See what events are keeping Richmond vibrant this winter. | Photo by RICtoday
2026 is going to be your year, and we’re here to help you kick things off with some stellar first memories — from upcoming pop-ups and parades to spontaneous one-day outings around the city.
Call up your friends, mark your calendar, but don’t forget to...
Grab your tickets for...
The Blizzard of 1996 | Friday, Jan. 9 | 8 p.m. | The Broadberry | $15 | Get nostalgic for the anniversary of one of Richmond’s most memorable snowfalls with a night of alt-rock covers from 1996.
Poe’s Edge of Seventeen Birthday Bash | Saturday, Jan. 17 | 6-10 p.m. | The Poe Museum | $10+ | Raise a glass and listen in for ghosts at Edgar Allen Poe’s moonlit birthday party.
“Back to the Future: The Musical” | Tuesday, Jan. 20-Sunday, Jan. 25 | Times vary | Altria Theater | $53+ | Great Scott — 1980s film fans and musical lovers are both in for a treat.
Rumble at the Raceway | Saturday, Jan. 24 | 6 p.m. | Richmond Raceway | $50+ | The track isn’t just for fast cars; this month, professional boxing takes the lead.
What new Virginia laws will take effect in 2026? To name a few, the minimum wage will increase by 36 cents, children under 16 will have a daily social media limit, and standard breast cancer testing won’t include co-pays, fees, or deductible costs. See what else is changing. (WRIC)
Announced
Planning a trip to Chicago? Beginning in February 2026, Richmond International Airport will double daily departures to Chicago O’Hare, resulting in four Windy City flights per day. (WRIC)
Word
“CATtitude.” That’s the name of Gallery5’s new feline-friendly art exhibit, premiering this Friday, Jan. 2, with a free concert celebration. Local bands will hit the stage around 6:30 p.m., along with the true-to-theme local DJ, The Disco Cat.
Small Biz
Speaking of cats — we’re always bringing up animals — local cat cafe, The Purrfect Bean, announced its grand reopening following an accidental building flood in early December. Mark your calendars for Friday, Jan. 9, and don’t forget to book a reservation in advance.
Trending
Pinterest is predicting a pen pal renaissance in 2026. Online searches for cute stamps, letter inspo, and snail mail gift ideas have all seen a recent increase as folks look for new ways to create meaningful connections in an increasingly digitized world. Find some inspo of your own at one of Richmond’s craft stores.
Answered
We asked our readers to settle several holiday debates, and when it comes to New Year’s Eve, the verdict is clear: stay home. A whopping 90% of our readers said they’re ringing in the new year from the couch. If our events picks don’t tempt you out, order takeout from one of these new local restaurants.
Psst — today only, choose between a free Nighttime Nourisher or High Dose Hero with any purchase of Canary’s science-backed supplements. Think: waking up rested with energy, easing joint pain the natural way, or optimizing urinary tract health.*
Read
Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440, where 4.5 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. It’s free to subscribe.*
Breaking news: RVA music-heads are melancholic and angsty... and we love them for it.
Local record store Plan 9 Music dropped a list of Richmonders’ most coveted CDs in 2025, and Radiohead dominated the top two ranks.
Admittedly, Chappell Roan throws a glittering wrench into the mix, but wait until you see the whimsical soundtrack that earned the best-selling LP crown in 2025.
A personalized weight loss plan from Noom. Begin the new year by trying Noom’s science-backed program that blends cutting-edge technology with expert coaching to drive lasting behavior change. Take this 5-minute quiz to receive a plan that’s tailored to your goals for 2026.
Happy New Year’s Eve, everyone. Whether you’re celebrating with loved ones, relaxing at home, practicing holiday traditions, or setting resolutions, we wish you the best as you head into 2026.
I’ll be stepping out for a day to relish the new year, but don’t fret — you’ll still be able to kick off your daily reading resolution with a newsletter from our team tomorrow.
}})
