Ed 357: MDW Plans, Singles Meet-up, Interactive Art Vending Machine
Hello, hello!
The holiday weekend is fast approaching, and we are very much looking forward to a little R&R to go with our hot dogs, hamburgers, and general appreciation for those folks who keep us safely eating our hot dogs and hamburgers, now and always. Belle Isle Moonshine seems to have something festive and summer-y up its sleeve, but in case you can’t wait for whatever delish thing that might be, we just put out our MDW round-up, which includes plenty of *other* festive and summer-y things for you to enjoy in the days to come. As always, STAY SAFE out there, and don’t forget your water and sunscreen!
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including a wellness studio expansion, a scavenger hunt for furry friends, Mayo Island plans, and more.
PODCAST
WEATHER
Wednesday: Rain likely; high of 76°, low of 58°
Thursday: Sunny; high of 78°, low of 58°
Friday: Partly cloudy; high of 79°, low of 62°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 7 - 9 pm: BINGO AT BINGO
Thursday, 5 - 7 pm: EATS & SWEETS
Friday, 7 - 11 pm: FOURTH FRIDAY JAZZ NIGHT
CITY GUIDES
1. YOUR GUIDE TO MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND 2025 IN RICHMOND
Image Source: @heydiscobunny
RICHMONDER TO KNOW
Aaryanna Nijjar: She’s the brains behind Richmond’s first-ever interactive art vending machine, stocked with handmade art pieces — from zines and mini artworks to quirky collectibles — all curated from over 20 local artists. SCRAP will do the unveiling this Friday, May 23, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, at a fun-filled event. Get it on your calendar ASAP and support the city’s ever-inventive art scene!
THE LATEST:
Image Source: TAOU Studio
Image Source: Virginia Repertory Theater
Image Source: Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Image Source: Richmond SPCA
SOCIAL NEWS
Stretching into Forest Hill: Carytown-based TAOU Studio is expanding with a second location in Forest Hill this fall. The new 2,000-square-foot space will occupy the final commercial spot in the Evelyn, a mixed-use development at 4701 Forest Hill Ave, which also includes 40 apartments above 8,000 square feet of commercial space with tenants like Lucky AF and Janet’s Cafe & Bakery. This expansion follows TAOU’s growth to about 40 instructors at its orig location, and with a buildout cost of around $200,000, the Forest Hill studio will feature a lobby, two studios, and a massage room. Looking at a November opening, TAOU plans to offer a range of classes, including yoga, barre, pilates, and potentially children's and prenatal sessions, reflecting the family-oriented nature of the area. (Richmond BizSense)
June’s heating up already. Hot Take RVA is a new dating event launching in partnership with Virginia Pride for Pride Month and designed to creatively connect singles aged 21+ through community, friendship, and fun. Hosted at The Hofheimer with a rooftop after-party, the event invites participants to give a five-minute slide presentation highlighting their single friend — who must approve — sharing their best traits and what they’re seeking in a partner. Hot Take RVA aims to celebrate love and authenticity in a supportive, uplifting environment, and the event emphasizes camaraderie over competition, encouraging genuine connections in a lighthearted, entertaining setting. Mark your calendar for June 12, and snag tix while they last here! (Press Release)
Also in June, The Amazing Tails Scavenger Hunt is a lively, community-driven event taking place on Saturday, June 21, in Carytown. Organized to benefit the Richmond SPCA, the interactive experience invites teams of up to five participants (for a $100 reg fee) to solve clues and complete challenges while exploring the neighborhood. Each team member receives a swag bag filled with goodies from local Carytown shops, and proceeds support the Richmond SPCA's mission to care for approximately 350 pets daily, providing essential medical and rehabilitative services to prepare them for adoption. Registration closes on June 13, so get yourself (and your buds) on the list if you want to join in on the furry fun. (Richmond SPCA)
And in other “good cause” news: Friendship Circle of Virginia — a local nonprofit fostering friendships between teens and children with disabilities through inclusive programs — will host its fourth annual Disability Inclusion Day at The Diamond on Sunday, June 29. The free community event promotes disability inclusion and mental health awareness and will feature a Richmond Flying Squirrels game in a welcoming, fully accessible environment, including support like ASL interpretation, closed captioning, audio description services, and a dedicated sensory zone. More than 10,000 tickets are being given away to individuals with disabilities and their families via nonprofits and online requests here. (Press Release)
The hottest metal cars in RVA: Twin sisters Destiny and Dashia Oliver have transformed their passion for luxury vehicles into RVA Hot Wheelz, Richmond’s premier Polaris Slingshot rental company. Founded in 2022, the biz offers customers the thrill of driving three-wheeled, open-cockpit vehicles, providing a unique way to explore the city and beyond. Recognizing a gap in the local market, they introduced Slingshot rentals to Richmond, offering an exhilarating experience for both residents and visitors, but beyond rentals, RVA Hot Wheelz also serves as a community hub, hosting events and mentorship programs to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. Their commitment to excellence and community engagement has positioned them as rising stars in Richmond's business landscape. (WTRV)
Public park incoming: Mayo Island is set to transform into a natural public park by fall 2026. The city's Urban Design Committee recently approved a conceptual plan emphasizing ecological restoration and flood resilience, replacing most of the space’s existing structures and paved areas with meadows, native plantings, and gravel paths, integrating the island into the James River Park System. The design includes universally accessible pathways, interpretive signage, and paddler launch points, creating a space for both ecological observation and community recreation. Construction is expected to begin in fall 2025. (The Richmonder)
On resilience and drive: Everette Taylor, RIC local and CEO of Kickstarter since 2022, recently sat for a Richmond magazine profile piece, where he shared his journey from the Southside to leading the major tech platform. Raised in Broad Rock by his mother, Everette faced challenges, briefly engaging in drug dealing during middle school, but his mom’s intervention redirected his path, leading him to early entrepreneurial ventures like selling bubble gum and mowing lawns, and his resilience and drive eventually brought him to his role at Kickstarter. Just this month, Everette gave the commencement address at VCU, emphasizing the importance of community support and paying kindness forward. (Richmond magazine)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
🎭Virginia Repertory Theater just announced its 2025-2026 season, featuring Murder on the Orient Express, A Christmas Carol, and lots more. (Press Release, Virginia Repertory Theater)
❤️🩹Garden Grove Brewing Company will close its doors at the end of the day on June 28. (Instagram)
Richmond Grower’s Market is a new farmers market in town, popping up at Legend Brewing Co. every Saturday, now through October. (Style Weekly)
Image Source: The Hill Café
Weekly Giveaway
The Hill Café
As you read in our MDW city guide, Richmond Symphony is bringing the patriotic vibes to Chimborazo Park this weekend with a free concert of stunning performances. And in case you need a to-go order to pair with a stellar night out like that, we can help.
This week, we’re giving away a $25 gift card to The Hill Café! We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: The California Club (with a side of potato salad) is not to be slept on.
To enter, tell us: What else do you have planned for MDW?
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Marianne J., for winning the Blue Sage Bridal giveaway!
Image Source: Brambly Park
Member Perks
Bramble On Tribute Fest
Bramble On Tribute Fest is just around the corner, happening on June 7 and 8 at Brambly Park. Lean into festival szn with two days of live performances from tribute bands honoring the greatest artists in rock, soul, and beyond — plus some amazing food and drink.
As a member of The Richmond Experience, you get $29 tix to the festival! Use the link here.
New + Trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 11 new members this week: Shelley W., Liz T., Dean V., Adam L., Patrick S., Pam F., Staci W., Nachiya W., Susanne M., LeeAnn Y., and Angelina S., we’re so glad you’re here!
It takes a village, so let us know if you have any questions, thoughts, feedback, tips, or recs! Thanks for reading edition 357 of The Weekly Insider.
Enjoy your holiday weekend!
- The Richmond Experience
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