UnHappy Hours take place once a month from April through October. Upcoming themes include Wizard of Oz, Fairy Land, and Halloween. | Photo provided by The Poe Museum
Travel down the sprayed seas of the James for the most treasured social soiree on this side of the horizon. Unhappy Hour docks at the Poe Museum on Thursday, July 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. And if yee haven’t guessed — it’s pirate themed.
Uncork bottles, sing shanties, and grab grub that’ll make yer hat take sail. Plan ahead and reserve your ticket before the hearty crew fills up, and give yer’self something to look forward to.
Events
Events
Monday, July 14
Dogwood Dell Festival of Arts | 6 p.m. | Dogwood Dell Amphitheater | Free | Join locally loved musician Plunky Branch for a showcase blending Afro-jazz, funk, reggae, hip-hop, and go-go.
Teddy Swims | 8 p.m. | Virginia Credit Union LIVE! | $46+ | Head to the raceway for this Grammy-nominated vocalist blending R&B, soul, and pop genres.
Tuesday, July 15
Senior Mornings: Summer Gardening and Cyanotype Art | 8-10 a.m. | Science Museum of Virginia | Free, RSVP | Adults 60+ can hone their skills with the museum’s horticultural team, experiment with cyanotype art, and take home a keepsake “shaped by the sun.”
House to Highway: Reclaiming a Community History | 10-11 a.m. + 12-1 p.m.| Library of Virginia | Free, RSVP | Join a tour in honor of Maggie Lena Walker’s 161st birthday, leading through the history of Jackson Ward through the lens of the Skipwith-Roper family.
Mahjong at Benchtop | 6 p.m. | Benchtop Brewing | $70 | Whether you’re a Mahjong master or a brand new beginner, order a cold one and let the tiles do the talking — snacks and a drink ticket included.
Wednesday, July 16
Pretty as a Picture: Framed Arrangements | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden $88, $73 for members | Learn how to make and utilize picture frames as a display for fun, dramatic flower arrangements.
Richmond International Airport travelers left their shoes on through the TSA checkpoint for the first time in nearly 20 years this week. The nationwide change aims to streamline TSA ahead of major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Summer Olympics. You should still probably arrive early, though. (USA Today)
Mansion Monday
It may not be a mansion, per se, but this 1904 home is historic, central to the Fan, and over $1 million. See inside the 3,382-sqft space for notable features like bay windows, built-in bookshelves, and an expansive cook’s kitchen.
History
It might feel like Y2K was just yesterday, but we’re officially closer to 2050 than we are to 2000. While we have no idea what’s in store for the next 25 years, we are looking forward to these local events in the next couple of weeks. (Buzzfeed)
Watch
It seems Virginians love tuning in to “Property Brothers.” That’s the state’s most popular HGTV show, according to a recent study. If you’re ready to turn off the TV and do some house hunting of your own, you might want to brush up on Richmond’s cost of living.
Theater
AMC Stubs members can now enjoy 50% off movie tickets and concession deals on Tuesdays + Wednesdays in a new deal that replaces $5 movie tickets on Tuesdays. Save this for a rainy day, but while the skies are clear, head to Goochland Drive-In for a star-lit screening. (Variety)
The Word
“Fridge cigarette.” A snack or drink — most often a Diet Coke — used as an excuse for a short break, akin to a smoke break. If you’re going to join the trend, give it a Richmond spin and stock up on Miss Maude’s chocolate. Yes, we support keeping chocolate in the fridge. (Today)
Sports
This Wednesday, July 16, The Kickers will host CD Leganés (LaLiga2) for an exciting international friendly. Pro tip: Arrive early — gates open at 6 p.m. — for happy hour, featuring $3 Bud Lights, $4 Heinekens, and $5 Barefoot wine until kick off. Snag tickets.*
Feed More volunteers help pack, distribute, and deliver meals to thousands of families in Central VA. | Photo via Feed More
Whether you’re an animal lover, an artsy type, a natural mentor, or a healthcare enthusiast, there’s a nearby volunteer opportunity for you. We rounded up 50+ ways to get involved in the River City.
It takes a village
CARITAS | Volunteers take an orientation class, then can work in various positions at the Furniture Bank, shelter, or the CARITAS Center itself.
International Rescue Committee | Assist the economic empowerment team, volunteer at youth events, and help English students practice conversation skills.
RVA Community Fridges | Volunteering with this nonprofit can be as easy as dropping off food at any fridge around town — or you can help with restocking, cleaning, distribution, or organizing food drives.
SCORE Richmond | Sign on as a mentor to help out small businesses by answering questions, providing resources, and giving insight and guidance.
SOAR365 | Help create life-fulfilling opportunities for individuals with disabilities. One-time volunteers can help with event programming or park beautification.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
We counted to the best of our (booze-selling) rooftop knowledge: Solaire, Common House, Q Rooftop, Byrd House, Casa Del Barco (Short Pump), Hofheimer, Starr Hill, Juan’s Rooftop and Cantina, and Rockaway Beach (at New York Deli).
Want some heartfelt decor for outside your home? Three years after its devastating fire, Fox Elementary is selling house + garden flags to help benefit the school’s recovering art program. Designed by a former student in the 1990s, the Caroline’s Hearts flag hung in the school’s entryway until the fire, bearing the message, “Fox is Love.”
Now it can fly on your front porch as a sign of resilience, solidarity, and community support.
