5 Things for Families
Think global, act local this weekend. The parade of cultural festivals continues with celebrations of India and West Africa. Meanwhile, fundraising events to support local organizations and projects include a sure-to-be awesome concert of girls performing songs they wrote and learned in rock camp this week.
1. Trivia Night at O’Toole’s
Do something for the kids, but without the kids! The entry fee for Trivia Night at O’Toole’s Restaurant & Pub benefits renovations to the Westover Hills Elementary School courtyard.1
- Thursday, August 15th • 7:30 PM
- O’Toole’s, 4800 Forest Hill Avenue
- $5
2. RVA Freedom Festival
This three-day festival from the India Association of Virginia not only celebrates Indian Independence Day but freedom of all people through music, dance, food, games, and sports. Friday night’s concert features Sweet Justice and Brickwall Jackson and is the only event with an admission fee. Dance competitions and showcases, a cook-off, children’s art projects, and an open mic night round out the rest of the weekend.
- Friday, August 16th through Sunday, August 18th • See website for daily events
- Innsbrook Pavilion, 4901 Lake Brook Drive
- Friday’s concert is $30 (8 and under are free), Saturday and Sunday events are free
3. Girls Rock! RVA 3rd Annual Camper Showcase
This week-long summer camp brings girls together to learn instruments, form bands, and collaborate to write songs. On Saturday the girls show off their new talents by performing the songs they wrote. I can’t imagine anything more adorable. I mean, empowering (I mean adorable). Pedal Pops RVA will be there to provide frozen treats to enjoy during the concert.
- Saturday, August 17th • 12:00 – 3:00 PM
- Library Park (behind Richmond Public Library), 101 E. Franklin Street
- Free (donations welcome)
4. Down Home Family Reunion
Presented by Elegba Folklore Society, the Down Home Family Reunion is a celebration of African American Folklife and a showcase for West Africa’s influence on the South. The event is headlined by Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes and also features dance and music performance by the Elegba Folklore Society in addition to children’s events, merchants, and food.
- Saturday, August 17th • 4:00 – 11:00 PM
- Abner Clay Park, corner of Belvidere and W. Leigh Streets
- Free
5. Dogtown Block Party
Dogtown Block Party, sponsored by Enrichmond Foundation, is a benefit to resurface the Floodwall trail. Blanchard’s Coffee, Blue Bee Cider, Legend Brewing Company, and Camden’s Dogtown Market are among the merchants representing Manchester and selling goods for the cause. The block party also features music from Haints in the Holler and the NewOldz.
- Saturday, August 17th • 4:30 – 8:30 PM
- W. 6th Street between Perry and Porter Streets
- Free
— ∮∮∮ —
Footnotes
- Want to help out with other school fundraising projects? Check out Donors Choose, and search by zip code to find crowdsourcing projects for other schools in our area. ↩
Photo by: andyburnfield
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Kelly Gerow
Kelly Gerow lives and writes in Richmond. She probably does other stuff in Richmond, too.
Notice: Comments that are not conducive to an interesting and thoughtful conversation may be removed at the editor’s discretion.
Ooo, let’s start The Parade of Cultural Festivals for real!
Let’s also call the first one the 3rd Annual Parade of Cultural Festivals. No one will question it.