5 Things

The Folk Festival may be pretty amazing, but it’s not the only feather in RVA’s cap this weekend. Whether you’re a groover, a dreamer, a mover, or a screamer (or, uh, a web developer), you’ll find something to get you out of the house this weekend.

October 10, 2013; 7:07 AM • by Susan Howson

Looking for things to do with the smaller versions of yourself? Fire up the family wagon and take a looksee at 5 Things for Families.

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1. Richmond Rhythm 2013

I’ve been entranced, or at least not weirded out, by a cappella groups ever since Pitch Perfect came into my life. Now here’s our chance to see a real live “friendly” competition between Virginia’s best groups, including VCU’s own Notochords. Prepare for lots of energy, some familiar pop tunes, and hopefully zero Miley Cyrus tributes.

• Friday, October 11 • 7:00 PM (doors at 6:30 PM)
• Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Avenue
• $10 – $20

2. ConvergeRVA

Yes, a hefty pricetag, but a worthy one. This conference encourages web designers and developers to get together and let their freak-I-mean-creative flag fly. With workshops and speakers, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get inspired for your next big project. Or just get inspired to do your current project really well. Or just get inspired to turn back time, go back to school, and major in something that involves coding, because guys, this is where the future is. Big sighs for the rest of us.

• Friday, October 11th – Saturday, October 12th • see site for times
• Hippodrome Theater, 528 N. 2nd Street
• $275

3. Richmond Folk Festival

As if it needs any introduction, the Folk Festival is poised to take over the city yet again. What once was just a dream in the heart of…someone who really loved folk music…is now the city’s most popular¹ shindig. If you’re new to it all, “folk” is defined loosely. It’s not all Joan Baez and turtleneck sweaters. The performers cover more than just music and they hail from all different countries. It’s seriously fun, very kid-friendly, and the endless trail of people walking over the DTE overpasses really adds some spice to an autumn weekend drive. Here’s hoping for good weather!

• Friday, October 11th – Sunday, October 13th • see site for times
• Riverfront/Brown’s Island
• Free!

4. Creepy Hollow Hayride

October! The month we celebrate gruesome stage makeup. And nowhere is gruesomeness more disturbing than in an extremely dark forest, especially if you’re riding by on a wagon full of hay that seems to be perfectly content to move at a snail’s pace through wooded groves that, although you can’t be sure, look as if they were recently used to demonstrate torturous devices. For real, though, I’ve been to this, and it’s a lot of festive fun. Plenty of scream-worthy moments, but no nightmares. I think the entire nation should celebrate the fact that at least Creepy Hollow Scream Park is still up and running.

• Just about every day • see site for times
• Creepy Hollow Scream Park, 14435 Stone Horse Creek Road
• $15

5. Virginia Screenwriters Forum

It takes guts to create something, hand it over to other people to interpret, and then sit back and let the world judge you. Yet that’s what these aspiring writing stars are willing to do for their craft! The forum will feature three 30-minute table readings by talented actors, followed by questions and answers after each short. And no, the questions cannot be, “Will you sign my ‘Future Hollywood Superstars’ autograph book? Because you are going places, my friend!” Except actually, that’s probably fine, and also, you’re adorable.

• Sunday, October 13th • 1:00 PM
• Gottwald Playhouse at CenterStage, 600 E. Grace Street
• Free, but call 540.752.8061 to reserve a spot

Future Things

• Over the Edge – October 17th & 18th
• David Sedaris tickets now on sale – October 19th
• Boulevard Pumpkin Festival – October 26th

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Photo by: Madison Price

October 10, 2013 7:07 AM 0