“Ruined” exhibits the industrial art of John Ryland of Richmond’s Classified Moto. | Photo by RICtoday
At the cusp of 2025, the Branch Museum of Design embraced change with new leadership, a fresh logo, and an updated name. However, it’s the museum’s latest exhibits that Executive Director Kristen Cavallo believes are the pivotal catalysts for change.
The Branch’s domino effect:A row of tarnished, road-rugged motorcycles.
Marketing Director Katie Hoak (left) and Executive Director Kristen Cavallo (right) joined us to chat about upward momentum at the museum. | Photo by RICtoday
We visited the Branch to tour the new exhibits and chat with new leadship about the museum’s in-motion evolution.
Rugged motorcycles and sleek Vespa scooters pose under the polished halls of the early 20th-century manor. It’s tense, surprisingly, and delightfully rebellious, and it’s all one big ol’ metaphor.
First Friday: Queer Joy | 5-11 p.m. | Gallery5 | Free | Performances and artwork add vibrancy to this evening of community, which aims to inspire people “to be bold, bright, brash, and beautiful.”
“Waitress” at Virginia Repertory Theatre | Friday, Aug. 1-Sunday, Aug. 3 | Times vary | November Theatre | $39+ | We’ve been plugging this fan-fave musical all month, but this time, it’s your last weekend to grab a ticket.
Saturday, Aug. 2
Virago Alley Presents: Warriors in Bloom | 12-5 p.m. | Agecroft Hall | $15, $12 for children 7-15 | Don your most whimsical garb for the latest installment of the Richmond’s Renaissance Faire.
804 Day | 12:30-6:30 p.m. | 17th Street Market | Free | It’s the ultimate Richmond block party, where every music performance, vendor, and heaping plate of food is a celebration of the 804.
Sunday, Aug. 3
Books + Brews | 4 p.m. | Intermission Beer Company, Glen Allen | Free | It’s like a “show and tell” for whatever you just finished reading — plus you can grab a beer or two.
Monday, Aug. 4
804 Day at the Museum | 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Science Museum of Virginia | $10 | See what makes Richmond’s science scene spark with discounted tickets + access to the “Towers of Tomorrow” LEGO exhibit.
Stella’s Grocery is expanding to Chesterfield with a new location at Winterfield Crossing, a developing mixed-use center on the north side of Midlothian Turnpike. Spearheaded by the Giavos family, recent expansions also include a café collab with the Virginia Museum of History & Culture + the development of a new restaurant, Lafayette Tavern. (CBS 6)
Development
Townhomes, condos, and hotels are rising from the ashes of the former Virginia Center Commons mall, a shopping hub lost to its original heyday. What is change without memory? We want to know what Virginia Center Commons was like when you were growing up. Share your stories. (Richmond BizSense)
Richmonder
Crafting with a cause. For more than two years, Peggy Westlake and her two friends have been weaving plastic bags into mats for unhoused people. The three meet every week, setting up shop on the couches at Hathaway Tower condominiums. Since CBS 6’s first spotlight, 30+ people have volunteered to join their growing team. (CBS 6)
Edu
Following a devastating fire in 2022, Fox Elementary is ready to reopen its doors on Hanover Avenue. Join the official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, August 6, at 5:30 p.m. Then hang around for student celebrations, building tours, community art, and ice cream.
Fun Fact
Sunday is National Sisters Day. Did you know that Richmond has six sisters – sister cities to be specific. Sister Cities coordinate international relationships focused on sharing cultural activities and encouraging global awareness. Who are Richmond’s sisters across the pond? Find out.
Food
Kids eat free. For the entirety of August, Tarrant’s Downtown will pair an entree purchase with a free kids’ meal, available for children 12 and younger. Sounds like the perfect refuel stop after some school shopping.
Finance
For those seeking out loan options for upcoming semester expenses, check out College Ave. They offer private education loans starting at 3.19% APR — plus a simple application process, flexible options, and highly-rated customer service.*
Job
Are you the one we’re looking for? We’re on the hunt for a sales-driven leader to help us land significant brand partnerships at a national scale as a Sales Executive. From a competitive benefits package to 401k matching, we’re a pretty amazing company to work for. Join our team and apply today.
The Buy
There are just a few days left to shop Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale. Don’t miss these five deals before they disappear on Monday, Aug. 4.
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.
There’s a lot going on this weekend, from First Fridays + the final weekend of “Waitress” to Warriors in Bloom and 804 Day. I’m curious... if you could only choose one of those weekend events — thank goodness that’s not the case — which would it be?
Take this quiz + drop your pick. Plus, see how well you know your local editor.
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