You might be from Richmond if seeing a train rolling past Brown’s Island makes your weekend. | Photo by @cwclarke_photos
If you live and die by Ukrop’s Rainbow Cookies, you know there are some River City traditions others just don’t understand. We asked our readers to share Richmond’s unwritten rules, from common city knowledge to relatable trends and local lingo.
If you’re not from Richmond, these might be a little difficult to explain...
If you’re from Richmond, you know Francine, and if you don’t know her, she has a Wikipedia page.
River City Roller Derby | 5-9 p.m. | Richmond Roller Dome | $12 | RCRD is facing off with a match against Poe’s Punishers and the Hollywood Undertakers.
Friday, Sept. 12
Festival of the Arts | 8 p.m. | Dogwood Dell, Byrd Park | Free | Kia Bennet and special guest Cecily take the amphitheater stage for the final festival show until mid-October.
Saturday, Sept. 13
“Bark In The Park” Dog Walk | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Crump Park, Glen Allen | $15+ | This 3rd annual event brings animal lovers together to stroll through the park, visit adoptable dogs, and enjoy a day of family-friendly fun.
Festival of India | 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. | Greater Richmond Convention Center | Free | Running since 1981, this state-recognized festival celebrates the culture and traditions of India with food, arts, crafts, and live performances.
Author Panel Discussion | 2-3 p.m. | Tuckahoe Area Library | Free | Novelist Elizabeth Becker + four additional guest authors join together to discuss Becker’s work and explore the trials and tribulations of becoming a published author.
Sunday, Sept. 14
Birding at Belle Isle | 8 a.m. | Belle Isle | Free, RSVP | Feminist Bird Club RVA is calling all bird enthusiasts to join a group excursion along the river — bring your binoculars and make some new (bird and human) friends.
SwapMeet RVA | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Main Street Station | Free | Find a new outfit, grab some food truck eats, and connect with community “between the tracks.”
September 11, also recognized as National Day of Service and Remembrance and Patriot Day. An honorary ceremony will be held at the Virginia War Memorial today at 11 a.m., featuring the traditional Tolling of the Memorial Bell, Placement of Wreaths, and playing of “Taps.”
Outdoors
Mayo Island has officially joined the James River Park System. After decades of effort, the 14-acre site now belongs to the people of Richmond. Demolition is scheduled to begin soon, with nature revitalization to follow + an anticipated park opening in October of 2026. Goodbye, concrete. (CBS 6)
Coming Soon
Carytown’s commercial strip is getting a permanent jewelry store. By permanent, we mean that bracelets are literally welded to fit your wrist, in-store. Full Circle is settling in on West Cary Street, across Ashby and near World of Myrth.
Eat
Another new biz: Pizzeria Mungo is setting up shop at the former BigWife’s Mac n’ Cheese location on North Arthur Ashe. Ealier this year, owner Eric Mungo opened Fire + Char Pizza Co. at ChefSuite’s ghost kitchen hub, but the facility’s subsequent closure prompted Mungo to look elsewhere — North Arthur Ashe. (Richmond BizSense)
Civic
In Virginia, early in-person voting for the upcoming General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 4, begins Friday, Sept. 19, and continues through Saturday, Nov. 1. Voters will have the opportunity to cast their ballots for a variety of elections, including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General.
Try This
A $15 art class. First Fridays are booked and busy; that’s why the Visual Arts Center of Richmond opts for Second Fridays — coming up tomorrow, Sept. 12. VisArts will run an array of beginner-friendly classes, starting as early as 6 p.m. Sign up online + kickstart your weekend with plate printing, zine making, clay design, or Raku pottery.
State
You know what they say… a flapjack a day keeps the doctor away. Alright, we know that isn’t the saying, but it should be. Williamsburg will host its inaugural pancake festival from Friday, Sept. 26, to Saturday, Sept. 27.Can’t make it that weekend? Make a day trip for the Williamsburg Pancake Trail all September long.
Plan Ahead
Don’t let your seasonal event get lost in oversaturated community calendars. Feature it right here in RICtoday + get primo placement in front of our 42,000 engaged subscribers. Get started.
Pumpkin spice lattes are back — and so is our quest for the perfect fall boots. Here are our top five picks of the season:
👢 These knee high boots strike the perfect balance between function and style with an anti-slip rubber outsole and chic buckle detailing.
👢 Free People’s Western booties feature a sophisticated two-inch heel, patent leather, and appliqué details for under $70.
👢 Spot us wearing these vanilla-hued suede pointed toe ankle booties to date nights and dinner parties all season long.
👢 These timeless Chelsea ankle boots are a steal for under $50. Oh, and they’re top-rated on Amazon.
👢 Sporty meets sleek in Eurosoft’s ultra-comfortable side zip boots complete with a padded footbed + round toe design.
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 your last chance to submit your Diamond memories for our spotlight feature. We’re still looking for more simple sentiments, silly anecdotes, and thrilling stories to round up the nostalgia.
Here’s another memory of my own: At my last Flying Squirrels game, I caught my first in-the-stands baseball. It was a stress ball thrown by the crew, but still an exciting moment for me.
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