Consider yourself booked this week: Head to the Museum District for the launch of a memoir from an acclaimed chef, join the Junior League of Richmond on a city-wide scavenger hunt for readers, and hurry to Westover Hills for a fairy tale fest at the library. Plus, uncover the story of a one-of-a-kind circus performance at the University of Richmond. Enjoy!
Personal Prose
I’m a sucker for a juicy memoir — there’s just something about a deep dive into someone’s psyche that’s so fulfilling. Add in a Michelin-starred chef whose journey started in the boonies of Virginia and weaves in the restaurant scene, being gay in the 1950s and the influence of Julia Child? Say less. Patrick O’Connell, proprietor of the commonwealth’s world-renowned Inn at Little Washington, is visiting the Virginia Museum of History & Culture to celebrate the release of his book “Main, Middle & Gay” on Sept. 16. Bonus: Tom Sietsema, the James Beard Award-winning writer and former Washington Post food critic of 25 years, will be leading the convo. Tickets are $55.
—Eileen Mellon, Food Editor
Good Book Hunting
The Junior League of Richmond, celebrating its 100th year, is a nonprofit supporting community betterment and the advancement of women’s leadership. Among its objectives are the promotion of authors and books and encouraging reading. This takes a scavenger hunt turn on Thursday, Sept. 17, during Find the Good Day, when Richmonders of all ages are invited to join the search for 1,500 books scattered throughout the region. During this “Good Day,” you find the volume, take it home and share the discovery on Instagram by tagging @jlrichmondva and #FindTheGoodDay. An online map helps point the way.
—Harry Kollatz Jr., Senior Writer
High-Flying, Great-Tasting Fun
We often hear the phrase “one-of-a-kind,” but there just aren’t as many truly unique events as promoters claim. Quebec’s Cirque Kikasse, however, might be one of those rare exceptions — specifically its touring circus show, SANTÉ, coming to the University of Richmond Friday, Sept. 18, as part of Modlin Center for the Arts’ 30th anniversary season. Watch artists combine acrobatics and theatrics with a real, functioning food truck on UR’s Westhampton Green during 45-minute free shows at 4 and 6:30 p.m. The performances are bookended by half-hour windows where the truck will serve a complete food and drink menu.
—Kevin Johnson, Lifestyle Editor
Tall Tales
Richmond Public Library’s Westover Hills Branch is opening a magic portal this weekend, inviting guests of all ages to visit the realm of the Fall Fairy Tale Festival on Saturday, Sept. 19. All fantastical and storybook characters are welcome — from Baba Yaga or Anansi to Little Red Riding Hood or the beanstalk-scaling Jack. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event features swashbuckling displays from Virago Alley, local vendors hawking their wares (no refunds on enchanted amulets!), crafts and activities such as a Golden Goose Egg Hunt, and plenty more, plus opportunities to win prizes. Admission is free, and guests are very much encouraged to dress up in their most otherworldly costumes.
—Kelsey Robinson, Associate Editor
Other Suggestions
- Author Jon Sealy launches his fifth novel, “The Night Hawk,” at Shelf Life Books with a discussion moderated by Richmond magazine’s own Harry Kollatz Jr. on Sept. 16.
- Poet and playwright Aziza Barnes’ comedic drama “BLKS,” onstage at Richmond Triangle Players’ Robert B. Moss Theatre Sept. 16-Oct. 10, explores life and friendship for young, queer Black women living in New York City.
- The 66th annual Armenian Food Festival brings authentic cuisine, live music and dancing to St. James Armenian Church Sept. 18-19.
- The St. Benedict Oktoberfest spotlights German culture along Hanover and Belmont avenues in the Museum District Sept. 18-20.
- Henrico Theatre Company is bringing a little “Nunsense” to The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen through Sept. 27.
- Federico Cuatlacuatl’s “Skin of Stars, Sacredness of Disobedience” is on view at 1708 Gallery through Oct. 18.
- The works of 109-year-old local artist Amy Krumbein explore abstract expression in “Improvisations,” at the Weinstein JCC through Oct. 22.
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.
