SEPTEMBER 23
The Civil War in Henrico County will be the focus of a three-day series of free events as part of the county’s 400th anniversary commemoration. The symposium, “Henrico County: Gateway to Richmond,” will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 23 at the Henrico Theatre, 305 E. Nine Mile Rd. Featured speakers are: John Coski, Museum of the Confederacy historian and author of “Capital Navy: The Men, Ships and Operations of the James River Squadron;” Robert E.L. Krick, National Park Service historian and author of “Stuart’s Last Ride: A Confederate View of Sheridan’s Raid;” Frank O’Reilly, National Park Service historian and author of “The Fredericksburg Campaign: Winter War on the Rappahannock;” and Jimmy Price, historian and author of the upcoming “The Battle of New Market Heights: Freedom Will be Theirs by the Sword.” The speakers will hold Q&A periods and a book signing session as well. On Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tree Hill Farm, located at 6404 Osborne Tnpk., will host an encampment, exhibits and demonstrations by leading Civil War organizations, as well as a ceremony honoring soldiers who earned Medal of Honor while fighting in Henrico. The three-day event will conclude on Sept. 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fort Harrison, 8621 Battlefield Park Rd., where National Park Service rangers will lead tours and present living-history programs to commemorate the 147th anniversary of the Sept. 29-30, 1864 fighting at Fort Harrison. Re-enactors portraying Union and Confederate infantry and artillery units will perform rifle- and cannon-firing demonstrations and historians from the NPS and Henrico’s Division of Recreation and Parks will lead tours of battlefields involved in the nearby Battle of Chaffin’s Farm. To register for the Sept. 23 symposium, call 328-4491. For more information, call 501-1611 or vsit http://www.henrico400th.com .

SEPTEMBER 24
Richmond Area Mothers of Multiples will host its Everything for Kids Fall-Winter Sale from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Chickahominy Middle School, 9450 Atlee Station Rd. Gently used toys, books, baby and toddler equipment and nursery items will be available, as well as clothing from maternity to preemie through teen. The sale is cash only and no strollers are allowed in the sale area. For details, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or visit http://www.ramom.org .
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Stratford University will hold its 1st annual International Food and Cultural Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its West End campus, 11104 W. Broad St. The festival will feature over 30 arts, jewelry and entertainment vendors, as well as 20 food vendors serving dishes from around the world including Greek, Indian, French, Russian, Italian, Ethiopian, Thai and Caribbean. There will also be dancing, singing, Brazilian martial arts and a children’s corner featuring arts and crafts, face painting, henna tattoos, a bounce house and more. Admission is free. For details, call 916-6480.
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American Cancer Society’s Cure by Design Survivor Fashion Show will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa in Short Pump, 12042 W. Broad St. Cancer survivors of all ages and walks of life will model the latest fashions from designers Alex Garfield, Tommy Hilfiger, Johnathan Kayne and Evelyn Bagala. There will also be items donated by the community to bid on. Virginia First Lady Maureen McDonnell will serve as honorary chair. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. Tickets are $125. For details, call 527-3700 or visit http://www.curebydesign.org .
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David Shea will discuss and sign his new book “When Soldiers Cried: A True Story About Vietnam” from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Book People, 536 Granite Ave. The event is free. For details, call 288-4346.
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The Kiwanis Club of North Richmond will host a bluegrass/gospel concert at 7 p.m. at Chamberlayne Baptist Church’s Life Center, 215 Wilkinson Rd. Featured performers are Amy Ladd and Friends and Homeward Bound Gospel Group. Tickets are $10 at the door. Proceeds will benefit local charities and scholarships. For details, call 201-7679.
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VA PrideFest 2011, a celebration of the LGBT community, will take place from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kanawha Plaza, S. 7th and Canal Streets. There will be live music from local and national performers such as Martha Wash, Amy Henderson and Tom Goss and vendors. The event is pet- and family-friendly. For details, visit http://www.vapride.org .

SEPTEMBER 25
The 32nd Annual Arts Around the Lake show will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. around the Westhampton Lake at the University of Richmond. Over 100 local artists will be displaying and selling their juried artwork in various mediums. Admission and parking are free. For details, visit http://www.uronline.net/aal .
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The Richmond Peace Education Center’s Family Peace Festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Byrd Park. The Taters, Seva O Vocals and Instrumentalists and poet/spoken word artist Jorrell Watkins will provide entertainment. There will also be cooperative games, arts and crafts, a children’s interfaith performance, diverse exhibits by community cultural, religious, educational and advocacy groups and food from Chef Khan Indian cuisine, La Milpa Mexican Cuisine, the Ice Cream Connection cart and more. Admission is free. For details, visit http://www.familypeacefestival.org .
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Varina Episcopal Church, 2385 Mill Rd., will hold its Fall Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be live music featuring The Velvet Marias, cake walks, children’s games, a dunking booth, face painting, free child IDs, homemade BBQ, a silent auction, craft vendors and more. Admission is free; $5 per child for unlimited games. For details, call 795-5340.