Ed 427: Garden Glow, Matchbox Twenty, Cirque de Paris
Powered by Conex — celebrate Halloween at the Conex Spooktacular with family-friendly fun, sweet treats, a bounce house, costume contests, and live music by Blair’s West Band! The party goes from 11:30 am to 8 pm, and then right after *that*, there’s an adults-only party happening that night. Learn more here!
Image Source: The Richmond Experience
Hi, hello!
I’m writing this just after getting back from a sparkly night previewing Garden Glow, and Maymont has done it again. Honestly, in all my years in Richmond, how has this only been the third time I’ve gone to Garden Glow?? If it’s even possible, the setup continues to get better every year, and this time around, they start you off with a walk alongside (or through) a firefly-like display of little fluttering bulbs as you head toward Glow Village to really light things up. It may be my favorite entrance to date; I’m seriously considering recreating the vibe in my own backyard. Wave when you see me next time — I have to go back.
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including alpaca encounters, Blue Jean Baby bowl, Winter Wonderland, and more.
PODCAST
WEATHER
Wednesday: Sunny; high of 91°, low of 68°
Thursday: Cloudy; high of 71°, low of 63°
Friday: Afternoon showers; high of 87°, low of 51°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 5 - 10 pm: GARDEN GLOW KICKOFF
Thursday, 8 - 11 pm: RVA BACHATA
Friday, 6 - 10 pm: THE RICHMOND OKTOBERFEST - NIGHT 1
CITY GUIDES
1. 11 MARKETS WITH GRAB-AND-GO OPTIONS FOR WHEN YOU DON’T FEEL LIKE COOKING
2. WHERE TO FIND A HALLOWEEN COSTUME IN RICHMOND — NO BIG-BOX STORES NECESSARY
3. SWEATER WEATHER SIPS: 9 AUTUMNAL DRINKS TO TRY AROUND RICHMOND
Image Source: RidePatRide
RICHMONDER TO KNOW
Pat McAleer: This local dad completed a 4,300-mile cross-country bike ride from Washington state to Virginia Beach, raising more than $240,000 for Type 1 diabetes research and advocacy through Breakthrough T1D. Inspired by his daughter, Mary-Kate, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2009, Pat covered all trip expenses with his wife so every donation could go directly to the org. If you’re looking to support the cause, too, you can make a donation at ridepatride.org — all contributions go directly to Breakthrough T1D. (WTVR)
THE LATEST
Image Source: North End Juice Co
Image Source: Dentwood Coffee Co
Image Source: Allianz Amphitheater
Image Source: Clément Falize via Unsplash
SOCIAL NEWS
This makes us melt. Papi’s Creamery, a small-batch ice cream company known for its limited weekly flavor drops, has brought its online pint pickup model to Richmond proper at 2105 Lake Ave. Folks can now order three new flavors announced every Thursday at 7 pm, with options ranging from nostalgic cereal-and-cookie-dough combinations to Mexican-inspired creations, all packed with plenty of house-made mix-ins. Founded by Diego Diaz, Papi’s blends his Mexican and American while leaving room to experiment with other adventurous flavors. (Richmond magazine)
Alpaca my bags for next time. Hanover County’s inaugural Fields & Farms Tour happened last week and invited visitors to explore 11 agricultural destinations, from local fruit growers and flower farms to alpaca encounters and Scottish Highland cattle. The free, self-guided tour had family-friendly activities, farm demonstrations, live music, farmers markets, and opportunities to pick your own flowers — and we’re keeping our eyes peeled for a second iteration. (Style Weekly)
Let’s Flockin’ go. Richmond Mayor Danny Avula announced the city will not renew its contract with Flock Safety license plate readers when it expires in June 2027, following Henrico County’s decision to end its contract. The move comes amid ongoing privacy concerns and local activism over the surveillance technology, though Mayor Avula says he still plans to hold public listening sessions to discuss the balance between public safety and residents’ privacy. (The Richmonder)
More caffeine in the new year. Lakeside-based Dentwood Coffee Co is opening its first retail cafe in early 2027. Founders Ricky and Luci Baugham plan to serve coffee drinks made with their small-batch roasts, tea, and pastries from B-Side Bakehouse in a vintage camp-inspired space designed to welcome bikers, runners, and walkers, with potential future coffee-roasting workshops. (Richmond BizSense)
We’re… good on bat incidents for 2026, powers that be. The Richmond City Health District is alerting Fairfield residents after a bat found inside a home on North 25th St tested positive for rabies. Anyone who may have been bitten, scratched, or otherwise exposed to the bat, including through contact with a pet, should contact the health district or Richmond Animal Care & Control; residents are also reminded to avoid wild animals and keep pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date. (Virginia Department of Health)
Cheers! Hardywood Park Craft Brewery and Starr Hill Brewery have officially joined forces in an all-equity acquisition that closed at the beginning of the month, bringing together two of Virginia’s largest craft brewers while preserving their individual brands, teams, and brewing locations. Both breweries will continue operating their existing taprooms and serving customers, with visitors expected to see special beer releases, guest taps, and merch from both brands in the coming weeks. (Press Release)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
🥜 North End Juice Co is adding the Blue Jean Baby bowl to its regular rotation — and it looks stellar. (Instagram)
🕒 Matchbox Twenty is making an appearance at Allianz Amphitheater this summer. (WWBT)
☃️ Conex Winter Wonderland plans to return this holiday season, starting December 2. (Instagram)
Image Source: Cirque de Paris
Weekly Giveaway
Cirque de Paris
Cirque de Paris is bringing a French-inspired circus experience to Richmond this month, featuring BMX riders, jugglers, aerialists, acrobats, and comedic clowns in a 90-minute show. The family-friendly spectacle also includes interactive pre-show activities, face painting, classic circus snacks, and French treats.
This week, we’re teaming up with Cirque de Paris to give away a Family Pack of tickets! That covers two adult and two child general admission seats — oh là là.
To enter, tell us: Which Richmond restaurant is known for THE Sailor Sandwich?
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Laura L, for winning the Shyndigz giveaway!
Image Source: LovEvolve
Member Perks
LovEvolve
This woman-owned social enterprise uses art, organic cotton products, and human connection to support people through life’s most vulnerable moments, including welcoming a new baby, facing cancer, and grieving a loss. Founded by artist and cancer survivor Sunny Goode, the company has expanded its offerings to hospitals and healthcare partners nationwide, connecting families with comfort, community, and additional support.
As a member of The Richmond Experience, you get 11% off online and in-store purchases! Just use code RVAX11 at checkout.
What’s trending from RVAx
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SAVE THE DATE
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Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 6 new members this week: Niyousha D, Gail S, Nicolle W, Maggie S, Chandler F, and Aleece W, 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 427 of The Weekly Insider.
Bye, pumpkin! 🎃
- The Richmond Experience
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