5 Things for Families

We’ve got art! We’ve got music! We’ve got back-to-school spirit! Check out all of these fine, family-friendly events (and more) happening in Richmond over the next few days.

September 11, 2013; 7:29 AM • by Valerie Catrow

(Editor’s note: Don’t worry, guys. Kelly is just taking this week off. She’ll be back next Wednesday to keep you and your little ankle-biters in the RVA events loop.)

1. RVA Street Art Festival

Who would’ve thought the old GRTC bus depot would become a Richmond hot spot for art and culture? Come on down to the 2500 block of W. Cary Street and watch dozens of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists (including our own Ed Trask and Hamilton Glass) revitalize 5.5 acres of walls and buildings with murals, sculptures, and more. While the kids will probably love just getting to watch these artists do their respective “thangs,” the festival will also include arts education activities where they’ll get the chance to create great works of their own.

Wednesday, September 11th through Sunday, September 15th • see website for details (show up at 8:00 PM tonight to see the illumination of the much-talked-about Lights of Human Kindess wall)
The old GRTC Bus Depot, 2501 W. Cary Street
Free (food and drink will be available for purchase)

2. Howl-O-Scream

Starting this Friday (the 13th, DUN DUN DUN), every weekend night at 6:00 PM sharp, Busch Gardens will transform from a place of cutesy Halloween fun to the scary stomping grounds of ghosts, vampires, and other nefarious creatures intent on scaring the pants off of you and your teens (the little ones should probably stay home). In addition to the regular haunted houses and spooky shows, Howl-O-Scream has something new in the works for 2013: “Terror-tories.” Four sections of the park–England, France, Germany, and Italy–are now haunted villages where visitors don’t have to wait in line to take part in the Halloween fun; it’s waiting for them around the next corner. MU HA HA HA.

Begins Friday, September 13th and runs every weekend through Sunday, October 27th • 6:00 PM through closing
Bush Gardens Williamsburg, 1 Bush Gardens Boulevard in Williamsburg
Prices vary with single day, multi-day, and annual passes available; see website for details

3. J.E.B. Stuart Back-to-School Extravaganza

All are welcome to join the students, parents, and teachers of J.E.B. Stuart Elementary for its first ever Back-to-School Extravaganza! Each grade level will have a table where they will sell hot dogs, baked good, drinks, and yard sale items to raise money for their classrooms. Even if you don’t have a kid at J.E.B. Stuart, this a great chance to offer Richmond City Public Schools your support.

Saturday, September 14th • 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
J.E.B. Stuart Elementary, 3101 Fendall Avenue
Free admission (but bring cash to buy some goodies)

4. Symphony Sneak Peek

Looking for a way to introduce your children to the wonderful world of classical music? What better place to do it than Pocahontas State Park where their whining (or squeals of joy, whatevs) will just drift off with the breeze instead of disturbing your fellow audience members? Also: hello, it’s free (other than the minimal parking costs). If symphony tickets aren’t in the budget this year, here’s your chance to soak up a lot of culture at almost no expense.

Saturday, September 14th • 6:00 – 7:15 PM (gates open at 5:00 PM)
Heritage Amphitheater at Pocahontas State Park, 10301 State Park Road in Chesterfield
Free admission, $5 for parking

5. diggityFest

I know. It’s a kids’ music fest in a shopping center. But this is just what parents have to do sometimes. Plus, all proceeds will benefit Connor’s Heroes–how can you say no to that?

Sunday, September 15th • 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Westchester Commons, intersection of Midlothian Turnpike and route 288
Free admission, $5 to get into something called the “Kid Zone” which I’m sure involves moon bouncing or comparable activities.

Photo by: lemonjenny