Weekend Event Picks
Weekend Radar: Moonlight Ride, AVAIL, Dragon Boats, Black Widow Tryouts
All our picks are taking place outside and the variety is a reminder of how awesome our city can be.

Virginia Credit Union Moonlight Ride on the Northside and Sportsbackers
August 5th (Tonight)
It’s not too late to sign-up and ride with hundreds of others. Get back into the saddle little buckaroo.
Along with the 8-mile Ride, the 3-mile Family Ride, and virtual option, the Virginia Credit Union Moonlight Ride has something for everyone! Upon finishing your ride back at Sports Backers Stadium, celebrate at the Post-Ride Party with music, refreshments, and a soft drink or beer. Whether you join us for the in-person festivities or choose to ride your own route, all participants will receive a commemorative event shirt, bike lights, goodie bag, and more!
Costume & Tacky Light Contest: Dress up as your favorite character or decorate your bike with tacky lights. Be creative! Prizes will be handed out to the top 3 individuals, duos/groups and children, so be as outrageous as possible!
AVAIL at Brown’s Island
August 6th
This is going to be a crowded one y’all. Can Brown’s Island sell out? Guess we’ll find out tomorrow. It’s a punk extravaganza with AVAIL, Quicksand, Cave In, Ceremony, Screaming Females, Terminal Bliss.
Tickets were still available here when I checked this morning.
Richmond International Dragon Boat Festival at Rockett’s Landing
August 6th
I’ve always dreamed of riding the dragon. It’s not going to happen this year but at least I can watch the dragons be rowed. It’s too late to register a team but there will be plenty to watch.

Image: Richmond Dragon Boat Facebook
Regarded as the liveliest festival stop on the MLDB circuit, Richmond is always a high-energy whirlwind of community rivalry mixed with team spirit. Embraced by local community teams, many festival attendees get creative with colorful uniforms, memorable costumes, and zany tent displays in the Athletesโ Village.
Thanks to the cityโs central location on the American East Coast, teams from across the eastern seaboard and beyond travel to join local crews for a fun day of dragon boat festivities on and off the water. Many out-of-towners extend their stay to discover the attractions that made Richmond one of Frommersโ Top Destinations for 2014, such as the Civil War Trails, white water rafting, local craft breweries, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 17th Street Farmers’ Market, and the Edgar Allen Poe Museum.
Races take place on a 500m course with events for Mixed, Women’s, and Open teams. Local crews battle it out for the coveted Community Championship trophy.
Richmond Black Widows Open Tryouts at Randolph Community Center Park
August 6th
The Richmond Black Widows are the first women’s full tackle, 11-on-11, football team in Richmond. If you think you’ve got what it takes to join the team now is your moment to shine.
The Richmond Black Widows are holding open workouts!! As we begin gearing up for the 2023 season we would like to invite anyone interested in working out with the team to join us!
No football knowledge necessary! Come have fun and get a really great work out in. You have two opportunities to get work in before tryouts! 8/6 and 8/13.What to Bring:
1) WATER!! Gotta stay hydrated
2) Towel. You are definitely going to sweat!
3) A friend! The more the merrier
What to Wear:
1) Any type of work out clothing that you don’t mind possibly getting dirty.
2) Sneakers or Cleats
Above all else bring your POSITIVE attitude and willingness to participate!
See you there!!

Weekend Event Picks
Weekend Radar: Lucy Dacus, Cat Show, Prabir Trio โHourglass Sessionsโ EP Release, Fish Fry
We had a sit-down with Mother Nature and she’s going to cut us a break this weekend. Take advantage of some cooler temps.

Lucy Dacus & Courtney Barnett with Samia at Brown’s Island
July 29th (Tonight)
This is going to be a good one with Richmond native Lucy Dacus. As of this morning there were still tickets available.
LiVE LOUD: LUCY DACUS & COURTNEY BARNETT
with Samia
at Brown’s Island
July 29, 2022
Tickets on sale Friday, 3/18!
Tickets: https://bit.ly/LucyCourtney7-29
#SeeYouOnTheIsland
——-
DONโT GET RIPPED OFF!
The only authorized seller of tickets for this event is Broadberry Entertainment Group. You can safely purchase tickets at the lowest available price on our website or at our box office, located inside Plan 9 Records in Carytown. Broadberry Entertainment Group is not responsible for tickets purchased in any other locations and will not honor, exchange, or refund counterfeit, duplicate or invalid tickets.
Richmond Cat Show at Richmond Raceway
July 30th,
I’m a dog person. Taking me to a cat show would be torture but I know there are cat people and this is where you can find your kind.
๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ ๐จ๐ฃ ๐ง๐ข ๐ฏ๐ฑ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ง๐๐๐จ๐ ๐๐๐ง ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ฆ!
๏ฝ ๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ช ๐๐๐ง๐๐ฉ๐๐ง๐๐๐ฆ ๏ฝ
๐ช This is a ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฌ-๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ก๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐ฉ๐๐ก๐ง that is fun for all ages!
๐ ๐ช๐๐ง๐๐ cats and kittens compete for Best in Show IN EACH of the 6 separate JUDGING RINGS!
๐ป ๐๐ฅ๐๐ cat coloring books for the first 100 children!
๐งธ ๐ฆ๐๐๐ณ๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ป๐ถ๐บ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐๐ around 2pm! Every entry wins a prize.
๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ฃ๐ฃ๐๐ก๐ for cats and people with vendors selling cat related items cat teasers, cat grooming products.
๏ฝ ๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ช ๐๐ข๐จ๐ฅ๐ฆ ๐๐ข๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐๐ฆ๐ง๐ฆ ๏ฝ
Saturday, July 30th โข 9AM to 4PM
๏ฝ ๐๐ข๐๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก ๏ฝ
Richmond Raceway Complex 600 E. Laburnum Ave, Richmond, VA 23222
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/MzRQFEBhQjiJEWq69
FREE PARKING
~ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ก ๏ฝ
Tickets ๐๏ธ at the door Credit/Debit/Cash โข Adults $8 โข Seniors (65+) & Children 5-12 $6 โข Children 4 & under free โข Family 4 pack $20 โข Online Tickets: mkc.ticketleap.com/richmondcatshowjuly30/
FREE PARKING
Come see 180 purebred and household pet cats compete for top cat in different judging rings throughout the day. Meet Maine Coon Cats, Egyptian Mau, Persians, Siamese, Ragamuffins, Bengals and up to 30 other breeds!
You can sit and watch cats on the judging table, or walk around and visit with the cats between judging. No matter what time you arrive youโre bound to see your favorite breed being judged.
Prabir Trio โHourglass Sessionsโ EP release with Rikki Rakki and Mia Colpa! at Gallery 5
July 30th
Always great to see talented folks releasing new music into the world. Run, new music join the music herd off in the distance. Run be free.
Join us for Prabir Trio’s EP release at Gallery5!!!
Prabir Trio โHourglass Sessionsโ EP release with Rikki Rakki and Mia Colpa!
The Prabir Trio blends more eastern sounds with western rhythms in the release of their latest recording. This live performance was recorded by Hourglass Sessions and will be released to the public for a limited run on Saturday July 30th at GALLERY5!Sat July 30
Doors 8 / music 830
$10adv $12door
Fulton Hill Fish Fry & Birthday Celebration at Mrs. Girlee’s Kitchen
July 31st
My friends in the know tell me Mrs. Girlee’s Kitchen is pretty darn good. I haven’t been yet but perhaps this is the time.
Join us for the Fulton Hill Fish Fry and Birthday Celebration for the owner, Helen Holmes! The time is 12-4 pm at 4809 Parker Street RVA. Featuring the 5.00 Fish Sandwich! Live music by Rob & The Crew! Vendor opportunities available!
Weekend Event Picks
Weekend Radar: Addams Family, Coastal Canoeists’ Paddlesports Film Festival, Silent Party, VMFA After 5

Addams Family at Dogwood Dell
July 22-31st
They’re creepy and they’re kooky,
Mysterious and spooky,
They’re all together ooky,
The Addams Family
They’re also free the next two weekends at Dogwood Dell. The cast is massive and there is a live orchestra so go grab some live theater y’all.
This summerโs musical finale for the Festival of Arts at the Dogwood Dell – Byrd Park, Richmond, Virginia is โThe Addams Familyโ, Friday – Sunday, July 22-24 & 29-31 at 8:30 PM on the Dell stage! The production is directed and choreographed by Amy Perdue, musically directed by David Clatterbuck and stage managed by Christy Hudson!
Coastal Canoeists’ Paddlesports film festival at Basic City Brewing Company
July 23rd
Getting a river-rat out of the water is hard but a good film on their sports will. Basic City will be swarmed with river-rats join in the fun.
100% net proceeds benefit Beyond Boundaries proceeds are being donated to Beyond Boundaries, an organization dedicated to offering individuals of all ability levels, no matter physical, cognitive, or economic situation, the opportunity to experience outdoor activities with the surrounding community.
Check them out at https://www.beyondboundariesrva.org/.
Doors Open at 5:00pm Films Begin at 6:00pm
Admission (cash only): $10 / Person – $5 for Coastal Members and Students
Raffle tickets (cash only): $5 / ticket or 3 tickets for $10
VENUE: Basic City Beer Co. Southside RVA, 212 W 6th St, Richmond, VA 23224
The Silent Party at 17th Street Farmers Market
July 23rd
Be very quiet we’re having a party.
2 live DJ’s playing your favorite hits all surrounded locally owned restaurant and bars.
The concept is simple. Upon arrival you will receive a wireless pair of headphones in order to fully tap into our ‘Silent Party’ DJ’s LIVE mixes and appropriately distance yourself wherever you feel most comfortable in the marketplace. Each headphone will be fully sanitized prior and in your possession throughout the duration of the event.
You are able to bring lawn chairs OR feel free to make a reservation at any of the restaurants located within the 17th Street Market as our wireless headphones will transmit into all 7+ local establishments.
Music Provided by: DJ Nobe x DJ Prolific
After 5 Fridays at VMFA
July 22nd
I haven’t given this a plug this summer. Great spot to hang with friends, listen to music, and have a drink. When your friends ask what you did this weekend you can say, “I went to the VMFA” and they’ll think you’re all cultured and stuff.
Itโs Summertime! Join us in the Robins Sculpture Garden for an evening of music. Markus Gold on the spin will be coming at you live from the Pauley Patio. Grab a drink and enjoy. Dancing is encouraged.
After 5 Fridays Presented by Chase is the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Relax with a beverage, visit the galleries for an art escape, and take part in the following Friday-night events:
First Fridays
Dance After Work
Taste of Art
Summer Breeze
Weekend Event Picks
Weekend Radar: RVA Music Night, Doug Dobey Fundraiser, Hanover Tomato Festival, This is GWAR

This is a makeup date due to a storm that rumbled through earlier this summer. Friday Cheers is a great excuse to stand outside, drink beer, and listen to music. This show is arguably better because it’s all RVA bands.
Friday Cheers, presented by Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, returns to Brown’s Island for its 37th season as Richmondโs longest running concert series and the Cityโs largest event of its kind, showcasing some of the nationโs hottest touring bands and some all-time regional favorites.
Doors – 5:50PM
Last Real Circus – 6:15 PM
https://youtu.be/3Hr-dJbyDfs
Benรฉt – 7:30 PM
https://youtu.be/PGvVqOt6xW8
Matthew E. White – 8:30 PM
https://youtu.be/uYJGXzvbCCg
Ticket Information:
Tickets are $10 in advance and available for purchase via TicketstoBuy or $15 at any of the event entrances (Credit/Debit Only)
Children 12 & under are FREE
Itโs Time for Da Perculator โ A Benefit for Doug Dobey at Castelburg Brewery
July 16th, 3-10 PM

This one is near and dear to my heart. Doug Dobey is a close friend and suffered a stroke. This will help raise funds to cover medical and living expenses. Tons of great bands, raffles and silent auctions. Even if you donโt know Doug this is worth coming out for.
Letโs raise some money for Doug Dobeyโs continued recovery!
Doug experienced a health crisis in April. Freelance graphic designers donโt get paid if theyโre not working. We want to help raise funds so Doug and his daughter, Harper, can focus on his recovery. There will be great beer, live music and fun raffles!
If you have gift cards or items that could be raffled off, please contact Mark Anderson Brown atย [email protected]
If you are an artist, and would like to donate items to be sold at the July 16th fundraiser, please contact Kelly Adler atย [email protected]
If you canโt attend, consider donating to his GoFundMe atย https://gofund.me/55465c13Live music by:
โ Beex
โ X Suckas
โ Really Big Good Guys
โ Rikki Rakki
โ LโAmour deux
โ Power Chordz
โ Jimmy CatlettFun stuff:
โ Art for sale
โ Silent Auction
โ Event T-shirts
โ Raffles (including a $500 gift pack from The Richmond Kickers)
Hanover Tomato Festival at Pole Green Park
July 15-16th
A good tomato is hard to beat and if you do beat it you’ve got ketchup. Go to the festival and bring back all the delicious tomatoes.
The Hanover Tomato Festival returns in 2022! This free, outdoor family and pet-friendly festival returns to Pole Green Park.
In addition to select agriculture, handcraft and artisan vendors, there will be delicious Hanover Tomatoes for purchase, tasting and a variety of delicious Hanover Tomato-focused cuisine.Friday, July 15, 5:00PM – 9:00PM
– Live music from the popular party band InsideOut
– Beer sales provided by and benefitting Hanover CREW Foundation
– Challenging and fun Pizza Race & Relay
– An energizing dance performance by Richmond Urban Dance
Saturday, July 16, 9:00AM – 1:00PM
– Family-friendly activities including face painting, tomato contests hosted by K95, scavenger hunt, selfie station
– DJ tunes play in the backgroundVisit www.hanovertomatofestival.com for more details.
THIS IS GWAR at the Byrd
July 17th
Either you get GWAR or you don’t. If you don’t watch out because they’ll get you and you won’t like it.
The powerful story of the most iconic heavy metal/art collective/monster band in the universe, as told by the humans who have fought to keep it alive for over thirty years. Documentary by Scott Barber.
Doors open: 6:30Photo Op w/ Band Members in costume: 6:30-7:30
Film starts: 7:30
Q&A following film
$15 tickets. Fundraiser to support Richmond focused content and filmmakers.A few things to know:
We use a special cleaner we found to clean all surfaces, even the cloth seats, that kills all sorts of pathogens including Covid-19. We wash our hands often, and have hand sanitizer available in multiple places throughout the building.
We’ve been cleaning and updating our HVAC systems as well to ensure clean air and air quality. We have tripled filtered air! 2 Hospital grade filters and a UV light filter.
Masks are recommended.
We’ll open the doors 30 minutes early.If you have COVID or have been exposed, or have any symptoms, we appreciate you staying home.