Welcome, June! Summer is gearing up, and there are plenty of fun events in and around Richmond. Enjoy the warm weather and stay cool.
Be sure and check out our Free Summer Activity listing and Playgroups.
Ongoing
Summer Sounds at Stony Point Fashion Park – Summer is here. Enjoy live music while you stroll, shop and dine to all your favorite tunes performed by local musicians — all summer long!
Byrd Theatre – Snow White is a princess in exile, and the evil Queen rules her captured kingdom. Seven courageous rebel dwarfs join forces with Snow White as she fights to reclaim her birthright and win her Prince.
A Feel For Color through July 13 at the Children’s Museum of Richmond. An exhibit by artist Sarah Barker who reinterprets famous paintings by Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Georgia O’Keeffe, and others by quilting them in different textures to expose the visually impaired to the talents of master painters. Included in museum admission.
The Hope Tree Project through July 4. In this exhibit, students will be encouraged to express their hopes and dreams in a Latin-American inspired art installation, organized by Richmond author Meg Medina. The artwork is fashioned after traditional milagros and is related to Medina’s newest young adult book is The Girl Who Could Silence the Wind by Candlewick Press.
Preschool Paint & Play! – June 4-15, 2012 at the Center for Creative Arts at Shady Grove. Join preschool art teacher Sue Brown for fun mornings full of drawing and painting activities inspired by classics such as the Velveteen Rabbit, The Secret Birthday Message, and children’s poetry. Children build listening, observation and small motor skills in a fun, nurturing environment! Children will be served a snack and go to the playground each day. Call (804) 360-2687 or email center4creativearts@comcast.
Body Worlds & the Brain. Take an in-depth look at the insides of the human body! Featuring 12 actual human bodies that have been preserved through the process of plastination, Body Worlds merges anatomy with the latest neuroscience findings, demonstrating discoveries of brain development, function performance and improvement. $14 for ages 4-12 and $15 for 15+. $7.50 for members. Recommended for children 8 and over.
Grand Canyon Adventure – see website for dates and times. Opens in the IMAX®DOME Saturday, June 2. Set against the majestic backdrop of the Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon Adventure takes you on an exhilarating river-rafting adventure down the Colorado River. Meet Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a world-renowned environmental activist dedicated to water conservation and river restoration, and Wade Davis, the eminent anthropologist and writer. The film documents their journey with their daughters as it raises awareness of water management and conservation to global crisis and individual responsibility. $9, $5 for members.
Preschool Paint & Play! All week, join preschool art teacher Sue Brown for fun mornings full of drawing and painting activities inspired by classics such as The Velveteen Rabbit, The Secret Birthday Message, and children’s poetry. Children build listening, observation and small motor skills in a fun, nurturing environment! Children will be served a snack and go to the playground each day. Call (804) 360-2687 or email centerforcreativearts@comcast.net to register.
Lewis Ginter’s Family Adventure Packs- Designed for families with children ages 4 – 10. Each pack contains nature books, field guides and tools that help teach basic observation and identification skills. Packs are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis at the Garden Cart in June, July and August, from 5 – 8 p.m. during Families After Five. A membership card or valid driver’s license is required to enjoy our fun-filled family packed adventure.
Maharaja: The Splendors of India’s Great Kings at Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The first exhibition to explore the extraordinarily rich visual culture of India’s last royal families, Maharaja: The Splendors of India’s Great Kings spans the period from the early 18th century to the mid-20th century, bringing together over 200 magnificent objects.
Discovery Camp: Wonderful Wings. What do birds, bugs and bats have in common? They all have wings! Soar into the world of these amazing flyers and find out what makes them unique. Ages 4-5. $144/$120 members. Register online (preferred) or call 804-358-7166, ext. 324 or 333.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Garden Art Studio. 1 pm-3 pm. at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Get in the creative zone in the colorful Garden Art Studio located beside the Hidden Tunnel. Drop-in and unfold your creative energy. Use provided materials to collaborate, explore and reflect on your own Garden experience. Free with Garden admission.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Kids of all ages are invited to join Pottery Barn Kids for story time every Tuesday. Members receive an official Book Club Passport at their first story time and a special gift after attending five story times.
Mommy & Me class- Come to All Fired Up and paint a present for Dad for Father’s Day! 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Transit of Venus- Join us at the Science Museum of Virginia from 6 pm-Sunset as we safely watch our last time chance to see Venus cross in front of the sun in a rare occurrence called the transit of Venus. Venus will begin to pass directly in front of the sun at 6:03 pm and the transit lasts until sunset, at 8:28 pm. It is important that you do not look directly at the sun during the transit, as direct, unprotected viewing can cause permanent eye damage. Members of the Richmond Astronomical Society will set up telescopes with solar filters to enable you to look safely at the sun. Solar shades are available in the Museum’s Shop 4 Science for $1 and will also be available in Café Portico the evening of the event. The next time Venus will make its transit is in 2117. Free and held weather permitting.
“He Can’t Tell You”- June 5, 7:30 p.m. at the Barksdale Theatre which is now the Virginia Repertory Theatre. Alice and Bernie’s old friend Earl shows up and the situation between the two guys that goes all the way back to high school. Through one silly line and laughable situation after another, we finally find out what he can’t tell you. $10. 1601 Willow Lawn Drive. 804.282.2620.
Read 2 Rover- Come to the Chesterfield Central Library for casual, drop-in times for kids to read aloud to therapy dogs. The program, started by Caring Canines, is a fun way to help children become better readers. Studies have shown that children who have difficulty reading in front of teachers, parents or peers feel comfortable reading to a dog. For children struggling with reading, the comfort and companionship of a therapy dog helps turn something stressful into a soothing activity.
Families After 5- Goin’ on a Bug Hunt! Join us as we grab our gear and go on a bug hunt. One of our “bug specialists” will share knowledge about the insect world as we take inventory of the predators and pollinators that inhabit the Children’s Garden and surrounding areas. Relax and unwind after work with your family in the Children’s Garden, where there’s always something to see and do. Water Play remains open until 8:30 p.m., activitiy times vary.
Homeschoolers & Historic Houses 10:00a to 4:00p at Agecroft Hall, Richmond, VA. Agecroft Hall and Wilton House Museum offer homeschoolers an opportunity to explore America’s colonial and British roots during this special day-long program. The Homeschoolers & Historic Houses program includes tours of both museums, up-close and hands-on study of reproduction artifacts, historic games and more.
Club Mom- Bring the kids out to Club Mom in the Food Court from 9-11 a.m. featuring great cowboy themed entertainment from Kidsinger Jim and fun giveaways for the adults. Free breakfast for children 12 years or younger. This week’s special guest: Kidsinger Jim.
Homework Club- Come to the Chick-fil-A at Parham Road to see the Tutor Doctor of Richmond 3:30-5pm every Tuesday when school is in session. Complimentary tutoring assistance in elementary & middle school subjects. Show completed homework & receive a free Icedream. Open to all Elementary School students. You provide the homework, we’ll provide the help and the Icedreams!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Spirited Art is starting a weekday class – every Wednesday, we will be offering an adult class at 11 a.m. You’re welcome to bring your own lunch/snacks during this weekday class. Check out our calendar www.myspiritedart.com.
On-The-Air Radio Players present: You Heard it Here First! 7:30 p.m. for all ages. The On-the-Air Radio Players present an old-time radio show featuring live music and sound effects! Be a part of the studio audience for this hour-long taping which includes original scripts from our radio script-writing competition. Directed by Lynn Smith. Information: Amy Perdue, 501-5138.
National D-Day Memorial- 68th Commemoration of D-Day in Bedford, Va. Pay tribute to the Allied soldiers, sailors, and airmen who participated in that fateful invasion in Normandy sixty-eight years ago. The anniversary ceremony on June 6th will include special music and speakers. Free admission from 10am to noon. Regular fees apply after noon.
Art 180’s The Big Show- A showcase of ART 180′s most recent projects in creative expression, featuring young people from 12 programs across Richmond. See paintings, prints, sculpture and mixed-media and watch live performances and film on stage all completed by the talented young people in ART 180′s spring 2012 programs. (Free).
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Barnes & Noble Storytime at Short Pump – Children’s Storytime: Toddlers and Preschoolers (Ages 6 and Under). Join us each Thursday for our Children’s Storytime.
Regency Mall – Join us for carnival fun with Miss Sheri The Clown on Thursday June 7th from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Fit & Fun Play Area. Kids will enjoy Miss Sheri The Clown, face painting, balloon twists and carnival games. Moms will enjoy special discounts, free samples, and a special enter-to-win gift set! Click here to sign up for Kids World today!
Virginia Homeschool Convention – Greater Richmond Convention Center: 140+ workshops on parenting, homeschooling, organization, finances, special needs, family life, and many other topics; an extensive Exhibit Hall (315+ booths); and much more. Free admission for qualifying parents of preschoolers and non-homeschooling grandparents to the entire three-day convention, and free how-to-begin workshops for all on Thursday, June 7. Registration includes ALL shopping (UCS & Exhibit Hall) and workshops. Spouses and immediate family members may attend with you for FREE.
Enjoy an ice cream treat and still eat healthy on Spring Break.
Ice Cream Social- Enjoy ice cream, face painting, and balloon creations. Sign up for the Summer Reading Program, too. Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Goochland Library.
VMFA – Teen Craft Club at VMFA – Recycle, reuse, and reinvent at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts! Work with artists and VMFA staff to create uniquely inspired functional crafts from ordinary and recycled materials. Explore ways to make the most out of your materials.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Summer Film Series at Crute Stage- The Summer Film Series committee announces Season 15 of the award-winning Stars Under The Stars program. Began as a Leadership Farmville project in 1997, the Series has brought over 40 timeless motion pictures back to the big screen for the Farmville and surrounding communities. The 15th Anniversary season kicks off on June 8 with Rock Hudson and Doris Day in the 1959 romantic comedy, Pillow Talk (Not Rated).
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. The Robins Theatre at Steward School. Step into the enchanted world of Broadway’s modern classic! Based on the Academy-Award winning animated feature, the stage version of Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST includes all of the wonderful songs. Visit the website for details on show times and costs.
Virginia Homeschool Convention – Greater Richmond Convention Center: 140+ workshops on parenting, homeschooling, organization, finances, special needs, family life, and many other topics; an extensive Exhibit Hall (315+ booths); and much more. Free admission for qualifying parents of preschoolers and non-homeschooling grandparents to the entire three-day convention, and free how-to-begin workshops for all on Thursday, June 7. Registration includes ALL shopping (UCS & Exhibit Hall) and workshops. Spouses and immediate family members may attend with you for FREE.
Cartwheels & Coffee Storytime (10 a.m.)- Visit faraway lands, make friends with all sorts of interesting creatures, and discover a world of imagination inside favorite books. Includes readings, songs, finger plays, poems, and other fun activities that nurtures little ones love of reading. Repeats each week. (Free)
Special Olympics Summer Games – Volunteer to Cheer! Summer Games, our largest statewide competition, is nothing short of legendary thanks to the overwhelming support of more than 3,000 local volunteers who brave the summer heat to assist with competitions and events throughout the weekend. 1,400 Special Olympics Virginia athletes come from all corners of the state to go for the gold in swimming, powerlifting, softball, track & field, bowling and tennis competitions. Come BE A FAN!
Saturday, June 9, 2012
HCA’s Family Palooza. 11 am-3 pm at the Science Museum of Virginia and it’s FREE! Get ready for lots of action including speed pitch and batting with the Flying Squirrels, sports with the University of Richmond Spiders, skills training and soccer with the Kickers and a chance to meet local heroes while you tour fire trucks, helicopters and other service vehicles. The day includes cooking demonstrations, face painting, live music and juggling and magic with Jonathan Austin. Have your picture taken with a mascot such as Nutzy, Kickeroo or the Richmond Spider. Family Palooza is hosted by HCA Virginia’s Spirit of Women Network.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. The Robins Theatre at Steward School. Step into the enchanted world of Broadway’s modern classic! Based on the Academy-Award winning animated feature, the stage version of Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST includes all of the wonderful songs. Visit the website for details on show times and costs.
Special Olympics Summer Games – Volunteer to Cheer! Summer Games, our largest statewide competition, is nothing short of legendary thanks to the overwhelming support of more 
than 3,000 local volunteers who brave the summer heat to assist with competitions and events throughout the weekend. 1,400 Special Olympics Virginia athletes come from all corners of the state to go for the gold in swimming, powerlifting, softball, track & field, bowling and tennis competitions. Come BE A FAN!
Behind the Scenes at Maymont- Walk through the Employees Only door for a special peek at the inner workings of the Maymont Nature Center. Thirteen aquariums and more than 200 animals require more care than meets the eye. Ages 5 and older; adult must accompany child. $6 per person/$3 members (includes admission to the Nature Center).
National Geographic Little Explorers at 10:00 a.m. at Pottery Barn Kids Short Pump Mall. Explore with us as we learn all about dolphins, whales and other marine animals, plus, kids receive a free Dr. Seuss book. Call store to learn more. It’s FREE!
The American Youth Harp Ensemble presents “Classical Jam” at Grace Baptist Church. An event for the entire family, Classical Jam will feature over 75 harpists and singers, ages 7-18, performing music from Bach to Beatles. Hear the amazing artistry of the American Youth Harp Ensemble which has performed in Carnegie Hall, the White House and at the Kennedy Center. The Virginia Choristers will present a special prelude at 3:30 pm.
Abbie Waters
Blood Drive in Memory of Abbie Waters – Saturday morning June 9 between 9:00 A.M. AND 1:00 P.M. at St. Paul’s. St. Paul’s is at 909 Rennie Ave. (at the corner formed by Chamberlayne Ave. and Rennie Ave.). The blood drive will take place in the parish religious education center, the small house just to the left if you enter St. Paul’s parking lot from Hawthorne Ave. Your blood will help other children like Abbie, as well as adults, to receive the help they need to live as fully as possible. Thank you for sharing your life!
Saunders Brothers Farmer’s Market- Located in beautiful Nelson County, Virginia, Saunders Brothers grows quality peaches, apples, Asian pears, vegetables, flowering shrubs, annuals and perennials. You can find these products and much more at their retail Farm Market, located just five miles from our orchard in Piney River. Stop by and stock up on local produce, try mouth-watering peach ice cream, and visit the onsite farm antique museum!
The Virginia Renaissance Faire- Back and bigger than ever! The Faire brings a unique brand of educational interactive family entertainment. Join in the revelry as the little 16th century town of Staffordshire celebrates the arrival of Elizabeth, Queen of England and her court. $9 for ages 6 and up.
XTERRA East – This will be the 14th year for XTERRA in Richmond, and the River City is widely regarded as the sport’s finest urban adventure. Events include the XTERRA Fugitive 10k trail run, the XTERRA Richmond half-marathon trail run, free kids races, free clinics taught by pro athletes, the Paul Mitchell Cut-a-thon to raise money for the Challenged Athletes Foundation, and two off-road triathlons – a half-distance XTERRA Sprint race (perfect for newcomers) and the XTERRA East Championship.
Classical Jam – Saturday, June 9th – 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Grace Baptist Church – 4200 Dover Road. The American Youth Harp Ensembles presents “Classical Jam,” Saturday, June 9th, 2012, 4:00 p.m. with a special prelude by the Virginia Choristers at 3:30 p.m. An event for the entire family, this concert will feature over seventy five harpists and singers, ages seven to eighteen, performing music from Classical to Jazz- Bach to the Beatles as arranged specifically for this world-renowned Ensemble. Hear the amazing artistry of the American Youth Harp Ensemble which has performed in Carnegie Hall, the White House and at the Kennedy Center this year. The concert will take place at Grace Baptist Church, 4200 Dover Road, Richmond, VA 23221. Tickets, $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and children, are available online at www.harpensemble.org or by calling 837.9355.
The Best of One Voice – Saturday, June 9th – 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Ebenezer Baptist Church – 216 West Leigh Street – The Best of One Voice Chorus, A Family Reunion; 6 p.m., Conversation; 7 p.m., Concert. How do you celebrate 10 wonderful years? Throw a party, of course. Or, in our case, have a concert. Then you invite your friends, especially those who have shared those 10 years with you. Our party/concert will be this June. We will look back and gather some of the great music from our past, including our featured work, The Gospel Mass by Robert Ray. We will also welcome back some friends from the past, including Frank Williams, Josh Wortham and Sabrina Squire. Rounding it all out will be Russell Wilson and his wonderful trio.
Breaking the Mold! Come down to the central Children’s Museum of Richmond and get your hands dirty! We will look at examples of statues and talk about local statues they may recognize around Richmond (made by and artist friend of mine) and how they were created in different smaller pieces rather than one large statue. Students will each get a slab of clay and may use found objects in the classroom or their hands and fingers to create imprints in to the clay. We will then pour the plaster in to the mold….allow for brief drying time and peel away the clay molding to reveal our sculpture. (9:45-10:30, $10 per child).
Virginia Homeschool Convention – Greater Richmond Convention Center: 140+ workshops on parenting, homeschooling, organization, finances, special needs, family life, and many other topics; an extensive Exhibit Hall (315+ booths); and much more. Free admission for qualifying parents of preschoolers and non-homeschooling grandparents to the entire three-day convention, and free how-to-begin workshops for all on Thursday, June 7. Registration includes ALL shopping (UCS & Exhibit Hall) and workshops. Spouses and immediate family members may attend with you for FREE.
What’s Growing in the Garden? Meadow Farm’s heirloom garden is in the midst of its growing season. Step inside the walls and learn more about the culinary and medicinal uses of vegetables and herbs. Information: 501-2130. 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Evening Canoe Paddle- Join us at Pocahontas State Park for a relaxing canoe paddle on Swift Creek for National Get Outdoors Day and National Outdoors Month. Please meet at the boat dock at 6:45 P.M. All equipment including paddles, canoes and life vests will be supplied. Please bring a water bottle and comfortable clothes. Fee: $9/person or families of 4 or more $6/person (parking is included in program fee). Children 6 and up only. Register by calling 804-796-4255.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Strawberry Shortcake in Richmond – FREE tickets! Kidtoons has a new, fun kids film in theatres! Strawberry Shortcake: Bloomin’ Berry Garden will be playing at the BowTie Movieland the entire month of June. You and your little ones can enjoy Strawberry Shortcake and her friends as they prepare for the Spring Flower Festival! It’s gardens, giggles and girl power in these berry exciting adventures on the big screen at Saturday and Sunday matinees. Free Ticket Link: http://www.kidtoonfilms.com/Promotion/SocialMedia_KidtoonsTicketDC.pdf
The Virginia Renaissance Faire- Back and bigger than ever! The Faire brings a unique brand of educational interactive family entertainment. Join in the revelry as the little 16th century town of Staffordshire celebrates the arrival of Elizabeth, Queen of England and her court. $9 for ages 6 and up.
Special Olympics Summer Games – Volunteer to Cheer! Summer Games, our largest statewide competition, is nothing short of legendary thanks to the overwhelming support of more than 3,000 local volunteers who brave the summer heat to assist with competitions and events throughout the weekend. 1,400 Special Olympics Virginia athletes come from all corners of the state to go for the gold in swimming, powerlifting, softball, track & field, bowling and tennis competitions. Come BE A FAN!
XTERRA East – This will be the 14th year for XTERRA in Richmond, and the River City is widely regarded as the sport’s finest urban adventure. Events include the XTERRA Fugitive 10k trail run, the XTERRA Richmond half-marathon trail run, free kids races, free clinics taught by pro athletes, the Paul Mitchell Cut-a-thon to raise money for the Challenged Athletes Foundation, and two off-road triathlons – a half-distance XTERRA Sprint race (perfect for newcomers) and the XTERRA East Championship.
Concert at Holy Comforter. Sunday, June 10th – 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Church of the Holy Comforter – 4819 Monument Avenue. Impromptu concert at Church of the Holy Comforter: The concert, presented by the 17- voice a cappella group directed by Martha Burford,will feature classical, jazz, folk, and contemporary pieces. Donations will benefit the Southern Environmental Law Center.
Organist David Briggs with RRBC Choir – Sunday, June 10th – 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Celebrate Fatherhood – First Things First, in collaboration with the Richmond Kickers and Greater Richmond Aquatics Partnership, will be hosting the Celebrate Fatherhood event for kids of all ages! Come celebrate the gift of fatherhood at Richmond’s newest location for activity. In addition to some swimming pool fun, there will be field games, bounce houses, “The Fastest Dad in Richmond” contests (both swimming and running) and a special presentation for all families inside the aquatics center.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. The Robins Theatre at Steward School. Step into the enchanted world of Broadway’s modern classic! Based on the Academy-Award winning animated feature, the stage version of Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST includes all of the wonderful songs. Visit the website for details on show times and costs.
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