Saturday May 25 through Friday May 31, 2013 is Virginia’s Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday – During this seven-day period, purchases of certain supplies and equipment needed for hurricane preparedness will be exempt from sales tax. Exempt items include batteries, flashlights, smoke detectors, generators and bottled water. It’s a good reminder to make sure you have the emergency supplies you need on hand!
Free Yoga Classes at VMFA through Project Yoga
- Project Yoga Richmond and Virginia Museum of Fine Arts are teaming up once again to offer a FREE, all levels, beginner-appropriate, family-friendly yoga class to our beloved city. Join us for a free class up on the VMFA’s beautiful Belvedere deck atop the Sculpture Garden. All we ask is that you tell your friends and stay in touch!
When to arrive: 8:45 am or earlier to check in. Class is 60 minutes. All participants will be required to sign in prior to class.
Where to park: In the VMFA parking deck (there is a fee), or for free, on the street anywhere that it’s allowed around the museum.
What to bring: Your mat, water, a towel, and a friend! Sunscreen and sunglasses strongly recommended! It gets hot, so be prepared with water and willing to take breaks when necessary. A very limited number of mats will be available to borrow.
What to wear: Comfortable clothing you can move in!
2013 dates:
May 25
June 8
June 22
July 5
July 19
August 9
August 23
September 14
September 28 (hooping class)
October 12
Free and cheap outdoor concerts in Richmond, Summer 2013
Here’s the outdoor concert list, updated for 2013 and I’ll continue to add series as schedules are announced (You can bookmark this page for later reference, or there will be a link to it in the blog page sidebar):
Music in the Park – Forest Hill Park, Forest Hill Avenue and 41st Street
One Sunday evening a month, May through October
- May 12 – The Beer Ticks 6-8pm
June 9 – The Taters (Roots Rock, Pop, Skiffle and Americana) 6-8pm
July 7 – The Dhocmatics (Original Soul and R-n-B) 6-8pm
August 18 – 3rd Wave (Surf music) 6-8pm
September 8 – Trongone Band (Grateful Dead and Friends sounds) 5-7pm
October 6 – Exebelle and the Southern Cavalcade (Folk, Country and Southern Favorites) 5-7pm
Jammin’ on the James – Wilton House Museum, 215 S Wilton Rd
Join us this summer for free concerts on the grounds of Wilton. Bring a picnic dinner and your favorite lawn chair for family-friendly music on our scenic terrace overlooking the James River. Enjoy complimentary walk-through tours of Wilton as well as face-painting, games, and crafts for kids. Free admission. All concerts are rain or shine. Donations appreciated. Concerts 6-8pm
- June 8th – Rebecca Frazier and Hit & Run
July 13th – Forte Jazz Band
August 10th – Stonebrook
Short Pump Summer Concert Series – The Summer Concert Series returns beginning June 20th and continuing Thursdays (weather permitting) through August 22th. Families are invited to enjoy FREE live music performed by local bands, great food, PRIZES and of course, fabulous shopping! Concerts begin at 6:00 PM and run until 8:00 PM in the Main Plaza
Summer Sounds at Stony Point Fashion Park – Summer is here! Enjoy live music while you stroll, shop and dine to all your favorite tunes performed by local musicians — all summer long!
- May 25 through September 2
Performance Times
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays from 4pm – 8pm
Sundays from 1pm – 5pm
With Special Performances on
Monday, May 27 from 1pm – 5pm
Monday, September 2 from 1pm – 5pm
Westchester Commons Summer Concerts – All concerts are select Sundays, 3-5pm in the Village Green area between Sweet Frog and Plaza Azteca. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
- May 12, 3-5pm – Route 64 performs music from 60′s to present! Take a picture in our photo booth while you’re here. (Rain date: June 23, 3-5pm)
May 19, 3-5pm – Flat Elvis performs music from every decade including songs by the Barenaked Ladies and the Rolling Stones. (Rain date: June 9, 3-5pm)
June 2, 3-5pm – B2B (The Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band) performs all his hits and more! All Parrotheads welcome! (Rain date: June 16, 3-5pm)
Henrico Concert Band & Henrico Community Band – For all ages. The Henrico Concert Band and the Henrico Community Band will each perform a series of three outdoor concerts. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and spend a casual evening in the park listening to your favorite band music! In case of inclement weather, the concerts may be cancelled. There will be no rain dates. Information: Amy Perdue, 501-5859.
- Henrico Concert Band
Mon, June 24, July 29, & Aug 26, 7-8 p.m.
Dorey Park by the lake. Free.
Henrico Community Band
Thur, June 27, July 25, & Aug 29, 7-8 p.m.
Deep Run Park Nature Pavilion. Free.
Sounds of Summer at Weston Plantation – Pack a picnic, grab your lawn chairs and come join Historic Hopewell Foundation’s 4th Sounds of Summer concert series on Sundays at 4:00pm. Enjoy a spectacular view of the lower Appomattox from the beautiful grounds of Weston Plantation. There is no admission charge for the concerts, which are funded by the Virginia Commission for the Arts’ Local Government Challenge Grant. Audience members are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for seating and may wish to bring their own refreshments. For directions to Weston Plantation, use MapQuest for 400 Weston Lane, Hopewell or call 458-4682. The 1789 plantation house overlooks the Appomattox River and is located off 21st Avenue near the Hopewell Marina.
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Foster Spain May 19
The Rotations on May 26
Magnolia June 2
The Koinonia Jazz June 9
Richmond Concert Band –
Independence Day Wednesday, July 4th, 7:00pm – Dogwood Dell
Sunday, August 25th, 6:00pm – Agecroft Hall
Sunday, September 22nd, 5:30pm – Agecroft Hall
Pocahontas Premieres – Pocahontas Premieres is a series of concerts hosted at Pocahontas State Park’s spacious amphitheatre. The amphitheatre is handicapped-accessible. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Food and drinks will be for sale. Beer and wine also are available at some shows courtesy of River City Blues Society (I.D. required).
The shows listed below are free, but there is a $5 parking fee for entering the park
- May 18: 380th Army Band. Armed Forces Day – 380th Army Band. The performance honors all servicemen and women who served in any branch of the armed forces. Concessions are available for purchase. Gates open at 6 p.m. 7 p.m. – free
June 2: Richmond Youth Symphony. Enjoy a free concert by the Richmond Symphony’s flagship youth orchestras. Gates open at 6 p.m. Show at 7 pm
Sept. 14: Richmond Symphony. Bring the whole family and listen to great classical music in the great outdoors. Gates open at 5 p.m. Show at 6pm
Friday Cheers concerts on Brown’s Island are on Friday evenings May 3-June 28, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets range from $5 to $10 depending on the show, and children under 12 are free.
There are three entry points to Brown’s Island, and payment will be taken at each. Cash, Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Debit and credit cards are only taken at two entry points: the pedestrian bridge at 5th and 7th streets. No pets are allowed.
- Schedule and costs each week:
May 3: Shovels and Rope and Hayes Carll $5
May 10: The Lone Bellow and Radical Face $5
May 24: RVA Music Night with NO BS! Brass Band, Murphy’s Kids and Former Champions $5
May 31: Head and the Heart and Black Girls $10
June 7: Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires $10
June 14: Kishi Bashi and Lake Street Dive $5
June 21: Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe and The Pimps of Joytime $10
June 28: Infamous Stringdusters and James Justin & Co. $10
Daily Deals – Colesville Nursery, Hiro Sushi, Comedy Sportz Improv Theatre, Ghost Tour
Groupon – $20 for $40 Worth of Plants, Gardening Supplies, and Outdoor Decor at Colesville Nursery in Ashland (14011 Nursery Road, Ashland)
Living Social – $10 for $20 to spend on food and non-alcoholic drinks from Hiro Sushi (9958 Midlothian Turnpike)
Groupon – $25 for an Improv Comedy Show for Four at Comedy Sportz Improv Theatre (Up to $44 Value) (8906-H W Broad St)
Living Social – $14 ($29 value) for a 90-minute guided walking ghost tour for two from Eerie Nights Ghost Tours ((located on Main Street side of market) 100 North 17th Street)
Groupon – Five ($29) or Ten ($39) Capoeira Classes from Capoeira Resistencia (2723 Buford Rd)
Groupon – $89 for a three-day custom juice cleanse (a $249 value) or $119 for a five-day custom juice cleanse (a $365 value) from Simply Well (7801 W Broad St)
Living Social – $49 ($110 value) for 1-hour of ARōMATOUCH, chakra balancing + evaluation from Qi To Wellness (Suite B, 1893 Billingsgate Circle)
Groupon – $19 for All-Day Paintball Package ($44.95 Value) from SplatBrothers Paintball Park (13908 James River Dr, Hopewell)
Posted in daily deals
50% Off Maymont Membership
During May 2013, you can purchase a family membership to Maymont for only $30, regularly $60.
Member benefits:
• Free admission to the Nature Center exhibits
• Free Maymont Tram privileges (subject to availability)
• Special members-only programs
• Special discounts and early registration for events, camps and programs
• $25 discount on birthday party packages
• 10% discount on Maymont souvenirs and gifts
• Seasonal special offers through Maymont’s electronic newsletter
• Advance notice of events and programs
Daily Deals – Amici Ristorante, Wing Zone, Maldini’s, Henricus Historical Park
Living Social – $20 for $40 to spend on food and non-alcoholic drinks from Amici Ristorante (3343 West Cary Street)
Try promo code SHARE5 to save $5 on a $15 or more Living Social purchase
Groupon – One ($7.50) or Two ($15) Groupons, Each Good for $15 Worth of Buffalo Wings, Sandwiches, and Chicken Tenders from Wing Zone (8310 Staples Mill Rd.)
Living Social – $14 ($28 value) for admission for 2 adults and 2 children, $4 ($8 value) for admission for one person, or $37 ($75 value) for The Alexander Whitaker Family Club membership from Henricus Historical Park (251 Henricus Park Road, Chester)
Groupon – $12.50 for $25 worth of Italian dinner for two or more or $25 for two Groupons, each good for $25 worth of Italian dinner for two or more (a $50 total value) from Maldini’s Ristorante Italiano (4811 Forest Hill Avenue)
Groupon – 2.5-Hour Weekday or Weekend Recreational Kayaking Course for One or Two ($45-$115) from Kayak Richmond (Huguenot Flatwater, Southampton Rd at Riverside Dr )
Groupon – Express Mani-Pedi ($24) or a Shellac Manicure with a Signature Pedicure ($32) from Nails By Cookie at Salon De Jae (13540 Waterford Pl, Midlothian)
Living Social – $7 ($14 value) for 18 holes of miniature golf for two people or $11 ($22 value) for two large buckets of range balls at Hanover Sports Park (11000 Washington Highway, Glen Allen)
Living Social – $49 ($255 value) for 1-hour in-studio child, senior, or family portrait session or $75 ($330 value) for 1-hour on-location child, senior or family portrait session from Carrington and Finch All Things Photography (Suite 400 D, 3108 North Parham Road)
Seize the Deal – $9.99 for two wrap combos at Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Reminder: UR Big Yard Sale on Saturday
Reminder: VMFA Shop Tent Sale this weekend + free admission to Pop Art and Beyond
Posted in daily deals
Free Admission to VMFA’s “Pop Art and Beyond” on Saturday
In celebration of National Art Museum Day, admission to Virginia Museum of Fine Art’s Pop Art and Beyond: Tom Wesselmann will be FREE on Saturday, May 18:
See Pop Art and Beyond: Tom Wesselmann free on Art Museum Day, hosted by the American Association of Art Museum Directors (AAMD). The celebration complements International Museum Day, an annual worldwide event coordinated by the International Council of Museums (ICOM). Art Museum Day is dedicated to highlighting the importance of museums within the global community. Tickets for the exhibition required.
Tickets are required – you can reserve them through the website by selecting the date of May 18. Initially, the cost may show up as $15 per adult ticket, but begin the check-out process. When you reach the checkout page to create an account (Step 3 of 4), the promotion code MUSEUMDAY should already be entered in the promotion code box and your total should be $0 (don’t proceed past billing info if the total doesn’t reflect the promotion.)
More information about the exhibit, which is open from 10am-5pm. Also note: “Some graphic content. Parental discretion advised.”
Schedule: Free kids movies at Bow-Tie Cinemas Movieland
In addition to $1 movies at Regal Cinemas this summer, the Bow-Tie Cinemas Movieland at 1301 N Boulevard will be showing FREE kids movies on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Doors open at 9am and movies begin at 10am.
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Schedule:
June 25 & 26 – Puss In Boots
July 2 & 3 – Megamind
July 9 & 10 – Rise of the Guardians
July 16 & 17 – Madagascar 3
July 23 & 24 – The Adventures of Tintin
July 30 & 31 – Hugo
August 6 & 7 – How to Train Your Dragon
August 13 & 14 – Rango
August 20 & 21 – Kung Fu Panda 2
The F.R.E.E. List May 17-19
F.R.E.E. = Frugal Richmond Events for Everyone! All events free admission unless noted
FRIDAY
Lebanese Food Festival – Friday 10am-10pm; St. Anthony’s Maronite Catholic Church, 4611 Sadler Road, Glen Allen
Enjoy Favorite Lebanese Delicacies, Sweets, Music, Dancing
Dominion Riverrock – Friday 5-11pm; Downtown riverfront around Brown’s Island
Dominion Riverrock is a three-day celebration of sports, music and river life in Richmond, VA. The event on May 17-19 includes outdoor sports, music and interactive activities set against the backdrop of Richmond’s downtown riverfront. This year’s celebration will include competitions in a variety of adrenaline-pumping athletic disciplines including a mud run, freestyle bike competitions, trail running, mountain biking, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, bouldering, slacklining and the Ultimate Air Dogs for our four-legged friends. In addition, each day is filled with live music featuring Soulive followed by Lettuce on Friday night and Anders Osborne and Toots and the Maytals on Saturday night. Complete schedule
Target $1 Family Night ($1) – Friday 5-7:30pm; Children’s Museum of Richmond Central
Bring the whole family to enjoy what The Children’s Museum of Richmond – Central has to offer from 5:00-7:30pm on the third Friday of every month for just $1 per person
LiveSky: The International Space Station ($5) – Friday 6pm; Science Museum of Virginia
Uncover life on the International Space Station — cramped quarters, far from favorite restaurants and hard to take evening strolls, but the view is amazing! After the show, weather permitting, join members of the Richmond Astronomical Society as they point telescopes up into the vastness of space! $5, free for members.n members of the Richmond Astronomical Society as they point telescopes up into the vastness of space! $5, free for Museum members.
The Rinard Family – Friday 7pm; Henrico Theatre
For all ages. Join us for another wonderful performance by a Henrico Theatre favorite, The Rinard Family. You’ll hear beloved hymns, original creations, and toe-tappin’ favorites – from Amazing Grace to Crazy, with a little bit of everything in between! Call 328-4491 for reservations.
SATURDAY
Living History Weekend – Saturday 10am-4pm; Drewry’s Bluff, 7600 Fort Darling Road
The naval defenses of Richmond will come alive again as National Park Service volunteers portraying Confederate sailors, heavy artillerymen, and Marines will demonstrate artillery action at historic Drewry’s Bluff in Chesterfield County on the James River. Throughout the weekend, park rangers and volunteers will also give talks on the role of Fort Drewry in the defense of Richmond, especially the battle that occurred there on May 15, 1862, when a Federal fleet of five ships was stopped just seven miles below the Confederate capital.
Camp Wilton on the James – Saturday 10am-5pm; Wilton House Museum
For 10 days during May of 1781, Marquis de Lafayette and over 900 troops made camp in the tobacco fields surrounding Wilton before the Siege of Yorktown. This day of living history features demonstrations of the military drill of the Continental soldier and artillery. Enter Lafayette’s Continental camp to find out how soldiers –and campfollowers– slept, ate, and lived while on the march. Entrance to encampment is free. Admissions fee for the historic house still apply.
Family Safety Fair – Saturday 10am-3pm; Chesterfield Towne Center
Richmond Alarm Company presents “Spring Family Safety Fair”. Meet with fire fighters, Chesterfield police, EMS and McGruff. Tour the Life-Evac helicopter and Chesterfield Mobile Command Center and much, much, more. Free to the public. Entertainment brought to you by The Taters.
National Kids to Parks Day: Fun Family Adventure ($5 parking, fees for some activities) – Saturday 10am-5pm; Pocahontas State Park, 10301 State Park Road, Chesterfield
Come out and enjoy some fun adventures at Pocahontas State Park. The day will be filled with fun activities including recreational tree climbing, fishing on the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries floating fishing school, canoeing, animals from Off the Ark, kids mountain bike obstacle course, entertainment, crafts, face painting and MORE! Most programs and activities are free (parking fees apply), except:Tree climbing — $18/person canoeing — $9/person or for families of 4 or more $6/person crafts — $5 includes instructions and all materials. Each of the above activities has limited participation, so please call 796-4255 to register for them (separately).
Lebanese Food Festival – Saturday 10am-10pm; St. Anthony’s Maronite Catholic Church, 4611 Sadler Road, Glen Allen
See Friday
Mad Hatter’s Tea Party – Saturday 11am and 1pm; Main Plaza, Short Pump Town Center
Celebrate your unbirthday at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party! Wander down the rabbit hole, and enjoy entertainment, face painting, balloon twisting and more with Alice and her friends. Alice and the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party showtimes are at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, with character Meet and Greets following each performance.
Imagination Richmond – Saturday 11am-3pm; Willow Lawn Plaza
Join The Shops at Willow Lawn for the Fifth Annual Imagination Richmond. Bring the whole family and enjoy live music and performances, horse-drawn wagon rides, face painting, balloon art, moon bounces, giant inflatable slide, popular costumed characters, free giveaways, merchants specials and more! All children’s activity lines close at 2:30 pm.
11–11:50 am – The Diggity Dudes
12:10–1:00 pm – Silly Bus
1:15–1:45 pm – Jonathan the Juggler
2:15–3 pm – Rocknocerous
Stories at the Museum – Saturday 11am; Virginia Historical Society
The Virginia Historical Society is offering special educator-led readins of history books for children. Every program will include a group reading of the selected book and a craft activity related to the text. Each month the books will have a different theme. Programs take place the first and third Saturday of each month from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Stories at the Museum programs are FREE, open to the public, and require no advance registration. All ages are welcome. This week: Snowflake Bentley
Family Fun Day – Saturday 11am-2pm; Commonwealth Sports Medicine, 4300 Pouncey Tract Rd, Downtown Short Pump
Join us May 18th to celebrate the Grand Opening of our new 7000sq ft location in Short Pump. All ages are invited to enjoy FREE food and activities. We will have an obstacle course, bounce house, face painting and many prizes to give away. As well, we will have demonstrations of our new 3D video gait analysis system.
Dominion Riverrock – Saturday 12-10:30pm; Downtown riverfront
See Friday
Blacksmithing: Too Many Irons in the Fire – Saturday 12:30-3:30pm; Meadow Farm Museum
For all ages. The blacksmith was a very important member of the 19th-century rural community. Watch and listen to the blacksmith as the iron gets red-hot and the smith pounds and bends it into useful objects. Information: 501-2130.
May Play Day – Saturday 1-5pm; The Armour House & Gardens
For all ages. The Armour House & Gardens at Meadowview Park is a gorgeous place to spend a sunny May day! Come join us for old-fashioned family fun, music, games, crafts, gardening activities, food vendors, and more. The Armour House and its beautiful gardens will be open for tours too! Information: 343-3506.
Johnny Jones and Friends Concert – Saturday 6pm; North Lawn, Appomattox Plantation, 1001 Pecan Avenue, Hopewell
On Saturday, May 18, the local bluegrass group, “Johnny Jones and Friends” will perform at the General Grant’s Headquarters Unit of Petersburg National Battlefield. This is a good opportunity to get outdoors and take advantage of the history and beautiful scenery that surrounds the City Point section of Hopewell. Feel free to bring a picnic dinner, lounge chairs or a blanket, and make yourself comfortable while you enjoy some good music. The concert is weather permitting and alcohol is not allowed.
SUNDAY
Living History Weekend – Sunday 10am-4pm; Drewry’s Bluff, 7600 Fort Darling Road
See Saturday
Lebanese Food Festival – Sunday 10am-8pm; St. Anthony’s Maronite Catholic Church, 4611 Sadler Road, Glen Allen
See Friday
Dominion Riverrock – Sunday 12-5pm; Downtown riverfront
See Friday
SPARC: Charlotte’s Web – Sunday 2-3pm; Children’s Farm Lawn, Maymont
E.B. White’s timeless children’s story comes to life in SPARC’s production of Charlotte’s Web. Featuring music and lyrics from Charles Strouse (Broadway’s Annie), this delightful musical is perfect for any age. Starring a cast of Richmond’s most talented singers, actors, and dancers ages 9-13, this show is the perfect way to usher in Spring!
The Stavna Ballet – Sunday 2pm; Henrico Theatre
For all ages. The Stavna Ballet’s wish is to captivate, enrich and inspire audiences through breathtaking artistry that explores the fusion of contemporary movement and the grace of classical ballet. They are passionate about making the art of dance accessible and inspiring young minds through engaging and interactive learning experiences. Call 328-4491 for reservations.
Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social – Sunday 4-6pm; Clarke-Palmore House Museum
For all ages. Treat your taste buds to Bruster’s delicious ice cream, tour the historic house and try out some old-fashioned games while listening to the toe-tapping sounds of period music. Great fun for the whole family. Information: 652-3411.
Sounds of Summer: Foster Spain – Sunday 4pm; Weston Plantation, 400 Weston Lane, Hopewell
Pack a picnic, grab your lawn chairs and come join Historic Hopewell Foundation’s 4th Sounds of Summer concert series on Sunday May 19 at 4:00pm. Enjoy a spectacular view of the lower Appomattox from the beautiful grounds of Weston Plantation. There is no admission charge for the concerts, which are funded by the Virginia Commission for the Arts’ Local Government Challenge Grant. Audience members are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for seating and may wish to bring their own refreshments.
Posted in Free & Cheap Events
Free Krispy Kreme Doughnut through Foursquare
“Check-in” with a friend at Krispy Kreme on Wednesday May 15 or May 22 using smartphone app Foursquare, and both of you will receive a free Key Lime doughnut! (Key Lime Cake or Key Lime Cheesecake varieties)
Offer valid on 5/15/13 and 5/22/13 only. Not in combination with other offers. One offer per guest per day while supplies last.
Don't forget cash back websites when shopping online -
