5 Things

First full weekend of spring in Richmond! Take a look at our top 5 picks for how to get out and enjoy it — and they aren’t all about college hoops because some of you are probably looking for a a few alternatives (but you might not want to say that out loud).

March 24, 2011; 6:00 AM • by Valerie Catrow

1. 19th Annual French Film Festival

You might have noticed the French flags festooning (oh how I LOVE a chance to use that word!) the light poles in Carytown as of late. That’s right, local Francophiles! It’s time to hole up in the beloved Byrd Theater and spend your weekend soaking up some of the best films (and minds) French cinema has to offer.

• Thursday, March 24th through Sunday, March 27th (check out the full schedule here)
• Byrd Theatre (2908 W. Cary Street)
• $15 for individual films; $65 for student VIP; $105 for instructor VIP; $115 for regular VIP (see website for details)

2. NCAA Sweet Sixteen

You might have heard that Richmond is now the college basketball capital of the world. The NCAA tourney is underway, and UR and VCU have BOTH made it to the Sweet 16. So everyone in Richmond is now insane (but in a really good way, of course). GO RAMS! GO SPIDERS! GO RVA!

• Friday, March 25th (UR plays Kansas at 7.15; VCU plays Florida State at 9.55)
• Uhh, the games are in San Antonio, so unless you plan on forking over some major cash to head out west, plan on hunkering down on your couch or in a local bar.
• Free!

3. The Wizard of Oz

For those of you not into college basketball (although I’d avoid saying that out loud for at least a few weeks), Broadway in Richmond has quite the little gem set up for you this weekend. This stage version of the 1939 classic film (based on the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production) promises “breathtaking special effects that will sweep audiences away, from the moment the tornado twists its way into Kansas.”

• Friday, March 25th through Saturday, March 26th (two evening performances and one matinee available)
• Landmark Theatre (6 N. Laurel Street)
• $40-$62.50

4. Salt N Pepa’s Legends of Hip Hop Tour

Raise your hand if you know all the words to this song!

Raise your hand if you were 12 when this song came out and you are now appalled by the fact that you knew all the words to this song EVEN THEN!

Anyway, Biz Markie, Doug E Fresh, MC Lyte, and Naughty By Nature will also be in attendance. And your mind will be blown.

• Friday, March 25th (8pm)
• Richmond Coliseum (601 E. Leigh Street)
• $39.50-$76

5. Church Hill Irish Festival

Traditional music, food, crafts, and just lots of fine, family fun in one of Richmond’s most beautiful neighborhoods. In light of the recent passing of local musician and WCVE host Page Wilson, the powers-that-be have decided that this year’s festival will take place in his honor.

• Saturday, March 26th (11am to 7pm) and Sunday, March 27th (11am to 6.30pm)
• Church Hill (parking is free, with three shuttle buses at 17th and Broad)
• $2 donations will be collected at the gate (benefits the St. Baldrick’s Society and their fight against childhood cancer, the Church Hill Association, the Church Hill Crime Watch, Richmond Hill, Child Saver’s Clinic of Richmond, the St. Peter’s Meals Program, and many other neighborhood causes)

Valerie Catrow is the former editor of RVANews who now spends her days raising her son, reading young adult fiction, and watching really bad television. When she’s not contributing to our parenting column or ranting and raving on her personal blog, Made in Richmond, you can probably find her abusing the caps lock key on Twitter.

March 24, 2011 6:00 AM 1