5 Things

If you’ve got a family, we’ve got your back–for things to do this weekend, that is.

July 19, 2012; 6:28 AM • by Susan Howson

If you’ve got a family, we’ve got your back–for things to do this weekend, that is. It may be hot, and it may be sticky, but your hot and sticky kids are going to live it up at CMoR, Innsbrook After Hours, a block party, and the VHS. If you don’t have kids, just hear us out: there’s food, music, and often alcohol involved in many of these events. Are you thinking what I’m thinking? (Hint: I’m thinking “You should go to them.”)

1. The Avett Brothers at Innsbrook After Hours

I don’t know about you, but my friends are always going on and on about The Avett Brothers. Their banjos! Their lyrics! Their rock/country fusion! Their ability to bridge the divide between generations! Their sweet, sweet beards! Get all Avett-ed at the SnagAJob Pavilion this Friday. It’s part of the Innsbrook After Hours series, which means it’s outdoors, so dress all relaxy and cool and consider bug spray.

• Fri. Jul. 20 • Gates open at 6:00 PM
• Snagajob Pavilion, 4901 Lakebrook Rd., Glen Allen
• $30-35 (free admission for children)

2. Virginia Historical Society Free Family Day

PARENTS: Your kids need a dose of history, stat. Don’t ask me how I know, I JUST DO. Round up the tots and teeter down to the Virginia Historical Society for games and prizes and books and behind-the-scenes tours. This year, they’ve got Robert Knox Sneden Civil War prints that you can order for yourself–but probably just for yourself. I’m not sure kids need to go to sleep with visions of bayonets dancing in their heads.

• Sat. Jul. 21 • 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Virginia Historical Society, 428 N. Boulevard
• Free!

3. Spider-Man and Friends at the CMOR

Just call us 5 Family Things this week! Spider-Man and the Green Goblin sign a truce (apparently) and join Captain America and Iron Man (who play dice with Spider-Man on Friday nights) for “Spider-Man and Friends!” Your kid is going to BLOW his or her TINY TOP when he or she meets four famous comic book characters IN THE SAME DAY. Plus, if you’re a member, you get in free. I mean dang, that’s a lot less than I’d pay to see someone shoot web stuff out of his wrists.

• Sat. Jul. 21 • 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM
• Children’s Museum of Richmond, 2626 W. Broad St.
• Free with admission, which is free with membership

4. Downtown Artwalk Block Party

Yet another free and family-friendly event! This weekend is like…the freest and familiest-friendliest weekend in history. Cart your now exhausted offspring to the Downtown Artwalk Block Party and celebrate summer! They’ve got beer for you, food carts for all, and activities for tykes. By the end of the day, they’ll be begging you to put them to bed. You’re welcome.

• Sat. Jul. 21 • 4:00 – 8:00 PM
• 100-300 block of Broad St.
• Free to attend!

5. Sampling Shockoe

Shockoe deserves its own restaurant week, dammit, and attendance is mandatory. The Slip and the Bottom (er, Valley?) aren’t just about cobblestones and da clubs. They’re about togetherness and hope and eating dinner. Starting this coming Monday, you’ll have the opportunity to chow down on $30 fixed three-course menus at all your fave Shockoe eateries. Don’t have a fave? Get one, my friend! Now is the best time to make it happen, as the menus are up for your perusal, waiting for you to choose the one that looks the most appealing. Eat up!

• Mon. Jul. 23 – Sun. Jul. 29
• World of Shockoe (i.e. the name I just made up for Shockoe Bottom and Shockoe Slip)
• $30

July 19, 2012 6:28 AM 0