Weekend Event Picks: St. Benedict’s Oktoberfest, PrideFest, racing at Richmond Raceway, and more

The beer will be flowing and people will be doing the Chicken Dance until the Bavarian cows come home. The 14th annual St. Benedict Oktoberfest, a celebration of some of the best things about German culture–beer, food, and music–takes place this weekend at St. Benedict Catholic Church in the Museum District. The fun kicks off Friday evening in the church’s parking lot. There will be plenty of beer. The ever-popular beer trucks will have 47 brews on tap, including a number of local favorites. Hardywood Park Craft Brewery will also have their own tent featuring six beers throughout the weekend. Visit the event website for more information.

There are PrideFest events throughout the weekend but the big one is on Brown’s Island on Saturday. VA PrideFest is the largest annual celebration of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Trangender (LGBTQ+) community in the Commonwealth. The day will be packed with drag queens, music including the lead singer Jake Shears from the Scissor Sisters, and much, much more. Head down there and celebrate love and diversity.

There are two big races at Richmond Raceway. There is the Go Bowling 250 tonight, Friday, starting at 7 PM. Saturday is the Federated Auto Parts 400 at 7:30. For both races, fans will get to see the pits like never before. The racetrack has reworked the infield and pit row to allow fan unheard of access with DC Solar FanGrounds. Lean over the fence and give the racers some advice I’m sure they’d love to hear your opinion.