Weekend Event Picks: 2nd Best Comedy Fest, Friday Cheers, Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ, and more

2nd Best Comedy Fest in Jackson Ward

Where can you find over 30 comedy acts at three venues downtown this weekend? The third annual 2nd Best Comedy Fest. Coalition Theater is presenting this festival, which begins Thursday evening and runs through Saturday night at Coalition, TheatreLAB’s The Basement, and Gallery5. The venues are all within walking distance of one another, and features a bevy of national talent for improv shows, workshops, and more. As the official media sponsor, we have a full guide to the event and some of the best to check out. Click the link below to get the full scoop.

When: Thursday, June 8th – Saturday, June 10th; times vary | Where: Coalition Theater, The Basement, and Gallery5 in Jackson Ward | Cost: Prices vary; all-inclusive passes are $30 | More info: Official event guide

The Congress & The Record Company at Friday Cheers

You can’t say many good things about our current U.S. Congress, but The Congress are sure to get you in a good mood at Friday Cheers this week. The Richmond-based country rock/blues band will get you on your toes on Brown’s Island. They take the stage before The Record Company on the downtown riverfront even more entertaining than the Comey hearing.

When: Friday, June 9th; 6:30 PM | Where: Brown’s Island on the Downtown Riverfront | Cost: $10 | More info: Show preview

Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ Festival at Richmond Raceway Complex

Imagine 60 beers, 40 bourbons, and barbecue under one roof. Sound like your kind of day? It all goes down at the Richmond Raceway Complex this Saturday–it’s the Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ Festival. Your admission buys you a sampling glass so you can enjoy an all-you-dare-to-try sampling of beers and bourbons. Barbecue trucks will be on site to fill your stomach before (or after) all that booze, and live music will be provided throughout the day.

When: Saturday, June 10th; 2:00 PM (VIP entry at noon) – 6:00 PM | Where: Richmond Raceway Complex, 600 E. Laburnum Avenue in Northside | Cost: Tickets start at $39 in advance | More info: Ticketing website

Live Art: Dream at SPARC

Nationally-known recording artists and 200 SPARC students with and without disabilities will take the stage together for a night of music, dance, visual art, and inspiring human connection for what has become one of Richmond’s favorite and most anticipated annual performances. LIVE ART is SPARC’s inclusive program for students with and without disabilities. Working together in a variety of visual and performing arts classes for one year, students with a range of disabilities alongside typically developing students, rehearse their performances while building relationships and understanding of one another.

When: Sunday, June 11th; 5:00 PM | Where: Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel Street in The Fan | Cost: $55 | More info: Ticketing website