Ed 367: Farmhouse Pumpkin, Dogwood Dell Amphitheater, 804 Day
Hello, hello!
Well, it’s happened. I checked Hardywood’s socials to see if there’d been any Farmhouse Pumpkin murmurings yet, and… there have been! Apparently, it’s already available on draft and in four-packs at both Hardywood locations. Look! Bless!
Now, I’m not saying we all need to rush out and guzzle a few pints before July wraps up. But I am saying I’ll definitely be picking up some cold ones to chill in my fridge while I wait for a cool breeze to come by. I’ve waited too long to stock up in years past, and I am NOT letting that happen again. If you’re a pumpkin-season-loving basic bish like me, learn from my mistake. I’ll see you in line at the taproom(s).
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including grilled cinnamon-sugar dough cones, an unconventional Renaissance faire, Richmond’s largest block party, and more.
PODCAST
WEATHER
Wednesday: Mostly sunny; high of 94°, low of 75°
Thursday: Afternoon thunderstorms; high of 91°, low of 71°
Friday: Scattered thunderstorms; high of 78°, low of 65°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 10 am - 3 pm: VALENTINE DAY IN JULY
Thursday, 8:30 - 11:30 pm: RIVER CITY ROLL & RAVE
Friday, 5:30 - 8:30 pm: MUSIC AT MAYMONT
CITY GUIDES
1. WHERE THE FRIENDS CHARACTERS WOULD BE REGULARS IN RICHMOND
Image Source: Cameron Booth
RICHMONDER TO KNOW
Cameron Booth: He’s the recreation services supervisor for Dogwood Dell, attracting diverse audiences while maintaining beloved traditions with his programming selects. So, let that be your sign to mark your cal with the August line-up for the venue’s 68th Festival of Arts, featuring RVA Pro Wrestling and much more.
THE LATEST:
Image Source: Crispy Cones
Image Source: Coalescence Coffee Company
Image Source: Agecroft Hall & Gardens
Image Source: Dave Parrish Photography via Shockoe Records
SOCIAL NEWS
Order up!: Coalescence Coffee — a Norfolk-based coffee company focusing on delivering genuine hospitality in creative, welcoming spaces — is celebrating its Richmond grand opening this Friday, August 1. Expect limited hours and a focus on specialty coffee, community features, free drinks, $1 pastries, and giveaways (while supplies last). The spot’s regular hours and full menu then kick off on Monday, August 4. And in other coffee news, it looks like 7Brew is opening another location in nearby Ashland. (Coalescence Coffee, Instagram)
Get ready to celebrate RVA: 804 Day is back this weekend. Hosted by Shockoe Records and In Your Ear Studios, Richmond’s largest block party will celebrate the city’s music, culture, and community, featuring live performances from diverse local indie artists across multiple stages and more. The (free!) event also includes food, drinks, maker booths, and nonprofit spotlights. Head to Shockoe Bottom this Saturday, August 2, from 12:30 to 6:30 pm and get in on the partying, all in the name of the rich history and creative energy of the neighborhood, and city at large, while you appreciate its role as a multicultural arts hub, too. (Shockoe Records)
I get by with a little help from [an all-female punk band]: Also this Saturday, Agecroft Hall & Gardens is hosting Virago Alley’s Warriors in Bloom, an unconventional Renaissance faire that celebrates powerful women in history. Unlike traditional faires that focus on royalty, this immersive event highlights rebel figures like Joan of Arc and Grace O’Malley, and centers tradespeople, artisans, and historical martial arts. Attendees can enjoy sword demos, axe throwing, crafting, an artisan market with over 50 vendors, and a closing performance by an all-female punk band. Says organizer Amanda Robinson, “I feel like punk is a great example of speaking out against authority and breaking down social norms, and it just felt like mixing punk with a Renfaire best represented the mission of what we’re trying to do.” (Style Weekly)
This one has a little sweetness to it: Get your tix now; Triple Crossing is hosting RVA Wing Wars this fall. The fiery chicken wing comp allows attendees to sample wings from 15 vendors and vote for the city’s top contender. VIP ticket holders get early entry at 2 pm, 15 wings, two drink tickets, exclusive merch, and a sticker pack, while folks who go for GA tix get in at 3 pm, 15 wings, one drink ticket, and a sticker pack. (Triple Crossing)
Filling the burgers-and-fries-size hole in our hearts: Virginia’s first Crispy Cones location is taking over the former Carytown Burgers & Fries digs at 3449 W Cary St. The nationally recognized spot gained attention on Shark Tank, and evidently, local franchisee Sam Le took notice, too. He plans to open the ice cream shop this October, and visitors can look forward to eating soft-serve ice cream in grilled cinnamon-sugar dough cones (and the like) in a renovated two-story space including seating inside and on new patios, prep and kitchen areas, and new infrastructure throughout. (Richmond BizSense)
For your next snack haul: Commonwealth Crackers, which gives Dot’s pretzels and Cheez-Its alike, is a new local snack brand offering a savory take on Southern cheese straws. The co’s signature offering is a classic cocktail cracker, with new flavors like hot honey barbecue and All Dressed on the way. To boot — and you know we love to see this, esp — the biz also supports hunger relief by donating 1.23% of sales to Feed More. Look for the salty morsels at Yellow Umbrella Provisions and Libbie Market. (Richmond magazine)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
🍻The eighth annual Virginia Brews happens this Saturday, August 2, featuring a selection of crispy bois from across the Commonwealth, live music, food trucks, and access to all of the museum’s exhibitions. (Virginia Museum of History & Culture)
🐈Virago Spirits and Richmond SPCA are teaming up this Sunday, August 3, to host Cocktails & Kittens; stop by the tasting room for a c/mocktail and a cuddle (or to adopt the purrfect pet). (Richmond SPCA)
Image Source: Linked RVA
Weekly Giveaway
Linked RVA
Linked RVA is about more than just jewelry; it’s about creating meaningful moments and lasting connections, one link at a time. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just love a little everyday shine, the jewelry biz will help you find your perfect piece.
This week, we’re teaming up with Linked RVA to give away one permanent jewelry experience! Best believe you’re still bejeweled when you walk [out] the room.
To enter, tell us: What does the “750“ stamp on gold jewelry indicate?
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Anna D., for winning the Salty Paws giveaway!
Image Source: Linked RVA
Member Perks
Linked RVA
Too excited to wait for the giveaway winner reveal? We’ve got a perk for that!
As a member of The Richmond Experience, you get 5% off any purchase. Just tell them when you check out you’re a member!
Note: This perk cannot be combined with other discounts.
New + Trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 11 new members this week: Olivia H., Lindsey R., Quarry, Emily C., Jacquelyn W., Jessie B., Alex D., Jackson S., Claire F., Agustin R., and Steph M., 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 367 of The Weekly Insider.
See you back here ~next month~ (lol)!
- The Richmond Experience
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