5 Things for Families

Push those thoughts of sending kids to school, saying goodbye to summer activities, and packing up the ornaments from your Summer tree to Monday night. It’s a three-day weekend coming up!

August 28, 2013; 7:28 AM • by Kelly Gerow

1. Cirque Italia

If you’ve ever thought, “I really want to see a European-style circus, but I want to see it in the parking lot of a closed Kmart,” then I have amazing news for you and your super-specific request. Cirque Italia brings its big top to Richmond for several days with 7:30 PM shows each night, and 3:30 PM shows Saturday through Monday. What can you expect from Cirque Italia? Acrobats, high-wire walking, clowns, jump roping, juggling, and a mermaid (my guess is that she accompanies the water stage filled with 35,000 gallons of water).

Thursday, August 29th — Monday, September 2nd
6807 Midlothian Turnpike (Old Kmart parking lot)
$9 – $45

2. Flying Squirrels v. Harrisburg Senators

Your tears for summer’s end are useless during this string of home games against the Harrisburg Senators. Why? 1) Because there’s no crying in baseball and, 2) The concrete floors of the stadium seats don’t soak up liquids like tears/spilled beer, and it just makes a mess that Nutzy can slip on. Special events and promotions include fireworks (August 31st), team poster giveaway and an appearance by Curious George (September 1st), and $1 hot dogs (September 2nd).

Friday, August 30th — Monday, September 2nd
The Diamond, 3001 N. Boulevard
$4 – $11

3. Teacher Open House at the VMFA

Teachers from pre-K to college are encouraged to attend this open house to hear about the “Power of Ten,” with 10 new lesson plans, 10-minute gallery talks, 10 interdisciplinary concepts, and 10 raffle prizes. The event also features a tour of the new VMFA Resources website. Light refreshments will be served.

Friday, August 30 • 5:00 – 7:30 PM
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (Leslie Cheek Theater and Marble Hall), 200 N. Boulevard
Free

4. USL PRO semifinals: Richmond Kickers vs.Charlotte Eagles

Pregame it with food trucks and music before the Kickers match up against the Charlotte Eagles on their road to the USL PRO finals.

Saturday, August 31 • 7:00 PM
City Stadium, 3201 Maplewood Ave
$7 – 12

5. Opera in the Park

The Virginia Opera and the Richmond Symphony offer a preview of the upcoming season with selected arias and duets and other opera terms. This is a huge value (free!) and a great way to get exposure to the Opera if you haven’t seen a performance yet.