5 things

Well, hello there, August. How did you get here so quickly? No matter, Richmond is welcoming you in a very nice way. Here we go: 5 things to make this weekend wicked awesome.

August 5, 2010; 6:00 AM • by Valerie Catrow

Well, hello there, August. How did you get here so quickly? No matter, Richmond is welcoming you in a very nice way. Here we go: 5 things to make this weekend wicked awesome.

1. Erykah Badu

Did you know Ms. Badu’s real name is “Erica Wright”? Anyway, I’ve loved her ever since hearing “Tyrone” back in the late 90s. The first line of the song (sung to a selfish, inattentive boyfriend) is “I’m getting tired of your shit.” My middle class, suburban, 15-year-old girl angst could really relate.

• Friday, August 6 (6pm)
• Kanawha Plaza (7th and Canal Streets)
• $45

2. Amazing Animal Day

Goats! Chickens! Exotic birds! It’s your kid’s dream come true! Throw in a few sweet pups from the SPCA doing fun, amazing tricks and you’ll have a kiddie spaz out on your hands — in the best possible way, of course.

• Saturday, August 7 (10am to 4pm)
• The Children’s Museum of Richmond (2626 W. Broad Street)
• $8 (kids under 1 are free)

3. 3rd Annual Johnny Z Festival

If you’re looking for something fun (and free!) to do with the kids this weekend, Art 180 has got you covered with this day of art, music, and fun held in honor of Jon Zanin (known as Jonny Z) who died tragically and suddenly in 2007. Jonny Z was known for his creativity, compassion, and love for making art and music — what better way to honor his memory than to have a sweet time with your fellow Richmonders, enjoying the works of local artists and musicians? They’ll be closing down the 200 block of N. Shields for a community block party featuring the Bizarre Market, raffle drawings, WRIR DJ’s, and children’s activities including printmaking by Studio 23. There will also be live performances from Josh Small, The Catnip Dreams, Ghostdog & Cinnamon, Photosynthesizers, and The Girtles.

• Saturday, August 7 (12pm to 5pm)
• 200 block of N. Shields (in front of Joe’s Inn)
• Free admission

4. 27th Annual Carytown Watermelon Festival

For the first time in, oh, a million years, it’s actually not going to be insufferably hot for the Watermelon Festival! Way to go, Weather! You probably know the drill by now: tons of Richmonders (usually with their dogs), over 2500 watermelons, musicians, exhibitors, general revelry and fine, family fun. Although I wonder how many people will automatically think the watermelons are disappointing since MARTIN’S is partly responsible for donating them. (I kid! Sort of!)

• Sunday, August 8 (10am to 6pm)
• Carytown
• Free admission

5. Live at Ipanema: River City Band

Once you’ve taken your post-Watermelon Festival nap, head over to our favorite basement watering hole for an evening of bluegrass with River City Band. It’d be very Richmond-y of you, you know.

• Sunday, August 8 (10pm)
• Ipanema Cafe (917 W. Grace Street)
• Free!

None of these sound good? Check out our Events Calendar for more fun stuff 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.

August 5, 2010 6:00 AM 3