Check out the events all week and plan ahead. Be sure and visit our Fall Festival and Fun page too – where you’ll find new additions to the calendar throughout the season.
Plan Ahead
Choose the right kindergarten for your child at upcoming open houses October 16 and 26.
HCA Girl’s Day Out is coming up October 19 – plan a fun day with a girlfriend, daughter, mother, or just go by yourself and meet other women. It’s a fantastic day of learning, socializing, shopping, and fun!
Pink Tie Gala is October 20 – mark your calendar!
October is:
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- Family History Month
- Virginia Wine month
- Read Aloud to a Child Week is October 21-27
- And we would be remiss if we did not report that October is National Dessert Month too – enjoy! (National Dessert DAY is October 14).
In addition to our Festivals and Family Fun, and our newest After-school Activities listing, we’ve included other ongoing activities below. Be sure and check out all of our great resources for family-friendly fun in Richmond (and even a few adult-only events!).
Be sure to book by October 15 to get great discounts at Great Wolf Lodge to be used through December! Use our special code just for Richmondmoms.
Ongoing Activities
Young Tom Jefferson at Virginia Rep’s Children’s Theatre at Willow Lawn – through October 27. Check our website for special deals on tickets too!
If You Love Your City: Prove It October 1-28, 2012 - make a difference in our city.
Free movie night at Tom Leonards every Friday in October. IT’S BACK!!!!! Every Friday night in October starting around 7pm, please join Tom Leonards Farmers Market located at 4150 Brookriver Drive, Glen Allen, VA 23060 under the big tent for kids holiday movie night. Will include free movie, popcorn, hot chocolate, apple 
cider, face painting and hay rides. Bring your chair or sit on hay bales.
All Fired Up: Set Special: Buy 4, get 10% off! 10:00 am - 6:00 pm - Buy any four of the same item, and get them all for 10% off! What a perfect opportunity to make that set of bowls, plates, mugs, or tiles that you’ve been wanting to design.
The Hound of the Baskervilles – Now through November 4, 2012. Part of Virginia Rep’s Barksdale Season at Hanover Tavern – Three actors take on more than twenty roles including Holmes, Dr. Watson, and themselves as they hilariously retell the story of the classic thriller with the killer dog! This highly theatrical comedy will have you howling with laughter. A fast-paced spoof for the entire family! Click here for some ongoing events at the Science Museum of Virginia and more.
Guitar: The Instrument That Rocked the World at the Science Museum of Virginia.
Monday, October 8
All Fired up – Your Youngster & You: Halloween Prints - 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. On Monday, October 8th, choose from several Halloween-themed handprint and footprint designs and let our helpful staff take care of the rest! We’ll help you get the perfect print from your infant or toddler, paint a festive border, and write a simple inscription of your choice. We strongly recommend reserving a half-hour appointment between 10am-1pm. Cost is only $25 per print project on a large rimmed dinner plate.
Inlight Lantern-Making at The Children’s Museum from 9:30 am – 5 pm - Please join 1708 Gallery for lantern-making workshops throughout the month of October at The Children’s Museum to participate in InLight Richmond! InLight Richmond 2012 is 1708 Gallery’s 5th annual, public exhibition of light-based art and performances. Free to all, InLight will kick off with a Community Lantern Parade on Friday, November 2, 2012 in the new Arts & Culture District of Downtown W. Broad Street. For more information about InLight Richmond please visit www.1708gallery.org/inlight.
Tuesday, October 9
GrowRVA Food Truck Court at Science Museum of Virginia 5pm – 8pm - Bring your friends and family to the Science Museum to find your favorite food trucks with a variety of gourmet, ethnic and specialty foods. They’ll be at the Museum the second Tuesday and third Friday of each month through the end of the year. For more information visit the website.
End the Struggle: Understanding a Brain-Based Approach to ADHD, Social, Academic, and Behavior. Join Dr. Mark Smith, executive director of the Brain Balance Achievement Center of Richmond for this informative program for parents of children ages 4 – 17 that are struggling with academic, behavioral, emotional or sensory issues.
The Nature of Boys (Parents of boys birth – 9 years) – A class all about boys. Promises Preschool, Three Chopt Presbyterian Church, 9315 Three Chopt Road, $30 per person. By Commonwealth Parenting. *Pre-registration required for all classes and support groups. Call 545-1272 or visit the website.
Short Pump Pals Clubhouse Meeting. 11 a.m. at Short Pump Mall Food Court.Have a magical time with Mike Klee Magic! Mike has all sorts of tricks up his sleeve and is sure to bring his bag of tricks. Join us and be mesmerized by magic tricks, and learn a thing or two.
Wednesday, October 10
Strong Healthy Family Nights at Good Shepherd. Come to Strong Healthy Families Night at Good Shepherd Lutheran Child Development Center and learn meal planning strategies for healthy meals and snacks that your family will RAVE about! Valerie Waters, in-store registered dietician for Martin’s Food Market, will provide moms and dads with practical tips and creative solutions.
Spirited Art - 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.
Mommy & Me at Willow Lawn - Wednesday, October 10, 10-11:30am: Silly Bus. Stop by our Richmondmom.com table and say hello!
First Home School Day at Polegreen Church Foundation -The Historic Polegreen Church Foundation offers Richmonders a unique opportunity to experience some of the history of Richmond and Polegreen. The Foundation is planning its’ first Home School Day on Wednesday, October 10, 2012. The event will take place onsite at 6411 Heatherwood Drive in Mechanicsville, VA 23116.
Live Sky. Science Museum of Virginia.Join us for an out of this world adventure as we explore the stars
Thursday, October 11
I Love You ‘A Latte” Tray at All Fired Up for adults - 6:00 p.m - 8:00 pm - The second thursdays of the month are now our Adult Technique Class series. This month, on Thursday, October 11th, from 6-8pm, we’ll show you how to paint a swoop server tray with an adorable coffee design (see website for design and details). Tell a friend and reserve your spot today! Cost is only $35!
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month. TNCS is hosting an event on October 11 that will help parents and caregivers understand dyslexia. Check it out and register early to attend.
Barnes & Noble Storytime at Short Pump
Friday, October 12
Kugel Ball 2012: Strike A Chord - 6:30 pm – The stage is set for a rocking evening at the Science Museum of Virginia’s Kugel Ball. Dress in your best “Blue Jean Black Tie” and get ready for an evening that’s sure to be electric! Get an all access pass to one of the world’s most iconic instruments in Guitar: The Instrument That Rocked the World. This interactive exhibit explores the evolution of the guitar, its cultural impact and the science of sound. It will strike a chord with your inner musician! The evening includes a silent auction, dinner and dancing to live music, while raising awareness and support for the Museum’s mission: Inspiring Virginians to enrich their lives through science. For more details and to purchase tickets visit this link.
Toys ‘R Us Grand Opening in Short Pump. Fun for kids and adults.The store will celebrate its grand opening weekend with great savings, giveaways, kid-friendly activities and visits from popular costumed characters beginning on Friday, October 12 through Sunday, October 14.
Unraveling the Mystery of Children’s Mental Health - From Brains to Behavior. 8:30 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. at the Library of Virginia.
An Evening with Rosanne Cash at CMoR - 7:00 p.m. – Join us for a very special evening welcoming Rosanne Cash and her husband, John Leventhal, to Richmond. Mingle with Rosanne and John, hear them share a few songs, and learn more about why Rosanne has supported Children Incorporated, a Richmond-based child sponsorship organization, for 25 years. Tickets are limited, so make your reservations today. The event takes place on Friday evening, October 12 at the Richmond Children’s Museum, 7 until 10pm. Tickets are $75 per person.
Richmond Folk Festival in downtown Richmond historic area.
St. Catherine’s School Kindergarten Open House - 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Call 804.281.7140. Learn about what they have to offer.
After School Enrichment at All Fired Up. Working in wet clay, glass and glaze at Short Pump’s location from 3:30-4:30p.m., Carytown from 4-5 p.m.; Midlothian from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Call to register.
Saturday, October 13
The 6th Annual Step UP for Down Syndrome 5K & Family Festival is Saturday, October 13, 2012 from 8:30AM – Noon. It’s a heart-warming 5K run/walk and family festival. The event celebrates the abilities and accomplishments of individuals with Down syndrome in the Greater Richmond & Tri-Cities areas. Enjoy lots of FREE family activities, live music by The Groove Motive, DS Superstars Ceremony, pumpkin patch, fashion show featuring individuals with Down syndrome and more! Register to run, walk or volunteer at www.dsagr.com.
Musical Morning. 10am-11:15am. The Richmond Public Library – Main Library Auditorium. The Board of the Richmond Public Library Foundation invites your family to a musical morning featuring musicians from the Richmond Symphony. The program is free. You are encouraged to sponsor a book in your child’s name through the Foundation’s Buy-A-Book program.
Toys ‘R Us Grand Opening in Short Pump. Fun for kids and adults.The store will celebrate its grand opening weekend with great savings, giveaways, kid-friendly activities and visits from popular costumed characters beginning on Friday, October 12 through Sunday, October 14.
Make Someone Happy Day - Happy the Artist turns 70 and is throwing a public shindig to elebrate. Starting at 2:00 p.m. at Richmond’s Byrd Theatre – free movie, free popcorn, free cake and plenty of free fun. Happy wears colorful clown-like clothes and a bowler hat while driving mural-painted vehicles. The nationally known artist has traveled the country creating murals, exhibits, and more.
Snag-A-Job Pavilion at Innsbrook 11th Annual Fall Bash - Oysters, BBQ, local wines, and music. Must be 21_ to attend. Call 804.377.3430 for tickets or visit website. Tickets are $70 in advance; $80 at the door.
Musical Morning at the Library with musicians from the Richmond Symphony on Saturday, October 13, 2012 from 10 am to 11:15 am. It’s at the Auditorium of the Main Library, 101 E. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA and the program is free and open to the public. The Richmond Public Library Foundation invites you and your family to a musical morning featuring musicians from the Richmond Symphony. Join us at 10 am on Saturday, October 13, for refreshments, crafts, and an instrument petting zoo, followed by a performance at 10:30 by artists from the Richmond Symphony.
Art Workshop at CMoR - A Positive Perspective from 9:45 am – 10:30 am.
Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes 2012.
Paint the Town Green. We will meet up at Monroe Park at 8:30AM on 10/13/12 for a free breakfast. This event will satisfy any community service hours needed as long as you sign in. We will group up and head to the pick up sites at 9AM and should finish at 1PM where we will return to Monroe park for a party.
The Vintage Home Market is a gathering of some of the region’s very best vintage and antiques dealers, and true craftspeople who re-purpose and create with vintage finds. This is an indoor and outdoor fall show which also features gourmet food and beverages from local eateries.
11th House performs at the Science Museum of Virginia - performs live on stage in the exhibition Guitar: The Instrument That Rocked the World at the Science Museum of Virginia. Join us on designated Saturdays, for live guitar acoustic performances by Richmond area musicians. Each performance is about 1 hour long and is included with Museum admission.
International Mother & Daughter East Coast Pageant - October 13 at 11:00 a.m. at New Life Outreach International Church in Richmond. Compete for the crown – a family friendly event in celebration of mothers and daughters everywhere. Contact Kesha at [email protected] or visit the website.
Richmond Bonsai Society Exhibit at Maymont - In celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Maymont’s Japanese Garden, the Richmond Bonsai Society will display their horticultural masterpieces and discuss the art of Bonsai, training a tree in a low pot. Free admission. Rain date is Sunday, October 14. For information, call 804-358-7166, ext. 310.
Kids Night Out at Romp n Roll. 5pm-8pm. Romp n’ Roll Midlothian, 11541 Busy St. Richmond VA 23236. Every kid deserves a special night out…and so do you! That’s why we created Kids Night Out. Parents get an evening to themselves while the children get to run and play with our energetic instructors and enjoy a Pizza Party dinner at Romp n’ Roll. $30, which includes a pizza dinner for ages 2-5 (potty-training not required). Reservations Required.
11th Annual Comfort Zone Camp Fall Bash - Join us for the 11th Annual Fall Bash. Enjoy all-you-can-eat oysters, barbeque, local wineries, and music from the incredible Right On.
JEFFREY A. REED MEMORIAL FUND 2ND ANNUAL 5K - Join us for the 2nd Annual 5k and One Mile Fun Run to benefit the Jeffrey A. Reed Memorial Fund! The fund, founded in memory of Army Sgt. Jeffrey Reed who was killed in Iraq in 2009, provides funding for college scholarships as well as various programs that help the veterans of our Armed Forces, both on a local and national level.
Sunday, October 14
Black Girls RUN!? Of course we do! We would like to invite you to join BGR! Richmond on Sunday, October 14 for our Monument Avenue run/walk event! The group will meet at First Baptist Church on Monument Avenue at 2:30pm. We will have a 2 mile and 3 mile walk/run. We invite women of all races and fitness levels.
Toys ‘R Us Grand Opening in Short Pump. Fun for kids and adults.The store will celebrate its grand opening weekend with great savings, giveaways, kid-friendly activities and visits from popular costumed characters beginning on Friday, October 12 through Sunday, October 14.
