Our long-loved island is getting a long-awaited makeover. | Rendering courtesy of Venture Richmond, Inc.
Nearly eight years in the making, the Brown’s Island Improvement Plan is realer than ever, with renderings and outlines showing us precisely what’s in store for this eventful, riverfront destination.
How do the plans compare to what locals asked for? We revisited an article from last year in which we asked our readers to brainstorm ideas for the $30 million project. From dreams to reality, let’s see what’s coming true.
Anyone who’s spent a day at Brown’s Island knows that shade and areas to cool off are game-changers. | Rendering courtesy of Venture Richmond, Inc.
Reader suggestion:
“I think it should have a few water features, maybe like a little water park play area for kids — for hot summer days. Plus, adults could also cool off.” – @kiwi_chikie
Reality:
Interactive water elements will include a splash pad and a miniature waterfall-like feature, located along a new seating area.
The Producer Lounge | Friday, Aug. 29 + Saturday, Aug. 30 | Times vary | Black Olive Pizzeria | $15 | Join a studio-style taping as producers perform live-beat sets and answer candid interview questions.
Revenge Roughstock Rodeo | Friday, Aug. 29 + Saturday, Aug. 30 | 6 p.m. | Chesterfield County Fairgrounds | Price of admission | Bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding — a wild-west time.
“Jaws” 50th Anniversary Showing | Friday, Aug. 29-Sunday, Aug. 31 | 8 p.m. | Goochland Drive-In Theater | $28 per car, up to seven occupants | Head to the drive-in early to set up chairs or blankets + grab snacks, then settle in for the megaladon of all shark movies.
Martin Lawrence: “Y’all Still Know What It Is” Tour | 8 p.m. | Altria Theater | $53+ | We know it’s day-of, but you can still grab tickets for a spontaneous night of stand-up with this famous actor and comedian.
Saturday, Aug. 30
Vintage Popup | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Minglewood Bake Shop | Price of purchase | Indulge in sweet treats + a little self-care shopping at this clothing popup.
ImmerseCon 2025 | Saturday, Aug. 30-Sunday, Aug. 31 | Times vary | Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa/Short Pump | $40+ | A haven for STEM lovers and video gamers, this expo introduces you to the realm of indie game development, innovative robotics, cosplay, and CyberDungeon.
Sunday, Aug. 31
Community Yoga | Sunday, Aug. 31-Sunday, Oct. 19 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Jackson Ward | Free | Try out another weekly yoga hang and take time to recharge before heading into a new week.
Nourish helps you develop healthy habits that last — all over telehealth and covered by your insurance. | Photo via Nourish
$0. That’s how much 94% of patients pay out of pocket to talk to a dietitian through Nourish — an easy-to-use platform that connects you with the right care to support your health goals.
Nourish helps match you with a Registered Dietitian for telehealth appointments, so you can access hyper-personalized, clinical-grade nutrition care that’s right for your health journey.
The NFL finalized its rosters this week, and eight players represent the 804. We may not be the most football-focused city, but we’ll always tune in, PBR in hand, for a hometown-hero story. See the list of Richmond-area players, two of whom hail from Highland Springs. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Festival
This Saturday, Aug. 30, is the 18th annual Latin Jazz + Salsa Festival, a totally free event sizzling with live beats, heart-warming foods, and lots of dancing. Follow the music to Midtown Green from 1-8 p.m.
Try This
Root for a rubber duck. Next Saturday, Sept. 6, is the annual Duck Race + Festival of Inclusion, an event supporting the local autism community and encouraging sensory-friendly fun. 19,000+ toy ducks will course through the canal. Buy entries in the hopes that your prized duck will win you a first-place, $10,000 reward.
Family
Get ready to move and groove at the Children’s Museum of Richmond. On Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2-2:30 p.m. at the Downtown Playhouse, kids can dress up for Tutus & Ties and have fun while boosting memory, language, and emotional skills. Free with Museum admission.*
Mailbag
When you subscribed to RICtoday, you may have received an email asking for your favorite local restaurant — and yes, we’ve been reading every response. Reader Dee Dee S. stands by Giovanni’s pizza in Mechanicsville. “I have 18 pizza places closer to me, and drive 20 minutes to get their pizza. It’s amazing.”
Active
Who watched the inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games? The event took place in China recently, with robotic athletes competing in events including track and field, martial arts, and soccer. Think you can outdo the bots? These 25+ Richmond gyms await.
Featured Deal
Best-selling activewear and everyday apparel up to 60% off? Athleta’s taking an extra 30% off sale items now through Monday, September 1. Shop the sale.*
The Buy
Meridian’s original hair trimmer, now 40% off for Labor Day. This unisex shaver was built for beards, chest, legs, and bikini lines, is 100% waterproof, and was top rated by Elle, Esquire, GQ, and Forbes. Psst — Shop tons of great markdowns like this one while Labor Day sales last.
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.
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