5 Things

It’s Memorial Day weekend, time for us to take a step back from our busy Internet lives, remember those who have fallen in service of their country, and spend some time hanging out.

May 23, 2013; 6:53 AM • by Susan Howson

For those of you who want to dig a little deeper into the world of family-oriented Things, head over to our new 5 Things for Families. But then head back. I’ll get lonely.

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1. Feast RVA Party at Portrait House

We’re always going on and on about Feast RVA over here, but it’s because the organization covers two of our favorite bases: 1) supporting local talent and 2) having a lot of fun. (Bonus base: food and drink.) They’re doing their first-ever fundraising campaign so they can cut down on some overhead (those rad events cost many clams, dudes) and be more efficient supporters of the arts. You know how you can help? Go to another rad event! And bring your clams!

  • Thursday, May 23rd • 7:00 PM
  • Portrait House, 2907 W. Cary Street
  • $5 at the door, drink specials all night long

2. The Beauty Queen of Leenane

Remember Mother’s Day? Pssh, I don’t. And neither will you after The Beauty Queen of Leenane, a dark comedy (the best kind) about a gal and her terrible mom, duking it out in Western Ireland. Henley Street has a well-deserved reputation for putting on thought-provoking, well-produced plays, and the Richmond premiere of this Tony-award winner by Martin McDonagh (directed by Bo Wilson) should be no exception.

  • Friday, May 24th – Saturday, June 15th • see site for times
  • SPARC Center for the Performing Arts, 2106A N. Hamilton Street
  • $30 for adults, $25 for seniors, and $20 for students

3. Homefront IPA Party at Center of the Universe

If there’s one thing I say all the time, it’s “I wish I could drink for a cause.” Thank you, COTU! You can now celebrate both America and beer at one of the area’s most popular breweries, who will be serving up pints and pints of their special Homefront IPA at a RVA Food Truck-fueled party this weekend. 100% of the profits go to Operation Homefront, which supports veterans with all sorts of programs (for instance, at this very event, you can talk to law students and attorneys about veterans’ benefits and not pay them a nickel). Yes, its’ a beer that is aged on Louisville Slugger bats. Yes, they auction off the bats. Yes, you can own a beer bat. It’s wild.

  • Saturday, May 25th • 3:00 – 9:00 PM
  • Center of the Universe Brewing Company, 11293 Air Park Road, Ashland
  • Free to attend!

4. Well Worn Market

Memorial Day Weekend traditionally features many, many cookouts. What to wear? What to wear to ANYTHING anymore, am I right? And don’t even get me started on decorating your house. Drag yourself and your threadbare rags to Well Worn Market at Gallery5 this Sunday, and get stoked on vintage and locally designed fashion and home goods. Not convinced? How do these names sound to you: Yesterday’s Heroes, SharpMan, The Odd Couple, McCue Vintage, Square Trade Goods Co., Emerald Grippa Silk Scarves, Eliza Spell Jewelry, and Halona Glass. Oh, and Goatocado and Lamplighter deliciousness. Don’t delay, it’s one day only.

  • Sunday, May 26th • 12:00 – 5:00 PM
  • Gallery5, 200 W. Marshall Street
  • Free to attend!

5. Rocketts Red Glare

A tradition as old as…last year, Rocketts Red Glare is THE place for Richmond fireworks on Memorial Day. You can picnic along the river, hang out for however long you want, bring your dog…anything and everything! (Actually keep it to the above things, let’s not get crazy). Then when the sun goes down, the anticipation goes way, way up, and you’ll be celebrating heroes the way that everyone ultimately wants to be celebrated. Fireworks, food, and other people’s dogs.

  • Sunday, May 26th • 5:30 PM (see site for detailed schedule)
  • 4708 Old Main Street (alternative firework viewing locations include Libby Hill, Chimborazo Park, Gillies Creek Park, and Great Shiplock Park)
  • Patriotism is always free (food and drink is not)

Future Things

Photo by: rellim

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Susan Howson

Susan Howson is managing editor for this very website. She writes THE BEST bios.

May 23, 2013 6:53 AM 1

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