It’s time to be kind ❤️

6 random acts of kindness to brighten up Richmond’s community

Have you seen these signs around Richmond? | Photo by RICtoday

February is the season of love, but we’re adding kindness to the mix. Today is National Random Acts of Kindness Day, but these acts can be performed any time of year.

From simple gestures to volunteering your time, here are six random acts of kindness you can perform to make a neighbor’s day or brighten up the community.

Bring treats to work

Next time you’re on the way to work, grab your coworkers some coffee or pastries. Pro tip: The morning pastry selection at Idle Hands Bakery has sweet and savory options.

Pay it forward

Mutual Aid Distribution Richmond just opened Meadowbridge Community Market, a free grocery and supply store. Make a donation to support the volunteer-run collective.

Show local businesses some love

It’s no secret that we love our local businesses. Next time you stop by your go-to spots, tip generously or write a positive review.

Plant native species

Add some green to your community by planting native species. Consult the Virginia Native Plant Society website or read our guide to start your search.

Help our furry friends

Consider fostering or adopting a furry friend in need of a home, or volunteer at a local shelter like Richmond SPCA, RACC, or RAL. You can also donate monetarily or drop off blankets, toys, food, and supplies.

Volunteer with local organizations

Check out our growing list of organizations with local volunteer opportunities.

Click here to have your event featured.

Friday, Feb. 17

“Raiders of the Lost Ark” | Friday, Feb. 17, Thursday, Feb. 23 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $8 | Catch Steven Spielberg’s action-adventure blockbuster on the big screen.
Drake Night with Friends: Future Edition | Friday, Feb. 17 | 8 p.m. | The Broadberry, 2729 W. Broad St., Richmond | $20 | Life is good when you can dance the night away to the Drake and Future’s biggest hits.

Saturday, Feb. 18

3rd Saturday Documentaries: “James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket” | Saturday, Feb. 18 | 5-7 p.m. | Elegba Folklore Society Cultural Center, 101 E. Broad St., Richmond | Free | Explore archival footage of the author and activist at this free screening.
Kendall Street Company Presents: Kendall Street Is For Lovers Tour | Saturday, Feb. 18 | 7 p.m. | The Camel, 1621 W. Broad St., Richmond | $13-$15 | Feel the love with this Richmond-based jam band.

Sunday, Feb. 19

“Mending Walls” Screening and Workshop | Sunday, Feb. 19 | 1-3 p.m. | Crossroads Art Center, 2016 Staples Mill Rd., Richmond | Free | Learn about the community mural project and participate in a workshop led by local artist Linda Hollett-Bazouzi.

Tuesday, Feb. 21

Mardi Gras Sausage Night | Tuesday, Feb. 21 | 5-8 p.m. | The Smoky Mug, 15 E. Brookland Park Blvd., Richmond | Free | Let the good times roll at this celebration, hosted by Danny Serious and Bobby Bono.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

66º | Rain | 97% chance of rain

Civic

The city is hosting an event to celebrate Richmond’s Climate Action Plan, which City Council approved this week. Today at 10 a.m. at Broad Rock Community Garden, hear about the plan from city leaders. Pro tip: Attire is business/business casual. ♻️
City Council unanimously approved changes to Richmond’s e-scooter rules at this week’s meeting. The curfew for scooters is now 1 a.m. (it was previously 9 p.m.) and rideshare companies must now stock at least 20% of their fleets south of the river. Learn more about micromobility in Richmond. 🛴 (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Announced

Lindsey Food Group — which you might recognize from operating Lillie Pearl, Buttermilk and Honey, and Jubilee restaurants — has unveiled a new concept. Rams House Bar + Kitchen promises pizza, wings, and sliders. There’s no word yet on location. We’re getting hungry already. 🍽

Development

Henrico County’s GreenCity project will likely come with improvements to surrounding transportation infrastructure. The county plans to connect the development — located on the former Best Products property — to regional trails, parks, and public transit routes. (VPM)

Eat

If you want to try out Stanley’s before it moves into its permanent space in the former Robin Inn location, head to Hatch Local this weekend. The new concept is serving hoagies and Philadelphia water ice out of the Manchester food hall through Sunday, Feb. 19.
Adarra is moving to Oregon Hill. The owners of the Jackson Ward restaurant announced that they purchased the former Mamma Zu building, which has been unoccupied since 2021. Renovations are underway and a move-in date has yet to be announced. (Richmond BizSense)

Shop

Lakeside Local Makers Market is celebrating its one year anniversary this Sunday, Feb. 19 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Shop from 40+ Richmond-area artisans, grab lunch from La Cocinita food truck, and enjoy live music by Jaycie Cuprill.

Today Is

Today is Random Acts of Kindness Day. To be kind, we suggest gifting a special person in your life with a candle from Wixology or a card from Joy Paper Co. 🎁

Stat

0.9% — the average Richmond rent increase in January. This increase brings the median rent to $1,741. Learn more about the cost of living in River City. (Redfin)

Sports

Super Bowl weekend may be over, but NBA All-Star Weekend kicks off today, Feb. 17. See the lineup of events — like this evening’s All-Star Celebrity Game and Sunday’s 72nd NBA All-Star Game — and get your hands on the limited edition All-Star merch before it sells out. 🏀 *

Home

So you can’t stop dreaming about fresh, new cabinets in your kitchen. If the question of financing is the only thing holding you back, we’ve got two words for you: Home equity. Calculate your monthly payment.*

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Party with pups — for a good cause 🐾

Pet Expo will benefit Henrico Humane Society

Pups can show off their abilities at contests. | Photo provided

Bring your fam — furry friends included — to the 22nd Annual Pet Expo to benefit Henrico Humane Society. The event returns to the Richmond Raceway on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The schedule is full of activities, including silent auctions, dog adoptions, demos, and contests. Younger attendees can get their faces painted or adopt a stuffed animal in the Kids Area.

Proceeds from the event benefit HHS. Buy tickets in advance for $8 or get them for $10 at the door. Kids ages 6-12 are $5. Pro tip: Pets are free, but should be at least four months old, current on vaccinations, and be leashed or in a carrier.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Robin.

Editor’s pick: I was unfamiliar with the origin of those “Be Kind” signs I see all over town — here’s the story. ❤️

Missed our last newsletter? Check out this summer’s Friday Cheers lineup.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Robin Schwartzkopf, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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