Watch a Wild West-themed comedy show, explore Civil War and World War II history or take a camel ride during the 102nd Chesterfield County Fair from Aug. 28 to Sept. 5. (Photo by Dakota Flora)
Events
Richmond International Dragon Boat Festival 8/1
Colorful 40-foot canoes resembling Chinese dragons return to Richmond for the sixth year. Rocketts Landing. 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free to attend. 285-9495 or sportsbackers.org.
Evolution of a Criminal 8/21
The Afrikana Independent Film Festival presents an award-winning documentary about a bank robbery that director Darius Monroe Clarke committed as a teenager. Historic Tredegar Ironworks. Film begins at dusk. Free. afrikanafilmfestival.org.
Anthem Moonlight Ride 8/22
In celebration of the cycling world converging on Richmond in September, this year’s event theme is Stars and Stripes, with a World Championships prize pack awarded to the best patriotic costume. 8 p.m. $10 to $50. 285-9495 or sportsbackers.org.
“The Quest for Loving” 8/27
Peter Wallenstein talks about his book Race, Sex, and the Freedom to Marry: Loving v. Virginia, about the interracial couple whose 1958 marriage — illegal in Virginia — led to a landmark Supreme Court ruling. (A feature film about the couple is also underway.) Virginia Historical Society. Noon to 1 p.m. $6. 358-4901 or vahistorical.org.
Chesterfield County Fair 8/28 - 9/5
Watch a Wild West-themed comedy show, explore Civil War and World War II history or take a camel ride during the 102nd Chesterfield County Fair from Aug. 28 to Sept. 5. Other highlights include a parade co-marshaled by Tucker, the famous (former) Brandermill pig, an opening-night performance by Eagles tribute band 7 Bridges and an expanded kids area with a barnyard-themed exhibition. Greasy, sweet funnel cake and turkey legs are the traditional treats of choice, but venders will also offer specialty Italian, Polish, Mexican and Caribbean fare. “We try to keep it something for everybody,” says fair president Kenny Chandler. $10. chesterfieldcountyfair.org.
Music
Dan Navarro 8/6
Navarro’s résumé includes songwriting for performers such as Pat Benatar, The Bangles and Dionne Warwick. Catch him at The Tin Pan. 8 p.m. $25. 447-8189 or tinpanrva.com.
Ray Bonneville 8/7
Infusing the rhythms and soul of New Orleans into his own brand of folk and blues music, Bonneville performs at Ashland Coffee & Tea. 8 p.m. $18. 798-1702 or ashland coffeeandtea.com.
The Shack Up 8/7-8
The Shack Band is headliner and host of a 48-hour music festival at The Broadberry and The Camel. 7 p.m. $25. 353-1888 or thebroadberry.com.
Swamp Fest 8/8-9
Two dozen bands from across the country will converge on Strange Matter. Doors open at 5 p.m. $10 per day or $15 for a weekend pass. 447-4763 or strangematterrva.com.
ZZ Top 8/13
For more than 45 years, ZZ Top rocked the airwaves with songs such as “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’.” See the group at Innsbrook After Hours, along with Blackberry Smoke. 6 p.m. $20 to $99. innsbrookafterhours.com.
Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers 8/18
The Williamsburg-based singer-songwriter takes the stage at The National on the heels of his latest album release, The Essential Bruce Hornsby. 7:30 p.m. $35 to $40. 612-1900 or thenationalva.com.
The Beach Boys 8/19
Surf music legends The Beach Boys bring their “good vibrations” back to Innsbrook After Hours. 6 p.m. $15 to $99. innsbrookafterhours.com.
Opera in the Park 8/29
The Virginia Opera performs Broadway favorites and selections from Orpheus in the Underworld and La Bohème, with overtures played by the Richmond Symphony Orchestra at Dogwood Dell. Rain date is Aug. 30. 7 p.m. Free. 646-3355 or richmondgov.com/parks.
Exhibitions
“Emerging/Emerged” and “Refresh” through 8/21
These group exhibitions at Page Bond Gallery include work from recent VCU graduates and faculty members, abstract artist Will Berry, paintings from Charlottesville-based artist Robin Braun and others. Page Bond Gallery. 359-3633 or pagebondgallery.com.
“Colors of Haiti” through 9/13
Returning to the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, this exhibition showcases the beauty of Haiti through images and sculptures. Ninety percent of art sales benefit the nonprofit Midwives for Haiti. 261-2787 or artsglenallen.com.
“Japanese Tattoo” through 9/27
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts photography exhibition features work by seven renowned tattoo artists. 340-1400 or vmfa.museum.
Stage
The Altruists through 8/8
This comedy by Nicky Silver revolves around young radicals and a soap-opera actress responsible for an “accidental” death. TheatreLAB. 8 p.m. (Matinee Aug. 2 at 4 p.m.) $25. 505-0558 or theatrelabrva.com.
South Pacific through 8/9
An American nurse falls in love with a French plantation owner during World War II. Virginia Rep’s November Theatre. $36 to $60. 282-2620 or va-rep.org.
Psycho Beach Party through 8/15
Described as Gidget crossed with The Three Faces of Eve and Mommie Dearest.Richmond Triangle Players. $28 to $30. 346-8113 or rtriangle.org.
Michael Blackson 8/26
Dubbed “The African King of Comedy”, Blackson appears at Funny Bone Comedy Club. 7:30 p.m. $20. 521-8900
