Weekend Events!

First Fridays returns tonight, following a two month hiatus. Expect some fairly drastic program changes (i.e. no street music or vendors) and additional security along Broad Street this evening, as the city intends to keep incidents at bay and avoid a repeat of the August event.  Curated Culture director Christina Newton explained the event changes by saying:

"First Fridays is about making arts and culture accessible and inviting, but it’s also about encouraging sales and donations in order to keep business alive in Downtown. The activities that have occurred along Broad Street are inviting and fun, but have moved the program away from its mission and have unfortunately impacted public safety."

As usual, the walk starts at 5 pm and continues on til around 9 pm. Be sure to check out the hyper-collaborative Pin Pals exhibit which opens tonight at Gallery5 as part of the event.

If you're feeling like gettin' down, head on over to The Camel for the pop-rock tunes of Black Girls! Tonight they're joined by The Trillions and Jenny Besetz, and the show starts at 9 pm.

Ok, so pop-rock ain't your thing? Then you're in luck! The Byrd Theatre is hosting Grammy-nominated organist Cameron Carpenter tonight at 8 pm for A night with the Mighty Wurlitzer. General Admission tickets are $35 in advance (or $45 at the door) and they can be bought here or at Plan 9 in Carytown. The price may seem a bit high, but it's not without good cause - all of the event proceeds will go directly to the Byrd Theatre Foundation as it continues to restore and preserve Richmond's beloved theatre.

This weekend you can catch the Draw Your Own Manchester Kiosk at various locations. The kiosk is designed to fit within a standard parking space and allows Richmonders to draw their ideas for an improved and brighter Manchester district. You can catch the kiosk on Saturday at 201 Hull Street (just south of the Mayo Bridge) from 10 am to 4 pm, and then on Sunday it will move to Tricycle Gardens at Bainbridge and West Ninth Streets. The kiosk is the brainchild of VSAIA's Emerging Leaders in Architecture group, which you can read more about here.

If the new season has you motivated to renew your living space, La Diff is having a weekend long 50% off sale on select items! See their website for additional details.

Also, the Richmond Zine Fest is this Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm! See their website and the flyer below for additional details.



Later on, show off your crazy good dance moves at Strange Matter Saturday night at the Fat Benetar reunion and dance-off competition! Boogieing starts at 10 pm and $5 will get you in the door.

Last but certainly not least, round out your weekend events with the Carytown Wine Festival! Sample some fine Virginia wines on Sunday October 9 from 12 pm to 6 pm at Cary Court. The event is rain or shine, and tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the gate.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Emily Jones

P.S. The incredible Esperanza Spalding is playing this Wednesday, October 12 at the University of Richmond...and, don't forget to mark next weekend's Folk Festival on your calendar!