities.