Here’s what to expect from an upgraded auditorium at Movieland. | Rendering courtesy Bow Tie Partners
If you’ve been to a screening at Movieland recently, you may have noticed some blocked-off areas and construction materials. The theater is in the midst of a multi-million dollar renovation, its first major one since opening in 2009.
Movieland at Boulevard Square is the only first-run movie theater within city limits. The renovations will take place over the next six months, although moviegoers may experience some upgrades in time for Christmas.
The new-look Movieland will include two large format auditoriums with 50-foot wide screens, called BTX: Bow Tie Extreme.
The rest of Movieland’s auditoriums will be upgraded with electric recliner seating. Several auditoriums will also get larger screens.
Pro tip: You can get a sneak peek of the new seats by swinging by Movieland — there are sample seats in the lobby right now.
In addition to auditorium improvements, the theater plans to expand its kitchen and bar facility. It will also construct a new space for patrons called the Playland Arcade at Movieland, which will have arcade games and duckpin bowling.
Events
Events
Thursday, Dec. 12
Made in RVA Holiday Shop | Thursday, Dec. 12-Sunday, Dec. 29 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Art Works | Free entry | Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list at this local artisan pop-up.
“Mamma Mia!” | Thursday, Dec. 12-Sunday, Dec. 15 | Times vary | Altria Theater | $36+ | Calling all dancing queens — the Broadway in Richmond run continues at the Altria.
Friday, Dec. 13
False Nectar Album Release Show | 7-11 p.m. | Bandito’s Burrito Lounge | $8 | Celebrate the release of “Unlimited Things To Do Forever” with special guests Hotspit, Bonemachine, and Strawberry Moon.
Saturday, Dec. 14
“The Polar Express” | 10 a.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $5 | See the animated holiday tale on the big screen.
90s Mall Holiday Market | Saturday, Dec. 14-Sunday, Dec. 15 | 12-5 p.m. | Bingo Beer Co. | Free entry | This totally rad shopping experience will feature pictures with Santa, food court snacks, and arcade games.
Sunday, Dec. 15
RTA Run-A-Latke | 9 a.m. | Weinstein JCC | $30+ | Sign up for the mile or 5k and stick around for a post-race party with hot chocolate, donuts, and latkes.
Holiday Artisan Market | 2-6 p.m. | Main Line Brewery | Free entry | Bring the whole family for an indoor-outdoor market with live music, games, and plenty of vendors — plus, it’s pup-friendly.
A new park could be coming to the area behind Swansboro Elementary School. The Swansboro West Civic Association has received a $20,000 grant from the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay to develop a community vision for the space. (South Richmond News)
Coming Soon
Coffee shop and bookstore By Any Beans Necessary is on the way to opening in the Highland Park area. The shop is currently accepting donations of gently used books of all genres.
Real Estate
VCU has purchased a building across the street from its upcoming CoStar Center for Arts and Innovation. The vacant storefront used to be home to Artcraft Designs, which still has signage on the building. The university’s Real Estate Foundation made the purchase for $540,000. (Richmond BizSense)
Ranked
Richmond landed at no. 5 on Realtor.com’s list of “Top Housing Markets for 2025.” The forecast was calculated by looking at trends in home sales and price growth. The River City isn’t the only VA representation — Virginia Beach is ranked third.
Trending
Microgreens might be small, but they’re mighty. Style Weekly spoke to a few local farms about the superfood, which has grown in popularity in recent years.
Try This
If you’re experimenting in the kitchen this holiday season, consult the experts — Richmonders. The Main Library has a special display of historical recipes from over the years, plus blank cards to share your own. Find it in the Richmond Room.
Feel Good
Do you love RICtoday? We’re calling on you to help support our mission to create free, unbiased local media. Donate now — your generosity will help support us, your RICtoday team.
Shop
Looking for a gift the kiddos will actually use? Enter: Dribbleup’s Smart Basketball. It features guided coaching sessions so they can train anytime, anywhere. Psst — it’s 60% for the holidays.*
The Buy
The Buy
Not sure what to gift for the holidays? Browse ideas from this year’s top 100 gifts on Amazon:
}})
