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This week, kick off 2026 in style with a host of festive events. Celebrate New Year\u2019s Eve with hometown favorites Carbon Leaf at The National or enjoy a hilarious variety show at R\u00e9v\u00e9ler, get coney in Carytown on New Year\u2019s Day, then start the new year with a new love at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture on Jan. 2. Enjoy!<\/em><\/p>\n Richmonders continually turn out for local indie-folk favorites\u00a0Carbon Leaf<\/a>. During their Music at Maymont show this past summer, the artists announced that their last performance of 2025 would be at The National on New Year\u2019s Eve, eliciting rousing applause from the crowd. Don\u2019t worry, tickets are still available for the Dec. 31 show ($48 to $65). The gig supports the band\u2019s 2024 album \u201cTime Is the Playground,\u201d and lead singer Barry Privett promises a party vibe to celebrate the transition into the new year.<\/p>\n \u2014Nicole Cohen,\u00a0Arts & Entertainment Editor<\/em><\/p>\n Give 2026 a raucous welcome with a unique variety show at R\u00e9v\u00e9ler this Wednesday night, Dec. 31. Helmed by veteran RVA comedian and bandleader Micah \u201cBam-Bamm\u201d White,\u00a0\u201cNew Year\u2019s Eve Sounds Funny\u201d<\/a>\u00a0is an electric combination of music and stand-up comedy featuring a talented lineup of performers. A vibrant mix of genres \u2014 including soul, hip-hop, R&B, funk, and go-go \u2014 with a layer of humor all but guarantee a hilarious, memorable night. The 21-and-up event runs from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.; guests ages 16-20 are allowed if accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $100 and include reserved seating, open bar access, snacks and a Champagne toast at midnight.<\/p>\n \u2014Kelsey Robinson,\u00a0Associate Editor<\/em><\/p>\n \u2019Tis the season to don your most festive conical outfit and take over Carytown in the 18th annual\u00a0Cone Parade<\/a>\u00a0on New Year\u2019s Day. The festivities tip off at Aquarian Bookshop at noon, as cones of all shapes, sizes and colors spill out from the store and head down Cary Street toward Arthur Ashe Boulevard and back, bringing a marquee Richmond event to life. If you\u2019re not sporting your own DIY cone, the free event welcomes onlookers.<\/p>\n \u2014Kevin Johnson,\u00a0Lifestyle Editor<\/em><\/p>\n As we enter 2026, if you\u2019re single and ready to mingle but weary of the usual methods, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture offers a different way to make a love connection during the\u00a0Trying to Date RVA Mixer<\/a>\u00a0from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2. The occasion includes \u201cFind Someone Who \u2026\u201d prompts that\u2019ll rotate partners and a fun-ducational scavenger hunt followed by a mixer. Most of \u201chistory\u201d is \u201cstory,\u201d so maybe you\u2019ll create one to later regale your friends. Never know unless you go. Tickets are $10.<\/p>\n \u2014Harry Kollatz Jr.,\u00a0Senior Writer<\/em><\/p>\n Ringing in the New Year<\/strong>\u00a0(all events are held Dec. 31)\u00a0<\/p>\n River City Roundup is Richmond magazine\u2019s weekly compilation of the best things to see, do and experience in the region, compiled by our editors. Get each week\u2019s installment directly in your inbox every Monday by\u00a0subscribing to our e-newsletter<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\nOther Suggestions<\/h3>\n