Mayo Island Park designs and timeline revealed | The development of Mayo Island’s new park feels more tangible than ever. After years of proposals, budget meetings, and community feedback, the future is coming into focus.
Richmond pets: Our reigning cats | We asked readers to send us photos of their Richmond-resident pets, and the results are purr-fect. Here’s our roundup of River City cats.
Richmond Shakespeare Festival returns | Today is the first day of the event. Join Richmond Shakespeare for its 26th season, showcasing “Cyrano De Bergerac,” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
Asked
Asked
What is Richmond’s most bougie bar?
Think upscale atmospheres, dirty martinis, and urban (NYC) vibes.
Friday Cheers | 6 p.m. | Brown’s Island | $10+ | This fan-favorite annual concert series is in full swing — this week, it’s RVA Music Night with Dogpark, Weekend Plans, and Caroline Vain performing.
Hanging Basket Workshop | Friday, May 23-Saturday, May 24 | Times vary | Maymont | $45 | Craft a hanging basket under the guidance of Maymont staff, and take it home to beautify your space.
Candlelight Spring: Tribute to Taylor Swift | 8:45-10 p.m. | Bolling Haxall House | $32+ | Swifties, assemble for a night of candlelit Tay Tay tunes performed by a string quartet.
Saturday, May 24
Randolph-Marshall Day at Historic Masons’ Hall | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Masons’ Hall | Free | Celebrate the civic and Masonic legacy of Edmund Randolph and John Marshall — two figures influential in Richmond’s rise as the Commonwealth’s new capital.
Indian & Sri Lankan Food Festival 2025 | 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | TPC Church, Glen Allen | Free | Culture, flavor, and community awaits at this family-friendly event with delicious dishes for sale, including biryani, samosas, hoppers, and mango lassi.
New to quilting (Half Square Triangles) | 1-4 p.m. | 541 Southlake Blvd., Richmond | $50 | Learn the basics of quilting and start your journey toward mastering the craft.
Succulent Wine Bottle Arrangement | 1-3 p.m. | James River Cellars Winery, Glen Allen | $64 | Let’s get crafty and turn vintage wine bottles into a beautiful arrangement of succulents.
Commonwealth’s Memorial Day Ceremony | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | The Virginia War Memorial | Free | Honor those who gave their lives serving in the United States Armed Forces with speakers, music, and wreath-laying.
Did you know? Roanoke is the largest city on the Appalachian Trail, so you can’t go far without finding a trailhead. | Photos by Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge
With 1,000+ miles of scenic trails, Virginia’s Blue Ridge is an exciting destination for hikers of all levels. Grab your sturdy shoes for these travel-worthy treks:
Roaring Run | 1.7 miles | Take in cascading waterfalls and streams along this leisurely, family-friendly trail. Pro tip: Bring a picnic.
Sharp Top | 3.1 miles | The 360-degree views at the summit are worth the steep journey.
Read Mountain | 3.9 miles | Hike to Buzzards Rock to experience one of the best views of the Roanoke Valley.
Hay Rock | 7.7 miles | Walk along the Appalachian Trail for a stunning overhead look at the Carvins Cove reservoir.
Triple Crown | 35 miles | This challenging trek combines Dragon’s Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs. You can hike from point to point in one day or complete the full loop over multiple days (plan for two nights of camping).
$3.08. That’s the projected national average price for a gallon of gasoline heading into Memorial Day weekend — 50 cents lower than last year’s average. If you’re taking a trip out of Richmond this weekend, you’ll likely pay a tiny bit more, because gas in Virginia is just above the national average. (GasBuddy)
Travel
Airbnb just launched a new in-app feature that allows you to book services and activities. Imagine a sushi chef in a shipping container apartment. But if you’re just looking for a cool place to stay,browse some of our favorite Airbnbs.
Film
Itching to see “Jurassic World Rebirth” when it comes out this summer? Good news for those of us who like to save money — starting Wednesday, July 9, AMC Theatres will offer AMC Stubs Rewards members 50% off adult movie tickets on Wednesdays. Become a member + find AMC theaters in Richmond.
Tech
We have “American Gothic” at home. That’s something more people may be saying after Samsung acquired the rights to ~50 works from the Art Institute of Chicago, now available for download on Samsung Smart TVs — it also has pieces from the MOMA + the Met. But can they compete with our local art museums?
Try This
Are you guilty… of winning? The Virginia Lottery recently launched a CLUE Scratcher, based on the classic murder mystery board game. Bonus: You can play from anywhere, including the kitchen, ballroom, and conservatory, with the online version.*
Shop
Summer is almost here — and Hoka shoes deliver all-day comfort and support for any activity. Brad’s Deals has rounded up the best summer Hoka discounts from top retailers.*
City Guide
City Guide
For richer or pour over
Riverbend is a short walk from Libby Hill Park if you like to take your joe on the go. | Photo by @artzkopf
Richmond’s coffee shops are what keep us going in the morning. The River City has no shortage of masterful baristas, aromatic roasts, and foamy lattes. But if you’re having trouble deciding on a spot, gather some brews clues with our guide to some of the best coffee shops in Richmond.
Espresso yourself
Sefton Coffee Company, 24 N. 8th St. | Trust the experts at this Downtown shop — your morning latte will thank you.
Roasts to boast
Rostov’s Coffee and Tea, 1618 W. Main St. | These quintessential Richmond roasters got started in 1979 and haven’t slowed down since.
Best bites
Buna Kurs Ethiopian Cafe, 402 1/2 N. 2nd St., Ste. A | In addition to coffee, frappes, smoothies, and tea, this cafe has all-day breakfast and Ethiopian favorites like ertib.
On-the-go joe
Greenbriar Cafe and Coffeehouse, 1211 W. Main St. | This VCU-area shop is well-designed for busy students. Walk up or call ahead for takeout.
All nine of Richmond’s public pools open for the season this weekend. While summer doesn’t officially start for another month or so, this is a good enough sign that it’s already underway. Let me dream.
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