5 things

Wow. It’s almost like the powers-that-be in Richmond got together and said, “Let’s make the last weekend in September the most jam-packed weekend of fun ever.” Read on to get a sample of what’s going on (and enter to win free tickets to one of our picks).

September 24, 2009; 6:00 AM • by Valerie Catrow

Wow. It’s almost like the powers-that-be in Richmond got together and said, “Let’s make the last weekend in September the most jam-packed weekend of fun ever.” Honestly, I had a really hard time narrowing down the choices to just five, so be sure to check out our events calendar so you don’t miss out on anything.

1. State Fair of Virginia

No more celebrating our Virginian heritage at RIR. The State Fair has up and moved out to Meadow Event Park, an old horse farm just off I-95 in Doswell. This is very exciting as horse farms just tend to make things more heritage-y. It opens today and runs through October 4th, so you’ve got plenty of time to indulge in ridiculous State Fair cuisine, take in some tunes, and enjoy a few food and livestock competitions. I wonder who will bring home the prize for Market Hog this year. Oh, Virginia, we love you. And, since we also love our readers, we’ve got a pair of tickets to give away, valid for any day of the fair. Go here to enter. Contest closes at 10pm tonight. Fair runs Thursday, September 24th through Sunday, October 4th, 10am to 9pm, 13111 Dawn Boulevard (exit 98 just of I-95 and next to Kings Dominion), prices vary so check the website. Also, please note: parking costs $5 this year.

2. InLight Richmond

1708 Gallery has been hard at work over the last several weeks getting ready for their 2nd annual effort to get Richmonders out to enjoy (and even take part in) some quality, multimedia art. This three-day event kicks off on Friday evening with a Community Lantern Parade, followed by the Wearable Art fashion show, and various performances from kick-ass musicians. I also hear there is a beer and wine garden. Stop by their website for more details about exhibitions throughout the weekend (because there are far too many wonderful things going on to list them all here). But to get you started, the Lantern Parade is Friday, September 25th, 7:45pm, meet in front of the Marriot Hotel at the corner of East Broad and 5th Street.

3. Jerry Seinfeld at The Landmark

Do kids these days even understand how exciting this is? Jerry. Seinfeld. If I were one to swoon, I might be doing that right now. What can I say? I love the funny guys. And how can you not love a man involved with creating this (among other things):

Saturday, September 26th, 7pm, 6 N. Laurel Street, $75 (I know, I know). Go here to buy tickets.

4. Cherry Bomb presents “Double Your Pleasure” at Cous Cous

The ladies of Richmond’s all-female DJ collective are set to bring you hours of genre-sweeping sounds in one of RVA’s favorite spots. Plus, to make it more interesting, they’re tag-teaming it! Each hour you’ll get two DJ’s taking turns to spin records back-to-back without knowing what the lady before them will be playing. It’s sure to make for some interesting mixes. And hello! DANCE PARTY! Saturday, September 26th, 10pm, 900 W. Franklin Street, free!

5. Swinetangle at Rock Bottom Island

I know what you’re thinking. A tangle of SWINES? Is that like the rat king? (Don’t click on that link. For the love of God, don’t click on it.) But this is so not like that. Put on by the Massey Alliance, Swinetangle is a chance for you and the fam to get outside, soak up the last bit of warm weather, and enjoy… wait for it… all you can eat BBQ. Plus there’s all kinds of kids’ events lined up for the day, including face painting, balloon animals, and a performance from local entertainer/magician Jonathan Austin. It doesn’t get more wholesome than that, friends. Sunday, September 27th, 12pm to 4pm, across from the River Road Shopping Center at 5995 River Road, $25 for adults in advance, $35 at the door. $10 for kids in advance, $15 at the door. Go here to buy tickets.

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!)