Catch a summertime classic this week at the 115th edition of the Chesterfield County Fair. Also in the days ahead, enter a First Fridays “Tourist Trap” where you won’t mind being detained, take a History Hike along the riverfront, and visit the “Promised Land” in Shockoe Slip. Enjoy!
Where Is Rainbo Boon?
Henry Wise’s work is described as Southern Gothic crime fiction, and the novelist launches his latest book at Shockoe Slip’s Fountain Bookstore Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 6 p.m. “Promised Land” picks up after his Edgar Award-winning 2024 release, “Holy City.” The setting is a Virginia swamp town named Snakefoot, where Rainbo Boon’s pickup truck is discovered abandoned with bloodstains on the seat. Deputy Sheriff Will Seems and partner Tania Jameson are on the trail. Wise will discuss his new mystery in conversation with fellow Virginia author S.A. Cosby, writer of “All the Sinners Bleed.” The event is free, the book is $29, and registration is encouraged.
—Harry Kollatz Jr., Senior Writer
Wish You Were Here
One of my favorite shops in the city is Jackson Ward’s Odd Bird. It’s whimsical and fun, and the store’s cheerful colors and food-centric goods from pantry items to pasta-shaped candles trigger an endorphin rush every time I visit. On Sept. 4, they present Tourist Trap, a “First Friday fever dream souvenir shop.” Still Sunday — the focaccia purveyor that’s been popping up around town — will be slinging ciabatta dogs, which seems like reason enough to go. There will also be live screen printing (buy or bring your own washed tee to commemorate the event with a special design), frozen drinks for purchase and more.
—Eileen Mellon, Food Editor
Change of Scenery
Take a walk this weekend while learning more about the building blocks of the city. On Saturday, Sept. 5, from 9 to 11:30 a.m., The Valentine museum and the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation host a free 4.3-mile History Hike, embarking from Great Shiplock Park and moving along the Capital Trail past Tobacco Row to the Canal Walk and the riverfront. Participants will explore centuries of Richmond and Virginia history, from leisure to business, and how it’s been shaped by the James River. The event is open to all ages and abilities; advance registration is required. Don’t forget your walking shoes and water bottle!
—Kelsey Robinson, Associate Editor
Midway Magic
Chesterfield County might be home to the fastest-growing suburbs in Virginia, but its agricultural roots run deep. See the Chesterfield County Fair, which opens each night this week at 5 p.m. (11 a.m. on Friday and Saturday) through Sept. 5 at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds on Courthouse Road. After 115 years, you’ll still find the crafts, horse shows, pig races, baked goods and 4-H contests — along with a new “Celebrate American 250” competition (think needle arts and red-white-and-blue cupcakes) — plus camel and pony rides, chainsaw artistry, nightly music, and all manner of deep-fried goodness. General admission is $6 to $12.
—Scott Bass, News Editor
Other Suggestions
- The Richmond Symphony presents a Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration at the Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront Sept. 3.
- Banjo legend Béla Fleck and Michigan-based Greensky Bluegrass bring their mixture of reinterpretations and inventive originals to Music at Maymont on Sept. 3.
- The Weinstein JCC hosts “Woven in Color,” a photo and art showcase featuring the residents of Huacahuasi, Peru, through Sept. 4.
- Contemporary artist Kei Ito captures “Everything Time Touches” at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond Sept. 4-Oct. 18.
- The Capital Region Land Conservancy presents the Plant a Park Fest, featuring live music from The Jared Stout Band, Afro-Zen Allstars, Prabir Mehta and more at Brambly Park on Sept. 6.
- It’s the final week to catch “We the People: The World in Our Commonwealth,” on view at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture through Sept. 7.
River City Roundup is Richmond magazine’s weekly compilation of the best things to see, do and experience in the region, compiled by our editors. Get each week’s installment directly in your inbox every Monday by subscribing to our e-newsletter.
