Weekend Event Picks: Oysters in Shockoe, Bluegrass at Hardywood, a new Scott’s Addition festival and more

Center of the Universe Brewing presents Oktoberfest

Kick back and welcome in fall with Center of the Universe Brewing’s twist on a traditional Oktoberfest Friday through Sunday. Enjoy three days of revelry with a beer garden, live music, and traditional German dishes. Liter Steins and half liter Glass Boots will be on sale to fill up with German style beers as well as a more traditional American pint glass. The live music lineup includes Vexine (Friday night at 6:00 PM), The Low’N’Brows (3:00 – 8:00 PM Saturday), and The Royal We (2:00 – 5:00 PM on Sunday). Bratwursts, strudel, and pretzels are just a taste of the cuisine being offered. Families and leashed dogs are welcome.

When: Friday, September 9th – Sunday, September 11th; times vary | Where: Center of the Universe Brewing, 11293 Air Park Road in Ashland | Cost: FREE entry, pay as you go | Event website

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Wizard World ComicCon at the Richmond Convention Center

World champion swimmer Ryan Lochte will make one of his first scheduled public appearances since returning from Rio at Wizard World Comic Con Richmond this Saturday. The embattled swimmer, who had some headline-making post-Olympic excitement, will greet fans, sign a limited number of free autographs and pose for free selfies. Other celebrities at the celebration of pop culture, movies, graphic novels, cosplay, comics, television, sci-fi, toys, video gaming, gaming, original art, and collectibles include Nichelle Nichols (“Star Trek”), Jewel Staite (Firefly, “Serenity”), Kevin Sorbo (“Hercules,” “Andromeda”), Gene Simmons (frontman, KISS), John Schneider and Catherine Bach (“The Dukes of Hazzard”), Sam Jones (Ted, Ted 2), James Marsters (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Caprica”), and Sara Underwood (“Attack of the Show!”).

When: Friday, September 9th – Sunday, September 11th; times vary | Where: Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 N. 3rd Street in Downtown Richmond | Cost: Tickets start at $20.00 | Event website

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Bluegrass Fest at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery

Hardywood presents the 4th Annual Richmond Bluegrass Festival, an all day music celebration featuring a seasonal lineup of Hardywood beer, local food truck favorites, and plenty of live music. In addition to the Bluegrass Festival, Hardywood is also celebrating their RVA IPA Release–available on draft and in 750mL bottles and growler fills to go.

The Bluegrass Festival will feature the sounds of Cook Country Bluegrass, River City Band, Only Lonesome, Tara Mills Music, Jimmy Sterling, & The Hot Seats–in that order. Bonbontruck, Arroz RVA, Sammich, Shamasuki, De Rochonnet Delights Chocolatier, NYStyleFood Richmond & Slideways Mobile Bistro will be on site to fill your belly along with the tasty beer.

When: Saturday, September 10th; noon – 10:00 PM | Where: Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, 2408 Ownby Lane in Scott’s Addition | Cost: FREE entry, pay as you go | Event website

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Impressions of Courage in Scott’s Addition

Art on Wheels and the VCU Massey Cancer Center present Impressions of Courage, a new festival in Scott’s Addition, this Saturday. The festival takes place along West Leigh Street. Expect live music, food, beer, and vendors, but the real centerpiece of the festival will be the creation of a world-record setting community art project in support of those diagnosed with cancer.

When: Saturday, September 10th, noon – 5:00 PM | Where: Scott’s Addition along W. Leigh Street | Cost: FREE entry, pay as you go | Event website

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Shockoe on the Half Shell at the 17th Street Farmers Market

Whether you like them raw, steamed, fried, with sauce or just good and plain, Shockoe On-the-Half-Shell is a celebration of all things oyster. Some of Richmond’s most-loved seafood chefs will come together for an array of delicious oyster foods as well as other local dishes. The festival also features cold brews and live, local music.

When: Sunday, September 11th; times vary | Where: 17th Street Farmers Market, 17th and E. Main Street in Shockoe Bottom | Cost: FREE entry, pay as you go | Event website