5 Things: Makers, singers, drinkers, marchers, and partiers

There are some things that are stalwartly proceeding this weekend! Here are the ones we recommend.

October 1, 2015; 3:00 PM • by Susan Howson

Photo by: wjzijderveld

1. RVA Makerfest and Mad Science Happy Hour RVA Tonight

I’m excited about Makerfest, which focuses on hands-on experiences with people who make things for a living (or even just for fun). Going beyond a craft fair, these people will blow glass, jam with PartyBot, and do all sorts of things that you’ve never seen done in-person. Bonus: this year they’re doing a pre-Makerfest happy hour with a special maker-oriented RVA Tonight (an opportunity to see Beau Cribbs et al. do their comedy thing at a reasonable hour!!) and a “mad scientist” happy hour, featuring Belle Isle’s moonshine, Center of the Universe, our favorite bartender Beth Dixon, and more more more! As of writing, the Makerfest will still be happening (it’s mostly indoors, after all), but may have to shuffle some of the outdoor plans around.

Mad Science Happy Hour

  • Thursday, October 1st • 6:45 PM (doors), 8:00 PM (RVA Tonight begins)
  • Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad Street
  • $30.00

RVA Makerfest

  • Saturday October 3rd • 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad Street
  • Free!

2. Justice Parade for Incarcerated Youth

Artist Mark Strandquist is one of my favorite Richmonders to watch. His commitment to worthy issues–particularly justice reform–is inspiring. Performing Statistics leads a Justice Parade for Incarcerated Youth, using artwork and banners created with incarcerated individuals. People on the inside don’t have a whole lot of say in how they’re treated and what their life looks like now that they’re locked up–it’s up to us to help! This parade will involve a ton of youth–including young artists from Art 180, and should be a sight to see. As of right now, still happening despite weather! They’ve got ponchos to give out that nicely protect the T-shirts they’ve silk screened for you! Keep an eye on Performing Statistics for weather-related updates.

  • Friday, October 2nd • 5:00 PM
  • Virginia General Assembly, 201 N. 9th Street
  • Free!

3. RVA Field of Dreams Fest

Charles Bradley! Black Joe Lewis! The Congress! And baseball, guys. Baseball. America’s sport can be a real boon for inner city youth, and the Barton Malow Foundation, the Flying Squirrels, and Richmond International Raceway are all interested in making it happen for these very youths! That is what your ticket will benefit! Here’s more about the music if you want your rainy day to be more jammin’. They’ve moved this fest inside the Altria Theater, so we’re good to go. Not this time, Joaquin!

  • Friday, October 2nd • 6:30 PM
  • Altria Theatre, 6 N. Laurel Street
  • $30 in advance, $35 at the door, $100 for VIP (includes a souvenir glass, three beer sample tickets, and VIP hospitality access!)

4. 2nd Street Festival

Update: GAH! The 2nd Street Festival has been canceled. There will be a free concert on October 3rd at the Hippodrome feature Con Funk Shun.

Tentatively still proceeding despite the dumb hurricane, the 2nd Street Festival is one of the city’s most popular. This street has some of the most interesting and, let’s be honest, the most fun history. It’s where all of that Jackson Ward “Harlem of the South” energy was centered, and it continues the tradition of music and food and hanging. 

  • Saturday, October 3rd – Sunday, October 4th • 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
  • 2nd Street in Jackson Ward (north of Broad)
  • Free!

5. The State Fair of Virginia

Update: Thursday night only! The State Fair will close on October 1st at 7:00 PM and will stay closed for the remainder of the 2015 season.

The State Fair is not for me, I guess but that doesn’t mean it is not for YOU! Particularly if the weather is nice (unlikely), you don’t have a three-year-old who’s tired of walking around (possibly likely), and you are independently wealthy (what’s your secret?). But for real, I’ve had many great times at the Fair in my life, and I hear many people are having great times this year, so go get your Tilt-a-Whirl on, tie a Fried Oreo bib around your neck, and get to it! Some times have changed. Keep an eye on our closings list for updates.

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Susan Howson

Susan Howson is managing editor for this very website. She writes THE BEST bios.

October 1, 2015 3:00 PM · in , , and more 0

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