Ed 414: JMU Night, LemonAid, Richmond International Airport

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BY KELSEY HEINTZ

Image Source: Richmond Flying Squirrels

Hello!

I know this is the midweek check-in, but forgive me — I’m… already really excited for Friday. CarMax Park is throwing its JMU Night, and as the JACard-carrying woman I am, I can’t wait to high-five the Duke Dog, have a Big Dill Dog, and debate if I should snag a tee, a cap, or both in the Squirrels Nest Team Store. Then, like… probably get another Big Dill Dog, who are we kidding? Def wave and shout a J! M! U! Duuukes! if you see me 😉

Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including gardening tips, 804 Day plans, 45 years of records, and more.

PODCAST

WEATHER

Wednesday: Sunny; high of 98°, low of 73°

Thursday: Partly cloudy; high of 99°, low of 77°

Friday: Partly cloudy; high of 97°, low of 75°

HAPPENINGS

Wednesday, 7 - 9 pm: BINGO AT BINGO

Thursday, 6:30 pm & 8:15 pm: LASER SHOW: OUTKAST

Friday, 5:30 - 9:30 pm: CHRISTMAS IN JULY AT CARMAX PARK

CITY GUIDES

1. 13 RICHMOND SPOTS TO VISIT WHEN YOU’RE DUE FOR A FACTORY RESET

2. NEED SOMETHING GREEN? TRY THESE 10 RICHMOND PLACES FOR A CRISP & TASTY SALAD

3. THE READER’S GUIDE TO GETTING OUT OF THE HOUSE

Image Source: Capital Ale House

RICHMONDER TO KNOW

Richmond Music Hall: Capital Ale House’s very own music venue is one of downtown Richmond’s go-to spots for catching live shows in an intimate setting, with a lineup that ranges from local faves to nationally touring acts. Straight from one of our readers to your ears, catch Fifth Floor, an alt-pop band from Greensboro, this Saturday, July 18. Here’s hoping they’ll have this cover of Teenage Dream on the setlist 🤞

THE LATEST

Image Source: Billy Pie

Image Source: Anthem LemonAid

Image Source: Bloomistry

Image Source: Plan 9 Records

SOCIAL NEWS

Easy peasy lemon squeezy. Anthem LemonAid returns this week from July 17 to 19, giving Richmonders a chance to turn a classic summer tradition into support for local kids fighting cancer. Families, businesses, and community groups can host their own lemonade stands, with 100% of funds raised benefiting hematology and oncology services at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. Whether you’re pouring a cup at a neighborhood stand or stopping by one around town, it’s a sweet way to support Richmond families and make a difference. (Anthem LemonAid)

When it comes to kickin’ it this summer, we know a thing or two (or three). Chesterfield Towne Center is getting into the World Cup spirit with Passport to the Cup, a free, family-friendly event this Saturday, July 18, featuring a center-wide scavenger hunt, live drone soccer demonstrations, interactive challenges, giveaways, and prizes. The fun continues with free watch parties for the Bronze Medal Match on Saturday and the Championship Match on Sunday, plus international-inspired food specials and soccer-themed activities throughout the mall. Local organizations, retailers, and soccer clubs —including FC Richmond, Richmond United, Macy's, Lids, Red Robin, and Champs Sports — will also be part of the celebration. (Press Release)

If you’re looking to celebrate in the city, Richmond itself is hosting a free World Cup Watch Party at 17th Street Market on Saturday, too, with family-friendly activities kicking off at 1 pm before the 3 pm match is shown on a giant LED screen. Expect games, food vendors, and plenty of space to cheer alongside fellow soccer fans in the heart of Shockoe Bottom. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, settle in early, and make an afternoon of it. (Press Release)

Orrr if you’re looking for even more plans, House of Futbol, Importante Bodega, The British Embassy Fish & Chips, Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co, and more are getting in on the fun. And when it comes to the biggest viewing experience, the Richmond Kickers are hosting a free World Cup Final watch party at City Stadium on Sunday, July 19, complete with food trucks, drink specials, and the match on the stadium's giant video board. (Style Weekly)

Mark your cal for August plans also. 804 Day returns to Shockoe Bottom on Saturday, August 1, from noon 6 pm, transforming the 17th Street Market into a free celebration of Richmond with live music, local artists, food vendors, nonprofits, and family-friendly activities. This year's festival is bigger than ever, expanding onto 18th Street with an additional music stage, more vendors, live art demonstrations, a new partnership with The Valentine, and the return of Style Weekly's Official 804 Day Dog contest. The lineup features more than a dozen local acts, including Weldon Hill and James “Saxsmo” Gates, REIN, Michael Millions, Weekend Plans, Justin Golden & Devil's Coattails, and more. (Press Release)

In pizza we crust. After a few years focused on selling frozen pizzas, Billy Pie is getting ready to return to the restaurant scene with a new brick-and-mortar location in the West End. Opening in Tuckahoe Shopping Center, the 700-square-foot spot will focus on takeout with a menu of pizzas, antipasti, and a special family recipe: Billy Fallen’s mom’s famous cream puffs. The new location marks the next chapter for the Richmond pizza brand, which started at Triple Crossing Beer and has grown into a frozen pizza biz stocked in shops across the Mid-Atlantic. (Richmond BizSense)

We love to see(d) it. Gardening does a lot more than brighten up your yard — it can also support your mental and physical well-being, and as Richmond magazine found, Richmonders have meaningful ways to connect with nature through it. The pub highlighted a few local stories of folks using gardening to navigate grief, chronic illness, and trauma, alongside experts who say time spent tending plants can reduce stress, encourage mindfulness, and build community. (Richmond magazine)

MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK

✈️ Richmond International Airport has been named the most efficient airport in North America among airports serving fewer than 5 million passengers, earning the Air Transport Research Society's 2026 Global Airport Efficiency Award. (Henrico Citizen)

🎶 Plan 9 Records is celebrating 45 years in biz with sales, partying, and more. (Instagram)

💝 We way appreciate the sentiment — and the comment section — of one of Find Local’s recent Insta posts. (Instagram)

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Image Source: Burlesque Right Meow

Weekly Giveaway

Burlesque Right Meow: Pours & Pasties

Sizzle into summer with Pours & Pasties at Strangeways Brewing next Saturday, July 25. Cool down with a cold craft brew, then heat things back up with a lineup of dazzling burlesque and variety acts from across the region.

This week, we’re teaming up with Burlesque Right Meow to give away two tickets to next Saturday’s show! BTW: Burlesque Right Meow is committed to producing fun, safe, and inclusive events that showcase the art of burlesque and variety. There is zero tolerance for harassment, bullying, and bigotry of any kind. These productions are feminist, body positive spaces that celebrate people of all different body types and identities. Please be on board with this mission if you are attending these events! And note — this show is for audiences 21+.

To enter, tell us: The Golden Age of American Burlesque is generally considered to span from when to when?

Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winners, Allison P, Alison G, and Richard T, for winning The Haymaker Collective giveaway!

Image Source: RVA Muralist

Member Perks

RVA Muralist

Looking to zhuzh up your space this summer? We know just the artist for the job. RVA Muralist does custom murals and accent walls designed to inspire and transform.

As a member of The Richmond Experience, you get a free consultation plus 20% off murals and feature walls, available for both residential and commercial projects.

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What’s trending from RVAx
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SAVE THE DATE

Check out The Family Calendar for family-friendly events and happenings!

👋
Hey, new members!

We’d like to welcome 7 new members this week: David H, Tami B, Greg W, Courtney T, Erik H, Gillian R, and Emma D, 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 414 of The Weekly Insider.

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- The Richmond Experience

Thank you to Coco + Hazel for powering this edition of The Weekly Insider from The Richmond Experience!

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