Plus, the top weekend events in RVA.
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Today’s Forecast

41º | 0% chance of precipitation |

Sunrise 6:51 a.m. | Sunset 5:55 p.m.


Top Stories


Pet Expo returns this weekend | It’s a dog’s (and cat’s) day in heaven at the Richmond Raceway this Saturday as 70+ vendors will be on-site with treats, toys, and training tools.
RVA on SNL | After highlighting three local musicians that were on “Saturday Night Live,” we’re bringing another weekend update. Richmond brass legend Reggie Pace is a member of the folk band Bon Iver, which performed as the musical guest on Feb. 4, 2012. We’re stretching the limits a bit, but Tina Fey is a University of Virginia graduate, too.
How to get your REAL ID | The official deadline to obtain a REAL ID is coming up on May 7, and you’ll need one if you plan on flying domestically in 2025 and beyond. The good news? We’ve flew through the need-to-know info, and our arms are tired.
Virginia Commonwealth University Athletics

Events

Friday, Feb. 21

Hot 8 Brass Band | 7 p.m. | Richmond Music Hall | $25 | Enjoy the sounds of New Orleans through this brass band that fuses hip hop, jazz, and soul.

Saturday, Feb. 22

George Mason Patriots vs. VCU Men’s Basketball | 4 p.m. | Stuart C. Siegel Center | $59+ | The top two teams in the Atlantic 10 Conference square off in this big weekend match.

Sunday, Feb. 23

Spring Planting for Pollinators | 1 p.m. | Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens | $60 | Local entomologist Clara Aus will explain spring planting techniques + provide seeds to take home.

Monday, Feb. 24

Bachelor Boys Showcase | 7-8 p.m. | The Camel | Free | Spend an evening with this talented group of musicians that has worked with Kendrick Lamar, Barry Manilow, and John Legend.
There's plenty more to do
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News Notes

Watch

In case you missed it, the Smithsonian National Zoo’s Panda Cam is back. The popular webcam of the zoo’s pandas returns as it welcomes Bao Li and Qing Bao. We love the pandas, but they could never overtake our love of local legend Poppy. (The Washington Post)

Pet

French Bulldogs are the most popular breed of dog in America, according to Visual Capitalist. Whether you’re a Frenchie fan or a Labrador lover, the Henrico Humane Society has plenty of adoptable pets worth your affection — including Bear, a three-year-old beagle that loves snuggles and kisses.

Eat

Are you heading to Chick-Fil-A this weekend? You’re not alone. The restaurant is the top-rated fast food chain in Virginia. Just don’t forget to show our local spots some love, too — we recommend Mama J’s.

State

2,015. That’s how many gallons of maple syrup were produced by the Commonwealth in 2022. Maybe that’s why RVA’s brunch scene is so good.

Community

Your RICtoday team here. We care about Richmond. We also care about the people in it. That’s why every day, we bring you positive, impactful news about our city — skipping the political talk, crime coverage, and biased reporting. Support our approach to local news with a one-time donation.
Virginia Commonwealth University Athletics

City Guide

📍 Made in Richmond

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The popcorn lover in your life needs to try Lammar Marie’s. | Photo by Lammar Marie’s
Made in Richmond. Yep, that has a nice ring to it. From clothing and accessories, to snacks and other fun finds, we’ve rounded up 50+ things homegrown in the River City.

Food

Your next favorite snack could be made in a River City kitchen.

Joyebells
Joye B. Moore’s sweet potato, pumpkin, and peach pies are now available nationally. The business grew from recipes passed down generations.

Lammar Marie’s Gourmet Popcorn
Enjoy the tasty treat in a variety of flavors and sizes. We’ll take a bag of the Double Chocolate Pretzeltopia, please.

Drinks

Look for Richmond spirits next time you’re at the ABC store and find non-alcoholic drinks at stores and restaurants around town.

Reservoir Distillery
This brand offers a variety of whiskeys, including the option to personalize your order with etched bottles or a custom mash bill.

Virago Spirits
Stop by the tasting room to try a locally made rum, gin, liqueur, or complete cocktail kit.
45+ more locally made goods

The Buy

Babbel’s expert-designed foreign language lessons, on sale for 60% off for President’s Day. Babbel’s 10-minute daily lessons focus on real-world phrases, practical conversation skills, and cultural tips, so on your next trip abroad, you’ll do more than just point at menus. Shop the limited-time sale and make travel easier, more fun, and way more immersive.*
Get Babbel 60% off

The Wrap

NCT Mitch Hooper headshot BLUE
Happy Friday, Richmond. That is today’s date, right? Attentive readers may have noticed my parting note yesterday about my cat, which probably felt totally out of place. We made some last-minute changes and mixed up The Wraps, so consider this our unofficial correction.
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