5 Things for Families

S’mores, basketball, grand openings, and more to keep you and yours entertained this weekend.

November 5, 2014; 8:12 AM • by Valerie Catrow

1. VCU vs. California University of Pennsylvania

Don’t be fooled: apparently the California University of Pennsylvania is a real, live place with a real, live basketball team. They’ll be coming to town to play the Rams in an exhibition game that will officially kick off the 2014-2015 HAVOC! season.

  • Friday, November 7th • 7:00 PM
  • Siegel Center, 1200 W. Broad Street
  • $25

2. The Great Pumpkin Smash

Deborah Alsko,1 The Backpack Storyteller, will lead us in a “smashing” story time followed by…you guessed it…smashing pumpkins time! No, not the band. You will actually be smashing pumpkins. All ages are welcome.

  • Saturday, November 8th • 10:00 AM
  • Westover Hills Library, 1408 Westover Hills Boulevard
  • Free

3. S’mores Fest

Anything having to do with s’mores2 immediately gets my vote, but there’s some do-gooding happening here to boot! The first-ever RVA Smore’s Fest will serve as the kick-off for a month-long Toys for Tots drive at Gather, a downtown co-working space that opened back in the spring. In addition to fresh-made s’mores, they’ll have craft beer and food from Goatocado available for purchase. Partake in some college football viewing (projected on the big screen) and kids activities while you scarf–and be sure to stick around for music from the likes of Adam Eubank and David Shultz. Bring a toy to contribute!

  • Saturday, November 8th • 12:00 — 5:00 PM
  • Gather, 409 E. Main Street (Suite 200)
  • Free admission

4. Little House Green Grocery Grand Reopening Celebration

It was a sad day on the Northside when we heard about the fire at our beloved Little House Green Grocery, but after almost two months of extensive clean-up, they’re back in business. Show Little House lots of love on Sunday for their official “Grand Reopening.” Enjoy free Lamplighter coffee and Nettie’s Naturally breakfast treats (while supplies last); live music; chocolate and cider tastings; and more. While you’re there you can also register to win a $25 store gift certificate, a free week of their veggie box subscription, and/or an apple pie from 4 & 20 Bake Shop.

  • Sunday, November 9th • 9:00 AM — 7:00 PM
  • Little House Green Grocery, 1227 Bellevue Avenue
  • Free admission

5. Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Side-by-Side with the Richmond Symphony

Let those dang teens know there’s more to life than texting and…well, I don’t know what else teens do, but I’m pretty sure a lot of it isn’t constructive. The Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra (RSYO) will join the regz Richmond Symphony for performances of Manuel De Falla Suite No. 2 from The Three-Cornered Hat and Igor Stravinsky Suite from The Firebird. I don’t know what either of those are, and do you know why? Because my parents didn’t take me to events like this when I was a dang teen. Thanks a lot, Susan and Gene! Anyway, don’t let your kids be like me. Plus: free concert at the Carpenter Center; that doesn’t happen every day.

  • Tuesday, November 11th • 7:00 PM
  • Carpenter Theatre at CenterStage, 600 E. Grace Street
  • Free

Photo by: Michael Bentley

  1. Fun fact: I worked with Deborah Alsko back when I was a teacher. You will never meet a more enthusiastic, kind person in all your days. 100, A+, would recommend. ↩
  2. Another fun fact: I can recite Ham’s entire s’mores monologue from The Sandlot. Ask me next time you see me. ↩
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Valerie Catrow

Valerie Catrow is editor of RVAFamily, mother to a mop-topped first grader, and always really excited to go to bed.

November 5, 2014 8:12 AM 1

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