Meet this week's guest editor, Katie Kenyon! As Executive Director of Village Green RVA, Katie is dedicated to promoting food accessibility and providing comprehensive support for individuals and families in need. With her strategic approach, she has built partnerships across various sectors to ensure holistic community well-being.
Katie and her husband Danny have four children (ages 7 to 24) and have been foster parents through Richmond City Social Services. They are actively involved in the Greater Richmond area. When not working, you can find Katie enjoying a hazy IPA at Final Gravity or The Veil, exploring the local restaurant scene, or cheering on the Flying Squirrels.
Take it away, Katie...
Soul Vegan Block Party
This is a free event to introduce and promote a healthy and ethically conscious plant-based lifestyle in a positive environment to all people regardless of race, gender, age, or sexual orientation with a focus on uplifting communities of color.
Vitals:
Soul Vegan Block Party / Saturday, September 7, 1:00 - 7:00 pm / free / Abner Clay Park,119 W. Leigh Street
Richmond Brunch Weekend
Richmond Brunch Weekend is back! The fun kicks off on Friday, September 6th from 5:30 to 9:00 pm at Final Gravity Brewing Co. with food trucks, live music, swag bags for the first 100 attendees, vendors, and more! A portion of beer sales will go to support the lifesaving work at the Richmond SPCA. On Saturday and Sunday, enjoy brunch specials at one (or more) of the participating restaurants listed here, also benefitting the Richmond SPCA.
Vitals:
Richmond Brunch Weekend / Friday, September 6th - Sunday, September 8th / prices vary / restaurants listed here
Flying Squirrels - Last Home Game of the Season
The Flying Squirrels close out the 2024 season celebrating YOU, the fans! Gates open at 12:30 PM, with the first pitch at 1:35 PM, as the Flying Squirrels take on the Akron RubberDucks. Highlights include "Catch on the Field" from 12:45 PM to 1:05 PM for Squirrel Tails Kids Club members and their families (bring your own baseball or borrow one), and after the game, kids ages 14 and under can run the bases, presented by Richmond Family Magazine.
For centuries, the village green was the heart of community life, where families gathered and supported one another. Today, Village Green RVA carries on that tradition by bringing together compassionate organizations to serve families in the Richmond area.
Housed in a renovated church, we collaborate with over 50 community partners to provide food accessibility, support for foster/adoptive families, single parents, seniors, and more. As a Feeding America partner, we prepare over 2,000 meals a month and offer free community spaces like workstations, a kitchen, and a playground.
Join us for our Gala on September 14 at 6:00 pm to support our work. Purchase tickets here. For more information, visit www.villagegreenrva.org or on Instagram and Facebook at Village Green RVA.
Meet this week's guest editor, Kyle Epps! As a Richmond native, dedicated land steward, and passionate cultural advocate, Kyle M Epps brings a wealth of knowledge to their artistic practice. A proud graduate of VCU, they have remained a lifelong student of art, history, and science. Their impressive journey spans from published scholar to award-winning artist, with features in a range of publications. Now, married with children, Kyle seamlessly blends diverse interests to inspire and foster greater harmony amongst people and their surroundings.
Take it away, Kyle...
Peter and the Starcatcher at Firehouse Theatre
The hilarious Tony Award-winning play with music, Peter and the Starcatcher, serves as a prequel to the timeless tale of the “Boy Who Would Not Grow Up.” This whimsical adventure delves into themes of greed and despair, along with the unbreakable bonds of friendship, duty, and love, set against a backdrop of marauding pirates. With a cast of twelve actors bringing dozens of unforgettable characters to life, Peter and the Starcatcher dazzles with boundless imagination, whisking you away to a Neverland you never knew.
Explore, learn, and experience holistic health, wellness, and social change at the 21stHappily Natural Day Festival. The festival is dedicated to holistic health, cultural awareness and social change bringing communities together through arts and culture. Celebrate life with live performances, food, vendors, workshops and special guests. This year's festivities feature the globally recognized “Last Poets” and their new mural with a dedicated unveiling.
Vitals:
Happily Natural Day Festival / Saturday, August 31st, 12:00 - 10:00 pm / free / Fifth District Mini Farm, 2227 Wise Street
LGBTQ Richmond Bus Tour
Celebrate Richmond’s Endless Summer of Pride with a romp through the city’s LGBTQ+ scene past and present! Join The Valentine's Director Bill Martin and Beth Marschak, author of Lesbian and Gay Richmond, to explore the people, neighborhoods and events that shaped the gay, lesbian and queer community in Richmond over the decades.
*Limited Supply Remaining*
We're bringing 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.
Artist Kyle M Epps is bringing a fresh wave of creativity to the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden with two new immersive experiences. The Blooms of Light AR exhibition transforms the garden into a digital wonderland, where vibrant music and interactive animations capture the essence of growth and transformation. Alongside this, visitors can embark on the Secret Garden Legacy Adventure, a geocaching experience that takes participants on a riddle-filled journey through the garden's historic landscapes. Both experiences offer unique ways to explore the garden, blending art, nature, and adventure.
Kyle will also be exhibiting new work in the BAAAR Group exhibition "Sweet to the Soul and Healing to the Bones," a visual arts show at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia. This exhibition complements the "Blacks in Medicine - A Prescription for Change" installation highlighting the history and achievements of Black medical professionals who broke down barriers during segregation. Kyle's contributions continue to engage audiences with powerful narratives and innovative artistic expression. Show your support by visiting these exhibitions, purchasing works, and sharing your experience with others to help keep creativity thriving.
Meet this week's guest editor, Liza Mickens! A native of Richmond, Liza carries forward the legacy of her great-great-grandmother, Maggie Lena Walker, by advocating for gender equality as a spokesperson for Vote Equality US. Currently, Liza is the Social Media Specialist at Virginia Tourism Corporation, where she shares why "Virginia is for Lovers" through engaging content.
Liza is a proud James Madison University graduate, majoring in Communications and Public Relations. After a brief stint in NYC pursuing a fashion industry dream, Liza returned home to Richmond to celebrate Virginia's ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. Since then, she’s embraced her hometown’s growth and while she eagerly anticipates JMU’s football season opener, she’s hoping the Washington Commanders will give her something to cheer for on Sundays.
Take it away, Liza...
Vintage Market
To celebrate two years at South Pine Street, CobbleStore Vintage is having an anniversary vintage market. The lineup includes vendors that have contributed to the store in some way since they began in 2016. Check out some of my favorite vendors like @grannys_garage plus snag some delicious eats from TBT El Gallo and Ruby Scoops. Fan Ran & Profound79 of Gritty City Records will be spinning a 2000s and 90s hip hop blend.
Vitals:
Vintage Market/ Saturday, August 24th, 11:00 am - 7:00 pm / Free / 324 South Pine Street
M?LES at Gallery 5
This Sunday kicks off a new monthly series with Gallery 5 and the Broad Street Bullies. Creative duo, M?les (Mylo Video Productions and M.P.) are inviting their friends to perform and showcase their work on the fourth Sunday of every month. The team at Gallery 5 has a special place in my heart after working together on Maggie Walker’s 160th birthday celebration. Their team recently moved their stage back in front of the large station doors. Come out and see my friends showcasing their talents in this redesigned space.
Vitals:
M?les at Gallery5/ Friday, August 25th, 5:00 - 10:00 pm / $10 in advance, $15 at the door / Gallery 5, 200 W. Marshall Street
RATIFIED at the Byrd Theatre
Join us on Women's Equality Day for Virginia's debut of RATIFIED at the Byrd on August 26th. The film follows the key figures involved in Virginia’s ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. Though Virginia was the final state needed to ratify the ERA in 2020, it is still not a Constitutional amendment. Come learn more about efforts that happened right here in our city. I will emcee a panel after the film with Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, Andrea Miller, Kati Hornung, and Eastan Weber.
Vitals:
RATIFIED / Monday, August 26th, 6:30 - 9:30 pm / Tickets range from $5 - 28 / Byrd Theatre, 2908 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221
We're bringing 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.
Women’s Equality Day is not just a celebration, but a call to action. Check out the Equality Toolkit from RATIFIED for examples of how to get involved. Democracy takes all of us, taking action together to shape our collective future, so invite the people you love to get off the sidelines!
Now is also a great time to double-check your voter registration, research issues and candidates, and make your voting plan. Friends don’t let friends vote alone!
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