Guests are welcome to tour the facility, try a fitness class or stop by for a workout. Guest fees will be waived for the day, and donations to the VCU Massey Cancer Center will accepted. All donations will go directly to this organization. There will be special Group Exercise classes scheduled throughout the day, including many Les Mills’ classes and MAC Kids’ Club will be open from 8:00am-5:00pm. The Sweet Frog mobile truck will also be onsite and donating a portion of all sales to the Massey Cancer Center as well.

MAC will donate $50 to the Massey Cancer Center for each new membership received on Saturday, March 14th. All Guests will also be entered into a drawing for a free one-month Silver Level Family Membership at MAC.

Midlothian Athletic Club is a full service health club with group exercise classes, cardio & free weight equipment, personal training, tennis, racquetball, basketball court, indoor pool, outdoor water park and Kids’ Club. MAC, located at 10800 Center View Drive, is locally owned and operated.

If you need any further information, please contact Chrissie Callis at (804) 330-2222 (ext. 304) or chrissie@macrichmond.com.

Midlothian Athletic Club Open House
Saturday, March 14, 2015
10800 Center View Drive

March means spring!
Spring means outside!
Outside means FESTIVALS!

It’s time to get outside and breathe some fresh (not frozen) air.

Fill your calendar with these awesome outdoor activities:

March 6, 2015

Squirrels First Friday Fan Fest & Ticketpalooza
5:30PM-8:00PM
The Diamond
In homage to the Squirrels 2015 Free Shirt Fridays, the first 100 fans who purchase tickets during the First Friday Fan Fest & Ticketpalooza on March 6^th will receive a free T-shirt. Happy hour drink specials will be available from 5:30PM-7:30PM just as they will be all season long during Free Shirt Friday games. Fans can also enjoy live music, concession items and a sneak peak at the new upgrades taking place at The Diamond. FREE to attend.

March 14, 2015

Shamrock the Block
11:00 am- 5pm
1301 North Boulevard, Richmond , VA 23230

Shamrock The Block is free to attend, with great food, live music all day and plenty o’ green beverages for you to enjoy safely, so bring a designated driver. Special kids area with face-painting, bounces, games and more. Come early though, as some lines can get long. FREE.

St. Paddy’s Day Palooza  ***THIS EVENT HAS BEEN MOVED TO SUNDAY MARCH 15***
11:00am-5:00pm
Innsbrook Pavilion 4901 Lake Brook Dr.

Last year over 10,000 people attended the family-friendly St. Paddy’s Day Palooza a benefit for St. Baldrick’s Innsbrook is gearing up to help you shake off the winter doldrums and enjoy everything Irish! Families can enjoy live music, Irish dancing, bands, food, inflatable: slide, moon bounce, and obstacle course, ice cream, face painting, a petting zoo, pony rides and a hot air balloon.  Free to attend.

Shockoe Festival
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
17th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23220

Live music, Irish dancing, beer, Irish coffee and food. More information to come.

March 15, 2015

St. Paddy’s Day Palooza 
11:00am-5:00pm
Innsbrook Pavilion 4901 Lake Brook Dr.

Last year over 10,000 people attended the family-friendly St. Paddy’s Day Palooza a benefit for St. Baldrick’s Innsbrook is gearing up to help you shake off the winter doldrums and enjoy everything Irish! Families can enjoy live music, Irish dancing, bands, food, inflatable: slide, moon bounce, and obstacle course, ice cream, face painting, a petting zoo, pony rides and a hot air balloon.  Free to attend.

March 21 & 22, 2015

Church Hill Irish Festival
March 21 10:00 am – 7:00 pm.
March 22 the HillTopper 5K race will begin at 8:00 am. The festival closes at 6:00 pm

In addition to great entertainment, there will be plenty of family fun, including children’s games, a large children’s play area, face painting and Irish-themed crafts. Over thirty Irish vendors will be in attendance. Food and refreshments will also be available. Enjoy wonderful “Irish Lasagna” prepared by the Ladies of St. Patrick’s, “Fish and Chips” and other favorites provided by Rare Olde Times Irish Pub, and many more.
A $5.00 donation will be collected at the gate, proceeds benefit neighborhood causes as well as St. Baldrick’s Society and the historic preservation of St. Patrick’s Church.

March 27-29, 2015

Virginia Horse Festival 
March 27: 1-9 p.m.
March 28: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
March 29: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A three day festival perfect for horse owners, riders and enthusiasts. Food vendors, storytelling, horse shows and more.  Find out more about this family friendly event here.

 Get the mid-week update from Richmondmom by signing up for our newsletter. You’ll get an up-to-date look at kid and family friendly events and activities in the Richmond, Virginia area as well as great stories, school and playgroup information, dinner ideas, shopping, camp informations, volunteering and a whole lot more. Sign up for our newsletter here and find us on Facebook.

Get ready for the 4th of July!
Here are some great ways to celebrate Independence Day in and around RVA

Ongoing

Busch Gardens Star Spangled Nights
July 3- Aug 10
Busch Gardens® celebrates America with a bang during an all-new summer spectacular, “Star Spangled Nights” July 3 through Aug. 10. This event inspires park-goers through fireworks, moving original soundscapes and unforgettable environments. Unique merchandise and culinary offerings blend seamlessly with rich musical traditions, creating a fun red, white and blue event that can only be found at Busch Gardens. A special extended fireworks event will be presented July 3 – 5 to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Fireworks at Kings Dominion
Fireworks May 24 – August 31 during 10pm close
When the sun sets, the fun ignites! End your day of fun at Kings Dominion with our immersive nighttime experience. To honor 40 years of fun you have to throw quite a party and our nighttime celebration is bursting with energy, vibrant lights, live singing and dancing and is all capped off with a spectacular fireworks display.

July 3rd, 2014

Brown’s Island in Downtown Richmond   **** POSTPONED UNTIL JULY 5th DUE TO WEATHER
Thursday, July 3, 2014  Saturday, July 5th!
Entertainment begins at approximately 7:30 PM
Fireworks to begin at approximately 9:15 PM
RVA Fireworks on the James is a FREE “Patriotic Family Fun” event that will feature performances by SPARC (School of Performing Arts in the Richmond Community), the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra, the Richmond Ballet’s “Minds in Motion,” and the Latin Ballet of Virginia. In case of rain, the event will take place on Saturday, July 5th. Music will be provided on Brown’s Island; however, entertainment scheduled for July 3rd will not take place.

Genworth Financial 31st Annual Celebrate Freedom Independence Day Concert
Thursday July 3, 2014
6:30pm
Join Genworth on Thursday, July 3, 2014 to celebrate freedom with the Heritage of America Band. The concert will begin at 6:30pm at Genworth Financial’s World Headquarters located at 6620 West Broad Street. The concert will be immediately followed by our 9th annual fireworks display. Children and adults of all ages are welcome, but please, leave your pets at home. We will have face painting, balloons, giveaways, food vendors and much more. We have plenty of free parking and will be offering transportation between the parking lot and the event site for those who need assistance. This event is free and open to the public. We look forward to seeing you there!

July 4th, 2014

Ashland’s “This Land is Our Land” 2014 Fourth of July Celebration!
Friday, July 4, 2014
Now over 100 years old, this celebration is what makes Ashland a “great small town to live in”. The festivities begin early with a run, followed by a Parade, activities, food and afternoon entertainment at the Band shell in Lithia Park, and concludes late that evening with a spectacular fireworks display for all to see. ​ Click here for the full schedule.

Brandermill 4th of July Parade & Performance
(Brandermill homeowners only)
Friday, July 04, 2014,  10:00am
3700 Old Hundred Road, Midlothian, VA 23112
The parade steps off at 10:00am! At the end of the parade, we will be circling up, at Sunday Park, and playing Amazing Grace in honor of Brendon Mackey, the little boy that was killed there last year.  There is a fund setup to help the family, and individual donations can be made online.

Brewdependence Day at Hardywood
Friday, July 04, 2014 3:00pm
Join us in celebrating our nation’s birthday, beginning at 3pm! Soul and rock all day from 5 RVA bands, great eats from a dozen of your favorite gourmet mobile food vendors, culminating in 4th of July fireworks over the Diamond.
Hardywood’s Independence Day Celebration will be open to the public, all ages with no entry fee. Bracelets will be available for people 21-years of age and over to purchase draft and cans.
Cash is encouraged at the event as we would love to serve everyone as quickly as possible! Tickets will be on sale during tasting room hours beginning Friday, June 27th. All beer tickets $6. Get yours in advance!

CarMax Free Fourth of July
Garden open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. with FREE admission; activities in Children’s Garden 1 – 4 p.m
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and CarMax are pleased to announce the CarMax Free Fourth of July at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. On Friday, July 4, 2014, all visitors to the Garden will receive free admission throughout the day (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) The free admission includes entrance to the popular Butterflies LIVE! exhibit.
The Garden is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. with scheduled activities in the Children’s Garden from 1 – 4 p.m.

Chesterfield County 4th of July Celebration
Friday, July 04, 2014 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM  (rain-date Sat., July 5)
Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, 10300 Courthouse Road
Celebrate our independence with a spectacular fireworks display at dark! The event includes an activity area for children and special entertainment. No alcohol, glass bottles, pets or personal fireworks, please. Blankets or lawn chairs are recommended. Limited parking; roads leading to fairgrounds will be closed at 9 p.m. or when parking lots are full. Don’t miss this fun-filled event for all ages.  Free.  Gates open at 5 p.m.; fireworks at dark. Details: 804-748-1623

Colonial Heights 4th of July Fireworks
Friday, July 4, 2014, 9:15pm
Rain Date: Saturday, July 5, 2014
The City of Colonial Heights will sponsor a fireworks display on Friday, July 4, 2014 in the vicinity of Charles Dimmock Parkway in Colonial Heights.
Fireworks will start at approximately 9:15 pm. Viewing for the fireworks will be off Interstate 95, Exit 53 or 54 in the Southgate Square/Wal-Mart Area. Bring blankets and/or lawn chairs.
For more information, please contact the Colonial Heights Recreation & Parks Department at (804) 520-9390.
Dogwood Dell 4th July Celebration
Byrd Park- 6000 S. Blvd.  Richmond, VA 23220
Celebrate the fourth of July with music and fireworks at Dogwood Dell. Susan Greenbaum at 5:30 p.m., Larry Robinson on the Carillon bells at 7 p.m. and the Richmond Concert Band at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks at dusk.

Fireworks at the Diamond
The Diamond
Pyrotechnics will conclude the Richmond Flying Squirrels’ game.

Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration
Fri, Jul 4, 1-5pm at Crump Park/Meadow Farm Museum
Join us for a spectacular event in celebration of America’s Independence! Wear your red, white and blue and enjoy the holiday spending a day at the park. There will be patriotic activities and entertainment for everyone to enjoy. Both the Meadow Farm Museum and Orientation Center will be open for visitation. NEW IN 2014: Sail the high seas and prepare to get wet in the Pirate Play Area. Concessions will be available for purchase. Information: 270-2161.

Fun, Music & Fireworks!
Celebrate your independence at Fort Lee’s Fourth at the Fort, our annual Independence Day celebration, on Friday, July 4, at Williams Stadium. This event begins at 5 p.m. with music, food and the KidZone (inflatable rides and games for the kids). A spectacular fireworks show will begin at approximately 9:35 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Personal pyrotechnics, tailgating, glass bottles, smoking and pets are not permitted in or around the event area. Coolers may be no larger than 6” x 6” x 12”. For more information, call (804) 765-3176.

Tips for Celebrating 4th of July Safely

Yep.

Here’s your daily sentimental ad from Dove, but it’s not for women this time.

It’s for dads.

Grab a tissue, have a look.

Happy Father’s Day.

(ps. If you can’t see the video below on your mobile device, the link is here.)

 Things to do before Father’s Day:

Celebrate Fatherhood
Free event with fun and games for the whole family.
Sunday, June 8, 2014 from 1-4 p.m.
at Ukrop Park
5300 Ridgedale Parkway
Richmond, VA 23234
Make a gift at All Fired Up:

Preschool Pottery: #1 Dad Plate
Saturday, June 7th & Monday, June 9th
Click here to sign up!

Tiny Prints: Dad’s Love TIES Us Together
Come in anytime in June!
Click to find out more

Father’s Day Special
Dads get 20% off on Father’s Day!

Saturday, June 14th, 2014

Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods Father-Child Golf Tournament
4th Annual event to benefit The First Tee and First Things First of Greater Richmond. This is a sell out every year so sign up quick! Lunch provided by Ukrops Homestyle Foods.

Craft Beer Fever (Kid friendly)
Join The Shops at Willow Lawn on June 14th from 2-6pm for dozens of craft beers, live music by The Uncle Jack Band, delicious cuisine from American Tap Room, Zoës Kitchen, Which Wich, Qdoba Mexican Grill, and Noodle & Co. and more fun. Don’t forget to bring the whole family because the event will also feature a Kid’s Zone boasting a bounce house, face painting, balloon art, ring toss, duck pond game, golf challenge and more! The first 500 ticketed guests who arrive at the event will receive a Craft Beer Fever reusable bag!

Beer, Bourbon and BBQ (not as kid friendly)
Join us at the festival for a great day of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, cigar smokin’, and barbeque eatin’. Your admission buys you a sampling glass so you can enjoy an ALL-YOU-CARE –TO-TASTE sampling of beer and bourbon. Some of the best barbeque vendors are on-site if you get hungry all while enjoying seminars in the tasting theater and LIVE music all day. (Kids under 12 are free but this event is not designed for children)

On Father’s Day, June 15th, 2014

Flying Squirrels Father’s Day Picnic
It’s the Flying Squirrels vs. the Fisher Cats
$60 Package includes:
All you can eat buffet, Father’s Day visor, two Diamond Club tickets and First pitch with father and child.
Picnic starts at 12:30pm, game time is at 1:35pm

Keg n’ Oyster Fest at Hardywood
Steamed, raw or fried, however you like your oysters you can wash them down with local craft beer.Food trucks will also be around if oysters make you a little bit squeamish.
June 15, 12 – 6-pm at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery

Ice Cream Social at Walkerton Tavern
Treat dad (and the kids) to delicious free Bruster’s ice cream while listening to the music of the Henrico Concert Band, making homemade ice cream, and playing your favorite backyard games. Tours of these historic gems will also be available. Information: 652-3409 or 261-6898.
Sun, Jun 15, 4-6pm

 Father’s Day at Lewis Ginter
Celebrate the man in your life with family fun, model boats, live music, and a tasty cookout (for purchase). Enjoy a free concert (included in Garden admission) by the Jangling Reinharts down at the Bloemendaal House where food will be available for purchase. The Richmond Model Yacht Club will also be on-site showing off different model boats on Sydnor Lake.

Father’s Day Cookout at Lewis Ginter
Location: lawn at historic Bloemendaal House; served buffet-style.
Hours: Noon – 3 p.m.
Cost: $10 adult; $5 children under age 12. (in addition to Garden admission)
Menu: Hotdogs, hamburgers, pork BBQ, coleslaw, potato salad, fresh fruit, cookies & brownies, lemonade & water.
Also available for purchase: bottled water, beer & wine.

Father’s Day Cookout at Strangeways Brewery
Noon-7:00pm
Strangeways is partnering with Yellow Umbrella Provisions and Dixie Donuts to bring you a Father’s Day celebration dad won’t soon forget. Of course, there’s 25 delicious, cold beers on tap, but we’ll also have fresh made Dixie Donuts and a killer menu by Yellow Umbrella that includes:

-Pork BBQ Sliders served with Carolina Vinegar Sauce or Red BBQ Sauce
-Beef Brisket Sliders served with Red BBQ Sauce or Horseradish
-Grilled Chicken Quarters served with Alabama White BBQ Sauce
-Softshell Crab Sandwiches with Lettuce, Tomato and Avocado
-Corn on the Cob
-Baked Beans with Allen Benton’s Country Bacon
-Country Slaw

We’ll keep this list updated with more great Father’s Day events and activities as they come.
If you’re planning an event please submit the info to Sarah@Richmondmom.com

Photo by Jessica Nazarova

Dad’s shoulders have been there for you, now you can be there for them.

Whether dad spends most of his days at a desk, on his feet, or staying home with the kids, day to day life is putting a lot of strain on his body.

We all know getting a massage feels good, but it also has a whole host of health benefits from stress relief to pain management. Studies have even suggested that massage can boost the immune system and aid the body’s ability to get nourishment to important areas.

This year, forgo the tie, the mug, and the other nicknacks and pick up a gift card to Massage Envy Spa and he can treat himself to the massage that’s right for him.

Massage Envy Spa offer Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, reflexology and cranial sacral therapy.  Get a little more out of your massage with aromatherapy for aches and pains, to help increase circulation or to ease tension.

For particularly achy dads, boost his experience with Deep Muscle Therapy which includes a muscle relaxing warming towel compression, a warming ointment which allows therapist to work deeper into the muscles and an invigorating and pain relieving cooling gel for only $12 extra.

Massage Envy gift cards are availableat any of your 6 Richmond area locations today.

This post is sponsored by Massage Envy

The Memorial Day Picnic Package includes a Diamond Club Ticket, and a 1.5 hour all-you-can-eat buffet from 11:00AM to 12:30 PM! First pitch is scheduled for 12:05 PM.

On the menu are ball park favorites like hot dogs, mac and cheese, hamburgers, cookies and coca-cola products.

Memorial Day Picnic
Richmond Flying Squirrels vs. Trenton Thunder
Game Time: 12:05 PM
Picnic Time: 11:00- 12:30 pm

Get Tickets

Busch Gardens®  announced the remaining artists performing in the Busch Gardens® LIVE and Glory at the Gardens concert series presented by Coca-Cola®.  With a lineup featuring rock, country and Christian music, there’s something for everyone this summer.

2014 Summer Sechedule

July 4
Lee Greenwood
Busch Gardens LIVE

July 5
The Romantics
Busch Gardens LIVE

July 20
Lynard Skynyrd
Busch Gardens LIVE

July 26
LeAnne Rimes
Busch Gardens LIVE

August 3
Steven Curtis Chapman
Glory at the Gardens

Busch Gardens LIVE and Glory at the Gardens concerts are held at Busch Gardens’ Royal Palace Theatre. The theater’s gates open approximately two hours before the scheduled 7 p.m. performance.  All Busch Gardens LIVE and Glory at the Gardens concerts are included with park admission. For guests’ convenience complimentary concert tickets are distributed throughout the day at the park’s Guest Relations building. Tickets are distributed one-per-person on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. All party members must be present to receive tickets. Tickets are required for entry to the concert. Premium seating in a reserved area is also available with the purchase of concert and dinner packages.

Get tickets here or call (800) 343-7946.

]]> http://richmondmom.com/2014/05/15/summer-concert-line-up-at-busch-gardens/feed/ 0 http://richmondmom.com/event/all-pro-dad-3/ http://richmondmom.com/event/all-pro-dad-3/#comments Thu, 08 May 2014 19:04:48 +0000 http://richmondmom.com/event/all-pro-dad-3/ ALL PRO DAD

To provide dads and their elementary-aged kids with a chance to bond beyond school and the home, First Things First offers a monthly All Pro Dad program. Using the nationally recognized program, First Things First provides chances for dads to interact with their elementary age kids in a fun-filled, engaged environment while enjoying some great pizza courtesy of MARTINS’s generosity. Dads and kids will walk away with great life lessons and a stronger connection. Space is limited and registration required.

All Pro Dad is hosted on the first and second Tuesday nights of the month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and is FREE of charge!

2014 Schedule (Click on one of the links below to register: 

May 13: MARTIN’S at Chesterfield Town Center
June 3: MARTIN’S at Crossridge

Location Addresses:

• Martin’s Food Markets – Crossridge: 10250 Staples Mill Rd., Glen Allen, VA 23228
• Martin’s Food Markets – Chesterfield Towne Center, 11361 Midlothian Tpke, Richmond, VA 23236

To start an All Pro Dad in your community, contact Aaron at aaron@firstthingsrichmond.org.