5 Things for Families

It seems like summer FINALLY got the message and hightailed it out of here. This weekend promises some delicious autumnal weather, so deck those kiddos out in their tiny hoodies and flannels and get out on the town!

October 9, 2013; 7:25 AM • by Valerie Catrow

1. Cashore Marionettes

Joseph Cashore has built and performed with his marionettes for the last 30 years, and it shows–in a good way. I had the opportunity to take our almost-five-year-old to last Saturday’s production of Simple Gifts, and I’m seriously contemplating getting tickets for its companion piece, Life in Motion, this weekend. Seriously, if you can work it out, get your family over to the Children’s Theatre at Willow Lawn Theatre and catch either (or both!) of these productions before they leave town on Sunday. It’s all just so sweet and magical.

Friday, October 11th through Sunday, October 13th • showtimes vary (see website for details)
The Children’s Theatre at Willow Lawn, 1601 Willow Lawn Drive
$15 per show

2. Richmond Folk Festival

Well, we made it, guys. The wait is (almost) over. Three days of bands, food, more bands, fun, some more bands, shopping, and seriously a lot of bands, all down on the river for your enjoyment. And for the little ones, this year’s Genworth Financial Family Area (produced by the Children’s Museum of Richmond) is all about pirates–eye patches, hats, and even parrots!

Friday, October 11th (6:00 – 10:00 PM); Saturday, October 12th (12:00 – 9:30 PM); Sunday, October 13th (12:00 – 6:00 PM)
Browns Island and surrounding areas
Free (but don’t forget to put a drop in the bucket!)

3. Step Up for Down Syndrome 5k and Family Festival

Celebrate the abilities and accomplishments of individuals with Down Syndrome with a 5k run/walk and family festival, including live music, food vendors, a fashion show, a pumpkin patch, and (best of all) the Down Syndrome Superstar Ceremony. All proceeds benefiting the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Richmond.

Saturday, October 12th • 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
The Shops at White Oak Village, 4501 S. Laburnum Avenue
Free admission to the festival; see website for 5k registration details

4. Bats of Virginia

Confession: bats completely freak me out, but I feel compelled to include this event because of this flying rodent’s penchant for eating the most useless creatures on God’s green earth: mosquitoes. Denise Tomlinson of Bat World in Hampton Roads will discuss myths, echolocation, and conservation, all with the help of, oh NBD FRIGGIN’ LIVE BATS.

Saturday, October 12th • 3:00 PM
Ginter Park Library, 1200 Westbrook Avenue
Free; call 804-646-1236 to reserve a spot

5. Bon Air Fire Station Open House

Sunday afternoons are kind of the pits, am I right? Everyone’s tired from doing stuff all weekend, and no one wants to think about what the coming week has in store. Well, the folks over at the Bon Air Fire Station are ready to help you push through your impending case of Sundays Sads with their annual open house. Meet some firefighters, hop on the fire engine, and enter a drawing to win prizes (and learn about fire safety, too, of course).