There are many Cinco de Mayo celebrations around town this week, including the ¿Qué Pasa? Festival on Brown’s Island and an Arts District block party. Also in the days ahead, we have an antiques showcase, a bizarre market, an outdoor art and craft show, the sounds of Destroyer, and the debut of Conflux Dance Theater. Enjoy!
Going Antiquing
I’m heading to Antiques at the Tavern this weekend, May 5-7. One of my all-time favorite spring events, the annual antique show and sale benefiting Hanover Tavern features 20 hand-selected dealers offering period furnishings, collectibles, folk art, ceramics, art, books, jewelry and more. I plan to spend my Saturday there enhancing my knowledge of traditional antiques and listening in on renowned antique furnishings, artifacts and architecture expert Sumpter Priddy III’s talk, “Inlaid Furniture of the Southern Backcountry.” Tickets include preview party, general admission, presentation and combo options ranging from $10 to $35.
—Susan Morgan, R•Home Managing Editor
Good Gifting
The 31st annual Bizarre Bazaar Spring Market offers tons of unique crafts and gifts, May 5-7, at the Richmond Raceway Complex. Find garden accessories, home decor, fine art, outdoor furniture and more. Two exhibition buildings showcase more than 250 vendors from around the country. Have a nephew graduating? Blanking on what to get Mom for Mother’s Day? This market is a one-stop shop to purchase all your gifts for this spring and beyond. Tickets are $9 for adults and $2.50 for children ages 2-12.
—Olympia Theofanos, Editorial Intern
An Artful Outing
The 52nd annual Arts in the Park returns to the Carillon in Byrd Park May 6-7. Hundreds of makers and creators from across the country converge, rain or shine, for this free event, showcasing and vending works from paintings to clothing. What began in 1972 as a small exhibition inside the Carillon evolved into a springtime Richmond tradition attended by thousands. The festival is a great time for good causes, with proceeds from artist registrations supporting nonprofit organizations including Feed More, the Children’s Museum of Richmond and Health Brigade, in addition to contributing to neighborhood maintenance.
—Harry Kollatz Jr., Senior Writer
The Joy of Dance
A new ensemble created last year by co-directors Angelica Burgos and Miguel Perez, Conflux Dance Theater is presenting its debut performance, “Inception,” at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, at Grace Street Theater. Perez says he and Burgos founded the nonprofit contemporary dance company to reflect Richmond’s diversity and to bring the community together through the joy of dance. Company members include both college students and working moms. The name, Conflux, refers to the joining of two rivers and is both a sort of mission statement and a nod to the River City. Tickets are $20.
—Mindy Kinsey, Editorial Director
What’s Happening?
A showcase of Hispanic and Latin American cultures, the 22nd annual ¿Qué Pasa? Festival heads to Brown’s Island on May 6. Check out dance performances by the Latin Ballet of Virginia, River City Rueda and the Sacred Heart Folkloric Dancers. Live music features Kadencia, Kevin Davis & Ban Caribe, and a “50 Years of Santana Tribute” from Joe the Spy. An artisan market offers handmade crafts, jewelry, art and more. And two food vendor areas provide opportunities to try a new dish or enjoy a classic. The Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is also teaming up with both the Richmond Flying Squirrels and the Richmond Kickers for Cinco de Mayo celebrations during their May 5 games.
—Nicole Cohen, Arts & Entertainment Editor
It’s in Your Ears Now
Dan Bejar, one piece of the Canadian indie pop supergroup The New Pornographers, is stopping by Richmond Music Hall for a solo show under the moniker of his main band, Destroyer. The show on Sunday, May 7, comes just over a year after the release of his 13th album, “Labyrinthitis,” which saw Bejar further develop his funky synth skills. He’s joined by the hyper-prolific, sad jangle pop band The Reds, Pinks & Purples. Tickets are $25, and the show begins at 8 p.m.
—Mark Newton, News Editor
Other Suggestions
- Former chief of staff to Virginia Govs. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, William H. “Bill” Leighty discusses his memoir, “Capitol Secrets: Leadership Wisdom From a Lifetime of Public Service,” at the Library of Virginia on May 3.
- Kyle Grooms brings his brand of funny to the Sandman Comedy Club on May 4-6.
- Arts District businesses Juan’s Rooftop & Cantina, Switch Pop-up Bar, and Wok This Way team up to present the Cinco de Mayo RVA Block Party on May 5, including live Latin bands, salsa lessons and margarita specials.
- Baltimore’s Snail Mail, supported by the melodic rock of Water From Your Eyes and Richmond’s own Dazy, kicks off Friday Cheers on May 5.
- The inaugural Farm Field Day showcases historic agricultural practices at Crump Park and Meadow Farm Museum on May 6.
- “Incanto: An Oasis of Lyrical Sculpture” presents five pieces by sculptor Kate Raudenbush accompanied by poetry from Sha Michele at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, continuing through Oct. 29.
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.
