“Spirited Away” was first released in 2001. | Photo via GKIDS and Studio Ghibli
Next week marks the beginning of Studio Ghibli Fest at The Byrd Theatre.
What is Studio Ghibli?
If you’re unfamiliar, Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation studio best known for movies like “Spirited Away,” “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Ponyo,” and more.
The studio overlays the curious nature of childlike wonder with sophisticated themes, like existentialism and environmentalism, making the films engaging for children + adults alike.
Which film(s) should you see?
We’ve compiled a list of all the Studio Ghibli showings this week. Plus, we’ve added some fun + spoiler-free clues to help you choose.
Guided Tour: The Women in Poe’s Life | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | The Poe Museum | $10 | Join this guided tour walking you through the influence of women who shaped Edgar Allen Poe’s life and work.
Paul Thorn at The Tin Pan | 8-10 p.m. | The Tin Pan | $58 | Experience a live performance packed with soulful grooves from pro-boxer-turned-songsmith Paul Thorn.
Friday, March 28
Scattered, Smothered, and Covered | 6-9 p.m. | Hardywood Park Craft Brewery | Free | If the band’s name matches your Waffle House order, it might be fate that you grab a beer and catch this bluegrass concert.
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 spotting, identifying, and documenting birds.
University of Richmond Men’s Lacrosse vs. St. Bonaventure | 2-4 p.m. | Robins Stadium | $7 | Cheer on the University of Richmond Men’s Lacrosse team as they go head-to-head with the St. Bonaventure Bonnies at Robins Stadium. Pro tip: Gates open at 1 p.m.
Experience the legacy of liberty at this landmark exhibition
Presented by Virginia Museum of History & Culture
This exhibition is just one of the many ways the VMHC is commemorating America’s 250th anniversary. | Photos provided by Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Richmond is making history once again.
Last weekend, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture unveiled the nation’s first commemoration of America’s founding — marking the 250th anniversary of Patrick Henry’s famous “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech.
As the oldest cultural organization in Virginia, the VMHC is uniquely positioned to share this history with the world. “Give Me Liberty: Virginia & the Forging of a Nation” brings together some of our state’s most prized possessions to tell stories surrounding the Declaration of Independence. The exhibition covers 250 years of history — not just the day the document was signed.
The VMFA is moving forward with its largest renovation project to date, with preliminary designs for a new museum wing approved. In May, affected art collections will be shipped internationally for safekeeping during construction, which is slated for completion in 2028. Until then, we’ve got more info about the project.
Community
Starting this July, Richmond International Airport will raise daily rates for parking + car rentals to help finance the construction of two new parking decks. Lots nearest to the terminal will increase from $12 to $15, and lots west of the airport will rise from $7 to $10. (Richmond BizSense)
Open
A new juice bar, The Beet Box, opened in Church Hill this week, and our teammate Anne Weber got a first look for RIC. This locally owned spot is a vibrant go-to for all your pressed juice and smoothie needs. Head to their new location at 2400 Jefferson Ave.
Sports
Madness with a side of chaos — VCU men’s basketball team has a new head coach. Phil Martelli Jr. was officially announced as the program’s 14th head coach yesterday after a successful stint at Bryant University. Martelli will be formally introduced at a press conference this morning. (WRIC)
Environment
Volunteer opportunity. The Maymont neighborhood is moving its community garden to make room for a new playground, and they need some helping hands. Head to Texas Avenue on Saturday, March 29, to help move garden beds, disperse compost, and transplant native trees.
Shop
Trinket lovers — it’s your time to shine. “...But Not Forgotten” is Richmond’s newest pop-up antique market, opening for perusal on Sunday, March 30. Head to The Studio on Broad to browse local vendors with curiosities from the Victorian era through the 1940s.
Community
Do you have a favorite restaurant? What about a pet-friendly spot? We want you to use your voice + passion for local biz and vote for RICtoday’s Best. Voting ends Friday, April 25.
Health
Your pulse holds clues about your health, but do you know what’s normal? Discover what your heart rate says about you, what can throw it off, and when to seek care. Don’t skip a beat — learn more.*
Making summer 2025 your main character era? Perfect timing: Snag this travel credit card’s rare, limited-time welcome bonus (worth ~$1,000) to fuel your summer adventures — whether it’s island-hopping like a Love Is Blind escapee, chasing Sabrina or Kendrick on tour, or simply living your best jet-set life.*
Finance
If you’re in credit card debt, you could spend hours (or days, or weeks) mapping out how to reduce it on your own... or you could let Freedom Debt Relief step in to renegotiate with debtors and consolidate your payments. See if you qualify.*
The Buy
The Buy
A purse organizer that’s 69% off thanks to Amazon’s Big Spring Sale. Say goodbye to a messy handbag with this organizer featuring 13 thoughtfully designed pockets to keep everything in its place. Read: You’ll never be endlessly digging around for your keys again.
My go-to for Studio Ghibli Fest is probably “Kiki’s Delivery Service.” It’s such a feel-good film. Although, I hope they screen “Princess Mononoke” next year. That’s my all-time favorite. If you go to a screening next week, don’t forget to appreciate the incredible music scores.
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