Ed 424: Pawpaw Season, Jaws Artwork, Gameday Brunch
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Image Source: The Richmond Experience
Happy fall!
Okay, it’s been a full week since we last chatted up here and I told you I needed some inspo for organic content, and boy have I been out on the town recently. Last night, my girlfriend and I caught dinner at Brave Captain before a show at Altria Theater, and it was the perfect way to spend a rainy evening. We ordered the Crab Dip, Fish Sandwich, and Patty Melt — which were all delish — but I think the real thing to write home about is the vibe. Christmas lights, classic nautical decor, and *multiple* Jaws paintings. I’d have ordered another michelada if we weren’t cutting it close to showtime. Get over there the next time you’re looking for something cozy and the exactly perfect amount of dive.
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including drive-thru coffee additions, RVA Wing Wars, repair shop, and more.
PODCAST
WEATHER
Wednesday: Rainy; high of 64°, low of 57°
Thursday: Cloudy; high of 66°, low of 51°
Friday: Partly cloudy; high of 71°, low of 53°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 8 - 10 pm: SURVIVOR S51 SEASON PREMIERE WATCH PARTY
Thursday, 5:30 - 8 pm: MUSIC AT MAIN
Friday, 6 - 9 pm: FRIDAYS AT THE PAVILION FINALE
CITY GUIDES
1. 15+ (MORE) FALL BUCKET LIST THINGS TO DO IN RICHMOND
2. WHERE TO PLAY TRIVIA IN RICHMOND EVERY NIGHT OF THE WORKWEEK
Image Source: Francis Tokede via Unsplash
RICHMONDER(S) TO KNOW
Pawpaws: For a recent Weekly Giveaway entry, a reader mentioned something about pawpaws, then we saw there was a Pawpaw Festival at Powhatan State Park last weekend, then we saw Style Weekly’s write-up about Virginia’s native fruit. So how could these li’l gems *not* be top of mind this week? Find ‘em along the James before their season ends next month(ish).
THE LATEST
Image Source: Pizza & Beer of Richmond
Image Source: 7 Brew
Image Source: Paws for Purple Hearts
Image Source: Repair Cafe
SOCIAL NEWS
An easy way to contribute. HomeAgain hosts two major annual fundraisers: Shindig for Shelter in the spring and Hops for Hope in the fall. Shindig for Shelter exceeded its fundraising goal by $3,000 this year, and HomeAgain is now $3,000 short of its annual fundraising target ahead of Hops for Hope, which happens this Friday, September 25 at Triple Crossing – Fulton. Head over to support the cause with craft beer, food, cornhole, music, a silent auction, and opportunities to connect with the Richmond community. (HomeAgain)
Attn, bookish friends. Literary nonprofit James River Writers is hosting its annual writing conference this weekend, and a special keynote-only ticket is available for $65, nearly 75% off the one-day ticket price, for Saturday, September 26. The keynote, “The Making and Breaking of Generational Legends” with NYT-bestselling author Courtney Milan, explores how stories and myths about families, countries, and humanity are passed down through generations and how storytelling can shape and redefine those identities. (James River Writers)
A cutie way to give back. Paws for Purple Hearts is a nonprofit that provides Canine-Assisted Warrior Therapy for wounded Service Members and Veterans. Founded in 2006 as a research program with Bergin College of Canine Studies and the Menlo Park Veterans Administration Medical Center, it later became an independent 501(c)(3), and now the organization is currently looking for folks who can help raise puppies in training. (Paws for Purple Hearts)
We’ll take all the coffee we can get. 7 Brew is planning two new drive-thru coffee locations in the Richmond region: one at 10200 Iron Bridge Road in Chesterfield and another at 4802 S. Laburnum Ave. in eastern Henrico. The Henrico project is still pending final zoning approval, while the Chesterfield site is in the planning process. Both locations are expected to offer 7 Brew’s coffee, smoothies, teas, milkshakes, and 7 Energy drinks, though anticipated opening dates are not yet available. (Richmond BizSense)
Something worth fighting for. RVA Wing Wars returns for its third year on Saturday, September 26, at CarMax Park, bringing together local restaurants and food trucks to compete for the title of best wings in Richmond. The event has grown from about 100 attendees in its first year to an expected crowd of around 500, with 12 vendors currently signed up. Attendees can expect a variety of wing flavors and preparations, plus a DJ and community atmosphere; general admission is $45 and VIP tickets are $70. (Style Weekly)
*Starts putting that one bracelet in the car* Repair Cafe RVA is a free, volunteer-run monthly event where Richmond residents can bring broken or worn belongings to be repaired on the spot by skilled volunteers. Founded by Jenny Kobayashi Malone in 2024, the cafe has repaired everything from clothes and electronics to furniture and appliances, and since its first gathering in January 2025, it has kept about 3,000 pounds of items out of landfills. The pop-up rotates through different neighborhoods to make the service more accessible, and organizers hope to expand offerings for Spanish speakers and people without stable housing. (Richmond magazine)
Put this on the calendar for appointment viewing. Andy Edmunds, a longtime champion of Virginia’s film industry, is launching the 2026 Richmond International Film Festival with his feature-film debut, “The Cashier,” a dark comedy set in Richmond about a cashier who finds a winning lottery ticket but becomes more concerned with who lost it. Andy financed the film by taking out a second mortgage on his home and directed it himself after working on more than 80 other films. The film explores political extremism, morality, and integrity while using humor to ultimately deliver a feel-good message about giving being more gratifying than receiving. The Cashier opens the 16th annual Richmond International Film Festival at The Byrd Theatre and will also screen at the Virginia Film Festival and Washington West Film Festival. (The Richmonder)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
🎡 State Fair of Virginia is back, starting this Friday, September 25. (State Fair of Virginia)
🧇 Pizza & Beer of Richmond in the Fan is serving up brunch every Saturday and Sunday, from 11 am to 4 pm, to pair with your game-day festivities. (Instagram)
🏨 The Boulevard Inn has been awarded a MICHELIN Key by the MICHELIN Guide. (Instagram)
Image Source: James River Association
Weekly Giveaway
James River Atlantic Sturgeon-Watching Tour
This time of year is sturgeon season on the James River, when the endangered Atlantic sturgeon make their annual spawning migration — and, if you’re lucky, you might catch one dramatically launching itself out of the water. Join the James River Association aboard the Spirit of the James for a guided search while learning more about these ancient fish, the river’s ecosystem, and ongoing conservation efforts.
This week, we’re teaming up with James River Association to give away two tickets to any of the three Sturgeon Watching Boat Tours happening this Saturday, September 26! We’ll select the winner this Friday, so keep your eyes on your inbox 👀
To enter, tell us: What is your most used emoji?
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Meghan W, for winning the Performance Pickleball giveaway!
Image Source: The Virginia Wine Detour
Member Perks
The Virginia Wine Detour
If you’re looking for a fall getaway that involves a lot of wine, The Virginia Wine Detour is bringing together Virginia winemakers, food, and good times at the newly restored Colony House in Roanoke. The two-night experience includes accommodations, welcome bubbles, a Friday night cookout and pool party with a DJ, wine tastings, drink tickets, and a four-course wine pairing dinner on Saturday. Plus, guests get a swag bag and 20% off bottles from a curated collection of Virginia wines.
As a member of The Richmond Experience, you get 10% off the weekend experience happening October 9 - 11! Use the promo code #wineclub to book online with the booking link.
What’s trending from RVAx
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SAVE THE DATE
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Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 5 new members this week: Jackson B, Susan B, Linda A, Macee D, and Tara G, 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 424 of The Weekly Insider.
You’re the pick of the patch 🧡
- The Richmond Experience
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