Meet this week's guest editor, Nick Serfass! Got an idea? Give it to Nick - he’ll put it down, flip it, and reverse it over and over again until it becomes a hit. Nick is a creative problem-solver who thrives in association life, blending entrepreneurial spirit with event production, media storytelling, and community impact. Formerly an architect with Baskervill, he shifted careers to work in regulatory agencies and student organizations, ultimately landing at rvatech/. There, Nick has positioned Richmond as a potential AI and machine learning tech hub and helped launch a brand platform to attract and retain tech talent in "Tech’s Most Creative City." A proud Midlothian resident since 1988, he’s also a dedicated ultramarathon runner, avid reader, and local coffee, golf, and speakeasy connoisseur.
Take it away, Nick ...
Halloween UnHappy Hour at Poe Museum
Presented by Triple Crossing, come along on Thursday, October 24th, from 6-9 PM for the Poe Museum’s Creature Feature Halloween UnHappy Hour! Don’t miss the most beloved — and spookiest — UnHappy Hour of the year. For this special Creature Feature theme, the Poe Museum will be joined once again by Richmond surf rock legends The Embalmers. As always, there will be a contest for the best costumes, scary-good refreshments, beer from Triple Crossing, and an assortment of wines. Plus, TBT El Gallo will be for sale in the parking lot with elevated Mexican street food for any hungry beasts or ghoulies! Hope to see you there, for a miserable time from six to nine.
Vitals:
Halloween UnHappy Hour / Thursday, October 24, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm / tickets, $12 at the door / Poe Museum, 1914 E Main Street
Richmond Restaurant Week
Since 2001, Richmond Restaurant Week has showcased the city's diverse food scene while supporting Feed More, a Richmond-based nonprofit that collects, prepares and distributes food to our neighbors in need. For two weeks each year, diners can enjoy a three-course meal at top locally-owned restaurants for just over $35. Make a reservation, try something new, and help the community by simply savoring a great meal. Contribute to the local economy and help eliminate hunger just by enjoying a great meal.
Central Virginia's premier fall technology conference, rvatech/'s Women in Tech Conference is curated by Richmond's women in tech community but is designed and built for all audiences including technologists, business leaders, community builders, educators, and students. Aimed at bringing together professionals on a wide range of relevant topics to learn, engage, and collaborate, this event will feature a robust slate of keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. Held at the Science Museum of Virginia, the Women in Tech Conference features tracks on technology, innovation, and leadership. Come one, come all to rvatech/'s largest conference of the year.
The Richmond Technology Council recently developed a new brand platform for the city of Richmond and its tech ecosystem: Richmond, VA - Tech's Most Creative City. The brand platform was the result of over two years of research, collaboration, and strategy aimed at positioning Richmond as a higher profile tech town on the national stage. The initiative is aimed at continuing to build and grow the already prominent and world-class tech workforce that exists in the city today. The hopeful result of its implementation will be enhanced recognition, awareness, and perception of the city among the technology workforce nationally.
The Tech's Most Creative City brand platform was developed after careful competitive analysis, persona development, strategy research, and creative design conducted by local ad agency Two Tango. The effort included collaboration among the organization's largest members, including Capital One, CarMax, Altria, Meta, Google, and Amazon Web Services, in addition to input from collateral organizations including local economic development authorities, educational institutions, and partner nonprofits. The first phase of implementation is the launch of https://techsmostcreative.city/, a parallel website focused on telling stories about the creative technology work being conducted by local Richmond companies and practitioners.
Srija is a talented henna artist and co-founder of The VA Foodies, a blog dedicated to showcasing local culinary gems and celebrating diverse flavors. Renowned for her intricate henna work, she loves creating art that bridges cultures. As a nail content creator, she expresses her creativity through vibrant nail designs. Through her blog, Srija inspires others to explore and support local food scenes while sharing her own culinary adventures.
A passionate traveler, Srija enjoys immersing herself in new cultures, seeking out unique local dishes. She’s also a live music fan and is always on the lookout for the best chai in town.
Take it away, Srija...
2nd Street Festival
I’m really looking forward to the 2nd Street Festival this year! I love all the events that Venture Richmond puts on, and this celebration of Jackson Ward’s rich history as “the Harlem of the South” is going to be amazing. With live music, a Kidz Zone, delicious food vendors, and Artists Row for shopping, it’s a fantastic opportunity to dive into the vibrant culture and community spirit!
Vitals:
The 2nd Street Festival / Saturday, October 5th, 11:30 am - 7:00 pm & Sunday, October 6th, 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm / free / Jackson Ward, along N. 2nd Street between E. Broad and E. Jackson Streets (124 E. Broad Street)
RVA Supporting Appalachia: Benefit Concert
Virginia artists are uniting to raise relief funds for communities hit hard by Hurricane Helene in Southwest VA, Western NC, Eastern TN, and beyond. The RVA Supporting Appalachia Benefit Concert will take place on Sunday, October 6th at Get Tight Lounge and will feature performances by Erin & The Wildfire, Weekend Plans, Fonville, DJHarrison RVA & R4ND4ZZO, Sally Rose, and more! Event proceeds will go to the Appalachian Helene Response Fund.
Let’s lift up our neighbors in Appalachia. Donate & support today!
I can’t wait to experience this cozy event at 1721 E Franklin St, hosted by the amazing team at Sprezza. Their pasta classes are my absolute favorite! We’ll kick off with a glass of prosecco and learn to make Pumpkin Gnocchi and Pecorino Nutmeg Orecchiette Pugliesi. Plus, we'll get to enjoy an autumn-themed cocktail, a Southern Italian antipasto, and a special dessert. It’s the perfect chance to gather with friends and family for a night of great food and fun!
*Limited Supply Remaining*
We've brought back one of our most popular Grid shop items, an Old Fashioned glass that is anything but old fashioned! Our collaboration with artist Hamilton Glass continues, and features his signature #Whosham RVA logo laser-etched around these double rocks cocktail glasses. Hamilton, with his architectural background and passion for public art, has been prominently featured in Richmond Grid and Here Weekly. We’re thrilled to present this limited-edition product from Grid Supply Co. that highlights his distinctive style.
If cocktail glasses aren't your thing, Grid Supply Co. carries other locally made gifts and handmade items by some Richmond's favorite makers and artisans.
After taking a refreshing summer break, I’m excited to jump back into creating content for The VA Foodies! I’ve missed sharing my adventures and can’t wait to showcase some of my existing favorite spots while also exploring new and exciting places to eat, as well as highlighting local businesses and events in our community. There’s so much vibrant culture to discover, and I’m eager to celebrate the amazing flavors and creative spirit that make our area so special.
In addition to my food adventures, I’m thrilled to be expanding Henna by Srija in the community. I’ll be participating in more events and collaborating with other talented creatives and local businesses. One of my most exciting projects is developing a henna workshop! I’ve received so much interest from people wanting to learn about this beautiful art form, and I can’t wait to share my passion for henna with others. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect, create, and spread the joy of henna in our community.
I’m also diving deeper into my freelance nail content work and am currently working on a very exciting project with a nail brand. While I can’t share the details just yet, it’s been an amazing experience, and I’m beyond stoked to reveal more soon!
Stay tuned for updates on my latest adventures in food, henna, and nail art—I’m looking forward to an inspiring season ahead!
Meet this week's guest editor, Rachael Deane! Rachael serves as Chief Executive Officer at Voices for Virginia’s Children, a Richmond-based, statewide advocacy organization advancing the interests of children and youth through public policy. A native Richmonder, Rachael enjoys everything the city has to offer, especially urban hikes with her two young children, who attend Richmond Public Schools. Rachael is an attorney and longtime advocate for economic, racial, and social justice, with experience in education and housing policy at several nonprofits in the Richmond area and nationwide. She is a believer in the power of civic engagement to create transformational change in our communities and in the value of honest conversations across lines of difference.
Take it away, Rachael ...
RVA East End Festival
Richmond is lucky to have a vibrant local music community and beautiful public parks. The RVA East End Festival, which will take place in Chimborazo Park this Saturday, will feature local professionals and talented youth artists, including members of the Richmond Symphony and the Armstrong High School drumline. Closing out the evening will be Richmond’s beloved James “Saxsmo” Gates, a gifted musician and music educator who introduced me to jazz when I took his band class in 1998. The event is free, and donations support music, visual arts, and performing arts programs in Richmond Public Schools.
Vitals:
RVA East End Festival/ Saturday, September 21st, 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm / free, donations support Richmond Public Schools / Chimborazo Park, 3215 E Broad Street
Innerwork Center Autumn Equinox Labyrinth Walk
This week marks the start of fall, Richmond’s most beautiful season. Welcome the cooler days, vibrant leaves, and spooky vibes with one of my favorite Richmond experiences, a labyrinth walk hosted by The Innerwork Center. Labyrinth walking is an ancient meditative practice that promotes personal reflection by integrating the mind and the body. If sitting meditations aren’t for you, labyrinth walks can be a great way to find peace and calm.
Vitals:
Autumn Equinox at The Labyrinth / Sunday, September 22nd, 5:00 - 6:00 pm / by donation / The Labyrinth - located in Yaupon Place, across the street from 3318 Loxley Road in Northside
School Board Candidate Forum
Autumn’s arrival also means we’re in election season. While all eyes are on the presidential election, let’s not forget the exciting local races that will help determine the future of our city and our young people. One of our most influential and important local institutions is the Richmond School Board, and all nine seats are up for election. On Monday evening, the League of Women Voters of the Richmond Metropolitan Area and The Richmonder will co-host a School Board candidate forum at Huguenot High School. I’ll spare the soapbox speech on why keeping up with the School Board is so important (even if you don’t have kids). Suffice to say, school boards are major cultural and policy battlegrounds, and public education is good for everyone.
Vitals:
School Board Candidate Forum / Monday, September 23rd, 6:00 - 8:30 pm / free / Huguenot High School, 7945 Forest Hill Avenue
*Limited Supply Remaining*
We've brought back one of our most popular Grid shop items, an Old Fashioned glass that is anything but old fashioned! Our collaboration with artist Hamilton Glass continues, and features his signature #Whosham RVA logo laser-etched around these double rocks cocktail glasses. Hamilton, with his architectural background and passion for public art, has been prominently featured in Richmond Grid and Here Weekly. We’re thrilled to present this limited-edition product from Grid Supply Co. that highlights his distinctive style.
If cocktail glasses aren't your thing, Grid Supply Co. carries other locally made gifts and handmade items by some Richmond's favorite makers and artisans.
Voices for Virginia’s Children is the state’s only nonpartisan, multi-issue youth policy and advocacy organization. Voices uses research, public policy, and deep conversation to knock down the barriers that stand between young people and opportunity. Founded in 1994, the organization recently celebrated 30 years of ensuring that the well-being of young people remains a top priority for Virginia’s legislators. Voices’ “Virginia’s Youth in Action” program brings together young people from across the state for advocacy and leadership development opportunities.
Voices knows that transforming lives requires transforming systems through strong, evidence-based public policy. This month, Voices will launch its new strategic plan, which focuses on five key policy areas: family economic security, early care and education, health equity, youth mental health, and the child welfare system. Voices’ recent policy briefs take on two urgent issues for the Richmond region: supporting the mental health needs of our public schools students, and supporting working parents with a statewide paid family and medical leave policy.
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