The school year may be off and running, but take some time this week to slow down and enjoy a break in observance of Labor Day. Head to the 43rd Street Festival to view and purchase art and crafts, join in on a joyful Virginia Pridefest, get your cosplay on at Richmond ComiCon, and take a moment to reflect on the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
Remembering 9/11
If “patriotism” is becoming a loaded term in these divided times, honoring the nearly 3,000 men and women killed during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks just might be the antidote. Twenty-five years later, the Virginia War Memorial will honor the victims, and the hundreds of first responders who gave their lives without blinking in New York and at the Pentagon in Arlington, during the Commonwealth’s Patriot Day Ceremony on Friday, Sept. 11. Beginning at 10:30 a.m., this year’s event will include a concert, ceremony and interactive gathering of military and first responders, along with military equipment, fire trucks and law enforcement vehicles positioned along the memorial’s bus loop. Admission is free.
—Scott Bass, News Editor
Street Art
The 35th annual 43rd Street Festival of the Arts returns to the Forest Hill neighborhood Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It brings together some 75 artists from across disciplines, sharing creations from paintings and pottery to clothing and jewelry. The free event also features music by the dynamic folk-Americana Tin Can Fish Band, the rockabilly of the enduring Bopcats and the good rockin’ of The Big Guys. Donations from the event benefit CARITAS, which assists people who are without domicile or experiencing addiction. So, it’s for a good cause all the way around.
—Harry Kollatz Jr., Senior Writer
Your Friendly Neighborhood ComiCon
Richmond ComiCon is back at Richmond Raceway on Sept. 12, and it’s celebrating 40 years, making it one of the longest-running festivals of fandom in the commonwealth. What began as a small gathering of comic book enthusiasts has grown into a twice-yearly destination for collectors and cosplayers. The show offers art, pop culture collectibles and, of course, plenty of comic books. I’ve been known to don a costume myself, but I enjoy seeing the creative outfits of those who participate in the cosplay contest, which awards prizes in multiple categories. The event runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and tickets (available online only) are $15.
—Nicole Cohen, Arts & Entertainment Editor
Happy Pride
Virginia Pridefest is back Sept. 12 at Midtown Green, marking the state’s largest LGBTQ celebration with the theme “Our Pride. Our Joy. Our Resistance!” This loud and proud free event always feels like the kickoff to fall festival season with over 200 vendors, live music, plenty of performances and lots of familiar faces. Can’t make it to the big day? There are a number of events throughout the week bringing Pride energy, including a patio party at Babe’s of Carytown and late-night karaoke at Barcode.
—Eileen Mellon, Food Editor
Other Suggestions
- The Richmond Symphony performs the Sound of the City Concert, a celebration of local talent featuring several guest artists, at the Carpenter Theatre Sept. 10.
- Actor and humanitarian Djimon Hounsou returns to the city for the fifth anniversary of Run Richmond 16.19, a running and walking event he founded that traces 400 years of Black history embarking from Abner Clay Park on Sept. 12.
- The 43rd annual Festival of India features live music, dance, food and craft vendors at the Greater Richmond Convention Center Sept. 12-13.
- The Chamberlayne Actors Theatre presents “Hollywood, Nebraska” at Hanover Tavern through Sept. 13.
- Artist Federico Cuatlacuatl’s “Skin of Stars, Sacredness of Disobedience” is on view at 1708 Gallery through Oct. 18.
More on Labor Day (all events take place today, Sept. 7)
- Northside Grille hosts its fourth annual End of Summer Labor Day Cook Out & Patio Party, featuring live music by The Bopcats.
- Today is the last day to enjoy wet and wild fun at Kings Dominion’s Soak City before the water park’s seasonal closure. It’s also a special opportunity to visit Kings Dominion on a Monday as it transitions to a post-summer weekend schedule.
- Wine down at James River Cellars Winery during its Labor Day party, including food trucks and live acoustic music by Jimmy O.
- Gallery5 hosts a Labor Day Bash, featuring indie rockers Crystal Flowers, alternative trio Slow Teeth and singer-songwriter Missangelbird.
- Labor Day is a great time to check out local museums, and it also marks the final day to catch “We the People: The World in Our Commonwealth” at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, “India’s Great Mughals: Art, Power and Opulence” at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and “Survival of the Slowest” at the Science Museum of Virginia.
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.
