5 things

Richmond, are you ready to have some fun this weekend? Yes? Good thing, because there’s lots to be had. Come take a look at our picks for 5 things that are sure to keep you happy and busy in this fine town.

May 13, 2010; 6:00 AM • by Valerie Catrow

Richmond, are you ready to have some fun this weekend? Yes? Good thing, because there’s lots to be had. Come take a look at our picks for 5 things that are sure to keep you happy and busy in this fine town.

1. Art Exchange 2010

I know, what with Spring cleaning and all, people are looking to jazz up their homes this time of year. So why not spruce things up with some quality art bought in support of a good cause? This evening, the Visual Arts Center of Richmond will be displaying over 200 items (including prints, painting, sculptures, jewelry, and more) donated by local collectors, all available for purchase. Proceeds will benefit their education and exhibition programs. I mean, c’mon! Who doesn’t love Artventure? Help these folks out!

• Thursday, May 13, 5pm to 10pm
• Visual Arts Center of Richmond (1812 W. Main Street)
• Free admission (cash bar)

2. Valentine Richmond History Center: Secret Garden Party

Just when you think you know Richmond, an event like this comes along and smacks you in the face with this city’s lesser-known greatness. Enjoy a progressive cocktail party as you tour five, unkown(ish) gardens hidden in Downtown Richmond. Stops include Monumental Church, Sally Archer Anderson Garden, John Marshall House Garden, Becky’s Healing Garden, and Wickham House Garden. Admission gets you drinks, music, and food!

• Thursday, May 13, 5:30pm to 8pm
• Starting point of your choice — see website for details
• $30 for individuals, $50 for couples in advance; $35 for individuals, $60 for couples at the door

3. Dominion Riverrock

Back for its second year of fun, Riverrock promises a weekend of sports (including the much-anticipated Filthy 5k Mud Run), music, and…flying dogs! Ok, flying might not be the most accurate description, but it’s still a super-fun time. So head on out and soak up a little of Richmond’s river life!

• May 14 and 15 (see the full schedule of events here)
• Brown’s Island (S. 7th Street)
• Free!

4. The Sound of Music

I’m sorry, but it doesn’t get much better than this:

I’m not one to swoon… that’s a lie. Now I realize Christopher Plummer won’t be in Theatre IV‘s performance of this show (although HOW AWESOME WOULD THAT BE?), and I’m not even sure if this song is sung in the same context during the stage production, but I think I’ve sufficiently whetted your TSOM appetite. (I don’t know what language the subtitles are in, but I think they prove TSOM is loved the world over.)

• Opens Friday, May 14, 7pm and runs through July 4
• Empire Theatre (114 W. Broad Street)
• $40

5. Movies & Mimosas: Steel Magnolias

I know everyone’s thinking, “Seriously? Movies & Mimosas again?” And to that I say, “Yessssssss” because this weekend’s film features one of my most favorite characters of all time: Ouiser Boudreaux, played by Shirley MacLaine (who also happens to be from Richmond, thankyouverymuch). Allow me to share some of the best words ever spoken on film:

“The only reason people are nice to me is because I have more money than God.”

“This is it, I’ve found it, I am in hell.”

“I don’t see plays, because I can nap at home for free. And I don’t see movies ’cause they’re trash, and they got nothin’ but naked people in ’em! And I don’t read books, ’cause if they’re any good, they’re gonna make ’em into a miniseries.”

“I am pleasant. Damn it! I saw Drum Eatenton this morning at the Piggly Wiggly, and I smiled at the son of a bitch ‘fore I couldn’t help myself.”

Basically I can’t wait until I’m old enough for it to be somewhat socially appropriate for me to speak to people that way. The rest of the ladies in this hilarious/heart-breaking film have quite a few gems to share as well.

• Saturday, May 15 and Sunday, May 16 (doors open at 10:30am, movie starts at 11am)
• Movieland (1301 N. Boulevard)
• $5.50 ($4.50 with your Criterion Club Card)

None of these sound good? Well, you’ve also got the Lebanese Food Festival, the Strawberry Hill Races, and more to choose from. Check out our Events Calendar to see what other great events are going on around town.

As always, if you know of something that deserves a shout out, please do so in the comments OR submit it to the calendar yourself!

As the editor of RVANews, Valerie Catrow spends most of her time wrangling people over email and muttering to herself about the content calendar. She also contributes to our parenting column while maintaining her own blog, Made in Richmond. It should be noted that she loves tots, both the potato and child varieties.

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