5 Things

Looking for things to do this weekend? We’ve got you covered!

January 16, 2014; 6:50 AM • by Susan Howson

Family-oriented? Check out 5 Things for Families. You won’t be sorry, and you won’t miss naptime.

1. Freedom Classic Festival

Sports and freedom! Get a dose of both at this annual game-turned-festival that pits Virginia Union University against Virginia State University on the court of LIFE (jk, the court of basketball). There’s so much more to this event, though. For one, it lasts for three+ days. For two, it features drumline competitions, art, food, music, swanky alumni dinners, all sorts of things.

Thursday, January 16th – Sunday, January 19th (the game is Sunday at 7:00 PM) • see site for times
Various places (the game’s at the Coliseum)
Various prices (the game’s $30.25-$35.25)

2. Meg’s Mile

This past monday, Meg Cross Menzies was hit by a drunk driver on her morning run. An active member of the Richmond Road Runners Club, Meg was a wife and mother of three. Do your part to raise awareness against driving under the influence (that pretty much includes texting while driving) and go on a run this Saturday. Tag thoughts, pictures, whatever you want with #megsmiles and spread the word. As the site says (it’s a truly touching write-up), feel all the pain in your muscles and lungs, and then realize how lucky you are to have that moment.

Saturday, January 18th • whenever you want
Wherever you want
Free

3. Virginia Dance Festival

The Children’s Hospital of Richmond gets the financial benefit from the annual Virginia Dance Festival, but YOU get the benefit of watching a bunch of talented dancers (from more than 30 companies!). I love dance with my whole heart, and I especially love giant showcases of all different sorts of dance. Move your body, fools, and get down to the Carpenter Theatre.

Saturday, January 18th • 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Carpenter Theatre, 600 E. Grace Street
$12 – $17

4. Arena Racing

Arena racing is like NASCAR racing but in a smaller, easier to consume format that won’t terrify and/or keep your kids up too late. It’s a smaller track, with half-sized cars, that go UP TO 50 MPH! I don’t mean to make fun, it’s cute, and kids love it. Plus it has a whole following of its own, which is more than you can say for writers.

Friday, January 17th • 7:30 PM and Saturday, January 18th • 7:00 PM
Richmond Coliseum, 601 E. Leigh Street
$7 – $14

5. Jewish Food Festival

Do you love Jewish food? If not, are you ready to be convinced that you do? The WJCC and Keneseth Beth Israel will take on that challenge and make you a believer this weekend at the Jewish Food Festival. There’s also song, dance, and cultural presentations, and also….lots of food. Food that you can get as you drive through, even. Food that you should maybe wrap up and bring to me. I’ll text you my address.