Get ready for August ’cause here it comes! This week is filled with lots of activities. And don’t miss all of the Olympic Games and check out our Olympic fun right here on Richmondmom.com. We’ve got tons of fun listed here and on our Summer Activities list.
Remember our Real Cute Kids contest is underway. If you haven’t already registered and scheduled to have your child’s picture taken by Real Life Studios, click here before it’s too late. Photos must be taken by Real Life no later than August 10 (sorry, no other photos can be submitted for this contest).
Ongoing Events
Kings Dominion Turns Pink! August 1 – September 3, 2012
August Afternoons at the Virginia Historical Society. Every day in August, the Virginia Historical Society will offer families the opportunity to participate in educator-led programs, craft activities, and group readings of historically-themed books. All programs are free and open to the public. Advance reservations are not required.
Complimentary dessert platter when you order from Wild Greens Catering during August.
Nice People Dancing. Hanover Tavern. July 13 – August 26. Tickets on sale now. Nice People Dancing is a funny, light-hearted play by award-winning Broadway and Off-Broadway playwright Lee Blessing.
To The Arctic IMAX – An extraordinary journey to the top of the world, the documentary adventure “To The Arctic” tells the ultimate tale of survival. The film takes audiences on a never-before-experienced journey into the lives of a mother polar bear and her twin seven-month-old cubs as they navigate the changing Arctic wilderness they call home. Captivating, adventurous and intimate footage brings moviegoers up close and personal with this family’s struggle to survive in a frigid environment of melting ice, immense glaciers, spectacular waterfalls, and majestic snow-bound peaks.
Maharaja: The Splendors of India’s Great Kings – 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. It examines the changing role of the maharajas (“great kings”) within a social and historical context, and reveals how their patronage of the arts, both in India and Europe, resulted in splendid and beautiful objects symbolic of royal status, power and identity.
Butterflies LIVE! Back by popular demand! Hundreds of butterflies will take flight in Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s glass Conservatory in 2012. The Butterflies LIVE! exhibit is back by popular demand and will feature showy tropical species through October 14, 2012. The exhibit will also feature special plantings to provide food for the butterflies, allowing visitors to get an “up-close” and personal view of these fascinating creatures.
Monday, July 30
Free Henrico Concert Band & Henrico Community Band. 7 pm at Dorey Park by the lake. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and spend a casual evening in the park listening to your favorite band music! In case of inclement weather, the concerts may be cancelled. There will be no rain dates.
The Richmond Walks and History Programs is sponsoring a summer enrichment day camp (weekly sessions) for rising fourth and fifth graders who seek science/social studies exploration in the great outdoors. Sites visited: The Richmond Riverfront, Richmond’s Historic Canals, Historic Tredegar Ironworks, Brown’s Island, Belle Isle and The Virginia State Capitol. Call 804.673.9255 with questions.
Tuesday, July 31
Head to the Virginia Historical Society every Tuesday and Friday night this summer for the RVA Food Truck Court, a gathering of over 10 gourmet mobile catering vendors. Participating food trucks will offer gourmet chef inspired food, specialty beverages, and desserts. Check website for changes in dates/times.
Regal Movies for just $1 at 10:00 a.m. Check them out near you!
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.
Flying Squirrels vs. Reading Phillies at 7:05 p.m. at The Diamond.
Wednesday, August 1
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.
Spring Awakening at The November Theatre. Winner of eight 2007 TONY Awards, Spring Awakening examines the unbridled energy that ignites the journey from youth to adulthood. Charged with sexual power, poignancy and passion (plus a brilliant contemporary score), Spring Awakening was named “Best Musical of the Year” by nearly every critic including the New York Times. Suggested for ages 16+. Contains profanity, partial nudity.
Old Crow Medicine Show with the Lumineers and The Milk Carton Kids perform at Groovin’ in the Garden. Held at Maymont. 5:30 p.m. Buy tickets.
Stephen Christoff performs Colonial American music at Dogwood Dell’s Festival of Arts on the Ha’Penny Stage.
Henrico Teen Theatre Company presents Stories Under the Big Top – Come one! Come All! Step right up! Watch the greatest stories on Earth come alive under the big top! It’s a circus full of laughter and lively storytelling as the ringmaster and players perform a variety of well-known tales such as The Bremen Town Musicians, The Billy Goats Gruff, The Lion and the Mouse, Monkey See, Monkey Do and The Magic Fish. Fun for young and old alike! Directed by Brooke Turner. It’s at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen for all ages. Call 501.5859 for information. Reservations required but it’s FREE!
Richmond Flying Squirrels vs. Reading Phillies. Visit website for information.
Wednesday, August 2
Short Pump Summer Concert Series – The Summer Concert Series returns beginning June 21st and continuing every Thursday evening (weather permitting) through August 16th. Families are invited to enjoy FREE live music performed by local bands, great food, PRIZES and of course, fabulous shopping! Concerts begin at 6:00 PM and run until 8:00 PM in the Main Plaza August 2 – Broke By Sunday (Classic Party Music)
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. On the third Thursday of each month, we’ll have a special visit from Seymour and the Children’s Museum. Thursday January 12, 2012 10:30 AM – Thursday December 13, 2012 at Short Pump – 11640 W. Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23233, 804-360-0103.
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!
Friday, August 3
Head to the Virginia Historical Society every Tuesday and Friday night this summer for the RVA Food Truck Court, a gathering of over 10 gourmet mobile catering vendors. Participating food trucks will offer gourmet chef inspired food, specialty beverages, and desserts. Check website for changes in dates/times.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – Catch a performance of “Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at Dogwood Dell’s Festival of Arts.
Kung Fu Panda 2 – All movies are FREE and open to the public. Movies start at 8:30, weather permitting. Call 646-5733 for details. Bring a blanket, chair and refreshments.
Maymont’s The Art & Influence of Japan – Explore the influence of Japan on decorative arts and home furnishings as represented in Maymont Mansion. During this in-depth tour led by senior museum staff, guests will learn about the development of Japonisme in the West and its far reaching impact on collecting and design.
Appalachian Storyteller – Anndrena Belcher. From 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Richmond Main Public Library. Come see a great performance that includes music, dance, and stories! Groups of 5 or more, please call for reservations at 646-4768. Free for all ages!
Saturday, August 4
Mr. Steve at CMOR Central. A PBS favorite is at CMoR! Children will love Mr. Steve’s award-winning participatory songs and clever stories, and so will parents. Make sure you’re here for three fabulous performances and lots of opportunities to meet him in person!
Anthem Moonlight Ride at 8:00 p.m. Take in the sights and sounds of RVA by bike… under a full moon… with 2,500 other riders decked out in crazy lights and costumes. Then top it off with pizza, ice cream, a live concert and a Blue Moon beer. Visit www.sportsbackers.com for registration info.
Pets on Parade at My Manakin Market – Our dog-friendly Market invites you and your pet to join us! We welcome Fetch A Cure, a from the heart 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization determined to improve the quality of life by connecting people and pets. They will have info and maybe a dog or two! At 9:30 and 11:00 you will be dazzled by April Dawkins and her dancing dog Lyndie! Adrati K-9 Rescue will be back with more dogs to adopt and a demo on obedience and agility. Our kids activity: 3D Stand Up Cat
Delbert McClinton at Powhatan Live on August 4 at 6:00 p.m. Visit www.powhatanlive.com for more information.
Ready, Set, School! Volunteers will be accepting donations of school supplies for distribution to students at Hanover County Public Schools at the Atlee Kroger (9351 Atlee Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23116) and the Ashland Wal-Mart (145 Hill Carter Parkway, Ashland, VA 23005). Community groups, faith-based organizations and individuals are encouraged to drop off their school supply donations during this event.
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!
Come witness a unique urban experience as up to 10,000 Purple Martins swarm down into the Bradford Pear trees next to the 17th Street Farmers’ Market! Shockoe Bottom is home to the only known urban bird festival where onlookers are able to experience the phenomenon of Purple Martins rushing to roost in the heart of a city! Bring your family and friends, learn more about Purple Martins, take home a Gourd to house Martins in your yard, cool off with purple gelato, or stop by the local restaurants around the Farmers’ Market for dinner and a Purple Martini! Don’t miss this unique and family-friendly event!
Bank of America Cardholders receive free admission to both Children’s Museum of Richmond locations on the first full weekend of every month! Simply show your Bank of America credit or debit card and photo ID to receive free admission to CMoR Central or CMoR Short Pump. Visit Bank of America for more information.
Back to School Party. FAMILIES CAN GEAR UP FOR GOING BACK TO SCHOOL DURING SIMON MALLS’ SPECIAL CHILDREN’S EVENT. Simon Kidgits Club and Imperial Toy share the latest fashion trends and toys before the school year starts.
Home Depot Kids Workshop. FREE hands-on workshops designed for children ages 5 – 12 offered the 1st Saturday of every month at all The Home Depot stores between 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Dogs Day at Goochland Baptist Church on Manakin Road.
Hotel California: Original Tribute to the Eagles – Pocahontas Premieres Concert Series. Family fun, music and outdoor fun. The original Eagles tribute band, Hotel California prides itself on creating the illusion that you are listening to the real thing. Pocahontas Premieres is a series of concerts hosted at Pocahontas State Park’s spacious amphitheatre.
Sunday, August 5
Fish Fry and Summer Concert on Sunday, August 5th – 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM – Cool Spring Baptist Church – 9283 Atlee Station Road. In concert “Faithful Praise” a new, unique group with a sound and blend seldom heard. Faithful Praise brings a fresh energy to gospel music. Their harmonies are the type of blend that one would expect to hear from a family that has sung together for years. Based out of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, LaDena Hall, Tommy Fortune, and Shari DeLange have joined together to create a sound that reflects their hearts for the message of the gospel.
Carytown Watermelon Festival – Imagine…115,000 people, over 3000 watermelons and you! With 80 musicians, over 100 exhibitors, one of the largest kids areas of any festival!
National Farmer’s Market Week – support your local farmers and local businesses – today kicks off the national week to celebrate farmers and local businesses!
Movies Under the Stars at Dogwood Dell.
