5 Things

This 5 Things is completely holiday free, and if all goes as planned, you’ll start next week with new ink stuck in your skin and the tune from a classic musical or a light-hearted opera stuck in your head.

November 21, 2013; 6:50 AM • by Susan Howson

I know, I know. You need things to do that aren’t holiday related yet, because it’s TOO SOON to put up all those lights and see auto dealership commercials switch to the ones that feature animated snowfall. This 5 Things is completely holiday free, and if all goes as planned, you’ll start next week with new ink stuck in your skin and the tune from a classic musical or a light-hearted opera stuck in your head.

1. Richmond Tattoo Arts Festival

Maybe you’ve heard, RVA is covered in ink! Tattoo ink, that is! Like, on our skin! In fact, it’s not until I go to other places and look around that I realize just how tatted up we all are. Hence: the 21st annual convention of the sort, where you can get permadrawn-on by some high profile artists and participate in a judging for all sorts of honors.

Friday, November 22th – Sunday, November 24th • see site for times
Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 N. 3rd Street
$20 for a single day, $40 for the whole shebang, discounts available

2. VisArts 50th Anniversary Craft + Design Show

The Visual Arts Center is a half-century old, if you can believe it. This Friday, you can celebrate by cruising your way past artistic crafts by local and national exhibitors. It’s a like a gallery of crafts! For you to own or maybe just admire! For this landmark birthday, VisArts is bringing in local food and craft beer, as it knows that these two things are the way to our hearts. So stop by and try not to spill your cider onto something beautiful.

Friday, November 22th – Sunday, November 24th • see site for times
Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad Street
$8, discounts available

3. Fiddler on the Roof

If I were a rich man, I’d buy all of the tickets to this, one of my favorite plays of all time. Join Tevye and Golde as they navigate a changing cultural landscape that brings with it newfangled notions of love and marriage for their daughters. The sun is about to RISE on the Virginia Rep’s production, so don’t let it SET on your opportunity to see it. That…was terrible.

Friday, November 22th – Sunday, January 12th • see site for times
November Theatre, 114 W. Broad Street
$36 – $60

4. The Magic Flute

Why, everybody loves The Magic Flute! Mozart’s most whimsical opera has a whole lot for your eyes and ears to glom onto, and the story is no trouble to follow (sort of). Plus, it involves serpents. Can’t say that for The Marriage of Figaro, can you? (Really, can you? I have no idea). You’ve only got two days to see the Virginia Opera’s production of this one, so delay not.

Friday, November 22th & Sunday, November 24th • see site for times
Carpenter Theatre, 600 E. Grace Street
$29 – $111

5. The Vintage Home Market

Get some old things that are new to you, and give that house a Christmas present of its own! This hulk of a pop-up antique mall is bound to have something you’re looking for, whether it’s a jelly cupboard or a cedar chest (both mysterious items my mother was always dragging home from these things), the Vintage Home Market has you covered.