A special thank you to reader Jerry for submitting this Diamond-worthy photo from back in the day. | Photo provided by RICtoday reader Jerry T.
The Diamond is in the midst of its final season this week, wrapping up its stadium legacy with a sold-out Goodbye Diamond game on Sunday, Sept. 14. Since opening in 1985, The Diamond has scored a few scuffs and chips — we’ll get into that — but fans still look back with a proud sense of fondness and gratitude.
Let’s take a walk through the stands together, shall we?
We dive into a brief history of our tried and true stadium — our Diamond in the rough — from the literal rats of the early days to the squirrel-successes of recent years.
Plus, our readers share their Diamond-worthy memories, taking us back in time to reminisce on first dates, niche celebrity sightings, and perhaps a little trespassing.
Chesterfield Towne Center Carnival | Friday, Sept. 12-Sunday, Sept. 14 | Times vary | Chesterfield Towne Center | $5 | Grab a candy apple and enjoy the whimsy of the carnival before the weekend’s over.
“Murder on the Orient Express” | Friday, Sept. 12-Sunday, Oct. 12 | Times vary | Virginia Repertory Theatre | $39+ | Kicking off its opening weekend, secrecy, wealth, motive, and murder are the prime players in this suspect-driven Agatha Christie adaptation.
Saturday, Sept. 13
EcoFest | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | James A. Buzzard River Education Center | Free | Celebrate Richmond’s nature scene to the fullest with a day full of food trucks, electrofishing, water plunges, nonprofit networking, and bike tours.
Benchtop Oktoberfest | 12-10 p.m. | Benchtop Brewing | Free | Festbier is back, as well as a new cranberry orange cocktail/mocktail, “beer poking,” and plenty of German eats.
Sunday, Sept. 14
The Black Arts Market | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | The Beet Box | Free | The Beet Box is teaming up with this market for a relaxed and re-energizing shopping experience, with smoothies on deck + only 10 vendors operating at a time.
Kennanee Native Arts Festival | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden | $20 | Art, storytelling, food, and play weave together in a celebration of rooted culture and Indigenous voices across the East Coast.
Paperback Parlor: Popup Bookstore | 12-4 p.m. | Hardywood Park Brewing - West Creek | Price of purchase | Shop new and used books (with a craft beer in hand) at this local book biz’s first popup.
Mary Anne Rennolds Chamber Music Concert Series: Bax & Chung Piano Duo | 3-5 p.m. | W. E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts | $37 | Experience the artistry of concert pianists Alessio Bax and Lucille Chung, a duo celebrated for their chemistry, passion, and incredible skill.*
Monday, Sept. 15
Ballroom Dancing Class | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Ashland Branch Library, Ashland | Free | You never know when ballroom dancing skills will come in handy — no experience or partner necessary.
Dominion Energy’s former office high-rise might become Downtown’s next residential housing + hotel space. The 20-story building on the corner of East Main and South 8th streets was sold last year to a Washington-based company. Plans include 200 hotel rooms and 290 apartment units. (Richmond BizSense)
Art
Starting tonight, Sept. 12, Richmond Ballet returns to the VMFA for two weekends of immersive dance in “Moving Art One.” Performances include an interpretation of the life and work of Frida Kahlo + an electric dramatization of music by artists like Queen, Lou Reed, and The Zombies. Tickets for select dates start at $29, but can increase depending on availability.
Sports
If you’re looking for a local sports team to root for, VCU men’s soccer is making waves in the college leagues, following a surprising victory earlier this week. The team scored a 2-1 win against undefeated, No. 2-ranked Clemson. Check the match calendar to tune in or hit the stands for the next game. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Try This
Sewing is cool again, according to the New York Times. Classes in New York City have seen a recent surge in popularity, a trend that sewing experts say is happening across the country. Luckily, we found the perfect avenue to help you explore the local scene: Top Stitch + Friends, a one-day festival hosted by a local sewing studio tomorrow, Sept. 13.
Outdoors
Wondering what to plant in your garden this fall? Henrico Citizen petaled together a guide to fall bulbs that produce spring blooms, including daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, and alliums. Don’t have a garden? Find a community plot near you. (Henrico Citizen)
Gold is as hot as ever, with its price per ounce crossing $3,400 in August. A gold IRA can be a smart way to own gold and add stability to your retirement portfolio — but with added tax benefits, plus $20,000 in free metals on qualifying purchases. See one of Money’s top picks.†*
Jobs
Need to hire? We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re staffing up for the season or filling a key full-time role, our Job Board is your one-stop hiring solution. Post your open positions for free and start connecting with qualified candidates.
Try This
Ready to kickstart your career in digital media sales remotely? We’re looking for a Sales Coordinator to fuel our fast-paced sales team, with a competitive salary, premium benefits, unlimited PTO, and real growth opportunities to boot. Apply to join our team.
Movies on the pitch. You can still grab $10 tickets to see “Wicked” tonight at City Stadium. Head to the field as early as 6:15 p.m. for happy hour specials (hello, $3 beers), and settle in for the showing at 7 p.m. Musical-loving pups are welcome too.
This Ring doorbell and outdoor camera bundle that’s $20 off today only. Our favorite features? Crisp video and smart alerts sent straight to our phone, so we know who’s at the door without leaving the couch.
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.
If you’re going to “Moving Art One” at the VMFA, I’m jealous, and I’m still considering splurging on a ticket. Did you know that until last March, Richmond Ballet hadn’t performed at the VMFA since the 1990s?
Anyway, if I can’t make it this time around, it’s not a total loss. I can still plan ahead for the second, third, or fourth installment of the “Moving Art” series, coming up in October, March, and May.
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