Top 5 Weekend Events For Families: Free To Breathe 5K, St. Patty’s Palooza & More

St. Patty’s Day is almost here! There’s lots of fun ways to celebrate around town this weekend, so gather up your little leprechauns and head out for some fun family events like St. Patty’s Palooza in Innsbrook or Shamrock The Block downtown! There’s also a 5K race and a craft and auto shows. There’s something fun for […]

March 11, 2011; 11:30 AM • by Carissa Garabedian

Our family events contributor Carissa Garabedian has the full rundown of all the great family-friendly activities this weekend.

For an amazing list of dozens more, be sure to check out Carissa’s award-winning website, Macaroni Kid of Richmond.

1. Free To Breathe 5K

Saturday, March 12

The inaugural Free To Breathe 5K Fun Run/Walk & Memorial Walk will be held this weekend in Richmond! This event provides an opportunity for lung cancer advocates, survivors and the community to come together to raise awareness and support to fight this disease. All proceeds will benefit the National Lung Cancer Partnership’s research, education and awareness programs. A Health Fair will be held 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Who: All
When: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Short Pump Town Center
How: Just go!
Cost: FREE to attend health fair, $35 to participate in fun run/walk
More info: http://participate.freetobreathe.org/site/TR?fr_id=1370&pg=entry

2. St. Patty’s Palooza

Saturday, March 12

This family fun event supports the St. Baldrick’s Foundation with live music, live radio broadcasts, dance, displays, eats, drinks, an appearance from The Richmond Raiders with star quarterback Bryan Randall, a petting zoo, Irish dancing and so much more!

Who: All
When: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Where: Courtyard of the Shoppes at Innsbrook, Cox & Broad
How: Just go!
Cost: FREE
More info: http://www.innsbrook.com/innside/innside_11march.pdf

3. Shamrock The Block

Saturday, March 12

Shamrock The Block is FREE to attend, with great food, live music all day and expanded kids activities. Last year, 25,000 of your neighbors poured into the streets of historic Shockoe Bottom for this, the first outdoor event of the season.

Who: All
When: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Where: 17th Street Farmers Market
How: Just go!
Cost: FREE
More info: http://www.shamrocktheblock.com/index.php

4. Craftsman’s Classic

Friday, March 11 through Sunday, March 13

Features original designs and work from hundreds of talented artists and craftspeople from across America. See the creative process in action as many exhibitors demonstrate throughout the weekend. There is something for every style, taste and budget with items from the most traditional to the most contemporary. This show is a winner of Sunshine Artist “200 Best” awards.

Who: All
When: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (6:00 p.m. on Saturday & 5:00 p.m. on Sunday)
Where: Richmond Raceway Complex, Exhibition & Commonwealth Buildings, 600 East Laburnum Avenue
How: Get tickets prior to the event or at the door
Cost: $7 for adults, children under 6 FREE
More info: http://www.gilmoreshows.com/craftsmens_classics_richmond_spring.shtml

5. Virginia Motor Trend International Auto Show

Friday, March 11 through Sunday, March 13

View 2011’s newest cars, trucks, crossovers and hybrids! Sunday is kids day! Lots to do for the whole family.

Who: All
When: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
Where: Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 North 3rd Street
How: Just go!
Cost: Cash only! Adults (13+) $9, senior citizens (62+) $5, active military (with ID) $5, children (7–12) $3, children (6 & under) FREE. Kids Day is Sunday, March 13! All children 12 & under admitted FREE on Kids Day when accompanied by a paying adult.
More info: http://www.motortrendautoshows.com/richmond/generalinfo.jsp