5 Things

It’s the end of Spring, and you’re graciously accepting it. You’ve got your AC serviced and ready to roll. Send the gentle season off with a tender goodbye filled with bikes, veins, and, of course, fireworks.

May 24, 2012; 6:25 AM • by Susan Howson

It’s the end of Spring, and you’re graciously accepting it. You’ve got your AC serviced and ready to roll. Send the gentle season off with a tender goodbye filled with bikes, veins, and, of course, fireworks. Don’t feel bad, it knows you’d pretty much do anything for fireworks.

1. North American Cycle Courier Championships

Everybody’s working for the weekend, the old adage goes, especially when the weekend involves everybody challenging everybody else to do what they do, only better. I’m talking about Cycle Courier Championships, dude! Couriers from ALL OVER THE CONTINENT (that’s right) come together each year to tackle new terrain, and this year, they’re testing their mettle against our many hills and our many cobblestones. Oh, and it’s not just a race, it’s a weekend of parties, too. If you’re a cycle courier or a food delivery person, it’s time to show the world what you’re made of.

• Thurs. May 24 – Sun. May 27 • see site for event times
• Various places around town
• Free to attend!

2. St. Vincent

I don’t really know how to describe St. Vincent. She’s a really cool lady with really cool videos and all the really cool people are into her. So basically, it would behoove you to check it out tonight at The National. (I mean, if you like that sort of thing. And you can find out whether you do or don’t here).

• Thurs. May 24 • 8:00 PM
• The National, 708 E. Broad St.
• $15 in advance/$18 at the door

3. Body Worlds & the Brain

This is your brain. This is your brain on Plastination. As you can see, there’s not a whole lot of difference. Sure, you’re dead and you’re now an exhibit that travels from museum to museum, mesmerizing your audience as they realize they are looking at for-real tissue of a person who is no longer with us. Excuse me for getting a little deep here, but it’s almost like we are surprised that death can be beautiful. Oh yeah! I said it!

• Opens Fri. May 25 • 7:00 PM
• Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad St.
• $9 – $15

4. A Festival of Rights: Planned Parenthood Benefit

It’s a benefit, it’s an art auction, it’s a show, it’s a party. A Festival of Rights supports Planned Parenthood in its quest to give women options. Options are good! I mean unless you think options are bad. Official Neutral Stance over here (jk options are good, go buy some art and hang out with various Planned Parenthood personnel).

• Sat. May 26 &bull: 8:00 PM
• Gallery5 • 200 W. Marshall St.
• $5

5. Rocketts Red Glare

Winner of this week’s Best Name award, Rocketts Red Glare promises to wow everyone in the city’s easternmost quadrant with bombs that burst in the air. You may know them as “fireworks,” and, guess what, fireworks fans, there’s simply no reason to have to wait until Independence Day to get your explosion on. Grab a picnic blanket and steer thy eye towards yon airport. You’ll have all the wham, bam, thank you veterans that you ever could want.

• Sun. May 27 • 5:30 PM
• Rocketts Landing (or other places nearby)
• Free!

May 24, 2012 6:25 AM 3