5 Things: Some motivation, some masquerades, and some monumental running.

I know it seems like a lot of stuff going on, but the world is your oyster and so is this weekend! Because there are actual oysters involved!

April 7, 2016; 10:34 AM • by Rachel Marsh

1. TEDxRVA

“I am so mentally motivated and have a lot of important things to think and talk about now,” is what everyone has on their minds for weeks after dousing themselves with live TED Talks.

Friday, April 8th • 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Richmond CenterStage, 600 E. Grace Street
$50

On this day every year, Richmonders are all divided into categories. There are the 10K runners in it for the medals, there are the 10K runners in it for the fun, there are the 10K runners dressed up in costume, there are the 10K walkers, there are the 10K motivators on the sidelines, and there are the 10K haters driving through the city and cursing at every required detour. Whether your goal is to finish the race in a record amount of time or get out of the city in a normal amount of time, best of luck to all of you this Saturday.

Saturday, April 9th • 8:30 AM
Monument Avenue (or just follow the energetic people wearing race bibs)
$30 – $50

3. Celebration of the Vine

This is a great time to bring out that wine Koozie necklace with the rhinestones that you bought on impulse years ago. No judgment here, especially when you’re not spilling wine everywhere.

Saturday, April 9th • 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The Millworks at the Green, 13872 Coalfield Parkway
$25

4. Carnevale Ball

If 4-year-old me got invited to this event, my limited knowledge of the world would assume that the word “Ball” entails many large gowns, all of the townspeople, and a very appealing eligible bachelor-prince looking for a wife. This event may be nothing like a Disney movie, but proceeds will be going towards Commonwealth Catholic Charities, an insanely good cause that helps insanely deserving people every day. What I’m saying is, I can’t guarantee a magical evening; but just in case, wear your best pair of glass slippers and leave one on the steps as you depart.

Saturday, April 9th • 6:00 – 11:00 PM
The Westin Richmond, 6631 W. Broad Street
$110

5. Oyster Festival

I know that winter is over because my calendar told me so. And because I turned the heat off in my apartment, and because I wore shorts to work last week. But I officially know that winter is over because there’s a festival dedicated to oysters in the very near future. That just makes me very excited; the part about devoting a day to oysters while drinking craft beer and wine and listening to bluegrass. But also the part about winter being over.