Plus, LEGO facility update.
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Sunrise 7:07 a.m. | Sunset 6:50 p.m.


RVA is for (cat) lovers

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The sign says it all. | Photo via Tiny Paws RVA
Anyone who’s lived in Richmond long enough knows that we are an animal-loving city, from precious household pets to scruffy alleyway friends and quintessential shop cats.

Just take note of the thousands of people who have leaped into action to pursue and petition the search for our Francine, the community’s missing “Lowes cat.”

On Saturday, Nov. 8, starting at 11 p.m., RVA Cat Tour will give Richmond’s cat-loving community a chance to connect, raise money for a local animal rescue, and spotlight the neighborhood cats that make our world go ‘round.

We hope dearly that Francine will make her homecoming by then.
A crowd of people on a sidewalk in front of a house in the Fan; A person in the center of the frame hold a cat in hand.

Some cats will make their grand debut outside the front door; others may say hello from the window.

Photo via Tiny Paws RVA

What is RVA Cat Tour?

Benefitting local animal rescue nonprofit, Tiny Paws RVA, the tour is a ticketed fundraiser event that leads participants through a guided Museum District stroll, celebrating the residential cats in charge.
Tickets + more details

Asked

🐈 In 2023, Francine the “Lowe’s Cat” was immortalized in what Richmond-edition game?


A. Apples to Apples
B. Clue
C. The Game of Life
D. Monopoly
Yes... a Francine pop quiz
Richmond Kickers

Events

Friday, Oct. 3

The 65th Annual Armenian Food Festival | 11 a.m.-9 p.m. | St. James Armenian Church | Free

“Murder on the Orient Express” | Friday, Oct. 3-Sunday, Oct. 12 | Times vary | November Theatre | $39+

The 20th Annual Carnival of 5 Fires | 5-11 p.m. | Gallery5 | Free

Beers + Banjos: Slack Family Band | 6 p.m. | The Camel | Free, $10 table reservations available

ICA First Fridays: Lily Cox-Richard Artist Talk | 6-7:30 p.m. | Institute for Contemporary Art | Free

VisArts Chili Throwdown | 6-8 p.m. | Visual Arts Center of Richmond | $35

Saturday, Oct. 4

Friends of East End: Evergreen Cemetery Volunteer Day | 9 a.m. | Evergreen Cemetery | Free, volunteer registration required

Vintage Pop-up with Láska + Minglewood Bake Shop | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Minglewood Bake Shop | Price of purchase

2nd Street Festival | Saturday, Oct. 4 + Sunday, Oct. 5 | Times vary | Jackson Ward | Free

Hog on the Hill | 12-6 p.m. | Libby Hill Park | Free

Richmond Kickers RVA Craft Beer Festival | 6-8 p.m. | City Stadium | $23

Sunday, Oct. 5

Texas Beach Pro Skater Tournament | 12-5 p.m. | Texas Beach Skate Park | Free

The Black Arts Market (B.A.M.) | 12-5 p.m. | The Workshop at T + D | Free
Weekend bucket list
Feature your event here, or make a bigger splash

News Notes

Outdoors

Henrico County will soon be gifted 5.2 miles of land on the Kanawaha Canal. Gifted by whom? CSX, the freight railroad company (also involved in river access projects such as Texas Beach + Pipeline Trail). Tuckahoe District Supervisor suggests that the 65-acre land donation could lead to more James River access in Henrico. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Development

The building blocks are coming together on Chesterfield’s $1 billion LEGO manufacturing facility. On Wednesday, Oct. 1, more than 1,000 people gathered for a ceremony celebrating a construction milestone — the placement of the final steel beam. The factory aims to begin production in 2027. (Richmond BizSense)

Read

The creator of RVA Magazine just unleashed his take on “Richmond’s Hipster Decade” (2005-2015), noting “tattoos, thrift shops, coffee, beer, loud music in small rooms, and the kind of community-building you can’t fake” as the groundwork that set our evolving identity in motion. (RVA Mag)

Today Is

The first Friday of October, and you know what that means. First Fridays are in full swing. Whether you’re looking for an artsy evening, a trivia trip, or a museum outing, here are a few options to get you started, but be sure to check our event listings for more.

Community

The @wheresfrancine task force has now released a petition, calling for urgent action from Lowe’s Corporate in the search for the missing community cat. As the story continues to gain national attention, the petition has already exceeded its original 3,000-signature goal.

Drink

Starbucks is facing a company-wide restructuring plan, leading to hundreds of store closures nationwide. In Richmond, notable closures include the North Arthur Ashe Boulevard location and the Commerce Road location. Why not support these local coffee shops instead? (CBS 6)

Biz

If you’re wondering how you’re going to find someone stellar to fill your job opening, we can help. With our Job Board, you can post your listing for free and score a new employee in your community. It’s quick and easy — try it.

Read

Tired of the political drama? We get it. Cut through the noise and subscribe to The Tangle’s free newsletter for balanced, nonpartisan reporting on major political stories.*
Children's Museum of Richmond

The Buy

Your favorite Nordstrom fall fashion essential. Sometimes, just one great new piece can update what’s already in your closet from last year. We’re eyeing:

🛍️ This simple puff sleeve top from Madewell
🛍️ A comfy, baggy turtleneck sweater from Free People
🛍️ Silver Jeans Co.’s cute, everyday pair of relaxed straight jeans
🛍️ A splurge-worthy leather maxi skirt from Cinq à Sept
🛍️ A great walkable Chelsea boot from Sam Edelman, available in any neutral shade under the sun.
Shop new fall apparel

Games

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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.
Let the games begin

The Wrap

RVA Mag’s dive into Richmond’s hipster decade (2005-2015) was one of my favorite reads this week. Here’s another chance to give it a look. Want to share your thoughts after reading? Drop a line — I would love to hear what you think.
RIC_City_Editor_Wrap_March_03
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