Weekend Event Picks: Meet our new mayor, plan your wedding, visit Lewis Ginter for free, and meet QuestLove

Free entry to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

The weather this week’s been a little wacky (that’s an understatement) as it’s gone from literally zero to 70 in a matter of a couple days. The weather this weekend looks to be just as unpredictable, but regardless, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is offering free admission through Sunday. If you’ve been suffering from cabin fever, here’s your perfect cure.

When: Ongoing through Sunday, January 15th | Where: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Avenue in Northside | Cost: FREE| More info: Event article

MLK Day volunteer opportunities with HandsOn Greater Richmond

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day marks the beginning of the service year as millions of Americans honor the memory of Dr. King by contributing their time, talent, voice, and money to improve their communities. On MLK Day, local nonprofit HandsOn Greater Richmond’s local efforts will support the Points of Light initiative which aims to engage 250,000 individuals in acts of service through thousands of volunteer projects and dialogue in more than 50 communities nationwide. There are dozens of volunteer opportunities all weekend (including on Monday), but you need to sign up right now! Check out the link below for more information.

When: Ongoing through Monday, January 16th | Where: Various locations around Richmond | Cost: FREE to sign up | More info: Event article

Meet Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney at The Valentine

Your chance to meet the newly-minted Mayor of Richmond, Levar Stoney, is this weekend at The Valentine. He’ll be on hand for meet-and-greet and photo opportunities for most of the afternoon. The museum will also be open to the public for free all day, and guided tours of the circa-1812 Wickham House will be available for $5 (reservations required). Light refreshments will be served as well.

When: Saturday, January 14th; 1:30 – 4:00 PM | Where: The Valentine, 1015 E. Clay Street downtown | Cost: FREE to enter | More info: Event article

Richmond Wedding Expo at the Altria Theater

Did you recently get engaged like I did? The Richmond Wedding Expo is your one-stop shop for planning all aspects of your wedding from the venue and DJ or band to caterer and cake vendor. It all takes place Sunday afternoon at the Altria Theater. Over 110 vendors will be on hand to meet and greet with. Expect lots of food samples and giveaways, a runway fashion show, and more.

When: Sunday, January 15th; 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM | Where: Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel Street in The Fan | Cost: Tickets start at $15 | More info: Event website

QuestLove turns up the heat at the VMFA

QuestLove, most famous for his role with The Roots, will be in town Sunday for a unique event at the VMFA. The event, originally scheduled to be part of Fire, Flour, & Fork back in the fall, will host a panel called “Break It Down,” exploring the creativity and inspiration in the intersecting worlds of food and music. He’ll be joined by local chef Jason Alley, musicians Ronald Crutcher and Natalie Prass, and Mike Derks of GWAR among others.

UPDATE: Tickets are now SOLD OUT.

When: Sunday, January 15th; 3:30 – 7:30 PM | Where: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Boulevard in the Museum District | Cost: $225 per person | More info: Event website