5 Things

Holy frijole! The Flying Squirrels are in the Championship Series! Not only that, but it also looks like the weekend is shaping up to be not hot as balls. As luck would have it, there are several very, very awesome events that require the use of ambulatory feet. We have art, Church Hill, sinfulness, and food happening–even some acoustic punk later this evening to get things going.

September 15, 2011; 6:00 AM • by Nathan Cushing

The Squirrels have been kicking butt in the playoffs, and will be playing at the Diamond beginning tomorrow. Here’s the scoop on the team’s winning ways, and how you can get tickets to see them take it to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

But if baseball is not your thing, fret not. There’s a slew of mad, wicked, and totes awesome events happening this weekend. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s get started…

1. 43rd Street Festival of the Arts

Who says art sucks??? PHILISTINES do, that’s who. Are YOU a Philistine? Of course not! This is Richmond. We’re art-savvy, art-conscious, and undeniably artfully art-centric. We’re also people who take great pleasure in knowing that the weekend looks as though it won’t surpass 80 degrees. Being that we share a love of art and nice weather, perhaps the Art gods are shining down on us as the 43rd Street Festival of the Arts takes place this Saturday. It’s FREE to enter, and there will be all sorts of vendors beckoning your very unPhilistine predilections.

Sat., Sep. 17 • 10am – 5pm
Forest Hill Avenue and 43rd Street
FREE

2. Church Hill Walking Tour

Later this month, yours truly will be moving to historic Church Hill. I’ve spent the last eight years living in either the Fan or Museum District, so this is going to be a minor culture shock. I’ve heard many people laud the oldest neighborhood in Richmond, so I’m very much looking forward to making the move. There is, however, one catch—I know NOTHING about Church Hill! But as luck would have it, there’s going to be a walking tour of the historic area: “Examine 19th century architecture and modern revitalization efforts in Richmond’s oldest intact neighborhood. Developed by Major William Mayo, Church Hill is home to St. John’s Church, where Patrick Henry made his famous speech, and the city’s largest number of antebellum structures.”

Bitchin’!

Sun., Sep. 18 • 2pm – 4pm
Meet at Patrick Henry Park across from St. John’s Church, E. Broad and 24th streets
$10

3. “When the Lights Go Out: Death, Sin and Slavery in Richmond” Walking Tour

WARNING: Subject matter may not be suitable for young children.

That’s not a misprint, folks. That’s for REALSIES! Who says walking tours have to be so painfully banal!?! C’mon, just read the description for the event:

Explore the capital city through the eyes of the citizens who braved the terrors and turmoil of Civil War. Hear first hand accounts of the horrors experienced at Libby Prison, Castle Thunder, and Belle Isle. Walk the streets that were once home to hospitals, brothels, and prisons to discover the sometimes gruesome fate that awaited soldiers when the battles were over.

Do I really need to hype this for you any more????

Sat., Sep. 17 • 10:30am – 12pm
1500 E. Main Street
$9 for non-members (includes Museum admission), free for members

4. Real Richmond Food Tour–Both Sides of Broad: The Art & Soul of Richmond

I know what you’re thinking, this week’s 5 Things contains an awful lot of walking-related events…well, get ready for another one!

If there’s one thing we tend to like more than walking, it’s eating. While leisurely walking 1.5 miles through historic Monroe and Jackson ward, sample some of the best (i.e. non-craptastic) restaurants that Richmond has to offer. And if you pork out, don’t worry about becoming a fatty—you can burn off the calories by walking!

Sat., Sep. 17 • 2pm – 4:30pm
Please gather inside Quirk Gallery (311 W. Broad St. Richmond VA 23220) at 1:50 p.m
Tickets are $39 with a small ticketing fee and can be purchased HERE

5. Strike Anywhere

This famous Richmond band will be performing a special acoustic set at the Camel tonight, and will feature Rob Huddleston of Anne Berretta. Rumor has it that a “special guest” will make an appearance later in the evening, too…

Here’s a taste: