Chappell Roan’s May show at Brown’s Island was the largest the singer had ever played at that point. | Photo by RICtoday
It may come as no surprise that the Olympics was one of the most-searched topics on Google this year, but what about the fact that NBA star Anthony Edwards was the second-most searched Olympian in Richmond?
2024’s Google Year in Search is out, and its local search function provides an interesting peek into our city’s queries. Take a look at what we were searching most this year.
Pro tip: The data is combined from Richmond and Petersburg.
Top local searches
Top trending songs | Kendrick Lamar captured the first and second spots on the list with “Not Like Us” and “Euphoria,” followed by “Good Luck, Babe!” by Chappell Roan.
Top trending matches | Three of Richmond’s trending sporting events were NFL games, including two Chiefs games — the Super Bowl and their 2024-25 season opener against the Ravens.
GardenFest of Lights | Tuesday, Dec. 17-Sunday, Jan. 5 | 4-9 p.m. | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden | $12+ | Walk among millions of twinkling lights with displays inspired by the theme Homes & Habitats: A Celebration of Connection.
Honky Tonk Holiday | 5-11:59 p.m. | Fuzzy Cactus | Free | Enjoy country western holiday tunes, drink specials, and free pool all night long — plus, wear your biggest belt buckle and you could win a free drink.
Wednesday, Dec. 18
Dominion Energy Jazz Café | 6-8 p.m. | Virginia Museum of Fine Arts | Free | Get ready for an evening with Alfredo & Friends Latin Jazz Quartet.
“Elf” | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre | $5+ | The best way to spread cheer is singing loud for all to hear — the second best way is to go to this matinee screening at the Byrd.
Thursday, Dec. 19
Community Night: Jambalaya | 7:30-9 p.m. | Coalition Theater | $0+ | Get on stage with local improvisers in this improv game jam.
The former Lucky Whale space in the Fan will be home to a new restaurant soon. Brazen, which will focus on slow-cooked dishes, plans to open in January. It’ll be open for lunch and dinner. (Richmond Magazine)
Development
Diamond District Partners LLC — the team that will redevelop 18 acres of land around the upcoming CarMax Park — has not yet completed the deal to buy the land from the city’s Economic Development Authority. A city official said the deal should close by the end of the year. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Eat
The Library of Virginia will have a new vendor in its cafe area in January. Shockoe Bottom bakery Whisk is taking over the space. It’ll have coffee, baked goods, smoothies, and some lunch offerings like sandwiches and salads. (Richmond BizSense)
Sports
Hall of Fame inductee John Smoltz will throw out the first pitch on Opening Night this season for the Flying Squirrels. Smoltz played for the Richmond Braves in 1987 and 1988 before his career in the big leagues. Tickets are on sale now for the game on Friday, April 4.
Concert
Are you perpetually stuck on “Wagon Wheel?” Good news — Darius Rucker is coming to Atlantic Union Bank After Hours in Doswell on July 11. It’s the first show of the 2025 season to be announced. Ticket sales begin this Friday, Dec. 20 at 10 a.m.
Number
1 million (and counting). That’s how many people visited Maymont in 2024. The milestone comes as the park celebrates 100 years as a public space with $11.75 million in renovations to the Virginia Wildlife Trail and the Maymont Mansion.
Holiday
Still looking to scratch some people off your gift list? Consider an experience rather than a physical present — we’ve got a guide with 20+ local suggestions.
Travel
Going the EV route could save you more than just gas money. Many auto insurance companies now offer up to 10% off EV and hybrid vehicle premiums, rewarding your eco-friendly choice with additional savings. View Money’s Best Car Insurance list to find coverage tailored to your ride (and wallet).*
Cause
The holiday season is the perfect time to declutter your home, and donating toGoodwill is a great way to make space for new things while giving back to our community. Here are four tips to get started.*
The Buy
The Buy
Whether you’re hosting or simply showing up to this year’s festive gatherings, cultivate holiday cheer with these lighthearted additions.
I’ve been interested to see what could move into the Library of Virginia cafe space since Can Can Cafe’s departure in September. I’m excited to check out the Whisk outpost in the new year.
Answered
Answered
We quizzed you on the snowiest winter in Richmond history.
This was a tricky one — around 12% of respondents got it right. In the winter of 1961-62, a total of 38.9 inches of snow fell in Richmond. The winter of 1979-80 comes in second with 38.6 inches.
}})
