VMFA’s summer 2025 lineup promises art, culture, and fun

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) has a summer of excitement planned, with a series of new exhibitions, events and programs in this year's lineup.

According to VMFA, this year's summer 2025 will feature an array of exhibitions, events, programs and dining options for the whole family.

“Whether you are meeting up with friends, hosting out-of-town guests, traveling to Richmond or vacationing in your own backyard, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is the perfect destination for art, culture and fun this summer,” said Director and CEO Alex Nyerges. “We are delighted to provide access to remarkable works of art from around the world and to introduce our museum to new audiences.”

Here's what guests can expect this summer at VMFA:

Dominion Energy Jazz Café 

• Every Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m.
• Free event, no tickets or registration required.
• Dominion Energy Jazz Cafe is a weekly series of live performances from talented local jazz musicians in partnership with the Richmond Jazz Society

After 5 Fridays

• Every Friday after 5 p.m.
• Free event
• After 5 Fridays is a nice way to unwind after work with beverages and a glance at the galleries -- the weekly series features events like First Fridays, Dance After Work, Taste of Art and Summer Breeze.

Family Day: Celebrate African and African American Art -- Mali

• Saturday, June 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Free event, no tickets or registration required.
• This Family Day event will feature Elegba Folklore Society, Cheick Hamala, DJ Mikemetic and other performances. Guests can expect activities to include making drums, jewelry, crocodiles and participate in a weaving project.

VMFA's Annual Tent Sale

• Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Free event, no tickets or registration required.
• At VMFA's Tent Sale shoppers can select from a variety of items like books, jewelry, home decor and other seasonal products at a discounted price.

"Frida: Beyond the Myth" Documentary Film & Talk

• Friday, June 20 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
• Tickets are $8, and $5 for VMFA Members
• The Frida: Documentary Film & Talk event will feature a screening of the 2024 documentary about Kahlo's life, followed by a discussion with the film director, Carla Gutiérrez.

Beer and Tequila Dinner at Amuse

• Saturday, June 28 from 6 to 9 p.m.
• Tickets are $145 per person
• The evening event will feature a gallery tour led by artistic director and chief curator Dr. Michael Taylor, who will provide his perspective on Kahlo's art and life. After the tour, guests will dive into a multi-course meal at Amuse.

Talk: Frida's America -- Painting the Political

• Thursday, July 10 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Tickets are $8, and $5 for VMFA Members
• In this lecture, Celia Stahr, author of "Frida in America," will talk about Kahlo's prime three years living in the U.S. during the Depression era -- a time when Kahlo found the freedom of artistic voice.

Art of Wine

• Friday, July 11 from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
• Tickets are $65, adults only (21 years old and up)
• At Art of Wine, attendees will raise their glasses to an evening of art and culture -- sampling tastings of European wines and intaking guided tours.

Art After Hours

• Saturday, July 12 from 7 to 11 p.m.
• Tickets are $60, adults only (21-years old and up)
• Attendees of Art After Hours will have special access to the museum, even the Frida: Beyond the Myth exhibition. The event will be hosted by Kelli Lemon and will feature musical performances from DJ Lonnie B, the Sound Funny band, Friday Love, live salsa dancers, more.

Summer Supper Somm Series -- Amuse Wine Dinner

• Saturday, August 9 from 5 to 9 p.m.
• Tickets are $165 per person
• Summer Supper Somm is an annual dinner event series that celebrates Virginia's bounty. This year will feature ripe heirloom tomatoes from Village Garden RVA, which was named "the most delicious tomatoes in the country."

Talk: A Ribbon Around a Bomb -- Frida Kahlo's Surrealist Encounter

• Thursday, August 14 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
• Tickets are $8, and $5 for VMFA Members
• In this lecture, Elliot King, Ph.D., associate professor at Washington & Lee University and co-editor of "Friday & Diego: Passion, Politics, and Painting," will discuss Kahlo's relationship with surrealism.

For more information about the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, visit VMFA's website.