NASCAR weekend spans from Thursday, Aug. 14 to Saturday, Aug. 16. | Photo by RICtoday
So, you’re considering attending NASCAR weekend at Richmond Raceway, but you know little to nothing about the sport of racing. Been there, and here to assure you that you can still have a blast even if you don’t plan on watching all 400 laps.
All you need are some fun-loving friends, an eager spirit, and an open mind — but we can get more specific than that.
Reserve tickets for the Craftsan Truck Series this Friday, Aug. 15, for a little less commotion than Saturday’s big race.
Photo by RICtoday
Rev up your excitement
Love dressing for a theme? Shop for a vintage NASCAR T-shirt at one of Richmond’s local resale stores.
🏁 Race day
Arrive early + ride-share. Before the race starts, you can tailgate and browse vendors.
Bring headphones or earplugs to help block out the engine noise. We recommend opting for headphones + curating your perfect NASCAR playlist.
Summer Sunset Floral Workshop | 6 p.m. | Blue Bee Cider | $55 | Sip on ciders and transform a bundle of summer blooms into a stunning take-home centerpiece.
Thursday, Aug. 14
Eats + Sweets | 5-7 p.m. | Libbie Mill Lake | Price of purchase | Mobile food trucks Eat my Eggroll and Mimi’s Ice ‘N Custard team up for an evening of lakeside eats.
Friday, Aug. 15
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series | 7:30 p.m. | Richmond Raceway | $25+ | While it’s not the biggest race of the weekend, this one offers cheaper ticket prices and a less busy atmosphere.
Festival of the Arts: “Once on This Island” | Friday, Aug. 15-Sunday, Aug. 17 | 8 p.m. | Dogwood Dell Amphitheater | Free | Bring a blanket, settle in under the stars, and explore a story of love, loss, and the power of community — all set on a lush Caribbean island.
Saturday, Aug. 16
RVA Square Dance | 7 p.m. | Studio Two Three | $10 | Dust off your dancing boots with a beginner-friendly lesson at 7:30 p.m., then join the big group dance at 8 p.m.
Kip’s Karaoke Pallooza | 3-6 p.m. | James River Cellars Winery, Glen Allen | Free | Conveniently, a little wine might help you warm up your singing voice.
Brenner Pass in Scott’s Addition is closing its doors at the end of August, only to open them a few weeks later with a new name and atmosphere. Bar Buoy aims to make waves in September with a menu inspired by the Chesapeake Bay. Think sandwiches, fried fish, Southern snacks, and shellfish. (CBS 6)
Art
Richmond Ballet returns to the VMFA for “Piensa en Mí” (Think of Me), which channels the essence of Frida Kahlo’s life and art through dance. Performances are scheduled from Thursday, Sept. 11, through Sunday, Sept. 21, closing out just a week before the museum’s last day with the temporary Kahlo exhibit. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Try This
You’re made for the screen, darling. Local film productions are now casting across Northern Virginia and in the star-studded River City. From short films to features, consider this your call to action. (ALXnow)
Development
The City of Richmond plans to allocate over $9 million from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to new housing developments + grants to help homeowners finance repairs. Eight projects aim to introduce ~600 new homes for low- and moderate-income households. (Richmond BizSense)
Biz
Ruff Canine Club — a bar + gathering space for dog owners — is under new ownership. Matthew and Emily Brockman stepped in about a week ago, and they’re looking for feedback. Are you a Ruff member or hope to become one?Let us know what you would love to see added or changed at this Scott’s Addition biz. (Richmond BizSense)
City
Pothole on your street? RVA 311 makes it easy to report issues through their website, mobile app, or by calling 3-1-1. It’s a quick, no-fuss way to reach city services when something needs attention. Explore what you can request.*
Family
Looking for a fun and meaningful way to spend a morning with the kids? Head to the Children’s Museum of Richmond for International Story Time, Thursdays from 10:15-10:45 a.m. at the Downtown Art Studio. Plan your visit.*
Read
Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440, where 4.5 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. It’s free to subscribe.*
The Buy
This summer, make every weekend count with Groupon. Score up to 70% off chef-curated experiences, wine tastings, riveting tours + attractions, spa days that melt the dress away, and more.
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.
Today’s NASCAR guide was a a bit of a passion piece, to say the least. Over the past couple of years, NASCAR weekend has quickly become one of my favorite annual summer memories... and it’s not because I’m invested every lap (and that’s okay).
The real magic: I’m in a crowd of thousands, and no one knows I’m blasting “Real Gone” by Sheryl Crow in my headphones.
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