Events
Richmond SPCA’s 21st annual Dog Jog, 5K, and Block Party slated for March 25th
Building upon the success of last year’s 20-Years No Kill Anniversary Block Party celebration, the Richmond SPCA is growing its annual Dog Jog and 5K Run to include an afternoon with bands, food trucks, an outdoor marketplace, and adult beverages for purchase.

The Richmond SPCA’s signature Dog Jog and 5K Run spring fundraiser expands this year with the addition of a block party. The family- and pet-friendly event is presented by Holiday Barn Pet Resorts and will be held Saturday, March 25, 2023, at the nonprofit’s humane center on Hermitage Road.
Building upon the success of last year’s 20-Years No Kill Anniversary Block Party celebration, the Richmond SPCA is growing its annual Dog Jog and 5K Run to include an afternoon with bands, food trucks, an outdoor marketplace, and adult beverages for purchase.
“We had such great feedback after last year’s block party,” said Richmond SPCA Chief Executive Officer Tamsen Kingry. “We had a wonderful turnout from former adopters, family, friends, and the Richmond animal-loving community at large; we wanted to have an opportunity to celebrate an event like that every year. It made sense to add a festival-like atmosphere to the Dog Jog, which is already a beloved family-friendly event.”
There is one big difference, though. This year, a sponsorship from Moore Subaru is making the block party free for everyone to attend.
“We will happily accept a suggested donation of $5, which will contribute to our goal to raise $205,000 that day to support our important work in the year ahead,” said Kingry.
Funds raised will benefit approximately 4,000 homeless animals who will be sheltered at the Richmond SPCA this year, as well as the lifesaving programs and services the nonprofit provides for pets and people, including low-cost veterinary care, a free behavior helpline, training classes, and youth activities.
In addition to sponsorships, funds will be raised via peer-to-peer fundraising and registration fees from participants in the chipped-timed 5K and the leisurely 1-mile Dog Jog. Early bird pricing is available through March 1 and includes $10 off the $45 per-event registration fees. The first 1,000 race registrants will receive a T-shirt, medal, and other items in a goodie bag filled with swag from event sponsors. This year’s shirt is being designed by local tattoo artist Jelena N. and features the Richmond SPCA’s 2022-2023 mascots, Nita and Willa.
The event timeline includes activities for pets and people of all ages throughout the day:
- 5K, 10 a.m. (people only)
- Little Paws Kids Fun Run, 11 a.m. (free for kids 4-10 years old)
- Dog Jog, 11:30 a.m.
- Free Block Party, noon to 5 p.m.
For more information or to register, please visit richmondspca.org/dogjog.

Events
Maymont prepares for Dominion Energy Family Easter with call for volunteers
The event, taking place on April 8th from 9 am to 3 pm, is expected to draw in thousands of guests who will enjoy a day filled with activities, games, crafts, live entertainment, and an opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny.

Maymont, Richmond’s beloved Victorian estate, is gearing up for the largest single-day volunteer event of the year, Dominion Energy Family Easter. The event, taking place on April 8th from 9 am to 3 pm, is expected to draw in thousands of guests who will enjoy a day filled with activities, games, crafts, live entertainment, and an opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny.
With an expanded Community Zone featuring local heroes and helpers, three stages for performances, and a mini-tour of the Maymont Mansion, this year’s Dominion Energy Family Easter is bigger and better than ever.
Maymont is calling for volunteers to assist with various tasks throughout the day and make the event a success. Volunteers will work in four-hour shifts starting at 6:30 am, 8 am, 11 am, or 2 pm, either greeting guests or assisting with activities, games, and crafts. Volunteers will also help set up and clean up. Maymont welcomes youth volunteers, but those under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Volunteering as a group is a great opportunity to give back to the community and have fun at the same time. Families or groups of friends are encouraged to volunteer together and help make the day unforgettable for thousands of guests. Those interested in volunteering can sign up here.
Events
Hello Kitty Truck rolls into Short Pump Town Center this Saturday
This Saturday’s pop-up event at Short Pump Town Center is the perfect opportunity for fans to check out new exclusive collectibles and see the iconic vehicle up close.

Fans of the popular Sanrio character Hello Kitty are in for a treat as the Hello Kitty Cafe Truck rolls back into Richmond this Saturday, March 18th, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The truck will be stationed at the main entrance of the Short Pump Town Center by Crate & Barrel and Pottery Barn, providing enthusiasts with an opportunity to indulge in a variety of exclusive goodies and limited-edition collectibles.
The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck, famous for delicious treats and adorable collectibles, announced that they have added new items to their menu for the Richmond event, including a Hello Kitty Cafe Cup Plush, a Hello Kitty Cafe Coin Bank, a Glass Mug with Sprinkle Handle, a Hello Kitty Cafe Lunchbox, a Hello Kitty Cafe Lavender T-Shirt, a Hello Kitty Cafe Canvas Tote, and a Hello Kitty Cafe Rainbow Thermos. Fans can also grab hand-decorated cookie sets, enamel pin sets, and Madeleine cookie sets.
Visitors to the truck can look forward to the best-selling Hello Kitty Cafe Plush Toys and Giant Hello Kitty Cafe Chef Cookies as well. The truck makes yearly stops in different cities and has been a big hit with fans since it was introduced in 2014.
This Saturday’s pop-up event at Short Pump Town Center is the perfect opportunity for fans to check out the new exclusive collectibles and see the iconic vehicle up close.
Events
2nd annual Farm Graze event will celebrate agriculture on March 25th at Deep Run Park
Coordinated with National Agriculture Day (March 21), Farm Graze will feature live animals, including chicks, goats, rabbits and bees; resources for families; a pet costume contest; crafts; and other activities.

Henrico 4-H Youth Development will hold a free community celebration of agriculture with the second annual Farm Graze event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 25 at Deep Run Park, 9900 Ridgefield Parkway.
Coordinated with National Agriculture Day (March 21), Farm Graze will feature live animals, including chicks, goats, rabbits and bees; resources for families; a pet costume contest; crafts; and other activities. Youth will be able to complete a passport book by visiting the various exhibitors, with prizes awarded for the first 100 turned in.
Farm Graze also will collect donated items for the Henrico Animal Shelter, including used towels and blankets; Kongs and treats for dogs; toys for cats; and dry kibble and formula for kittens. All activities will take place in the recreation center or on the event field.
Henrico 4-H will showcase its programs and opportunities. Other exhibitors will include Henrico Extension, Master Gardeners, Henrico County Public Library, Henrico Recreation and Parks, Henricopolis Soil & Water Conservation District, Keep Virginia Beautiful, Keep Henrico Beautiful, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, Virginia State University Small Ruminant Farm, Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom, West End Farmers Market and RVA City Bees.
For more information, call (804) 501-5160 or go to henrico.us/extension.