Here Weekly - Richmond, Richmond, VA (2025)

08/08/2025

This week’s guest editor, Paige Wilson, is inspired by Joy — and it’s her mission to encourage all of Richmond to become “Nabors.”

Paige is the Founder & CEO of Naborforce (), a purpose-driven company connecting older adults to a growing network of thoroughly vetted “Nabors” who lend a helping hand and bring peace of mind to families. Since launching in 2019, Naborforce has sparked hundreds of thousands of joyful moments, promoting independent, joy-filled aging across Greater Richmond and beyond.

Her inspiration? Caring for her mother, Joy, while navigating a demanding career in investment banking. After her mother’s passing, Paige blended her professional expertise with her personal passion — building a company with the same warmth, optimism, and humor Joy embodied.

This week, Paige shares 3 ways to create joyful moments for yourself, for others, and for our city:

💛 Join the Befriend Movement – Building a more compassionate world starts in our own communities. Don’t miss the Befriend (.movement) Sunset Walk (Aug. 14) or the Befriend Sunset Clean (Aug. 28).

💛 Volunteer with Joyful Voices – A community chorus for singers with Alzheimer’s or other dementias and their caregivers. Sing along, bring refreshments, or lend a hand with setup .

💛 Support Meals on Wheels – Deliver fresh, diet-specific meals and smiles to seniors and homebound neighbors across Richmond as part of Meals on Wheels ().

✨ Check your inbox for Paige’s full guest editor issue in e-newsletter and get ready to be inspired.

07/31/2025

Meet this week’s guest editors: Laney Sullivan and Jameson Price of Høly River (). This musical duo is known for their ethereal pop soundscapes, transcendent melodies, and environmental activism. Rooted in themes of nature, spirituality, and human connection, their music weaves together elements of folk, world, and ambient genres. Their performances go beyond a traditional concert, offering audiences moments of reflection and introspection.

In addition to their music, Laney and Jameson are passionate advocates for environmental stewardship and community building. They are the founders of Fonticello Food Forest (), thriving community garden and resource hub in Southside Richmond. The food forest is dedicated to nature connection, education, and expanding access to fresh food through a weekly free farmstand.

They also co-founded the Earth Folk Collective (), an organization fostering creativity, connection, and ecological awareness through music, art, and co-housing.

In this week’s issue of , Laney and Jameson offer their tips for exploring and celebrating this place we love to call home.

Up first: 804 Day (), Richmond’s epic block party by returns Saturday in Shockoe Bottom. This citywide celebration features artists across genres, showcasing the rich creativity of Richmond. Catch Høly River’s set on the WNRN Stage at 1:30 p.m.!

Also on Saturday: Warriors in Bloom at Agecroft Hall & Gardens. This Ren Faire-inspired experience includes live music, theater, demonstrations, and vendors. Hosted by Virago Alley (), the nonprofit behind the Richmond Renfaire, Warriors in Bloom honors bold figures who defied convention and changed history. Expect storytelling, crafting, lectures, and an open-air artisan market spotlighting Joan of Arc, Rani Durgavati, Grace O’Malley, and more.

And finally: Gather at Celeste Farm (.farms). Every Monday evening this summer, Taou Studios () hosts a community wellness party with yoga, sauna, mocktails, and open space to unwind under the sky.

Subscribers, check your inbox for the latest issue or signup at hereweekly.com.

07/24/2025

Meet this week’s guest editor, Alexander Mack (), a Richmond-based singer, songwriter, and producer who blends jazz, funk, and hip-hop into a sound that’s smooth, soulful, and unmistakably his. Known for his old-school flair and modern edge, Alexander’s music channels vintage textures with a fresh, groove-forward energy that continues to resonate across an international fanbase.

What many don’t know is that Alexander has synesthesia, a perceptual condition that allows him to see sounds as colors and shapes. Each instrument carries its own hue and form, shaping the way he creates and experiences music. He’s also a natural stutterer, and discovered around age ten that his speech would flow freely when he rapped or sang. That insight led him to develop a rhythmic speaking style, using his hands to guide his pace and thoughts. By nine, he was already playing music by ear, a skill that continues to guide his work as a producer and songwriter.

In addition to his growing discography, Alexander has collaborated with brands including Nike, Sperry, Rowing Blazers, and most recently TAFT Shoes. On Saturday, August 9, he takes the stage at the Richmond Jazz Festival (), performing alongside artists he grew up listening to and now shares the bill with.

As guest editor of Here Weekly, Alexander is sharing his favorite ways to explore and celebrate Richmond. His top picks include SwapMeet RVA () on Sunday, July 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Main Street Station (), Salsa Night every Thursday at Havana (), and a special set by Marcus “Tennishu” Tenney of Butcher Brown performing with the Billy Williams Trio () on Thursday, July 25 at Goldwing ().

📥Subscribers, make sure to check your inbox for Alexander’s issue. And if you haven’t subscribed yet, it’s free at hereweekly.com.

07/17/2025

Meet this week’s guest editor, Will Dixon, Executive Director of Sports Backers (). Will and the Sports Backers team are dedicated to making all corners of Richmond more active through events, training teams, and community programs.

A Richmond native, Will recently stepped into the Executive Director role, succeeding Jon Lugbill, who led the organization for 32 years. But Will is no stranger to Sports Backers—he’s been with the team for over 17 years, previously serving as Operations Manager, Director of Sponsorship, and most recently, Chief Administrative Officer.

Throughout his tenure, he’s helped strengthen the organization’s marketing, sponsorship, and fundraising efforts—expanding its impact on the health and vibrancy of the region. With a deep commitment to the mission, he’s excited to lead Sports Backers into its next chapter.

In his free time, Will enjoys biking, running, swimming, and exploring local parks with his fiancée Courtney, two sons, and two dogs.

In this week’s issue of Here, Will shares some favorite outdoor spots. Top of his list? Taylor Farm Park in Henrico ()—home to a skate park, dirt pump track, splash pad, two playgrounds, and wooded trails.

He also recommends hiking Forest Hill Park, scrambling the rocks to Belle Isle, and hitting the Buttermilk Trail—followed by a beer at The Veil () and lunch at Y Tu Mama (.mx) on Forest Hill Ave.

At Deep Run Park, he suggests the pump track, fishing pond, and shaded trails for a walk or ride—plus nearby bites at Emmy Squared Pizza () or MPM Tiki Bar (), and dessert at Ray’s Italian Ice, Gelati Celesti (), or Sweet Frog.

📬 If you’re a Here subscriber, check your inbox for Will’s picks. Not subscribed? It’s free at hereweekly.com.

07/11/2025

The latest issue of Here Weekly just dropped — and this one’s full of local tips and meaningful picks, curated by guest editor Heidi Wilson, APR ().

A lifelong storyteller and strategic communicator for the Commonwealth, Heidi knows how to spotlight unsung heroes and craft messages that move people. From her early days leading the mass communications department at Virginia Union University () to her current work with HWILSONPR (), Heidi brings clarity, creativity, and purpose to everything she does.

This week, she’s sharing three of her favorite local discoveries that celebrate this place we all love to call home:

📣 PRSA Richmond Monthly Luncheons
Smart conversation, strong connections, and meaningful takeaways for communicators of all kinds. Follow for details.

🍠 Little Nickel (): Tiki vibes, Mediterranean flavors, and the sweet potato volcano that earned this Forest Hill spot a permanent place in Heidi’s rotation. 4702 Forest Hill Avenue.

🎨 Crossroads Art Center (): A vibrant hub for Richmond’s visual arts scene, from exhibitions to workshops and guided tours. 2016 Staples Mill Road.

✅ Subscribers: Check your inbox for Heidi’s full issue of Here Weekly.
💻 Not yet subscribed? Fix that at hereweekly.com — it’s free.

07/03/2025

🎉 This week’s is live—and it’s a mindful, mystical, and deeply moving one curated by guest editor Yedda Stancil ().

Yedda is a mindfulness teacher, certified coach, speaker, and Executive Director of . With over 20 years of experience in personal development and contemplative practice, she blends spiritual depth with modern-day joy and expression—part monk, part shaman, and all heart.

As July 4th approaches, Yedda invites us to reflect on the meaning of true freedom—the kind that begins within. “I believe the truest and most lasting sense of freedom comes from within. Inner work—getting quiet, curious, and connected to ourselves—is how we cultivate that inner freedom,” says Yedda. “If we each took time to do this work, every day could be a celebration of freedom. I believe that kind of radical self-awareness could transform not only our individual lives but the entire community we call home here in Richmond.”

With that approach in mind, Yetta‘s first tip this week in our Here Weekly newsletter includes a Mini Urban Silent Retreat! This two-hour pause in the heart of the city is not about guided meditation, or rules—just stillness and space to reconnect with yourself. July 5, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. at the Innerwork Center.

Next up on Yedda’s list is the Spiritual Curiosity Circle, an inclusive monthly gathering where the big questions are welcome. A space to explore belief, wonder, and the power of not knowing—together. July 9, 6 p.m. at the Innerwork Center.

Yedda rounds her list of weekly tips out by highlighting Deborah Silverman’s upcoming keynote. Astrologer, therapist, and author Deborah offers a grounded, soulful approach to transformation at the intersection of psychology and the stars. July 13, 3 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Glen Allen.

Each of these events is an invitation to pause, reflect, and come home to yourself.

📥 Subscribers, check your inbox for the full issue by Yedda! Not yet subscribed? Sign up for free at hereweekly.com.

06/27/2025

Meet this week’s guest editor, Dr. Jody Conway—pharmacist, beekeeper, and founder of FreeHorse Arts (). After 20 years in pharmacy, including time in Richmond’s Carytown, she now manages Dandelion Springs Apiary () and Uptown Girls Honey Gift Shop on her 30-acre regenerative farm in Chesterfield.

Her journey into beekeeping began on daily walks, when she noticed a lack of bees on flowering plants. She drew on her pharmaceutical background to create natural healing products from honey, wax, pollen, and propolis. Today she manages 20+ teaching hives and runs a thriving retail and education hub with over 60 farm animals—all cared for using pesticide-free, regenerative practices.

Through FreeHorse Arts, Jody helps others connect more deeply to nature, build conscious community, and explore the power of present-moment awareness. This week for readers she recommends:

Songs & Stories: A Tribute to Bill Withers, featuring his daughter Kori Withers, City Dance, Weekend Plans, First African Baptist Church Choir, and the FreeHorse Arts herd. June 28, 3 PM & 7 PM at the Cultural Arts Center Theatre.

Community Garden Art & Nature – Pond Life: a hands-on art and ecology workshop exploring pond ecosystems and habitat restoration. July 26, 12–1:30 PM at Dandelion Springs Apiary.

Horse Sense: a FreeHorse Arts experience with Lukka and Glaumur focused on equine wisdom, communication, and holistic care. July 26, 11 AM–12 PM at Dandelion Springs Apiary.

Subscribers, check your inbox for Jody’s issue of Here Weekly. Not signed up yet? It’s free at hereweekly.com.

06/20/2025

This week’s Here Weekly is live—and it’s a wild one, curated by guest editor Andy Thompson ().

Andy is a former Richmond Times-Dispatch outdoors columnist, podcast host, and the self-proclaimed “mad scientist” behind Sharp’s Island—Richmond’s only legal camping spot and a one-acre sliver of sandy rebellion in the heart of downtown.

Part natural playground, part living history lab, part public art experiment, is where granite meets grit and urban energy meets wild imagination. With a paddle in one hand and a story in the other, Andy has spent years reminding Richmonders that real adventure is just a few strokes away.

In this week’s issue, Andy shares his top three island escapes in RVA: the begging-to-be-explored Williams Island, the archaeology-rich Vauxhall Island, and his beloved Sharp’s Island—where he records the city’s first podcast made entirely on an island and throws the kind of fireside gatherings that have become local legend.

This issue of is an ode to getting lost in the wildness of the James—without ever leaving the city.

📩 Subscribers, check your inbox. And if you haven’t signed up, it’s free at hereweekly.com.

06/12/2025

Sit back and get cozy—this week’s guest editor is Jenny Kacani (). Jenny’s issue lands in subscriber inboxes tomorrow!

Jenny is the Volunteer Lead for Keep Virginia Cozy (!, a Richmond-based nonprofit dedicated to protecting wilderness and inspiring all Virginians to care for our wild places—in the River City and beyond.

Since 2017, Keep Virginia Cozy’s passionate volunteers have removed over 600 tons of litter from public lands, helping preserve our natural legacy for future generations. Through zero-waste, community-driven efforts, they show how small, consistent actions can create lasting environmental impact.

In addition to keeping Richmond cozy, Jenny is a painter, glass artist (check out for her flameworked creations), and works in publishing.

This week, Jenny shares a few favorite upcoming events—each one a celebration of what makes Richmond special: a community that comes together to create, take action, and make a difference.

First up is Reduce, Reuse, Risograph!—a hands-on class at Studio Two Three () that blends art and sustainability. It’s happening June 12 from 6–9 p.m.

Next is the Community Cleanup at Forest Hill Park. Meet at the picnic shelter to help pick up litter throughout the park—then stay for PRIDE on Forest Hill and return the next day for the South of the James Farmers Market ().

Finally, Jenny gives a big shoutout to the 5th Annual Cozy Ol’ Brewgrass Festival, happening June 19 at 5:30 p.m. at Riverside Outfitters (). There are just a few tickets left—follow for the link.

And if you haven’t subscribed to yet, it’s free — subscribe at hereweekly.com. Look out for Jenny’s issue tomorrow!

06/06/2025

🎉Meet this week’s guest editor, Jennifer Wakefield, president and CEO of the Greater Richmond Partnership ().

In her critical role, Jennifer helps answer the question: Why Richmond? As the leader of the region’s economic development organization, she works to attract companies from across the globe to bring jobs and capital investment to the City of Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover, and Henrico.

She’s also a self-professed Star Wars nerd who enjoys exploring the region with her husband, son, and miniature poodle.

For the latest edition of Here Weekly, Jennifer shares her recommendations for making the most of the start of summer in Greater Richmond. She suggests starting with a visit to Carytown () and the Fan. Her personal favorite stops include Can Can Brasserie (), recently named one of Richmond’s best restaurants; For the Love of Chocolate () for nostalgic sweets and gift boxes; and Lou Lou Boutiques () for accessories and artisan jewelry. She also recommends strolling over to the VMFA (), which is currently hosting its After 5 Fridays series with rotating events like First Friday, Taste of Art, Dance After Work, and Summer Breeze.

Jennifer also suggests heading out to Short Pump Town Center to visit Draftcade (), where she holds the high score on Galaga, and staying for the Summer Concert Series, which kicks off June 12. Alongside live music, the event features giveaways and a Wine Garden, with proceeds supporting Henrico CASA ().

Also on her list is the LEGO Visitor Center in Chester, which showcases a model of the upcoming $1 billion LEGO manufacturing facility. Designed in the shape of one of its iconic bricks, the center offers playful videos and a glimpse into what’s coming soon.

Read the full summer roundup in this week’s issue of Here Weekly. Not a subscriber? Sign up for free at hereweekly.com.

05/08/2025

🎉 Meet this week’s guest editor, Ayah Davis-Karim (.davis) as this week’s guest editor of Here Weekly!

Ayah is a Richmond-based mixed media artist with roots in Jamaica and a background in architecture, interior design, and fashion. After being excluded from traditional art spaces, she founded Chromophore Artspace—a vibrant gallery and hub that uplifts underrepresented artists. Inspired by chromophores (molecules that reflect color), the space features exhibitions, wearable art, home decor, and workshops—all in a welcoming, inclusive environment.

In this week’s issue of , Ayah starts us off by recommending that readers check out “CHIAROSCURO: Alchemizing the Shadow,” a transformative workshop led by psychotherapist and yoga instructor Lex Hingle. Through movement, meditation, music, and mindful exploration, you’ll alchemize the parts of yourself that usually stay hidden—and maybe even make peace with them. The night closes with a meditative sound bath by Zarah Brock, a classically trained Master of Music. Friday, May 9 / 6:00–8:00 PM .

Next, Ayah suggests visiting the Black Books Expo: A Conscious Literary Festival on May 10–11 at Pine Camp Cultural Arts Center. This two-day literary event celebrates the power of the pen, spotlighting dynamic Black authors, thought leaders, and storytellers.

To round out the week, Ayah recommends Brazilian Social Dance Night with Zouk—a smooth, flowing partner dance that fuses Brazilian and Caribbean roots with modern rhythm and soul. Whether you’re a total beginner or just curious, this night is all about movement, music, and community connection. Hosted , Richmond’s only alcohol-free bar and gathering space, on May 14.

✨For more from Ayah, subscribers can check their inbox now for Here Weekly. Not yet a member? It’s free to sign up at hereweekly.com

04/25/2025

This week’s guest editor is a driving force behind Richmond’s creative community. Meet Parker Galore ()—a Richmonder so deeply embedded in the arts that he hardly needs an introduction. But in case you haven’t had the pleasure, Parker serves on the board for both the Richmond Arts District () and Gallery5 ().

With too many projects to name, Parker’s commitment to cultivating artistic experiences that are open and welcoming to all is unmatched. His work is driven by a passion for creating immersive, interactive spaces that showcase the incredible range of local artists, performers, and musicians shaping Richmond’s creative scene.

You can always find Parker working to build safer, more inclusive environments where people can gather, connect, and feel inspired. And this week, we’re lucky to have this hometown hero slow down just long enough to share a few tips for exploring the city we all love to call home.

First up: Stay Gold, the RVA Mag & Gallery5 20-Year Anniversary Exhibit Closing Reception + Happy Hour. This retrospective traces their story through zines, punk shows, murals, protests, food, and the people who kept showing up. It’s a visual history of how two scrappy platforms helped push Richmond’s creative underground into public view. TONIGHT, April 25 | 5–8 PM | Gallery5, 200 W. Marshall St.

Next, Parker recommends Richmond Restaurant Week (April 21–27). Enjoy a 3-course prix fixe meal for $35.25, with $5.25 donated to . Arts District spots include , , , , , and more.

And don’t miss Rest Fest (April 26–27), a celebration of wellness with yoga, panels, music, food + connection. Live music .restfest kicks off night one with & ! 10am–7pm | The Cardinal (), 17301 Memorial Tournament Dr.

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