Ed 161: Brewery Luau, Best Patios in RVA, July 4 Events
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Hey there! Alicia here 👋
Now that a few thunderstorms rolled through to get rid of the humidity, we’ve got several days of lovely summer weather ahead of us. Whether you take a hike, go on a river float, pack a picnic, or head to a patio near you, I hope you find some time to get out and enjoy the sunshine.
And if you’re already looking ahead to Independence Day weekend, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered with our latest City Guide, 4TH OF JULY EVENTS ROUNDUP (& LOCAL PLACES TO FIND HOT DOGS).
But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s chat through what’s going on THIS weekend, including…
A pop-up luau happening at a local brewery this Saturday (and why you should 100% place a pre-order before their mouthwatering menu of Hawaiian-inspired fare sells out)
The long-awaited return of a Richmond favorite food truck festival/competition and fireworks show, happening this weekend
Richmond’s first hard kombucha, released this past weekend in collaboration with a local distillery and inspired by a classic Moscow Mule
The chance to relive your ‘90s boy band phase with a concert this Saturday that your younger self probably would’ve sold your ENTIRE Beanie Baby collection to attend
…and more. Shall we?
THE LATEST:
SOCIAL NEWS
Say hello to Richmond’s first hard kombucha! Northside’s own Ninja Kombucha released "Blue Mule," their first hard kombucha, this past Saturday at their taproom on Brookland Park Blvd.
Inspired by a Moscow Mule and ringing in at a drinkable 6% ABV, this hard 'booch was made with ginger, lime, blueberries, and kombucha and fortified with spirits from Trial and Error Distillery (also located here in Richmond!).
Blue Mule is currently available in the Ninja Kombucha taproom only, though the company is hoping to begin distributing it by the end of July. Fingers crossed!
MMMBop at Meadow Event Park. Get ready to hear this smash single (and many other — arguably better — songs) from beloved boy band Hanson this Saturday, June 26 as a part of the After Hours Concert Series at the Meadow Event Park. Oh yeah-eee-yeah. Tickets start at $31 — you can get yours here.
Food festival + fireworks = fun for all. Taste of Virginia will return to Innsbrook Pavilion for 2021 this Saturday, June 26! The annual food truck festival and competition will feature more than a dozen different food trucks and restaurants, as well as Virginia craft beers, wine, and cocktails from a variety of local partners.
The event’s music line-up will feature The Josh Duncan Band from 4 - 5 pm performing modern country music, Flat Elvis from 5:30 - 6:30 pm with the best rock hits from the '80s and '90s, and headliner Ennovation from 7:15 - 9:15 with R&B hits. And of course, the night will end with a gorgeous fireworks display! You can get your tickets here.
Did someone say Parking Lot Party? Yep! The Richmond Performing Arts Alliance will host an afternoon and evening of bands, brews, and bites this Saturday, June 26 from 4 - 6 pm, aka RPAA’s 2nd Annual Parking Lot Party — featuring live music from regional bands Mekong Xpress and Whitney & The Saying Goes!
You can look forward to on-site t-shirt printing with local artist collective Studio Two Three, as well as arts activities with Art Love, Richmond Urban Dance, and the Visual Arts Center of Richmond. Plus, fill up on food truck fare from vendors like Floptarts, Soul-Ice, and RVA Street Foodies Tacos.
Click here to snag a $10 non-drinking ticket or a $20 ticket including a complimentary beverage and a commemorative koozie.
Mark your calendars for these riverside film screenings! Venture Richmond’s event series, Movies On Brown’s Island, will kick of on July 10 with a screening of Grease. Gates for the event will open at 7:30 pm, and the show will start at 8:30 pm.
Tickets are $5 per person (though the event is free for children 5 and under) — get yours here.
Next up in the series will be Black Panther on August 14, then Beetlejuice on October 29, and finally Elf on December 11, so stay tuned.
A brand new collaboration is coming soon to The Fan. The folks behind Auntie Ning’s, Polpetti, and Column 15 Coffee are coming together to open one new spot called Market on Meadow, to be located at 719 N Meadow St. They’re hoping to open their doors by the end of July — we’ve got our fingers crossed we can check it out ASAP!
HAPPENINGS
If it’s a luau at a brewery, is it called a brew-au? Either way, we’ll see you this Saturday, June 26 at Tabol Brewing for this month’s only Aloha Catering Co. pop-up luau, from 12 - 5 pm (or until they sell out, which is extremely likely).
We recommend that you place a pre-order here for pick-up the day of the event to ensure that you’re able to snag the menu items you’ve got your eyes on, then stick around and enjoy it on Tabol’s massive outdoor patio with a beer or two.
Personally, I pre-ordered a Grilled Mahi Mahi Sandwich, Hui Hot Dogs, Grilled Pineapple, and Furikake French Fries for Andrew and myself and my mouth is watering just thinking about it.
P.S. For the uninitiated, “Tabol” is pronounced like “table.” Thought you ought to know!
Weekly Giveaway
Maiden Motion
Local, woman-owned fitness studio Maiden Motion is officially reopening for IRL classes this week (!!!) and we cannot wait to get back to their cardio-infused barre, bounce, and dance classes.
To celebrate their reopening, Maiden Motion is offering four full days of FREE CLASSES this Thursday, June 24 - Sunday, June 27 including classes like "Boy Bands, Barre, and Booch" on Thursday, "Lizzo Cardio Dance" on Friday, "Britney and Bubbles" on Saturday, "T Swift Cardio Dance and Champagne" on Sunday, and so many more — full schedule here.
Plus, we’re giving away a free one-month unlimited membership to Maiden Motion to one lucky member of The Richmond Experience (a $179 value)!
To enter to win: Tell me your preferred workout music! I strangely love running to the Hamilton soundtrack, but I’m a weirdo.
Last week: Congratulations to Natalie R. for winning our The Pit and The Peel giveaway!Britney and Bubbles
Member Perks
Mosquito B Off
Sick of scratching at mosquito bites after spending time outside? Instead of dousing yourself in not-so-great-for-you-or-for-the-environment bug spray, opt for Mosquito B Off.
This local company's natural mosquito repellent incense sticks are plant-based, child- and pet-safe, and made without toxic chemicals. They are created using high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients and do not contain DEET or petroleum wax, so they're environmentally friendly AND have a refreshing aroma.
All you do is light the stick outdoors 10-15 minutes before you wish to spend time outside. When you light the stick, allow it to burn for 10-15 seconds, then extinguish. Place the stick in the ground or in a flowerpot full of sand or soil. That's it!
And great news: Members of The Richmond Experience can get $1 off when ordering online with code “Backyard19” — shop now at mosquitoboff.com and save.
new + trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We'd like to welcome 53 new members this week: Allyson I., Ben S., Madeline B., Devon G., Nourdjan C., Shana G., Nikolette R., Elise H., Alex E., Chelsea C., Victoria G., Mitchel A., Christina W., Sera D., Jason Y., Mary Grace P., Reilly B., Katie C., Kelly L., Samantha O., Lexi R., Kerrianne T., Wesley D., Janae P., Daniela L., Mary Earle W., Allison M., Ashton L., Alicia M., Robbie B., Quinlan M., Hallie M., Matthew C., Kimberly K., Hilah B., Charlotte M., John F., Paula S., Caitlin M., Alyssa M., Jen R., Angel P., Thomas B., Abigail C., David B., Tiffany C., Cody D., Jill H., Carlos M., Brooke R., Matthew W., Mariah G., and Meagan A., we're so glad you're here!
It takes a village, so let us know if you have any questions, thoughts, feedback, tips, or recs! Thanks for reading edition 161 of The Weekly Insider.
Hasta la vista, babies.
- Alicia @ The Richmond Experience
Thank you to Sweet Spot Ice Cream Cafe for powering this edition of The Weekly Insider!
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