VMFA proudly announces After 5 Fridays. The one name says it all and includes VMFA’s popular Friday-night events:
First Fridays Dance After Work Taste of Art Summer Breeze
Note: When weather forecasts dictate, outdoor events will move inside.
After 5 Fridays is the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Relax with a beverage, visit the galleries for an art escape, and take part in the following featured attractions.
After 5 Fridays | Dance After Work
Friday, July 18, 2025
6–8 pm
Free; no tickets or registration required
Cochrane Atrium
Join in the fun and experience the timeless beauty of the tango with Richmond’s dance community and tango aficionados—all while enjoying the food and social atmosphere in the Best Café.
Friday, July 25, 2025
5:30–8:30 pm
Free; no tickets or registration required
Sculpture Garden
Leon City Sounds will be on the spin playing Latin soul, reggae, ska, cumbia, and tropical music at the Pauley Patio in the Robins Sculpture Garden. (If it rains, we'll move the party to the Cochrane Atrium.) Come ready to dance and be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Beer, wine, and snacks (including two food trucks on Grove Avenue) will be available for purchase.
Friday, August 1, 2025
6–8 pm
Free; no tickets or registration required
Sculpture Garden
It’s back to school time—Sol Skool!
VMFA is excited to present Sol Skool Arts Festival '25 with hosts Jamil Jasey and Roosev Lanfranco. Join us for August's First Friday in the Robins Sculpture Garden for a lively program that highlights artists from the Richmond community. Enjoy a range of performances from poetry, music to belly dancing and more!
Friday, August 22, 2025
5:30–8:30 pm
Free; no tickets or registration required
Sculpture Garden
Don't miss DJ Rayvon on the spin on the Pauley Patio in the Sculpture Garden. (If it rains, no worries: We'll move the party to the Cochrane Atrium!) Come ready to dance and be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Beer, wine, and snacks will be available for purchase.
Friday, September 26
6–8 pm
Free; no tickets or registration required
Sculpture Garden
The Salsa Guy is back on the spin in the Sculpture Garden's Pauley Patio. (If it rains, we'll move the party to the Cochrane Atrium.) Come ready to dance and be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Beer, wine, and snacks will be available for purchase.
First Friday – Strings Telling Stories
Location: Cochrane Atrium
Join as we welcome six Virginia guitarists of various backgrounds and the strings that help to tell their stories. Each musician will take us through their own musical journey, sharing their personal experiences with the power of “storied strings.” Dinner and drink specials, available from Best Café, begin at 5:30 pm and the music begins at 6 pm.
Dec 23, 2022
6–8 pm
Taste of Art
Location: Best CaféPunch Bowl with Three Ladles, 1900, Tiffany Glass & Decorating Company (American, 1892–1900), glass, silver, gilding, copper, wood. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Sydney and Frances Lewis Art Nouveau Fund
It’s holiday party time! Enjoy drink specials at Best Café. Then take a trip to the Lewis Decorative Art Galleries and check out this punch bowl by the Tiffany Glass & Decorating Company.
Dec 16, 2022
6–8 pm
Dance After Work – Tango
Location: Cochrane Atrium
Tango returns to VMFA! The ever-popular dance is showcased as a Dance After Work event. Join us in the Cochrane Atrium for a free 30-minute group class at 6 pm with local instructors Anna and Christian and introducing Medio Caliente, Richmond’s best (and only) tango ensemble. Drink specials are available in Best Café. Bring a partner or come solo for an evening of fun social dancing.
Dec 9, 2022
6–8 pm
Taste of Art
Location: Cochrane Atrium
Enjoy drink specials at Best Café then explore the galleries with a guided highlight tour. Meet at Visitor Services at 7 pm or 7:30 pm to participate.
Dec 2, 2022
6–7 pm
First Friday – The Reveille Ringers
Location: Cochrane Atrium
The Reveille Ringers are back at VMFA for a third time to perform an evening of holiday music. Their delightful handbells produce music that heralds in the season with celebration and quiet reflection. Drink specials from Best Café begin at 5:30 pm. The Reveille Ringers play at 6 pm and 6:30 pm. They will be joined by Robert Phanord, VMFA’s Performing Arts Coordinator.
Nov 18, 2022
6–8 pm
Dance After Work – Belly Dancing
Location: Cochrane Atrium
Join us for an evening of travel as we visit the ancient land of Egypt. Introducing belly dancing to the Dance After Work series, we’ll learn about its history and movements, exploring traditional and modern forms of the dance. Drinks specials from Best Café begin at 5:30 pm. Join us in the group lesson, from 6 to 6:45 pm, and then have fun practicing what you’ve learned until 8 pm.
Nov 11, 2022
6–8 pm
Taste of Art
Location: Best Café
Enjoy drink specials at Best Café then explore the galleries with a guided highlight tour. Meet at the Visitor Services desk at 7 or 7:30 pm to participate.
Oct 7, 2022
6–8 pm
First Fridays – Ben and the Bajas
Location: Cochrane Atrium
Join us as we celebrate Disabilities Awareness Month with local music in honor of the new special exhibition Storied Strings: The Guitar in American Art, which opens October 8. Enjoy the sounds of the local band Ben and the Bajas, led by VMFA staff member Ben Butterworth. Marna Kalman, another member of the VMFA team, will share her story and the importance of this event to her and the community she represents. Drink specials from Best Café begin at 5:30 pm and the show begins at 6 pm.
Sep 23, 2022
5–9 pm
VMFA x Chilalay Pop-Up at Summer Breeze
Location: Sculpture Garden
Join us in the Robins Sculpture Garden to celebrate the end of summer and be the first to shop the latest VMFA x Chilalay capsule collection. Grab a drink, shop, and dance to the sounds of Shanel the DJ and Markus Gold. Enjoy free admission to the exhibition Tsherin Sherpa: Spirits.
Dance After Work – Navratri Celebration
Location: Cochrane Atrium
The Navratri Celebration is an annual festival in India that celebrates the female deities of Hinduism. VMFA welcomes the return of Shahank and Swati Fadnis to lead those interested in learning. This dance, performed in a circle, involves a small dowel which participants use to connect with one another as well as create rhythmic sound to the beat of the music. Drink specials from Best Café begin at 5:30 pm. Dancing begins at 6 pm.
Sep 9, 2022
6–8 pm
Taste of Art
Location: Best Café
Enjoy drink specials at Best Café then explore the galleries with a guided highlight tour. Meet at the Visitor Services desk at 7 or 7:30 pm to participate.
Sep 2, 2022
6–8 pm
First Fridays – Staci Griesbach
Location: Sculpture Garden
Just ahead of what would have been Patsy Cline’s 90th birthday, join us for a concert celebrating the Virginia native and country music legend. All the way from Los Angeles and featured in Rolling Stone magazine, vocalist Staci Griesbach blends jazz and country for a signature style you don’t want to miss in this exciting After 5 Fridays debut. Drink specials from Best Café begin at 5:30 pm. The concert begins at 6 pm.
Aug 26, 2022
5:30–8:30 pm
Summer Breeze – DJ Marc J
Location: Pauley Center Patio
It’s Summertime! Join us in the Robins Sculpture Garden for an evening of music. DJ Marc J on the spin will be coming at you live from the Pauley Patio. Grab a drink and enjoy. Dancing is encouraged.
Aug 19, 2022
6–8 pm
Dance After Work – Hip-Hop and House
Location: Sculpture Garden
It’s a summertime two-hour EDM outdoor dance party in the Sculpture Garden. DJ Jay Dion will help you party your summer blues away with an evening of electronic music—bringing the club to the garden! Best Café has drink specials.
Aug 5, 2022
6–8 pm
First Fridays – Rhythm on the River
Location: Cochrane Atrium
First Friday at VMFA invites you to a relaxing summer evening in the River City. Enjoy a range of musical genres, from R&B to metal, our own fresh and seasoned artists of sight and sound bring their stories to the Cochrane Atrium. and DJ Jay Dion brings this musical collage to the evening. Enjoy drink specials from Best Café.
Jul 22, 2022
5:30–8:30 pm
Summer Breeze – Markus Gold
Location: Pauley Center Patio
It’s Summertime! Join us in the Robins Sculpture Garden for an evening of music. Markus Gold on the spin will be coming at you live from the Pauley Patio. Grab a drink and enjoy. Dancing is encouraged.
Jul 15, 2022
6–8 pm
Dance After Work – Tango
Location: Cochrane Atrium
The long-standing tradition of tango dancing at VMFA returns to the Cochrane Atrium for another exciting Dance After Work. Free 30-minute group class at 6 pm and drink specials from Best Café. Come with or find a dance partner for an evening of social dancing.
Jul 8, 2022
6 pm
VMFA x Chilalay Pop-Up Event
Location: Cochrane Atrium
Need a hot look this summer? Join us at the pop-up shop on July 8 and be among the first to own new Chilalay streetwear. VMFA has partnered with Richmond based streetwear company Chilalay on an exclusive capsule collection of streetwear fashion inspired by the works in Tsherin Sherpa: Spirits. Chilalay serves as an outlet of creative expression through Art, Fashion, and Culture. Learn more.
May 20, 2022
6–8 pm
Dance After Work – Tango
Location: Cochrane Atrium
Back to back in-person dancing at VMFA in the Cochrane Atrium. Our long-running and ever popular tango night returns for this exciting Dance After Work! Drink specials will be available from Best Café.
Apr 22, 2022
5–9 pm
Taste of Art – Väsen Brewing Company
Location: Best Café
Free; no registration requiredCormorant Fishing, Nagara River, 1954, Kawase Hasui (Japanese, 1883–1957), carved by Namikawa Siezo, printed by Horikawa Shōzaburō, published by Watanabe Shōzaburō (Japanese, 1885–1962), ink and color on paper. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, René and Carolyn Balcer Collection
Beer here! Friday night, visit Best Café for a glass of Radapils, a Väsen Brewing Company pilsner made with Czech hops. This malty brew is named after Radagast, the old Slavic god of hospitality, fire, and the evening sky. To your “Taste of Art” experience, add a visit to the nighttime scenes featured in Landscapes and Architecture: Japanese Woodblock Prints by Kawase Hasui.
Apr 15, 2022
6–8 pm
Dance After Work – Tango
Location: Cochrane Atrium
Free; no registration required
Come back to in-person dancing at VMFA in the Cochrane Atrium. Our long-running and ever-popular tango night returns for this exciting Dance After Work! Drink specials will be available from Best Café.
Apr 8, 2021
6 pm
Taste of Art – Early Mountain Vineyard
Location: Aumse Restaurant
Free; no registration required
This Friday’s special in Amuse Restaurant is the 2018 vintage of Five Forks, by Virginia winery, Early Mountain Vineyard. Before or after enjoying this Sauvignon Blanc, visit the dazzling Schlumberger necklace nicknamed “Breath of Spring.”
Dec 3, 2021
First Fridays – The Reveille Ringers
Location: Cochrane Atrium
Free; no registration required
Get into the holiday spirit with a performance by the Reveille Ringers. Robert Phanord, VMFA’s Performing Arts Coordinator, welcomes the group for an evening of hanbell music. Stop by for a festive and relaxing night that kicks off the weekend just right.
Nov 19, 2021
6 pm
Dance After Work – Flamenco inspired by Prou del Pilar
Location: Cochrane Atrium
Free; no registration required
Man Ray’s 1934 photograph of Prou del Pilar depicts the Spanish flamenco dancer encircled by the billowing ruffles of her dress, just after she has completed a dynamic performance. Join us for an evening of flamenco dance (baile) inspired by the portrait of Prou del Pilar in the Man Ray exhibition.
Nov 5, 2021
6 pm
First Fridays – Classical RVA
Location: Cochrane Atrium
Free; no registration required
Join us for this month’s First Friday, as we welcome Classical Revolution RVA back to VMFA as part of After 5 Fridays presented by Chase. Grab a glass of wine from Best Café if you wish or simply enjoy the sounds of chamber music in the museum’s Cochrane Atrium.
Oct 22, 2021
Taste of Art – The Virginia Beer Company Video
Free, no registration required
Get ready for Halloween with a look at artists’ imaginings of the supernatural and spooky. Enjoy watching a past Taste of Art program that features the Virginia Beer Company. Then visit VMFA’s Best Café to grab a glass of their Elbow Patches Oatmeal Stout, which is highlighted in the video, and visit the Decorative Arts Galleries to find two of the haunting works from the video. If you make it to the Decorative Arts Galleries between 5 pm and 7 pm, we’ll greet you with a free gift to take home!
Selected works of art to find:
The Sorcerers Necklace, 1900, designer Eugène-Samuel Grasset (Swiss, active in Paris, 1845–1917), gold, enamel, carnelian, chrysoprase. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Sydney and Frances Lewis Endowment FundSelf-Portrait as a Sphinx, 1880, Sarah Bernhardt (French, 1844–1923), bronze, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Gift of the Fabergé Society of VMFA
Elbow Patches Oatmeal Stout | 6.2% ABV
Williamsburg, VA
Roasty, Creamy, Chocolatey. An Oatmeal Stout to be enjoyed with breakfast, lunch, dinner, or anytime in between. A smooth, velvety base sets the stage for pronounced aromas of Chocolate and Coffee.
Oct 15, 2021
6 pm
Dance After Work – Salsa
Location: Cochrane Atrium
Free; no registration required
Join us in-person in the Cochrane Atrium for a salsa dance party that begins with a 30-minute lesson led by the multitalented Adele Broom.
Oct 1, 2021
6 pm
First Fridays – Kadencia
Location: Cochrane Atrium
Free; no registration required
Maurice “Tito” Sanabria returns to VMFA to help celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Groove in the start of the fall season with a mix of Afro-Puerto Rican rhythms and learn a bit about the history that brings them to VMFA.
Sep 10, 2021
5:30 pm
Summer Breeze in the Sculpture Garden
Free; no registration required
It’s Summertime! Join us back in the Sculpture Garden for an evening of music featuring DJ Marc on the spin! Grab a drink and enjoy. Visit the Chase Lounge on the Pauley Patio to relax, cool off, and enjoy complimentary snacks and water. To learn about VMFA’s COVID-19 safety protocols, please click here.
Aug 27, 2021
5:30 pm
Summer Breeze in the Sculpture Garden
Free; no registration required
It’s Summertime! Join us back in the Sculpture Garden for an evening of music featuring DJ Mikemetic on the spin! Grab a drink and enjoy. The Pauley Patio is open for dancing.
Aug 20, 2021
6 pm
Dance After Work – Hip-hop Line Dancing
Location: Cochrane Atrium
Free; no registration required
Come get your body moving at VMFA with Gerald Andrews. Following our previous conversation on hip-hop and its colision with line-dancing, Gerald brings his energy and passion for the dance to VMFA’s Robins Sculpture Garden.
Aug 6, 2021
6 pm
First Fridays – Rhythm on the River
Location: Sculpture Garden Free, no registration required
Artists from around the River City come together in VMFA’s Robins Sculpture Garden to celebrate home-grown talent and help us welcome the community back to concerts at the museum. Dj Jay Dion brings a full line-up of artists to showcase some of Richmond’s hidden talent and VMFA’s performing arts coordinator talks live with esteemed guests about the impact of music on our town.
