5 things

Wasn’t this week amazing? The cool temperatures, the breezes, the clear blue skies. Richmond, we just might make it to autumn yet. And to top it all off, it’s a long weekend, giving us all some extra time to soak up all the good stuff Richmond has to offer.

September 3, 2009; 6:00 AM • by Valerie Catrow

1. First Fridays Artwalk

I don’t always feature these because they happen monthly , but there is SO MUCH great stuff happening this time. And it’s the first one since VCU started back up – for some reason First Fridays always seems better to me when it’s packed with college kids. God, I’m old. Anyway, this month’s walk includes Alligators in the Air, a floating comic book about a boy’s round-the-world hot air balloon trip with a couple of reptiles (read our story about it here), When Dinos Ruled RVA, a public arts project involving a group hunt for “dinosaur bones” planted all around the city, as well as 1708’s Community Lantern Making, their final workshop in preparation for the Community Lantern Parade that will kick off InLight Richmond in a few weeks. And, of course, about a billion other great shows. Friday, September 4th. Exhibits usually start around 6pm and participating galleries are located up, down, and around Broad Street. Check the First Fridays website for a lovely downloadable and printable map!

2. Donnie Darko at Insomnia Theater

My response when I saw this was, “Yes! Let’s all go and not understand it!” I’ll be honest, I don’t get this movie. Like at all. But people love it. And I love Jake Gyllenhaal. I’m sure that all of your friends will fall into one or both of those camps, so this is sure to be a fun time. Also this scene is pretty spectacular, even if it isn’t suitable for work. Friday, September 4th and Saturday, September 5th, 11:30pm, 1301 N. Boulevard, $5.50 for general admission, $4.50 with your Criterion Club card.

3. Celebrating 365 Days in Richmond at Whole Foods

I know what you’re saying, “Valerie, you’re seriously recommending that I spend my Saturday celebrating a grocery store’s anniversary?” And to that I say, “Yes, damn straight I am.” And here’s why: watching some lady put as many 365 products as she can into her shopping cart in 365 seconds, a hot dog eating contest, and free cake. W00t, as they say. Saturday, September 5th, 10am to 6pm, 11173 W. Broad Street, free! See the store website for details.

4. Labor Day at the Children’s Museum

For those of you who will be wrangling some very jittery kids on Monday, the Children’s Museum has got your back. On a day where EVERYTHING is closed and most of us are kicking back and doing a whole lot of nothing, these folks will be ready and willing to sufficiently tire out your wee ones so they’ll sleep tight before their big day on Tuesday. Monday, September 7th, open 9:30am to 5pm, 2626 W. Broad Street, $8 ($4 after 4pm).

5. Guerrilla Goodness at the Carillon

Our very own Patience Salgado is spearheading this great effort to give Richmond City Public School kids a little confidence boost as they walk in the door on their first day back. The premise is simple: spend a couple hours on Monday writing kind and positive messages on the sidewalks outside of the school buildings. Anyone and everyone is invited (and encouraged!) to come out. You’re guarantee to walk away with warm, fuzzy feelings. Monday, September 7th, 3pm, in front of the Carillon in Byrd Park, free (of course). Get specific details here.

None of these up your alley? See what else is going on around town this weekend.

Did we miss anything? Leave it in the comments.

(If you have an event coming up that you want help promoting, let us know. We’ll add it to the calendar AND it just might end up making this list!)