5 Things for Families

For the first time in what seems like months, there’s not a major outdoor festival happening in town. Let’s enjoy the break, take in some other form of entertainment, and then power up for next week and the best outdoor festival of all: America Streets Alive! (AKA Independence Day.)

June 26, 2013; 7:39 AM • by Kelly Gerow

Richmond lore has it that if someone says the word “festival” three times and then thinks of her favorite food/activity, the following weekend there are closed roads, a line of food carts with $3 plates, and a stream of 5k runners around the event perimeter. For the first time in what seems like months, there’s not a major outdoor festival happening in town. Let’s enjoy the break, take in some other form of entertainment, and then power up for next week and the best outdoor festival of all: America Streets Alive! (AKA Independence Day.)

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1. The Writing Show: Marketing at Every Stage of Your Career

The Writing Show, presented by James River Writers, is a monthly event that features a panel of literary professionals talking on a specific topic. This month is about marketing and developing a name as a writer. The three authors on the panel–Karen Chase, Deb Dudley, and Meg Medina–will speak on the topic and take audience questions. It’s a fun and informative evening for those who are looking for the next step in their writing careers, or just readers who are interested in seeing how book sausage is made.

• Thursday, June 27th • 6:30 – 8:30 PM
• The Camel, 1621 W. Broad Street
• $12 at the door, $10 online

2. The Music Man

The Music Man is one of the most delightful musicals ever written, and starting this weekend our River City gets to experience the tale of another River City and the con-man whose attempts to swindle the townspeople are interrupted by the librarian, Marian.

• Friday, June 28th through August 4th
• Virginia Repertory Theatre, 114 W. Broad Street
• $30 – $60

3. Arts and Culture XPO

Consider this annual event a sampler of what the city has to offer: two stages of performances from groups including the Virginia Opera, the Richmond Ballet, Firehouse Theater Project, and the Virginia Center for Latin American Art, and exhibitions from dozens of cultural organizations. Learn more about arts, history, and science groups, and get information on how to support the local arts scene.

• Saturday, June 29th • 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 N. 3rd Street
• Free

4. American Civil War Center summer events

Three of the American Civil War Center summer events run this weekend and feature costumed interpreters explaining the history and uses of rifles, cannons, and band instruments (drums, fifes, and bugles) during Civil War battles. But why hear about how rifles and cannons were used when you can actually hear them being used during a demonstration? Muskets, cannon testing, battle songs — you know, typical Richmond weekend.

• Check website for schedule
• American Civil War Center, 500 Tredegar Street
• $4 – $8 (children five and under free)

5. Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!

With so few shopping days left before the Fourth of July, make sure to take time to celebrate the reason for the season: Liberty! This event includes music and a reenactment of the debate with other historical figures, including Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, that lead up to Patrick Henry’s famous speech. Seating is limited, and first-come, first-served (unlike how things are done in the rest of America)(USA!).

• Sunday, June 30th • 1:00 – 3:00 PM
• St. John’s Church, 2401 E. Broad Street
• Free, with a suggested donation of $5 (so, $5)

Photo by: jk5854

June 26, 2013 7:39 AM 0