5 things

I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to a low-key weekend after all of this holiday hullabaloo. However, it seems Richmond is not at all sympathetic with my plight, what with the fun she’s got planned for the next couple days. Here are 5 downright irresistible things happening this weekend that might even get me out to see the light of day.

January 6, 2011; 6:00 AM • by Valerie Catrow

I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to a low-key weekend after all of this holiday hullabaloo. However, it seems Richmond is not at all sympathetic with my plight, what with the fun she’s got planned for the next couple days. Here are 5 downright irresistible things happening this weekend that might even get me out to see the light of day.

1. Dominon GardenFest of Lights (last chance!)

Your days to stare in awe at thousands of lights are numbered. Lewis Ginter will be closing up shop on GardenFest (at least until next season) on Monday evening, so you best get moving! Seriously, this is a must-see, local holiday tradition. Don’t miss it!

• Openly nightly through Monday, January 10 (5pm to 10pm)
• Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (1800 Lakeside Avenue)
• Free with regular admission ($10 adult; $9 senior; $6 children; children under 3: free)

2. Papier-Mâchete

In the almost two years that I’ve been writing 5 things, I think I’ve made it ABUNDANTLY clear that I love a good play on words. Papier-Mâchete! It’s genius! The concept behind the event is also quite wonderful as well. From the Gallery5 website:

For thousands of years, paper as been one of the most common surfaces for making art. Paper is a universal language in art that has spanned almost all periods and movements in art. Not only has paper been used as a surface for making art, it is also used as a medium in itself. Papier-Mâchete will explore the limitless range found in these ubiquitous materials.

Papier-Mâchete will showcase work (2D and 3D) from artists all over the U.S. Jurors Richard Waller, Aaron McIntosh, and Amie Oliver have curated the exhibit, and prizes for first, second, and third places will be awarded (along with one Honorable Mention).

• Opens Friday, January 7 and runs through February 18 (opening reception starts at 7pm)
• Gallery5 (200 W. Marshall Street)
• Free!

3. Movies & Mimosas: Gone With the Wind

Yes, Movies & Mimosas has been showing up here quite often, but right now I just can’t care about that. IT’S GONE WITH THE WIND, YOU FOOLS! If I could figure out how to properly type out the notes from the theme music, you can bet your sweet bippy I would. (I tried. Many times. But it looked like I was trying to type out the theme from Jaws.) Keep in mind, the movie is L-O-N-G, so wear comfy pants.

• Saturday, January 8 and Sunday, January 9 (doors open at 10:30am; movie starts at 11am)
• Movieland (1301 N. Boulevard)
• $5.50 (discounts available with your Criterion Club Card)

4. Arena Racing USA

Half-scale stock cars driving reallyreally fast around a track small enough to fit inside a hockey rink? I feel like I’d spend the entire time wincing (just like when I watch contestants on The Bachelor sing because OH THE HORRORS), but, hey, it’ll probably be a good time.

• Saturday, January 8 (7pm)
• Richmond Coliseum (601 E. Leigh Street)
• $8-$13

5. Live at Ipanema: The Itchy Hearts

Hopefully this week’s image is making sense to you now. These guys are promising a little punk, a little bluegrass, a lot of sincerity, and even some hoots and hollers. How can you lose, my people? (And be sure to check back with us tomorrow for sights and sounds from the last installment of Live at Ipanema, featuring Englishman.)

• Sunday, January 9 (10pm)
• Ipanema Cafe (917 W. Grace Street)
• Free!

Keep in mind, these events are just a snippet of the fun happening in RVA this weekend. Stop by our Events Calendar to see what else is going on.

Feel free to leave shout-outs for other events in the comments while you’re here.

As the editor of RVANews, Valerie Catrow spends most of her time wrangling people over email and muttering to herself about the content calendar. She also contributes to our parenting column while maintaining her own blog, Made in Richmond. It should be noted that she loves tots, both the potato and child varieties.

January 6, 2011 6:00 AM 0