Its' going to be a lovely autumnal weekend in Central Virginia. Here are my top event picks for this weekend. Be sure to watch CBS 6 News at 7 p.m. for previews of some of these events. -- Antoinette
30th annual 2nd Street Festival
Saturday-Sunday (Oct. 6-7)
The festival features four stages of live musical entertainment along with a Kidz Zone, food vendors, a marketplace and Artists Row to shop, and the Richmond Metropolitan Antique Car Club.
Saturday’s Headliner, Stokley, former lead vocalist for hit-making R&B band Mint Condition and two-time Grammy Award. Sunday’s Headliner, The Art of Noise, Spotlight Featured Performer - Herbert A. Dabney, III, affectionately known as “Debo”, is one of the area’s most dynamic and animated pianists. For 30 years Debo has performed at the 2nd Street Festival. His repertoire ranges from Jazz, Gospel, R&B, Swing, Blues and Children’s Classics.
New this year, free walking tours, led by Gary Flowers, a “Renaissance Roll Call” Mr. Flowers will also conduct. A special recognition of the many religious, benevolent, fraternal, and sorority institutions which were organized in the 1800s and early 1900s to uplift Richmond's Black community during the Jim Crow era in Jackson Ward.
More info: https://www.facebook.com/SecondStreetFestival/
Walk Against Hunger
Saturday at 10 a.m. (Oct. 6)
Poplar Lawn Park in Petersburg
For 42 years, the "Walk Against Hunger" has helped The Hope Center and its programs in Petersburg. That includes a food pantry, daily lunch program and utilities assistance for people in need in Petersburg. Organizer P.T. Taylor was looking for a driving force to bring people of different backgrounds and races together and started the walk. Registration starts at 8:30 am. The walk is in Partnership with the Downtown Churches United. CBS 6 is a sponsor of the event.
More info or to make a donation: http://www.dcuhopecenter.org
American Heart Association's Richmond Heart Walk
Saturday at 10 a.m. (Oct. 6)
Innsbrook Pavilion (4901 Lake Brook Drive, Glen Allen)
Registration and activities begin at 8:30 a.m. and the walk starts at 10 a.m. The non-competitive, one and three-mile walk focused on funding groundbreaking research and lifesaving programs through the passion of walking together to change lives. Other event highlights include a wellness expo, kid’s activities, flash mob dance, VCU pep band, Hands-Only CPR training, dog agility course, top dog contest, and tribute wall. Stroller and pet-friendly.
More info: www.RichmondVAHeartWalk.org
Hogtober Fest
Saturday 12 - 8 p.m. (Oct. 6)
Libby Hill Park in Church Hill
Hogtober is a celebration of community, music and lots of delicious barbecue. It’s organized and run by the friends and families in the Church Hill neighborhood, Family friendly, kid and adult activities, and an amazing view from Libby Hill. Free to attend, pay as you go for food and drinks. For more details visit http://hogtober.com/
11th Annual OystoberFest
Saturday Noon - 6 p.m. (Oct. 6)
St. Thomas' Episcopal Church (3602 Hawthorne Avenue in Richmond)
The event, which benefits St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church and its 40+ Outreach Ministries, features oysters, beer, brats, desserts, wine, bands and a kids’ zone. Shooting Point Oysters provided by Sam Rust Seafood. You can get them fried, steamed and grilled oysters and brats and hotdogs ta’ boot. Beer and other refreshments will be available. Live music, The Kids’ Zone, managed (with adults) by the Northside YMCA “Y Teen” program, moon-bounces, face painting and other activities ($6 for an all-day pass).
FREE TO ATTEND ($2 Donation suggested) Food, drinks, kids’ zone charged separately. RAIN OR SHINE
More info: https://oystoberfest.com/index.php
16th annual Powhatan Festival of the Grape
Saturday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Oct. 6)
Powhatan Historic Courthouse Square (3887 Old Buckingham Road)
Sample wines from twenty-five Virginia Wineries, craft beers, food, live music, and vendors. Tickets sold at the gate: Adult Tickets $25 Advance, $30 Gate, Youth Tickets $15 Advance, $20 Gate.
More info: https://www.powhatanwinefestival.com/
State Fair of Virginia
continues through Sunday (through Oct 7)
Meadow Event Park (13191 Dawn Blvd in Doswell)
Fridays and Saturdays – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sundays – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Gate Pricing: Adult Admission: $15; Child Admission: $12; Children 4 and Under are free; Senior (60+): $12; Military*: $12; Unlimited Ride Wristband: $25, Individual Ride Tickets: $1 each, or $20 for a sheet of 25; Rides take between 3-6 tickets. Ticket prices for military admission: $12 at the gate (a $3 savings off the $15 adult gate admission). Military discount is for active-duty service members and retirees with a current military ID. Ticket Plaza and building hours only; rides will continue to operate for a minimum of one hour after the Ticket Plaza closes, or longer at the discretion of fair management.
More info: https://www.statefairva.org/
250th anniversary of Eppington Plantation Heritage Day
Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Oct. 6)
This celebration honors the long history of the beloved Chesterfield landmark and pays homage to the many revered figures that passed through its doors, including Thomas Jefferson and Marquis de Lafayette. In honor of the anniversary, the Eppington Plantation will be opening its doors to the public for tours through the home and the adjoining cemetery (usually only available by appointment). There will also be a large array of period attractions and activities to give guests a sense of what life was like in the 18th century. Food vendors, craft beer tastings and visiting artists from Plein Air Richmond will be painting on site and selling their works. The event will take place at 14201 Eppes Falls Road in Chesterfield. Rain date is Sunday, Oct. 7. Free admission and parking. No pets allowed.
More info: http://eppington.org or call 804-751-4946
Wine Women & Shoes
Sunday 2 - 6 p.m. (Oct. 7)
Hilton Richmond Hotel and Spa at Short Pump
Don't miss an afternoon of shopping and wine tasting, all for a good cause hosted by Bon Secours Richmond Health Care Foundation. Proceeds benefit Bon Secours Forensic Nursing, which is celebrating 25 years helping victims of abuse - child abuse, sexual abuse, human trafficking, and the opioid crisis. Participants can sip fine wines, shop the latest styles of shoes and accessories, bid on deluxe auction items, and mingle with the Shoe Guys. General admission ticket of $100 includes appetizers, wine tastings, seating for the program and live auction, swag bag. VIP tickets and table tickets available.
More info: www.winewomenandshoes.com/richmond
Porchlight Sanctuary 5K
Sunday at 10:30 a.m. (Oct. 7)
Bryan Park in Richmond
Hundreds of Richmonders will participate in the Porchlight 5K at Joseph Bryan Park to raise money for Porchlight Animal Sanctuary. Porchlight is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Richmond and all funds raised will support efforts to create a safe and loving home for rescued animals traditionally found on farms. . Advance registration is encouraged through runsignup.com/Race/VA/Richmond/Porchlight5K and includes a limited edition t-shirt. The event is dog, stroller, and wheelchair friendly.
More info: http://www.porchlightsanctuary.org/porchlight5k