Remember, Tuesday is Election Day, but after visiting your local polling place and making your voice heard, find a new read during a big book sale, jam to a re-creation of a famous concert, join in on book talks and a historical tour, and start your holiday shopping at a seasonal market. Enjoy!
The Race Is On
Election Day is nearly here, with voting taking place across the commonwealth Tuesday, Nov. 4. The ballot includes races for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general, as well as seats in the Virginia House of Delegates. To find your local polling place and confirm what’s on your ballot, visit the Virginia Department of Elections website. Remember to bring a valid ID; the polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. (though everyone who is in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote).
—Annabel Granger, Editorial Intern
Slow Your Home
Join Zandra Zuraw, author of “Slow Style Home”; decorator Anne Hulcher Tollett of Hanover Avenue; and yours truly for a discussion on this intentional approach to design, followed by a book signing at Studio Sprezzatura on Thursday, Nov. 6, at 4 p.m. The event is also a rare opportunity to browse the galleries in the to-the-design-trade-only furniture and furnishings resource. The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are requested.
—Susan Morgan, R•Home Managing Editor
Such a Night
Despite The Band’s farewell performance on Thanksgiving Day 1976 being dubbed “The Last Waltz,” the music and accompanying concert film have lived on in the hearts of fans for decades, creating a tradition for many around the holiday. Here in town, a rotating lineup of Richmond’s finest musicians comes together to play the setlist from the legendary show, including songs from guest stars Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and many, many more. This year’s event kicks off at 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, at The Broadberry; tickets start at $30, and proceeds benefit Feed More.
—Kevin Johnson, Lifestyle Editor
Seasonal Surprises
Catch the holiday spirit during the annual Christmas Market at Covenant Woods in Mechanicsville, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 7 and 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shop more than 25 local vendors and find a gift for everyone on your list from items including handcrafted wooden bowls, decor, jewelry, artwork, baked goods and more. While shopping, reenergize with a delicious meal at on-site restaurant Fireside. On Nov. 8, the market will showcase wares from aspiring young merchants representing the Children’s Entrepreneur Market. Admission is free.
—Chase Wilson, Editorial Intern
Read the Room
Expand your horizons with a new read or find a movie you forgot you loved at Richmond Public Library’s Friends of the Library Book Sale this weekend, Nov. 7-9. This biannual event, hosted by the nonprofit Friends of RPL, offers great deals on thousands of hardcover and paperback books, CDs, and DVDs. And with a selection that includes fiction, nonfiction, hobbies and interests, and plenty of children’s literature and YA novels, all ages are welcome. Proceeds from the sale will support RPL services and programming. Bring your own tote bag (or multiple bags, let’s be honest) to the library’s Main Branch on Friday (noon to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.), Saturday (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Sunday (1 to 4 p.m.).
—Kelsey Robinson, Associate Editor
Power House
The 1883 Gothic Revival Pump House fulfills part of its original mission at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8. A tour of the Pump House by the nonprofit group maintaining the structure is followed by a presentation in the second-floor social space by photographer and podcaster John Plashal. His lecture “From Enslavement to Empowerment: The Story of the Belmead on the James” concerns the Powhatan County plantation transformed by Katharine Drexel and her sister Louise Drexel Morrell into private schools that for 70 years provided educational opportunities for African American youths. Tickets are $55, and proceeds benefit the Friends of the Pump House. Provided hardhats are required.
—Harry Kollatz Jr., Senior Writer
Other Suggestions
- Legendary guitarists John 5 and Richie Kotzen co-headline at The National Nov. 4.
- The Tony Award-winning musical “Kimberly Akimbo” opens the 2025-26 Broadway in Richmond season at the Altria Theater Nov. 4-9.
- The Richmond Fire and Police departments square up during the charity boxing match Red, Fight & Blue at River City Roll Nov. 5.
- Author Jane Eisner discusses her book “Carole King: She Made the Earth Move” with a performance from singer-songwriter Susan Greenbaum at the Weinstein JCC Nov. 8.
- Maymont comes to light with Garden Glow through Nov. 9.
- Now in its first permanent home, The Basement, 5th Wall Theatre presents “Our Dear Dead Drug Lord” through Nov. 9.
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.
