Flowers After 5

Relax on Thursday evenings mid-May through October at Flowers After 5, our live music series featuring a diverse mix of local and regional acts held in the Grace Arents Garden, adjacent to historic Bloemendaal House. See the lineup below.

Performances run from 5-8p.m. with a brief intermission.

2025  Performance Dates:

  • May 15, 22*, 29
  • June 5, 12*, 19, 26*
  • July 3, 10*, 17, 24*, 31
  • August 7, 14*, 21, 28*
  • September 4, 11*
  • October 9*, 16, 23*, 30

*Select Thursday nights are also Fidos After 5 evenings when the Garden partners with the Richmond SPCA and leashed dogs are allowed. Fidos Nights for 2025 are May 22, June 12 & 26, July 10 & 24, August 14 & 28, September 11, October 9 & 23
**There is no Flowers After 5 concert on Sept. 25 and Oct. 2 due to Groovin’ in the Garden.
***There is no Flowers After 5 concert on Sept. 18 due to the Fall Plant Sale.

Outside food and drink are not allowed to be brought into the Garden. See food and bar menu below.

2025 Flowers After 5 Line Up

The Jangling Reinharts
MAY 15

The Jangling Reinharts, providing roots-rock music largely forgotten by other bands. Think: The Band meets Van Morrison and they go out to Stephen Stills’ house and listen to the Monkees while watching a Barenaked Ladies video. This melting pot of music describes what they are all about. This four-piece mixes popular cover songs from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s (along with the occasional TV theme song…just to see who’s listening). Beautiful vocal harmonies, superb finger-style on the lead guitar, and a knack for playing the right song at the right time set this band apart from the rest.

Kozy Cats
MAY 22

Kozy Cats are the convergence of friends who got the band back together – with stellar results. The musical pedigrees for this group of locals are too long and wide to list, but include appearances on Soul Train, piano-playing with Chubby Checker, and week-long stands at the legendary Peppermint Beach Club. Currently this group is delighting audiences with danceable covers of Wilson Pickett, Herman’s Hermits, David Bowie, and a couple dozen more soul & pop artists. This performance will feature the mighty Kozy Cats Horns, ensuring a rollicking good time for everyone.

Wolph
MAY 29

We’re a band based out of Virginia & play many genres of music but mainly focus on Classic Rock, Blues, Southern Rock, Folk, Rock & Roll and Psychedelic Rock.

Portico
JUNE 5

Portico is a Richmond-based band playing songs across many genres with an alt-rock meets modern pop and funk vibe. Members are Ali Foley Shenk, vocals, flute, and rhythm guitar; Elliot Johnson, vocals and lead guitar; Aaron Jonas, bass; and Adam Powell, drums.

Whiskey Rebellion
JUNE 12

Drawing on their diverse musical backgrounds, The Whiskey Rebellion mix the spontaneity of bluegrass, the collectiveness of jazz, and the urgency of rock and roll to create their own unique take on everything from traditional bluegrass to anthemic party favorites. The band covers a wide array of artists ranging from The Beatles to The Talking Heads to Guns ‘n’ Roses, but their approach is always steeped in their acoustic roots and uniquely lends itself to being both listenable and danceable.

Ban Caribe
JUNE 19 - FREE PERFORMANCE ON JUNETEENTH

Ban Caribe is an exciting blend of Afro-Cuban, Latin, Caribbean and Soulful Rhythm and Blues, all held together with pulsating percussion. The musical compositions and arrangements are spiritually inspired by the rhythmic beats and chants of African music. Their music is soulful, sophisticated, universal and unique. Ban Caribe will create memories of tropical sands, balmy island breezes, and the clear water of paradise. Rumba with Soul to the “Clave Soul” sounds of Ban Caribe.

Landon Elliot
JUNE 26

Landon Elliot is an old spirit, and it shows in his voice. Its rasp and grain – forged in North Carolina’s huge-sky Outer Banks – bring his songs so resonantly to life that by rights it should belong to a much older person. That impression is accentuated by his mountain-man build and beard…but, mainly, it’s the voice that strikes you. Elliott’s tunes tell stories about a way of life and what happens when you break away from it, and his singing hits you in the gut. If he makes you reconsider your own world-view, he’ll be happy: the reason he makes music is to let people know he’s in their corner.

Tre. Charles
JULY 3

With an old soul and a fresh perspective, Tre. Charles has cultivated soundscapes and wave therapy on some of the musical worlds biggest stages such as Newport Jazz Festival, TEDx, and NPR while simultaneously staying steadfast in his belief of authentic quality over quantity. His unique sonics have entertained and helped heal those who have listened, and Charles plans to continue that standard with his newest EP, “Here We Are.”, ushering in a new era; elevating his artistry and vision to new heights once again.

The Dan Schutt Band
JULY 10

Hailing from Richmond, VA, The Dan Schutt Band is a funky blues-rock band that always gets the crowd dancing and the party started.  The band performs a catalogue of high-energy and recognizable tunes, influenced by rock, blues, country, jazz, and reggae.

Michael Hazelwood and The Freight Train Five
JULY 17

Michael Hazelwood and The Freight Train Five are Central Virginia’s hottest classic country band! Cranking all the best 90’s country from Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, and George Strait – they also play your favorite old-school hits from Cash, Jones and Waylon – as well as today’s hottest songs from Combs, Pardi, and Swindell. Formed in Richmond, VA in 2022, Michael Hazelwood and The Freight Train Five recruited the area’s best players to create the most exciting, danceable country show in the region.

Big Fancy
JULY 24

Big Fancy, an indie disco band from Richmond, VA, brings a fresh and funky blend of soul and dance that’s as timeless on stage as it is over the airwaves. The group of friends behind the sound draws inspiration from neo-soul, R&B, and deep groove to seamlessly intertwine soulful roots, jazz influences, and classic dance vibes. With over 15 original tracks written and two singles released, Big Fancy has gained fans from Richmond to Paris. Over the past three years, their live performances playing around the city have earned them the vote as one of the top five bands in Richmond by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Known for exploring love in all its forms—be it love for people, places, or ideas—Big Fancy always steps up to the stage in celebration of rhythm, connection, and movement.

Jay Brown's Grace Street Seven
JULY 31

Jay Brown’s Grace Street Seven is a vintage style Jazz band performing songs in the tradition of early 20th century dance bands from the 1920s, 30s and 40’s. These bow-tie clad gents specialize in playing Jazz Age transcriptions from the likes of Al Bowlly, Fletcher Henderson, Ray Noble, Artie Shaw and Irving Berlin. The full instrumental line-up includes a  swingin’ horn section as well as a tight and talented rhythm section with Jay Brown at the helm. Full of sophistication and exuding the nostalgia of early American Jazz, expect a dapper yet cheeky performance that will keep you swingin’ and dancing!

Kurt Crandall
AUGUST 7

Kurt Crandall shines like a diamond, mixing Windy City blues, West Coast swing,  jazz and more – showing why experts consider him to be one of the most stylish chromatic players in the world today.

The Josh Lief Band
AUGUST 14

The Josh Lief Band is a power trio that plays throughout the Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina region. The band includes Josh on guitar/vox, Tommy Dacat on bass/vox and Andre LaBelle on drums. Each set, JLB plays some of Josh’s original music from his two albums: Redemption and Love In Disguise. To round out the set list, JLB plays classic rock and blues from artists like ZZ Top, Tom Petty, Creedence, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Muddy Waters and more.

The Hurricane Party
AUGUST 21

The Hurricane Party is a funky rock band from Richmond.  And Richmond is on the storm track for hurricanes that follow the gulf stream up from the Caribbean. So, if a hurricane is coming, why not have a hurricane party? The influences and inspirations for each band member are so different but what they found when they came together was the denominator that all of the music they liked had in common; the roots of American music. Their songs have been played on internet radio and terrestrial radio in England, Canada, Spain, New Zealand, Germany and in the states literally from Maine to Florida to Colorado. Their debut recording Cat 2 is available on all streaming services. Always a good time, The Hurricane Party considers one of their high energy live shows a success when everybody dances and they get to meet their fans.

Reflections Big Band
AUGUST 28

Exciting swing, pop, cover and variety music that will delight your ears and feet with fun tunes from generations past and present. Two vocalists, a full rhythm section, thirteen-piece horn section; the stage show is as impressive as the music.

Brookhouse
SEPTEMBER 4

Brookhouse mixes rock, latin jazz, and americana in a way that only the son of a Cuban-American and a lifelong Virginian could. Acoustic and electric, English and Spanish, earnest and mysterious, Brookhouse celebrates the mixing of cultures–and emotions–to bridge cultural divides and demonstrate that we all contain multitudes.

Abrams Bridge
SEPTEMBER 11

Abrams Bridge provides the ultimate live experience of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, providing fans with the energy and passion Bruce commits to every show!  The band covers the biggest hits from “Dancing in the Dark” to “Hungry Heart” to “Born to Run” and all of the live staples like “Rosalita”, “Badlands” and “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out”.  What would a Springsteen tribute be without fan favorites such as “The Rising”, “Bobby Jean” or “Blinded by the Light”?

Based out of Richmond, VA, Abrams has learned over 60 of Springsteen’s songs to feature in their 3 hour shows. So come tell everyone to meet us at the ‘spot beneath Abrams Bridge’ to feel the heart-stopping, hard-rocking, booty-shaking, earth-quaking sounds and songs of Bruce Springsteen!

Jackass Flats
October 9

Jackass Flats, an ultra-talented Virginia quintet comes from a long-standing bluegrass tradition but creates a wholly original sound by weaving their melting pot of acoustic roots music with the sounds of electric rock’n’roll. Jackass Flats combines a unique blend of jam band rhythms with twangy versions of contemporary hits that can elevate any event into a unique, rousing experience. Expect a repertoire that runs the gamut from Johnny Cash to The Beatles, Willie Nelson to Prince, Smokey Robinson to The Rolling Stones, all delivered with warm southern charm and infectious energy.

Virginia Man
October 16

Coming off of the release of their sophomore LP, “Murder Folk,” the Man is on the road. Where intentional song writing meets power and pocket, this show is an experience of both nostalgia and creation that will never leave you. Stephen Amoruso (bass/vocals), Jamaal Farrow (drums), and Kristian Lietzan (guitarist/singer/songwriter) configure the rock-and-roll band, Virginia Man. These gentlemen champion the sound of their homeland: a strange suspension between the cardinal directions, generational culture, and the changing of seasons.

Jazzing Up the 60s
October 23

Enjoy an evening of popular songs from the decade of transformation and love with a fresh twist! The 60s Jazzed Up group soulfully reimagines classic and deep-cut songs by Burt Bacharach, Joni Mitchell, The Beatles, Neil Diamond, and more. Featuring Mary Elfner on drums and vocals, Mike Hawkins bass, Weldon Hill keys, Alisa Miles’s vocals, and Deb Saidel flute.

Tin Can Fish Band
October 30

Tin Can Fish Band mixes bluegrass, folk, rock, roots, & zydeco to create its own unique Americana sound. Reminiscent of such bands as Railroad Earth, The Band and Bob Dylan, TCFB layers traditional acoustic instruments with soaring electric leads on evocative originals, select covers & public domain songs. They have released 4 CD’s and they perform throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia at various festivals and venues.

Admission & Weather Policy

Admission to this event is regular Garden admission. Tickets can be purchased at the Guest Services desk in the Robins Visitors Center.

Members enjoy free admission; not a member? Consider joining.

Garden hours are extended until 9p.m. on Flowers After 5 nights, so be sure to take time to explore the Garden and check out our outdoor art exhibition Homes & Habitats, as well as our rotating exhibitions in the Community Art Gallery. The Garden Shop may also offer extended hours.

Flowers After 5 is rain or shine. The Garden Staff monitors the weather closely and if there is a high likelihood of hazardous weather during Flowers After 5, the event will be cancelled. We post weather-related updates as quickly as possible to the website and social media, and it’s always a good idea to check before you come.

FIDOS AFTER 5

The Garden partners with the Richmond SPCA on these special nights (only): May 22, June 12 & 26, July 10 & 24, August 14 & 28, September 11, October 9 & 23 when leashed dogs are allowed. Suggested $2 “pet admission” benefits Richmond SPCA.

All dogs must be leashed (no retractable leashes) and current on rabies vaccinations. Please Note: We welcome dogs in the Robins Visitor Center and Conservatory, but ask that they not enter the Kelly Education Center building. Please read our rules and guidelines for visiting Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden with dogs.

Leashed dogs are allowed on Fidos nights only.

Before attending Fidos after Five with your dog, it’s important to understand what your dog tolerates and will enjoy. Ask yourself:

  • How does my dog handle being in a new environment?
  • How does my dog react to close proximity to unfamiliar people and dogs of various sizes?

– All dogs must have a current rabies vaccine.
– Retractable leashes are not permitted. Flat leashes will be available to borrow from the Richmond SPCA’s table in the Robins Visitor Center.

  • An adult must maintain control of the dog’s leash at all times.
  • Please ask before approaching or allowing your dog to approach an unfamiliar dog.
  • All dogs must be well-behaved; the Garden reserves the right to determine whether an owner and pet may be asked to leave, based on guest safety.

Please Note: We welcome dogs in the Robins Visitors Center and Conservatory, but ask that they not enter the Kelly Education Center building.

Leashed dogs are allowed on Fidos nights only. Ticketed event; $2 suggested “pet admission” benefiting the Richmond SPCA

Richmond SPCA logo

Food & Drink

Guests are welcome to bring chairs and blankets to spread out on the lawn, and there are a limited number of chairs and tables available on a first-come, first served basis.

PLEASE NOTE: Outside food and drink are not allowed to be brought into the Garden.

Food and drinks are available for purchase from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the concert site, under Bloemendaal House tent.

Our weekly menus

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Gyro $13
Choice of Protein, Pita, Feta, Pickled Cucumber and Onions, Tomato, Crisp Romaine, Fresh Mint Smoky Tzatziki

Medi Bowl $13
Choice of Protein, Feta, Basmati Rice, Tabbouleh Salad, Crisp Romaine, Mini Naan, Fresh Mint, Smoky Tzatziki

Olive Tree Salad $ 13
Choice of Protein, Local Greens, Feta, Kalamata Olives, Pickled Cucumber and Onions, Tomato, Fresh Mint, Greek Dressing

Hummus $8
Mini Naan, Carrots, Celery

BBQ Sandwich $13
Choice of Protein, House Chips, Coleslaw, BBQ Sauce

Southern Bowl $13
Choice of Protein, Mac and Cheese, Braised Collard Greens, Coleslaw

Smoky Salad $13
Choice of Protein, Shredded Cheese, Roasted Corn, Tomatoes, Red Onion, Zesty Cucumbers, Tortilla Strips, Chipotle Ranch

Pimento Cheese $8
House Chips, Carrots, Celery

Taco Salad $13
Choice of Protein, Shredded Cheese, Crisp Romaine, Pico De Gallо, Elote Corn Salad, Cilantro, Crispy Tortilla, Black Beans, Avocado Crema

Burrito $13
Choice of Protein, Queso, Spanish Rice, Pico De Gallo, Black Beans, Crisp Romaine

Chips and Dips $8
Choose one
Salsa
Queso
Elote Corn Dip

Teriyaki Bowl $13
Choice of Protein, Sushi Rice, Vinegar Cucumber and Onion, Edamame, Carrots, Cabbage, Sriracha Aioli

Sushi Burrito $13
Choice of Protein, Sushi Rice, Flower Tortilla, Nori, Pickled Vegetables, Sriracha Aioli

Cold Noodle Salad $13
Choice of Protein, Vermicelli Noodles, Vinegar Cucumber and Onion Edamame, Carrots, Cabbage, Peanut Sauce

Edamame Hummus $8
Wonton Crisps, Carrot, Celery