Here’s what to do when the leaves start changing. | Photo by @jlpullinger
The first day of fall isn’t until Thurs., Sept. 22, but we’re prepping for the seasons changing with a guide to Richmond’s fall festivals and pumpkin patches.
Festivals
Fall Flair | Through Mon., Oct. 31 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden | Enjoy harvest-themed activities and Fall PlantFest.
Festival of Kites and Inflatables | Sat., Sept. 10 | 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. | Brown’s Island | Free | Food + craft vendors, kites, and inflatables will be at this family festival.
St. Benedict Oktoberfest | Fri., Sept. 16-Sun., Sept. 18 | St. Benedict Catholic Church, 300 N. Sheppard St. | Free | Don a dirndl and join the festivities. Enjoy beer, food vendors, and live German music + dance.
State Fair of Virginia | Fri., Sept. 23-Sun., Oct. 3 | 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. | 13191 Dawn Blvd., Doswell | $10+ | Rides, food vendors, and games galore.
Richmond Folk Festival | Fri., Oct. 7- Sun., Oct. 9 | 6 p.m. on Fri.- 6:30 p.m. on Sun. | 500 Tredegar St. | Free | 3 days of folk music, dance, and food + drink.
Garden Glow | Thurs., Oct. 13- Sun., Nov. 6 | Times vary | Maymont | $10+ | The Japanese Garden becomes a Glow Village full of sparkling lights + food and drink.
Genworth Free Community Day | Mon., Sept. 5 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden | Free | Spend Labor Day perusing the gardens at no cost. 🌸
Hirow | Mon., Sept. 5 | 8 p.m. | The Camel, 1621 West Broad St. | $8 | The hip-hop artist will play with Qam and ColdHeartNash.
Wednesday
Black Midi | Wed., Sept. 7 | 7:30 p.m. | The National | $23+ | See the young British rockers with Black Country + New Road.
Thursday
Dawes and Bahamas | Thurs., Sept. 8 | 6 p.m. | Brown’s Island | $35+ | An evening of American folk rock.
The Pentagon: The Army’s $35,000,000 Dream Building | Thurs., Sept. 8 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Virtual | Free, RSVP | Learn about the creation of the Pentagon + its history at this Virginia War Memorial webinar.
Friday
62nd Annual Armenian Food Festival | Fri., Sept. 9 + Sat., Sept. 10 | 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. | St. James Armenian Church, 834 Pepper Ave. | Free entry | Richmond’s oldest and longest-running food festival returns for a family-friendly weekend of Armenian delicacies and culture. 🥙
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
For tickets to local and regional events, check out our 6AM Tickets resale marketplace.*
The Shockoe Bottom bakery Whisk has opened a new location in the West End. The shop, located at 8308 Staples Mill Rd., has an expanded menu of tasty treats. 🍰
Film
Day passes + tickets are available for the 7th Annual Afrikana Independent Film Festival, which will take place Thurs., Sept. 15-Sun., Sept. 18. The festival features indie film screenings, live performances, panel discussions, and workshops with films submitted from 23+ countries. 🎥
History
The Valentine will be open late on Thursdays to host new programs + tours. Admission to Extra Thursdays will be free and each week will feature a special event. We’re marking our calendar for the silent dance party scheduled for Sept. 15 at 6 p.m. ❤️
Edu
Do you have a kid at RPS? Superintendent Jason Kamras is looking for new members to join the Parent & Caregivers Advisory Council. Members meet monthly + work in partnership with school administration. Apply by Tues., Sept. 27.
Active
Want to try Tequila & Deadlifts? It’s not a boozy workout — it’s a personal training gym + group exercise studio in the Fan. The space is having an open houseon Sun., Sept. 18 from 12-4 p.m. with door prizes, vendors, and trainers on site.
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TODAY IS
Labor Day look back
10 biggest employers in Richmond
Top employers in Richmond include banking and healthcare industries. | Photo by @aerial_virginia
Today is Labor Day, an annual holiday that honors the contributions workers in America make to the country’s strength + prosperity. It has been a federal holiday since 1894.
Last year, we analyzed the list of the largest employers in the metro area from the Greater Richmond Partnership. We updated our article with more recent stats on where thousands of Richmonders work.
Health systems are three of the metro area’s biggest job providers. Bon Secours, VCU Health, and HCA Virginia are all in the top four. Capital One is also a major player in Richmond.
Let’s explore by the numbers.
🏥 VCU Health System
13,500 employees | Healthcare
💸 Capital One Financial
13,000 employees | Financial services
🏥 HCA Virginia Health System
11,000 employees | Healthcare
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