Weekend Top 5
The 56th Annual Richmond Oktoberfest will take place Oct. 16 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Oct. 17 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Richmond Raceway Complex, 600 East Laburnum Avenue. In addition to entertainment from the SGTEV Hirschjäger Dancers and German band Die Lustigen Almdudler, there will be a wide variety of beers and wine, along with food, including bratwurst, knackwurst, roasted pork, German potato salad, sauerkraut, red cabbage and more. Participants can compete in stein hoisting and shop vendors too. Admission for ages 16 and older is $10 for one day or $15 for both days. For details, visit richmondoktoberfestinc.com.
CharacterWorks, a faith-based youth theater program, will present Disney's Aladdin Jr. at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Road. The family-friendly production is based on the hit Broadway show and 1992 Academy Award-winning film about the "diamond in the rough" street rat who learns that his true worth lies deep within. Showtimes are 6:30 p.m. Oct. 16, 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Oct. 17, and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 18. Tickets are $20. The show continues next weekend. For details, visit cworkstheater.org/shows/Disneys-Aladdin-JR/76.
Wild Ones Play Cafe, 9131 Staples Mill Road, will host a story time and book signing with Richmond author Jody Catherine Bucher on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wear your pajamas and meet Mrs. Gourd, the delightfully quirky character from Bucher's children’s book. Kids can also complete crafts and decorate gourds. A book signing will follow, with copies available for purchase. Story time and the book signing are free to attend; optional open play will be available, though it requires a separate paid registration through Wild Ones. Click here to register for the Mrs. Gourd event. Learn more at wildonesplaycafe.com.
St. Mary & St. Philopater Mercurius Coptic Orthodox Church, located at 2101 Fordson Road in the West End, will host the 7th Annual Egyptian Festival from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 17 and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 18. The festival will include authentic Egyptian food and culture, children's activities, henna tattoos, church tours and more. Admission is free. Click here for details.
The 2nd Annual Renew Fest will take place Saturday, Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Walkerton Tavern located at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, 2880 Mountain Road. Devoted to holistic wellness, creative expression and renewal, the festival will include an array of sacred workshops, movement exercises, motivational discussions, healing circles, musical performances, guided meditation, creative expression experiences and more. Activities will be guided by community leaders, spiritual instructors, artists, psychologists and wellness specialists. There also will be vendors and healthy food options. Admission is $35; children 12 and under are free. For details, visit renewfest.net.
Looking for more fun things to do in Henrico and surrounding areas? Check out our enhanced community calendar where you can search by date, keyword or location. To submit an event for inclusion in the calendar, visit henricocitizen.com/events and click on the red "Add Event" button.
