Here Weekly - Richmond, Richmond, VA (2026)

01/02/2026

As we step into 2026, there is plenty of reason to feel hopeful about the year ahead — not because everything feels easy or resolved, but because of the way people in this city continue to show up for one another. Across neighborhoods, sidewalks, kitchens, and creative spaces, Richmonders are quietly building connection where it is needed most. They invite others outside, share food, make room for art, and remind us that community is something we create together.

Subscribers, check your inbox for three stories that offer just a small reflection of that larger spirit. As the new year begins, these are the kinds of actions that make us optimistic about what comes next, and why Richmond continues to be a place we love to call home.

Inside this issue, you’ll find ’s Art Vending Machine, its impact on our community, and a call for artists. You’ll also read about the Free Tiramisu Guy’s growing network of free tiramisu drops and gatherings that bring people together while supporting local businesses and causes. And finally, an inspiring story about how a simple invitation for strangers to go for a walk has grown into a series of organized meetups, now known as .

Not yet a subscriber? Sign up at hereweekly.com.

12/19/2025

🎉 Meet this week’s guest editor, Mollie Reinhart! Mollie is the founder of .movement, a Richmond-based nonprofit rooted in curiosity, connection, and compassion as a way of life. Her tips for subscribers this season invite us to look for meaningful ways to connect with people whose lives may be different from our own.

Mollie received her Ed.M. from Harvard University in Human Development and Psychology and previously worked in hospice care for more than ten years in Charleston and Boston. As she pushed herself to explore Richmond more intentionally and meet new people, Befriend emerged organically in 2017 and has since grown into a nonprofit and a broader movement. She later continued her studies with a certificate in Applied Compassion from Stanford University.

Today, Befriend creates opportunities for connection across differences through walk-and-talk gatherings, service projects, connection circles, and simple acts of compassion. Mollie believes that when we make space for relationships, especially with those whose experiences differ from our own, we begin to see how much we share and how compassion grows from that common ground.

In this week’s issue, Mollie highlights the Clean City Commission, City Council’s all-volunteer advisory group working toward a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient Richmond. She also shares the work of .rva, a statewide movement walking alongside individuals returning from incarceration, navigating recovery, or living in communities most impacted by violence and instability. From Befriend Gathers to cleanups at Jefferson Park , these efforts show up in small but meaningful ways.

If you haven’t signed up for our Here Weekly newsletter, it’s free at hereweekly.com. Each week, Here Weekly by features a Richmond community builder as guest editor, sharing their unique perspective and actionable ways to explore, connect with, and celebrate Richmond.

12/11/2025

This week’s issue of is all about keeping your tinsel untangled as the holiday season hits. Richmond knows how to do this time of year right with bright lights, big hearts, and plenty of hometown magic. This issue is your reminder to pause, breathe, and take a little breather in the holiday hubbub so the weeks ahead stay merry and meltdown-free.

First up is a tip to go visit , who happens to have a direct line to the jolly old elf himself. In Woodland Heights, Saber stands beside a bright red mailbox where kids and anyone with holiday spirit can drop letters straight to the North Pole. Santa always writes back, sometimes with a small treat, especially to those sharing their small acts of kindness this year. This magical new holiday tradition is thanks to , the same powerhouse behind the Tiny Porch Concert series .

Down on the James, the Boat Parade of Lights brings a lineup of glowing boats from Rocketts Landing to on Saturday, December 14. Grab a cocoa, bundle up, and enjoy one of Richmond’s most wonderfully wacky traditions. Free views at Osborne Landing, or catch the show from The Lilly Pad with kids under ten getting in free.

After a snowy week, is here to warm things up. Their mobile wood-fired sauna and cold plunges turn any driveway or backyard into a mini retreat, and they partner with local studios and community spots so you can sauna around town.

And if you’re shopping small, the Winter Market by is open daily through December 23 with handmade treasures from 200 local artists at two locations. Here you can even score a handmade Queen Francine action figure honoring everyone’s favorite Lowe’s Cat by .

➡️ Subscribers, check your inbox for the full issue. Not signed up yet? It’s free at hereweekly.com.

📸 Boat Parade photo by .

12/05/2025

For this week’s issue of Here, we’re dropping a special Snow Day Edition — because the first Richmond snowfall is kind of magic. It’s the city we love, suddenly hushed and sparkling, and we think it deserves its own moment in the spotlight.

So, bundle up, take it slow, and get out there to explore and celebrate this place we all love to call home.

In this week’s issue (check your inbox), we suggest stopping by Sankofa Community Orchard, a thriving green space in Richmond’s Southside, grounded in food justice and climate resiliency. In recent years, it has grown into a powerful symbol of community strength and neighborhood beautification. Across the orchard you will find more than a dozen murals created by local Black artists that honor innovators, community builders, and freedom fighters. While the orchard is worth a visit and your support any time of year, the first snowfall brings a whole new kind of experience. A quiet layer of snow turns each mural into a calm moment for reflection. It encourages us to slow down, notice the change in texture and brightness, and appreciate how the environment shapes art and community. Even under snow, Sankofa continues to grow what matters most.

Also, take a moment if you can to explore Forest Hill Park, Reedy Creek, and make your way into the James River Park System for a snow hike and a little journaling. If you can find it, give some love to the park, shout out and the people who care for it, or leave a few hopeful words for your neighbors inside ’s Dear Richmond community journal. The journal is tucked inside a hidden green mailbox along a quiet side trail near the park headquarters. At first glance it blends into the landscape, but inside is something very Richmond: handwritten reflections from people who took a moment to pause, breathe, and connect.

And finally, remember that a snowy day in Richmond is a great time to spread a little warmth. Consider stopping by one of the many around town. This neighborhood-driven initiative is all about neighbors helping neighbors. It’s a simple way to share what we can and ensure that everyone has what they need.

11/21/2025

Meet this week’s guest editor, Ishmael Sandiford () — electrical engineer, fitness trainer, and founder of Fit X Experience. He’s Richmond’s most-followed trainer, known for high-energy workouts, mind–body coaching, and his “Black Superman” persona.

Inspired early by his father’s discipline, Ishmael became a calisthenics kid by age 8 and now champions fitness that’s fun, sustainable, and rooted in community. His party-style boot camps have exploded of late to full-house crowds across RVA and well beyond.

In today’s issue, we’re honored to have Ishmael share a few Richmond favorites for the holiday season — from the powerful Giants exhibit to comfort food finds like Mekong and . He also highlights seasonal experiences including GardenFest of Lights , Jazz Night with Lucy Kilpatrick and Ken Kellner, skating at Rollerdome, and the new Winter Wonderland rink .rva. Plus, community-centered ways to give back through ’s Heart Thanksgiving Feast, , and a holiday concert at The Hippodrome supporting .triangle.players.

Don’t miss his next Fit X Experience boot camps on Nov. 22 and Dec. 13 — and check out the full roundup in this week’s Here Weekly.

11/14/2025

🎉Meet this week’s guest editor, Kristen Cavallo (), Executive Director of The Branch Museum of Design. Kristen never planned on becoming a CEO — yet she did, twice. For thirty years, she helped build some of the world’s most recognized creative agencies, including and . After a career spent shaping brands and advancing equity, she left advertising to focus on something just as ambitious: building Virginia’s only museum devoted to design. Now, as Executive Director of , she’s helping people see how that craft influences the way we live.

In this special issue of , Kristen shares her tips for upcoming events not to miss. Kristen begins by recommending the Roaring Twenties Speakeasy. On December 10, the museum will offer cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live jazz, and a few secrets hidden throughout the house. Guests of the Roaring Twenties Speakeasy will experience the building as it was once lived in. Festive attire encouraged, and don’t forget the password! Make sure to check out the second image in this post of the portrait featuring Branch family descendant Ned Rennolds, painted by Edmund Archer. Rennolds was also one of the founding members of .

Next, Kristen lets readers in on huge news about The Art of Fashion! Presented with , this exhibition will bring Christian Siriano () and Ashley Longshore () together in a bold exchange between fashion and art. Siriano’s red-carpet gowns appear in an immersive runway installation. Longshore’s pop portraits are displayed alongside the gowns, revealing how art and fashion continue to inspire one another.

And finally, readers are treated to news that, launching in 2026, a new quarterly series will bring the act of making to the public. The Makers Studio workshops break down the barrier between observer and maker — reinforcing that design isn’t only something to admire, but something to experience.

Bonus: check out the image of Cudi, the new “Opurrations Director” at The Branch!

➡️ Subscribers, check your inbox for Kristen’s full issue. Not a subscriber yet? It’s free at hereweekly.com

10/30/2025

Meet this week’s guest editor, S. Ross Browne (), a celebrated Richmond artist whose work has enriched the River City with depth and color for decades. Born in Mount Vernon, NY, Ross studied Communication Art and Design and The Corcoran School of Art. His paintings have appeared in 75+ exhibitions across the U.S. and abroad, with works in the permanent collections of the VMFA, Valentine Museum, Black History Museum of Virginia, VCU, Duke Ellington School of the Arts, and The JXN Project.

Ross has received honors from the VMFA, Black History Museum of Virginia, Virginia Commission for the Arts, CultureWorks, and the Gottlieb Foundation. You can spot his murals across Virginia—from the Children’s Hospital at VCU Health to Virginia State University and beyond. He was also an inaugural artist in the acclaimed Mending Walls Mural Project.

As an educator, Ross has shared his passion through therapeutic art programs at VCU Health and youth initiatives like Art 180 and the Fresh Air Fund.

This week, Ross joins Here Weekly with his tips for exploring and celebrating the city we call home. He suggests a walk or bike ride through Manchester—following the Floodwall Trail , under the Manchester Bridge, across the Potterfield Bridge, and onto Brown’s Island and Belle Isle—to see some of Richmond’s best views.

He also recommends taking a class , where he teaches intermediate/advanced acrylic painting. His students, he says, come from all backgrounds and age groups with one thing in common: they want to create.

Finally, don’t miss Bodies of Labor: Hands That Built a Nation at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia—featuring Virginia artists’ interpretations of labor and African Americans’ contributions. The exhibit closes Dec 16, 2025.

If you’re a subscriber, check your inbox for this week’s issue—or subscribe free at hereweekly.com.

10/24/2025

Meet this week’s guest editor, Chef Brittanny Anderson (). She was born and raised in Richmond and is the creative force behind , , , and . She is a two-time James Beard semifinalist and StarChefs’ Mid-Atlantic Restaurateur of the Year. You may have seen her compete on Top Chef, Iron Chef America, and Tournament of Champions.

This week, Brittanny shares her favorite ways to explore and celebrate the city we all love to call home.

First, she highlights , a nonprofit that guides participants with disabilities, veterans, underserved youth, and people in recovery on outdoor adventures. She encourages others to help folks learn to fish, kayak, or climb because adventure is for everyone.

Next, she suggests getting out on the river and trying fly fishing the James with the guides at or joining to learn how to tie flies, cast a rod, and maybe even land a monster catch right here in the city.

She wraps up her list with a walk through Church Hill filled with history, cocktails, and good food. Stop by for brunch or , relax on the patio , grab a slice from , and browse the Italian goodies at .

Check your inbox for Brittanny‘s issue of . And if you haven’t subscribed yet, it’s free at hereweekly.com💛

10/09/2025

Meet this week’s guest editor, Hamilton Glass (). Before becoming one of Richmond’s most recognized public artists, Hamilton spent years shaping spaces through architecture and design. That experience still informs his work today as he continues to create art that connects people, stories, and community.

In 2020, Hamilton founded Mending Walls RVA (), a project born out of the civil unrest and pandemic that became a way to process current events and build empathy through collaborative public art. His goal has always been to use creativity as a healing tool that connects, uplifts, and inspires.

Over the past year, Hamilton has built a new studio space dedicated to personal and exploratory work. While public art remains central to his practice, this new chapter allows him to experiment with mediums that reflect his evolving vision and identity as an artist.

This week, Hamilton joins us as guest editor to share his favorite ways to explore, celebrate, and connect with this creative place we all love to call home. In his issue, he recommends attending The Art of Storytelling: Afrofuturism and Pop Culture at Richmond Public Library’s main branch () tonight in the Gellman Room at 6pm; exploring the new murals on Hull Street created with the Manchester Alliance () and Hull Street Merchants with support by ; and visiting the Trust Building/s mural project by Alfonso Perez Acosta () and Noah Scalin () with Mending Walls and One Small Step.

Not a subscriber yet? Sign up for free at hereweekly.com

09/26/2025

Amanda Blatnik is transforming Richmond’s Pride scene. As Chair of Virginia Pride (), they created the city’s first-ever Pride Week (September 20-28) and led volunteers in organizing Pridefest and year-round events celebrating our LGBTQ+ community.

When they’re not making Richmond more inclusive, Amanda works as Senior Management Analyst for the City’s Department of Economic Development, bringing 15 years of nonprofit and government experience in project management and process improvement.

What makes Amanda tick? They’re a self-proclaimed nerd who loves Dungeons & Dragons, fantasy shows, and comic conventions. You’ll also find them exploring Richmond’s incredible food scene, dancing with friends, or taking peaceful walks through the city’s parks.

Amanda’s mission is simple but powerful: creating safe, inclusive spaces where people can celebrate their authentic selves.

This week, they’re curating Pride Week events that offer something for everyone:

TONIGHT: Pride Anthem Karaoke at Barcode - belt out Cher, Gaga, and more q***r anthems
FRIDAY: Pride After Dark at Thirsty’s - 18+ party in Forest Hill with vendors and drag
SUNDAY: Pride Bowling Bash at River City Roll - strikes, spares, and spectacular performances.

Virginia Pride doesn’t just celebrate diversity - they actively work to elevate voices that are often marginalized, including people of color, trans individuals, and those who identify as non-binary or gender non-conforming.

Thank you, Amanda, for showing us how to celebrate authentically and inclusively in RVA.

09/19/2025

🌱 This week’s .weekly guest editor is Taylor Scott — a community organizing powerhouse who went from planning to join the FBI to founding !

What started as one fridge in Church Hill has grown into 15 locations across Richmond, focusing on communities affected by redlining and food apartheid. Taylor also co-runs partnering with for community cook days and free food courses.

Taylor’s event picks include:
✨ ’s Fund the Fridge Concert ft. at (Friday 9/19, 6:30 PM)
✨Tatreez Circle at (Sunday 9/21, 12 PM)
✨ RVA Community Fridges Cook Day at Matchbox (Tuesday 9/23, 5-8 PM)

The fridges operate 24/7, 365 days a year — take what you need, give what you can. Volunteer, donate, and learn more at rvacommunityfridges.com.

Want to receive future volumes of .weekly? Register for free at hereweekly.com.

📸 captured by Jud Froelich at

09/11/2025

This week we welcome back artist, musician, and community leader Ed Trask as guest editor of Here Weekly, a subscription e-newsletter by . Ed really requires no introduction. He sums himself up like this: “Painter, drummer. A scattered mess trying to push stories, color, composition, rhythm, love, and light on to the masses.” That restless energy has defined Ed’s work and his place in the River City for more than three decades.

Ed () has been a driving force in using public art as a catalyst for community. He co-founded RVA Street Art Festival, served as a commissioner for the city’s Public Art Commission, and worked with nonprofits to bring inclusive, collaborative murals to neighborhoods across the region. He has also shared his perspective in classrooms, boardrooms, and community spaces, reminding people that art is most powerful when it belongs to everyone.

Today Ed’s work can be found in collections around the world, including . On the horizon for Ed is a new gallery space created by Artists for Hope to incubate new creative endeavors that give back.

In this week’s issue of , Ed recommends that readers support Camera to Canvas happening tomorrow. This annual event blends photography and painting to benefit the . At the event or online, you’ll be able to bid on his painting, as well as photographs by Richmond photographer and original works from other artists. Every dollar raised helps protect the park that we all love to call home.

Next, Ed recommends walking the dams under the Manchester Bridge for the perfect blend of nature and the energy of rushing water pounding rocks for millions of years, with trains carrying goods, coal, and people while osprey and herons look for a place to roost. You can also walk the dam to the now-closed Pipeline Trail, a beloved spot for so many who seek solace and connection. Ed encourages everyone to support the Save the Pipeline efforts to restore public access.

And he suggests that we all revisit our love for . Order the pork, sip an espresso, and remember why we rally around the places that feel like home.

Here Weekly - Richmond

01/02/2026

12/19/2025

12/11/2025

12/05/2025

11/21/2025

11/14/2025

10/30/2025

10/24/2025

10/09/2025

09/26/2025

09/19/2025

09/11/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category