🍂 Festivals

🌱 Pumpkin patches

👻 Haunts

• Panel Discussion: Virginia LGBTQ+ Communities, Politics & the Law | Thursday, Oct. 5 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Library of Virginia, 800 E. Broad St., Richmond | Free | Register to hear a panel of speakers discuss Virginia’s LGBTQ+ history through the lens of law and government.
• Halloween Movie Night | Thursday, Oct. 5 | 7 p.m. | Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop, 3406 W. Leigh St., Richmond | Free entry | Enjoy a brew and a screening of “Scream” in honor of spooky season.

• First Fridays at RPL | Friday, Oct. 6 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | RPL Main Branch, 101 E. Franklin St., Richmond | Free | Make the library a stop on your culture crawl to explore gallery spaces and enjoy local music in partnership with Music One Stop Shop.
• Gone Country | Friday, Oct. 6 | 7 p.m. | 17th Street Market, 100 N. 17th St., Richmond | Free | Jam out with the local country band and try your hand at the inflatable bull riding competition.

• Green Top Outdoor Expo | Saturday, Oct. 7-| 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Green Top Sporting Goods, 10150 Lakeridge Pkwy., Ashland | Free entry | The expo will include 200+ outdoor industry vendors, product demos, kids activities, prizes, food + live music.
• International Crafter’s Festival | Saturday, Oct. 7 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | International Mission Board, 3806 Monument Ave., Richmond | Free | Shop from local and global artisans selling handcrafted gifts and treasures like upcycled clothing, home décor, leather goods, and more.*
• UR Football vs. Maine | Saturday, Oct. 7 | 3:30 p.m. | Robins Stadium, 365 College Rd., Richmond | $25-$50 | The Spiders face Maine for the Cancer Awareness Game.

• VCU Women’s Soccer vs. Dayton | Sunday, Oct. 8 | 1-3 p.m. | Sports Backers Stadium, 100 Avenue of Champions, Richmond | $5-$10 | Cheer on the Rams at home against Dayton.

• Gold Lion Community Cafe is set to open its doors tomorrow at 8 a.m. The Manchester cafe will offer a variety of drinks including coffee, chai, and smoothies, as well as vegetarian breakfast and lunch options.

• The expansion of Southside Community Center is underway. City officials broke ground on the project on Tuesday. When complete, it will include a gym with a walking track, an indoor playground, a boxing facility, a teaching kitchen, and sound and video studios.

• There’s a new mural courtesy of local artist The Night Owl at the corner of Cary Street and Belmont Avenue. Check out this time-lapse video of the artist’s creation.

• Stony Point Fashion Park will have a new open-container policy starting Monday, Oct. 9. The mall was approved by the state for a commercial lifestyle center license, which will allow Stony Point establishments to sell to-go alcoholic beverages for customers to enjoy while walking around the mall. (Richmond BizSense)

• $1 million. That’s how much Richmond International Airport will receive as part of a federal grant to build up service to the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. RIC’s first move will be to provide nonstop service to Seattle. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

• RVA Fashion Week is underway. Tonight is the debut show for Sherry Nguyen’s innovative preppy brand, Urban Academy. Other events include a cultural art experience, creative suite, and the finale runway show. (Style Weekly)

• If you get your groceries at the Kroger on Laburnum, you may notice some recent improvements. The store just finished its remodel, which included updating the floral, produce, cheese, and adult beverage sections. The pickup area has also been expanded.

• Try your hand at filmmaking by submitting to the 60 Second Short Film Festival. Entries are due Jan. 1 and there are four categories: live action, documentary, animation, or environmental. The local festival, put on by Richmond Parks and Recreation, receives film submissions from around the world.

• Weekend road trip here you come. We’ve got all the recs you need to plan a trip to Johnston County, NC (known by locals as JoCo). From fun activities to outdoor adventures to a craft Beer, Wine, and Shine Trail, see our roundup of the best things to do in JoCo this fall.*

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