Keep your energy up at Pizza Bones’ late-night dance party. | Photo by Reed Schick
It’s hard to believe 2026 is right around the corner. Now’s your chance to make plans for New Year’s Eve and close out the year in style — remember how 2025 started?
To help you get a fresh start to 2026, we rounded up nine parties, dinners, and bubbly toasts for your perusal:
Early birds can celebrate a daytime ball drop at this family-friendly fest, featuring a professional juggler, the “Silly Bus,” and a midday balloon drop.
Starting at 4 p.m., this sipping soiree will get you in bed before 10 p.m. (or rally you for more late-night fun). Tickets include 10+ sparkling wine tastings and “all the french fries and snacks you want.”
Ah, 1973 is coming to an end — at least, at Get Tight it is. Catch local musicians performing decade hits, hang around for a balloon drop + champagne toast, and you’ve suddenlytime-traveled to 2026.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has returned 41 artifacts, valued at $400,000, to their home country of Türkiye following a professional antiquities assessment. Formerly displayed in the museum’s ancient art collection, there’s plenty more to see at your next visit.
Announced
Former Vice President Kamala Harris is visiting Richmond’s Altria Theater stage on Monday, Feb. 2, to discuss her new bestseller, “107 Days.” Ticket presales start today at 10 a.m., and general public sales open tomorrow, Dec. 21, on Altria’s website.
Cause
An annual charity tradition in Richmond’s DIY scene, Punks for Presents honors its 20th anniversary this year. The nonprofit’s third holiday performance crashes down the chimney at Fuzzy Cactus this Friday, Dec. 12, featuring parody bands like Depeche Snowed and Sisters of Frosty. Grab tickets before they sell out.
Environment
One of the year’s most brilliant meteor showers, the Geminids, will dazzle the night sky this weekend, peaking between Saturday, Dec. 13 + Sunday, Dec. 14. If you want to observe like a real astronomer, join a crew at Crump Park this Saturday for a late-night watch party (with telescopes).
Trending
Mall retailers are making a cool comeback. Gen Z shopping trends have driven earnings spikes for millennial staples like Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, and Gap. You can find these stores around local shopping centers today, but first, let’s pay homage to Richmond’s original mall heydeys. (Business Insider)
Job
Shalom Farms is hiring for three crucial roles: Director of Development and Program Associates for both production and distribution. Check out the job descriptions, and see if you or someone you know would be a good fit for this local food justice organization.
Community
Safe streets start with small, everyday actions. Vision Zero asks Richmonders to buckle up, avoid distractions, share the road, follow speed limits, and never drive impaired. Learn more about local efforts and take the pledge.*
Home
Say goodbye to ladders and wet leaves when you elevate your home’s safety + value with a lasting gutter guard solution. Over 410,000 happy homeowners have already made the switch. Discover how it works and access direct local pricing.*
Finance
If you’re paying interest on credit card debt, take this as your sign to stop. Instead,get this leading card for 18 months of 0% interest on a balance transfer. You’ll even earn cash back perks on additional purchases. Stop stressing about debt — apply now.*
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.*
The Buy
A super powerful mini massage gun. It weighs less than a pound, making it the perfect recovery accessory for when you’re on the go.
🏀 Which team competing in next week’s 4 Tha Culture Classic has the highest net NCAA ranking?
The results were scattered, but by the end of the game, only 37% of you scored a winning guess. Here’s your buzzer-beater chance to prove your sports savvy — this time, with some hints.
A. Alabama A&M B. Coppin State C. Penn State D. Georgia E. Richmond F. VCU
To me, Punks for Presents is about as Richmond as it gets. If you’re unfamiliar with the program, check out RVA Mag’s quick dive into the nonprofit’s history.
Even if Richmond’s punk-rock scene isn’t your typical cup of tea, consider spicing things up to support a good cause — there are more concerts down the line. At the end of the day, caring for your community is the most punk thing you can do.
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