Please visit websites or call to confirm dates and times of events – they may change after posting here.
Have an event to add to our calendar? Email us at christa@richmondmom.com! Don’t forget to check your Richmondmom.com Savvy Saver card for great savings at many local events and activities for kids and adults. Don’t have a card? No worries – download a copy here!
Happening in May 2013
VA529 will Award $15,000 in Contributions this month for college savings accounts to multiple winners. Learn more about 529 Day events and contests at Virginia 529. And read what Morningstar had to say about VA529 too. Be sure and use your Richmondmom.com Savvy Saver Card to save on registration fees – use code to waive fees: “RICMOM”.
May is Member Appreciation Month at the Children’s Museum of Richmond. Check out all of the special events and fun.
Now Through May 30
James River Art League at Our Lady of Hope Health Center. The James River Art League announces an exhibition and sale of works from 25 Richmond artists from Saturday, May 4th to Thursday, May 30th at the Our Lady of Hope Health Center. This event is free and open to the public. Free event.
Now Through Monday, June 3
They Call it Stormy Weather: How Artists See the Weather and the Seasons. Explore artists’ depictions of weather from thunderstorms on powerful, wild seas to sunny skies above spring fields. The photographic reproductions are on loan from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Included with exhibit admission.
Now Through the End of the Year
This Week
Monday, May 13
Special Olympics Virginia’s Third Annual Spring Golf Tournament - Captain’s choice golf Tournament at Stonehenge Country Club. Lunch will be provided by Awful Arthur’s along with a silent auction. All proceeds benefit Special Olympics Virginia Urban Programs.
The Garden Tea by Sweet Monday – enjoy the beautiful gardens of Richard and Sherry Sharp. Tickets are required – dress appropriately for garden surroundings.
Robots + Us at the Science Museum of Virginia.
Tuesday, May 14
Robots + Us at the Science Museum of Virginia.
Wednesday, May 15
Robots + Us at the Science Museum of Virginia.
Shakespeare and Galileo at The Science Museum. Lunch break science – free. Noon-1pm.
COTU brew along with a choice of 5-8 different food truck vendors all while enjoying the new outdoor beer garden at the brewery! Every Wednesday, COTU invites the community to enjoy some great local food, beer, and friends.
Innsbrook After Hours, central Virginia’s premier concert series for the past 28 years, is bringing Richmond area residents together again for a summer of great National concerts and the best of Richmond’s local scene, at the Snagajob pavilion in Glen Allen, Va.
RVA Food Trucks Chesterfield Towne Center. They will be set up outside in the parking lot at the mall entrance on Koger Center Boulevard (Outer Sears Parking Lot). Expect trucks like Soul Ice, Boka, Mr. Softy, Habanero, Almadina, Paris Creperie, The Dog Wagon, Station 2, P&T Kitchen, Grate Pizza, Chupacabra, Super Fresh, Slideways Mobile Bistro, Croaker Spot, King of Pops, Thai Cabin, Flynn’s Foods, and The Meatball Company. Tables and chairs will be set out. Each event will be based on weather permitting. Check the mall’s Facebook every Wednesday at 3 p.m. to confirm the night’s event and the RVA Foodies will post and tweet the event as well. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursday, May 16
The 4th Annual Secret Garden Party is a progressive cocktail party featuring five gardens in historic downtown Richmond. Each garden will feature live music, hors d’oeuvres, tours and more!Sally Archer Anderson Garden, White House of the ConfederacyMonumental Church Garden, Historic Richmond FoundationBecky’s Healing Garden, VCU Massey Cancer Center John Marshall House GardenWickham House (1812) Garden, Valentine Richmond History CenterAll sites located within three square blocks and a complimentary shuttle is available.Tickets are $30 per person. 5:30pm-8:30pm.
Robots + Us at the Science Museum of Virginia.
Family Bluegrass Festival. Thursday kicks off our weekend event. Enjoy the whole weekend (advanced tickets til May 5 for only $50)with some of the best family Bluegrass entertainment available. Thursday Only entertainers include: Danny Paisley, Highway 249, California Ramblers, Carolina Road, Wildwood Valley Boys.
Groovin’ in the Garden. An outdoor concert series held at both Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens and Maymont Park where you can check out award winning bands such as Iron and Wine and Carbon Leaf! Check out their website for bands and events as they’re announced. 5pm. Gates open at 5:30 pm. Outdoor concert venue. RAIN or SHINE!
Friday, May 17
Clean Up for Kids Day at UMFS, 3900 W. Broad Street, Richmond, VA. 8:30am-3:30pm.
Family Bluegrass Festival. Thursday kicks off our weekend event. Enjoy the whole weekend (advanced tickets til May 5 for only $50)with some of the best family Bluegrass entertainment available. Thursday Only entertainers include: Danny Paisley, Highway 249, California Ramblers, Carolina Road, Wildwood Valley Boys.
LiveSky: The International Space Station — cramped quarters, far from favorite restaurants and hard to take evening strolls, but the view is amazing! After the show, weather permitting, join members of the Richmond Astronomical Society as they point telescopes up into the vastness of space! $5, free for members.
Flying Squirrels at The Diamond. Shaka Smart Appearance, Bobblehead Giveaway & Coach Keyes Jersey Auction presented by Setliff and Holland & Q94. The FIRST 2,000 people 15 & over receive a Shaka Smart Bobblehead! Game time 7:05pm, gates open at 6:05pm.
Robots + Us at the Science Museum of Virginia.
2013 Powhatan County Fair will launch the spring carnival season for Virginia’s county fairs. It is the 94th annual fair produced by the Powhatan County Fair Association and will be open daily from May 17-19, 2013 at the Powhatan County Fairgrounds located at 4042 Anderson Highway (Route 60). Fair hours are 5 p.m. to 12 midnight on Friday; Saturday 12 p.m. to 12 midnight, and 1:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. General gate admission is $6.
29th Annual Lebanese Food Festival - Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 17-19, at St. Anthony’s Maronite Church in Glen Allen. Three days of traditional homemade food, desserts, Lebanese wine and beer, folk dancing and live music. Plenty of vegetarian and child-friendly options. Sit down dinners and a la carte. Free parking and admission. Rain or shine. ATM on site. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday.
Dominion Riverrock: If you haven’t been to Riverrock then you haven’t seen some of the coolest outdoor sports festival around. At Brown’s Island. Free.
“Pop Art: Popular Images from Everyday Life”. Crossroads Art Center – Staples Mill Road. Artwork from VHBG. Information about VHBG’s services for children and families affected by mental health disorders, as well as details on community events for Children’s National Mental Health Awareness Month is online atwww.vhbg.org or available by calling 804-270-6566.
Saturday, May 18
We Heart Harlie Family Fun Run and 5k - Lots of family fun, food, moon bounces, face painting, prizes, and much more! Help Harlie and have fun all at one time!
Pixar in Concert! The Richmond Symphony presents Pixar in Concert. You won’t want to miss this magical show with your favorite Pixar characters from Cars, Finding Nemo, Monsters Inc., The Incredibles, and more! Come visit Pixar’s most beloved characters on the big screen with the Richmond Symphony at the Carpenter Theatre at Richmond Centerstage on May 18 and May 19, 2013.
Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. 11am-2pm at Short Pump Mall. Celebrate your unbirthday at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party! Wander down the rabbit hole, and enjoy entertainment, face painting, balloon twisting and more with Alice and her friends. Alice and the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party showtimes are at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, with character Meet and Greets following each performance. Call 804-360-1700, or visit www.shortpumpmall.com for more information.
Virginia Dutch Oven Cook-Off - The Old Dominion Iron Chefs and Bass Pro Shops of Ashland, Virginia would like to announce the 1st Annual Virginia Dutch Oven Cook-Off sanctioned by The International Dutch Oven Society.
Family Bluegrass Festival. Thursday kicks off our weekend event. Enjoy the whole weekend (advanced tickets til May 5 for only $50)with some of the best family Bluegrass entertainment available. Thursday Only entertainers include: Danny Paisley, Highway 249, California Ramblers, Carolina Road, Wildwood Valley Boys.
29th Annual Lebanese Food Festival - Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 17-19, at St. Anthony’s Maronite Church in Glen Allen. Three days of traditional homemade food, desserts, Lebanese wine and beer, folk dancing and live music. Plenty of vegetarian and child-friendly options. Sitdown dinners and a la carte. Free parking and admission. Rain or shine. ATM on site. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday.
Robots + Us at the Science Museum of Virginia.
Imagination Richmond: Imagination Richmond returns to Willow Lawn for a day of family-fun festivities. There will be live entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides, inflatable slides, moon bounces, face painting, balloon art, arts & crafts, games, free giveaways, prize drawings, merchant specials, music from The Diggity Dudes, the Silly Bus, Jonathan the Juggler and more. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Enchanted Toy Shop Ballet. The School of Richmond Ballet Ensembles present The Enchanted Toy Shop, produced by Artistic Director, Stoner Winslett. Performances are Saturday, May 18th at 1:00pm and 3:00pm. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by the Richmond Ballet Box Office 804-344-0906 ex.224.
Rassawek Wine and Heritage Festival. All Day. Virginia Wine Tasting, Live Music, Art & Crafts, Children’s Activities. Antique Cars & Farm Equipment, & Much More in the heart of the Virginia countryside at Rassawek Vineyard on May 18 & May 19.
Big Band Concert and Dance. FREE Outdoor Big Band Concert & Dance Featuring Joe Enroughty And His Royal Virginians (16-Piece Big Band). Vocals provided by Dick Orange, Deborah Leone, and Julie Fay. On The Grounds Of Christ Ascension Episcopal Church All We Ask Is That You Bring Non-Perishable Food Items To Donate To The Christ Ascension Food Pantry So That They Can Feed Those In Need On Monday Mornings. Bring Your Blankets And Lawn Chairs And Enjoy An Evening Of Great Big Band Music. An Area For Dancing Will Be Set Up In Front Of The Band.
The Midlothian Market is located in the parking lot behind Midlothian Urban Farmhouse and features many of the farms and food trucks featured at the South of the James Farmer’s Market. About 40 vendors will be at the Midlothian Mines Farmer’s Market with everything from local produce, fresh cheese, handmade jewelry and food trucks like Magna Carta, Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen, King of Pops and more.
Single in the City 2013. Live auction of some of Richmond’s most eligible men and women. All proceeds help to support the Artistic and Educational programs of Richmond CenterStage – including the BrightLights Education Programs, housed at the Genworth BrightLights Education Center.
Operation Cow Drop at Chick-Fil-A. This year the Chick-Fil-A mini plush cows will be dropped from the sky at the JACK BOURNE PARK. The numbered Chick-Fil-A mini plush cows will be dropped at 10:30am. Contact Melisa Davis-Harris at carnival@glenallensports.com. Lots of prizes!
Power Kids Triathlon. 8am.
Have a Heart Bazaar. 8am-1pm. Bazaar and yard sale benefitting the American Heart Association. There will be a variety craft, direct sales, and yard sale vendors. We also still have spaces available for vendors. For more info, please call Costen Floors at 804-527-2929. Entry is free.
Easter Seals UCP Walk With Me. Join the 2013 Richmond Walk With Me to raise much needed funds for the programs and services of Easter Seals UCP, all while celebrating the many accomplishments of children and adults with disabilities. Register to walk as an individual or get your friends, family and co-workers in on the fun and form your own Walk Team!
South of the James Farmers Market is an open-air producer-only market where farmers and artisans sell locally-grown and hand-made items.
Jumpstart Your Summer at TU. Meet representatives from local organizations and sign up for volunteer opportunities and fun summer activities all in one place! HCPL will accept applications for TAB and the VolunTeen program.
Farmers Market - Fifth season for the Farmers Market @ St. Stephen’s (6000 Grove Avenue). Continues every Saturday through October 26, rain or shine. More than 30 farmers and other vendors, all local. Children’s activities, chef demos, music, ample free parking. 8am-noon.
My Manakin Market. Live music, pony rides, petting zoos, kids crafts, local vendors.
Armed Forces Day. 10am. A day for all Americans to come together to salute those who served and now serve in all branches of the U. S. military. Tribute performed by members of Virginia’s Native American community and other special events.
Art Museum Day. VMFA will offer free admission to the special exhibition Pop Art and Beyond: Tom Wesselmann as part of the American Association of Art Museum Directors (AAMD) Art Museum Day. The celebration complements International Museum Day, an annual worldwide event coordinated by the International Council of Museums (ICOM).
Armed Forces Day Celebration. Members of the public are invited to The Towers Retirement and Assisted Living Community located at 7015 Carnation Street, Richmond 12 pm, May 18 to a free Armed Forces Day celebration, with poetry, prayer and refreshments. For more info call 804-320-1412.
Dominion Riverrock: If you haven’t been to Riverrock then you haven’t seen some of the coolest outdoor sports festival around. At Brown’s Island. Free.
Stories at the Museum. VHS offers special educator led readings of history books for children. 11am-noon.
The String Family Safety Fair at Chesterfield Towne Center. 10am-3pm. Richmond Alarm Company presents The Spring Family Safety Fair at Chesterfield Towne Center. Meet with fire fighters, Chesterfield police, EMS and McGruff. Tour the Life-Evac helicopter at Chesterfield Mobile Command Center and much, much more. Free to the public – kids will love it!
Sunday, May 19
Fun n’ Fitness Festival. 2pm-5pm at Patterson Avenue Baptist Church, 4301 Patterson Avenue, Richmond VA. Central Virginia Food Bank Food & Fund Drive. Health and wellness experts, DJ, health screenings, mascots, games, dunk tank, prizes, games, face painting, balloon animals, air brush tattoos, photo booth, food, cake walk, petting zoo, silent auction fundraiser, and much more!
Pixar in Concert! The Richmond Symphony presents Pixar in Concert. You won’t want to miss this magical show with your favorite Pixar characters from Cars, Finding Nemo, Monsters Inc., The Incredibles, and more! Come visit Pixar’s most beloved characters on the big screen with the Richmond Symphony at the Carpenter Theatre at Richmond Centerstage on May 18 and May 19, 2013.
29th Annual Lebanese Food Festival - Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 17-19, at St. Anthony’s Maronite Church in Glen Allen. Three days of traditional homemade food, desserts, Lebanese wine and beer, folk dancing and live music. Plenty of vegetarian and child-friendly options. Sitdown dinners and a la carte. Free parking and admission. Rain or shine. ATM on site. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday.
Rassawek Wine and Heritage Festival. All Day. Virginia Wine Tasting, Live Music, Art & Crafts, Children’s Activities. Antique Cars & Farm Equipment, & Much More in the heart of the Virginia countryside at Rassawek Vineyard on May 18 & May 19.
3rd Annual Furry Friends Jubilee (FFJ) is a free pet health and wellness festival open to guests of all ages and their furry companions. There will be local veterinary hospitals, animal rescue and adoption organizations, great eats, and a variety of vendors for all interests. Please join us for a day of fun, food and pet health awareness!
Road to the Show Card Set Giveaway at the Diamond. Kids Club Members Eat Free & Road to the Show Card Set Giveaway presented by Coke Zero & Radio Disney. The FIRST 2,500 kids 14 & under receive a Road to the Show Card Set! Game time 2:05pm, gates open at 12:35pm.
A Woman’s War at Tredegar. From nurses, workers and spies, these remarkable women not only maintained the home front, they were instrumental in what happened on the battlefront! Explore the roles women played during the Civil War.
Love Where You Live - Join us for a fun, hands-on decorative painting class with Richmond’s Stephanie Green. A 2001 honors graduate of the nationally recognized Virginia Commonwealth University Painting and Printmaking department, Stephanie’s work has been featured in both national and local magazines. Her decorative finishes, custom murals, and commissioned paintings are in high demand throughout the Richmond area for both corporate and residential clients.
Charlotte’s Web onstage at Maymont. SPARC performs scenes from Charlotte’s Web on the Children’s Farm Lawn. Picnics are encouraged, along with blankets or chairs for sitting. It’s free! 2pm-3:30pm.
Fun n’ Fitness Festival. Join us as we fight hunger in our own backyard hosting a Food & Fund Drive for the Central VA Food Bank to meet the needs of so many people in our community and enjoy a free Fun n’ Fitness event aimed at making healthy activity and eating a part of families daily routines. Please bring a canned good or non perishable item for a donation. Entertainment will include: DJ Music * Sports Mascots * Local Personalities * Giveaways * Petting Zoo * Games * Inflatables * Dunk Tank * Clowns * Face Painting * Balloon Art * Silent Auction * and much much more. Patterson Baptist Church, 4301 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, VA. 2pm-5pm – free event.
Dominion Riverrock: If you haven’t been to Riverrock then you haven’t seen some of the coolest outdoor sports festival around. At Brown’s Island. Free.
