Last call. Your business could be in front of thousands when you secure your spot in our 2025 Parents’ Gift Guide. Save 20% with code PGG2025 at checkout. The deadline for submissions is May 23.
Singing in (and saving) the rain
Makde the most of Richmond rain. | Photo courtesy of Canva
Richmond gets its fair share of rain, especially in these last couple of weeks. We’re here to decode the city’s guidelines about rainwater harvesting and help you capitalize on this resource, promote conservation, and save money on your monthly bill.
What is rainwater harvesting?
Harvested rainwater is precipitation collected from a non-permeable surface (like your roof) and funneled into a designated vessel (like a rain barrel or cistern) before contacting the ground. At its simplest: a DIY system for water reuse.
Why harvest rainwater?
You can recycle rainwater for non-potable purposes like watering indoor plants, soil irrigation, toilet flushing, laundry, and car washing. The best part: After set-up costs, it’s free.
It’s an effort of sustainability at its core, but it’s also a method of preparedness. For example, in the case of an... unexpected water crisis (flashback to January), wouldn’t it be nice to have a backup plan to flush the toilet?
Richmond on Film: A City in the Spotlight | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Main Library | Free | Richmond goes Hollywood at this screening spotlight, showcasing blockbuster movie clips in which Richmond has served as the backdrop.
Rock ‘n’ Roan: Open Skate Night | 6:30-9 p.m. | Rollerdome | $7+ | Chappell Roan fans are in for a treat with this themed skate night, which includes skate rentals in the ticket price.
“Cideroke” Night | 7-10 p.m. | Blue Bee Cider | Free | Grab a beer + show ‘em what you’ve got at this karaoke night, advertising, “bad singers welcome.”
Friday, May 23
Richmond Shakespeare Festival: Cyrano de Bergerac | Friday, May 23-Sunday, May 25 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Agecroft Hall | $47 | Set your lawn chair or blanket out under the stars and experience this theatrical rom-com performance.
Ray Hendrick is repping RVA in the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2026. His career spanned from 1950 to 1988, revving up more than 700 victories. Henrick + the other elected nominees will be officially inducted in January of 2026. Perhaps this calls for a trip to Charlotte, NC. (WRIC)
Open
After a postponed grand opening, Solaire Rooftop Bar is officially in business, serving up savvy cocktails with a skyline view. Get a sneak peek at the atmosphere and menu, and picture yourself sipping on a Paloma Spritz with your friends — that would be my first choice.
Biz
Put your Duke’s (Mayo) up for Hot Tomato Summer. Richmond has been cordially invited to return for this week-long July event, prompting local restaurants to serve creative tomato and mayo specials. See how local businesses honored this tradition last year, and nudge your fave local restaurant to register as a 2025 participant.
Theater
Richmond Shakespeare has canceled today’s initial premiere due to rain-related delays. Fear not — the show must go on. Opening night will commence on Friday, May 23, unless the rain has other plans. Stay updated + reserve your tickets.
Festival
Stony Point Fashion Park announced details for its upcoming Spring Festival, hosted in partnership with RVA Black Farmers Market, as well as its Summer Sounds concert series. See what family-friendly fun awaits at the spring popup on Saturday, May 31 + plan ahead for outdoor concerts in June.
Civic
Road work is picking up this season — so let’s keep our crews safe. Slow down, stay alert, and give them plenty of space. See orange cones on the road? Put your phone away and help prevent crashes that don’t need to happen.*
The Buy
A great deal from Amazon’s Memorial Day sale. Note: Prices subject to change.
Is Richmond’s bar scene getting... more boujee? In addition to Solaire’s rooftop opening, Mink Cocktail Lounge in Carytown kicked off business yesterday. Both bars seem to channel the upscale debonair of bigger city bars like those in New York City or Chicago.
What do you think is Richmond’s most bougie bar? Drop your pick. We’d follow this investigation with another on Richmond’s quintessential dive bars, of course.
Answered
Answered
What do you think of the Mayo Island Park design concepts?
“Fabulous!!! And add some bee hives!”
“Speechless that it’s happening. Finally.”
“I think it’s great! Once Mayo Bridge gets finished, that whole area will be awesome! Can we move up the timeline to fix the bridge while we’re at it??”
“I LOVE the idea of a nature park and NO buildings or concrete structures.”
So far, our readers have submitted all positive feedback, and the floor’s still open.
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