Celebrate all things gaming and learn STEM skills, too, during this weekend’s second annual ImmerseCon in Short Pump. Find more fun in the days ahead with a concert from Alison Krauss & Union Station, the return of “Jaws” to the big screen, a Prince tribute, art displays, and more. Enjoy!
American Pickers
Richmond’s newest music venue, the Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront, continues its first season with a visit from bluegrass stars Alison Krauss & Union Station on Friday, Aug. 29. Led by singer, songwriter and fiddle player Alison Krauss, the Grammy Award-winning act brings virtuosic players together on the heels of the band’s latest release, “Arcadia.” The music begins at 7:30 p.m., and tickets start at $49.
—Kevin Johnson, Lifestyle Editor
Blockbuster Birthday
If you’ve got FM radio in your vehicle (or a portable alternative) and need a fear-film fix, you’re a perfect candidate for the special 50th anniversary screenings of “Jaws” at Goochland Drive-In. Three consecutive evening showings, Aug. 29-31, will transport you to killer-shark-tormented Amity Island. Moviegoers can choose between reclining in their cars or kicking back in foldable chairs on the lawn. Classic concessions and frozen treats are available for purchase, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Get in line before the gates open at 5:45 p.m. to snag a prime viewing spot; showtime is 8 p.m., but all cars must arrive no later than 20 minutes prior. Tickets are $28 per vehicle (with up to seven occupants) and for sale online only.
—Anna Kiepke, Editorial Intern
Royal Purple
Some things in life are certain: death, taxes and the transcendental appeal of the late, great Prince Rogers Nelson. Head to The Tin Pan on Saturday, Aug. 30, for A Tribute to Prince-Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of “1999” & “Kiss,” performed by Johnie Jupiter’s Controversy. Formed in 2017, this Prince tribute band crafts live show arrangements that keep listeners cheering as they recognize the legendary singer’s hits. The concert starts at 8 p.m., and tickets are $54. Now, excuse me while I put way too much thought into curating my ideal Paisley playlist and matching outfit.
—Kelsey Robinson, Associate Editor
It’s a Smash!
In recent years, I’ve noticed an uptick in local tournament gaming, particularly meetups to play the Nintendo game Super Smash Bros. In chatting with the people who make these events possible, I discovered a robust community of gamers right here in RVA. Read more about these video game tourneys in our feature covering the scene. One of the many events featured in the piece is ImmerseCon, a STEM skills expo and gaming convention that returns for a second year Aug. 30-31 at the Hilton Hotel & Spa Short Pump. It features the RVA Esports Championship with bouts in Call of Duty, Mario Kart 8, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and more. Also, check out robotics demonstrations, tabletop gaming, a retro arcade exhibit, and meet-and-greets with pros in a variety of STEM fields, plus join a fireside chat with voice actor Eli Harris (registration for the chat closes today at 11:59 p.m.). Ticket options range from $20 to $85.
—Nicole Cohen, Arts & Entertainment Editor
Earth, Wind and Fire
The works on view at Artspace gallery through Sept. 20 are as varied in approach as the experiences that inspired the artists to make them. Dana Frostick’s “The Ballad of Kiki and Lucifer” departs from abstraction to playful ink and acrylic depictions of the relationship between her two cats; the digital photography of “Implicit Bias” by Anne Savedge mashes old photo album images with new ones, giving perspective on her art and life; “Calibration + Compendium: A Cancer Sojourn,” from Raleigh, North Carolina-based painter Jacqueline S. Dulin, presents spiritual and physical transformation due to cancer (above); and “Cone 10 and Below” features dynamic ceramic creations by David Camden, Amanda Lucy, John Mottie, Paul Terrell and Kendra Wadsworth. Admission is free.
—Harry Kollatz Jr., Senior Writer
Other Suggestions
- Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture’s traveling exhibition “Founding Frenemies” will be on display at the Deep Run Park & Recreation Center Aug. 25-31.
- The Chamberlayne Actors Theatre 2025-26 season premiere, “The Lifespan of a Fact,” is onstage at Hanover Tavern Aug. 29-Sept. 14.
- CSz Richmond Theater presents “Upstaged,” an improvised spin on a sitcom that takes place within the 1960s New York theater scene, on Aug. 29.
- The Chesterfield County Fair brings the fun to the district’s fairgrounds though Aug. 30.
- The founder of The Princess Diana Museum and the royal’s personal hairdresser discuss their book, “It’s All About the Hair: My Decade With Diana, H.R.H. Princess of Wales,” at Dominion Energy Center’s Bob & Sally Mooney Hall Aug. 30.
- The Richmond Comedy and Music Festival brings laughs and tunes to Diversity Richmond Aug. 30.
River City Roundup is Richmond magazine’s weekly compilation of the best things to see, do and experience in the region, compiled by our editors. Get each week’s installment directly in your inbox every Monday by subscribing to our e-newsletter.
