Cast your vote in RICtoday’s Best competition. | Graphic by 6AM City
We know how much you love your city. Help your top food truck, coffee shop, or local influencer earn well-deserved recognition for RICtoday’s Best — vote now.
Art meets functionality at this unique Pembroke home | This week, we dove a little deeper on Mansion Monday, taking a look at a 1988 build with character bursting out the seams. And yes, that’s a tree in the hallway.
Studio Ghibli Fest at the Byrd Theatre | Immerse yourself in a celebration of scenery, whimsy, and one-of-a-kind storytelling starting Monday, March 31. Animated films you may recognize from the Japanese studio include “Spirited Away,” “Ponyo,” and “The Boy and the Heron.”
Asked
Asked
Have you visited Dot’s over the years? We want to hear your best memories.
Friday, March 28 Bonsai for Beginners | 6-8 p.m. | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden | $42+ | Get your fingers green with a workshop geared toward bonsai beginners looking to learn the basics of the ancient craft.
“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare” | Friday, March 28-Sunday, March 30 | Times vary | Carpenter Theatre at Dominion Energy Center | $22+ | It’s the last weekend to catch this comedic run-through of all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays, performed in a quick + quippy 97 minutes.
Saturday, March 29 Beyond Birding for Beginners | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden | $40+ | Join two experienced guides and get all the best tips for sighting, identifying, and documenting birds.
Women of the Park | 10-11:30 a.m. | Pocahontas State Park | $7 | Explore the stories of women who have impacted RVA’s scenic state park on this two-mile hike.
Sunday, March 30 Impressions of Us: An African American Print Fair | 12-6 p.m. | Hardywood Park Craft Brewery | Free | Celebrate the artistry, culture, and heritage of Black creatives through art prints at this dynamic fair.
Christian Johnson | 6:30-8 p.m. | Funny Bone Comedy Club | $27+ | End your weekend with some laughs as the viral internet comedian brings his skits and bits to the RVA stage.
Want to learn something new... from the comfort of your own bed? Try visiting the Museum of All Things, a new virtual museum generated from Wikipedia with exhibits on millions of topics. When the scrolling gets old and you need some real-world interaction, head to Richmond’s IRL museums.
Number
$17.29. That’s the average cost of a large cheese pizza in RVA based on a national pizza study conducted by Clever. Luckily, there are loads of Richmond pizzerias that are worth the dough, and our options go way beyond just cheese.
Ranked
In case you missed it, the US ranked No. 24 on the 2025 World Happiness Report. According to the report, sharing meals can positively impact our happiness — “on par with the influence of income and unemployment.” Make it an extra happy meal by sharing it at a new restaurant.
Eat
Goodbye, Bistro Shrimp Pasta. If you’re headed to the Cheesecake Factory this weekend, be aware that the chain is removing 13 menu items (and adding 23 more). Maybe consider getting your shrimp at a local option. (USA Today)
Plan Ahead
Don’t forget: The deadline to obtain a REAL ID is coming up on Wednesday, May 7. You’ll need the REAL ID (or a different federally approved identification, such as a passport) if you plan to fly domestically or enter secure federal or military facilities. Here’s how and where to get one locally.
Biz
Calling all business owners. For a limited time, we’re offering 15% off your first advertising purchase on our self-service ad portal. No long-term contract required — simply use the code NEW15 at checkout to redeem the discount.
Try This
Step back in time at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture’s groundbreaking exhibition, “Give Me Liberty.” It commemorates the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary, showcasing Virginia’s leading role in the American Revolution, the Founding Fathers, and often overlooked voices. See what it’s like.*
Travel
The opposite of sticker shock? Going’s free travel membership, which alerts you when flights leaving your airport are 40-90% off. You’re welcome.*
Job
Your business’s hiring ad could be here reaching thousands of our daily readers. Ready to find your ideal candidate? Post your first listing on our community job board for free + level it up with a Featured Job Post.
Category (Paid)
Wellness
💉 Ask an expert: What is collagen banking?
Presented by Synergy Face + Body by Travis Shaw MD
Pro tip: Pair one or more collagen-restoring treatments for peak production. | Photos provided by Synergy Face + Body
Sculptra is a dermal filler that uses polylactic acid (PLLA) to stimulate the body’s natural collagen production. This process works gradually over time, leading to long-lasting, natural-looking results.
RF Microneedling
This non-invasive treatment uses radiofrequency energy and microneedles to penetrate deep into the skin, triggering the production of collagen and elastin, another essential protein.
Sofwave
Sofwave harnesses ultrasound technology to precisely heat the mid-dermal tissue at just the right depth and temperature, rejuvenating collagen fibers with zero downtime.
Bring sketchbooks or journals to the VMFA so your young artist can recreate their favorites, but keep in mind — the museum only allows the use of pencils. | Photo by RICtoday
We’re not kiddin’ around. From major attractions like the Children’s Museum to the best playgrounds around town, there’s something in the River City for children of all ages. You’ll have no trouble entertaining the youngsters with this list of 30+ kid-friendly activities around the 804.
🌳 Great outdoors
James River Parks, various locations
Kid-friendly spots include Belle Isle, Floodwall Park, Pony Pasture + the Virginia Capital Trail.
Core memory moment: Kids will remember spotting turtles near T. Pott Bridge.
🎨 All about the arts
SPARC, 2106 N. Hamilton St.
The youth performing arts school organizes kid-friendly productions, camps, and workshops throughout the year.
Core memory moment: Kids will remember the excitement of their first onstage experience.
🦁 Animal encounters
Maymont, 1000 Westover Rd. | 🎟️ Family memberships
Interact with animals on the farm, at the Robins Nature Center, and at various wildlife habitats.
Pro tip: Access to the park is free, but you can purchase tickets to the Nature Center and experience “River Reach,”a 34-foot-tall interactive sculpture and play area.
Still unsure on weekend plans? My wonderful colleague Elise is one of the RYW instructors that helped put together the open mic event coming up this Sunday. The young writers here in Richmond are so incredible, and she’s so excited for their voices to be heard — on an amplified mic. The more the merrier at this free public event.