5 Things

We’re focusing on giving back this weekend–in ways that are completely enjoyable! From learning how to be a more responsible human to contributing to a worthy cause to snapping up emerging artists’ works. You can do eet!

February 5, 2015; 6:00 AM • by Susan Howson

1. RVA Environmental Film Festival

Film festival season has come to Richmond! With this one (the only free one that I know of) you can enjoy a bunch of movies that will inspire you to do more for your planet, your community, and your health. But don’t be fooled by all the inspiration, they’re still movies, so they’re fun.

• Through Sunday, February 8th • see site for schedule
• See site for venues
• Free!

2. CHOCOHOLIC 2015

Chocolate lovers and good-deed lovers unite! This annual and super-fun party benefits Family Lifeline, which in turn benefits the community. As good times go, this is an RVA favorite, and it makes sense. A cocktail party that is chocolate-themed at the Science Museum? Yeah, there are way less enjoyable ways to do your part.

• Thursday, February 5th • 6:30 – 9:30 PM
• Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad Street
• $50 includes food and two drinks

3. First Fridays

Has another month gone by? Yes indeedy! This time, it’s George Terry, Kristen Kindler, and Sarah Bednarek at ADA Gallery and an exhibit that celebrates magical things (and then some) at 1708 Gallery. The weather is starting to get a little better, because groundhogs are not accurate meteorologists, turns out. It’s time for you to come out of your burrow, ignore any shadows you see, and shake off the malaise of January.

• Friday, February 6th • 5:00 – 9:00 PM
• From about Belvidere to about 8th Street, on Broad Street
• Free to attend!

4. Sweethearts for the Arts

Another benefit, because ’tis the season to get helping (that’s usually Christmas, for some reason, when you probably have more disposable income and time in February, so brb let me write a letter to the powers that be and request the goodwill season to move to late winter). Sweethearts for the Arts features DJs and food and burlesque and giveaways and costume contests and I don’t know what else, all to benefit Art on Wheels.

• Saturday, February 7th • 8:00 – 11:30 PM
• Lewis Ginter Recreation Association, 3421 Hawthorne Avenue
• $35 with processing fees

5. 16th Annual Virginia Dance Festival

Jessica Morgan School of Dance, which I will always remember as “the place all the cool kids danced when I was in high school” puts on this enormous festival to celebrate local dance! Different types of dance from all over the world are showcased by a ton of local dance schools. And benefits go to the Children’s Hospital of Richmond. If it sounds fun, that’s because it is.

• Saturday, February 7th • 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
• Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel Street
• $14 – $17

Photo by: kev-shine

February 5, 2015 6:00 AM 0