Featured Post by Kelsey Heintz
Image: Relaxing-on-a-Jefferson-Park-bench temperatures are on the horizon. (Photo by Matt Heintz)
As we learned back on February 2, Punxsutawney Phil predicts an early spring this year. As we also learned on February 2, JENNIFER LOPEZ DOES. NOT. AGE. But I digress.
While the forecast still shows a couple of chilly days in our near future, I’m thinking ahead to later sunsets, happy hour on Union Market’s patio, and all other things “warm weather.” Here’s a list of upcoming local events we can look forward to as almost-river-floating season approaches:
Richmond Black Restaurant Experience
This culture-meets-cuisine event is back again from March 1 – March 8, celebrating Richmond’s food scene with an emphasis on its black restaurant owners, food truck operators, caterers, and chefs. The list of 2020 participants is still being finalized, but C’est Le Vin and Inner City Blues (among other nearby favorites) were featured last year, and the event organizers have confirmed that the East End will be represented again this time around.
Look out for these other exciting happenings during that first week of March, too:
· Mobile Soul Sunday Sunday, March 1
· Afrikana Film Festival Presents: Boss Thursday, March 5
· Art for the Soul Saturday, March 7
· UnlockingRVA Brunch Trolley Saturday, March 7
· Stick a Fork in It Sunday, March 8
Church Hill Irish Festival
Shamrock the Block is on Saturday, March 14, and St. Patrick’s Day falls on the following Tuesday (March 17), so round out your week of Irish celebrations with the Church Hill Irish Festival on Saturday, March 21. (And don’t forget to lace up for The Hill Topper 5K the next morning.) There’s no better way to toast to the first official weekend of spring. Enjoy food, drink, and music, all while supporting St. Baldrick’s Foundation for kids with cancer.
Dominion Energy Riverrock
You’ll have to wander a little outside Church Hill for this one, but it’ll be well worth your while. From kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to bouldering and slacklining, you’re sure to break a sweat at this three-day event in May-whether you’re participating or just spectating. Eat, drink, adventure, repeat.