Movies in the Park 2019

The City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities proudly presents Movies in the Park. This annual series of free movies will be held every Friday night, from June 21 through August 16, in a different city park.

Activities begin at 8 p.m. and the movies start at 8:30 p.m., or as soon as it is dark. Families are invited to bring blankets or chairs and refreshments. Vendors will also have refreshments for sale.

The following is this summer’s Movies in the Park schedule:

Parks and Recreation Starts Summer Off With a Splash!

Looking for something to do this summer? The City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (PRCF) is sure to have an event or program to kick start your summer along with great, free activities for everyone in your family!

Kicking off the 61^st Festival of Arts at Dogwood Dell will be the James River Bell Ringers on Monday, May 29. This premier hand bell ensemble will celebrate Memorial Day with patriotic musical selections. The show will begin at 4 p.m.

On Thursday, June 1, the department will host the annual Senior Day in the Park on the grounds of the Carillon. A great opportunity to enjoy live music with friends and family, this event will also have health and wellness and retail vendors on site.

On Saturday, June 3, join the James River Park Outdoor Education staff for the annual Family Fishing Fair at Shields Lake in Byrd Park. This family friendly event celebrates Virginia’s Free Fishing Weekend, when no license is required to fish, and is meant to introduce newcomers and novices to the sport.

On Friday, June 16, residents are invited to join PRCF for the start of the 2017 Movies in the Park Series. The first movie in the series is “The Secret Lives of Pets” and will be shown at Byrd Park at 8 p.m. A full schedule of the 2017 movie series is available at http://richmondvirginiaparks.blogspot.com/2017/ .

Beginning on Saturday, June 17, all City pools will be open for City residents. Week day hours are 1 to 8 p.m. with free swim available from 1 to 4:30 p.m., family time from 5 to 7 p.m. and adult swim from 7 to 8 p.m. Weekend hours for the outdoor pools are noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

On Monday, June 19, the USDA Summer Meals for Kids begins serving at more than 100 sites across the City of Richmond. The Summer Meals for Kids Program provides children and teens (through the age of 18) nutritious breakfasts and lunches during the summer months. A complete listing of serving facilities can be found at http://www.richmondgov.com/parks/documents/SMFK_Locations.pdf.

The CarMax Summer basketball league hosted at Pine Camp Arts and Community Center, 4901 Old Brook Road, also begins on June 19. Games are played Monday through Thursday from 6 to 10 p.m. This will be the eleventh year of the league, which is made possible through a generous donation from the CarMax Foundation.

Monday, June 26 marks the beginning of PRCF’s youth summer camps. Both the “Secrets of the Mystery Box” summer camp, for ages 6 to 12, and “Generation Z” teen camp, for ages 13 to 15, are full day camps that operate from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are also specialty camps such as soccer, tennis, and Lego that are available as half day camps.

For more information on these events and PRCF sites and programs, please call (804) 646-5733 or visit www.richmondgov.com/parks.

Movies in the Park 2017

Join the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities our 2017 Movies in the Park series!

Our first movie of the year will begin on Friday, June 16 at Byrd Park, 600 S. Boulevard, 23221.

For more information or updates, please visit our Facebook page.

City to Hold Free Veterans Day Program

The City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will host a Veterans Day commemoration program featuring local historian Kitty Snow and a performance on the Carillon Bells by carillonneur Lawrence Robinson on Friday, November 11 beginning at 2 p.m. This event will be held at the World War I Memorial Carillon located in Byrd Park 1300 Blanton Avenue.

Ms. Snow will be presenting excerpts from her book “From Richmond to France…Images of Our Soldiers and Our City in World War I.”

This event is free and open to the public. For more information regarding the performances, please call (804) 646-1031.

Spotlight Gallery to Host “Arte!” During Hispanic Heritage Month

The City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will host “Arte!” in celebration of Hispanic Heritage month at Pine Camp Arts and Community Center, 4901 Old Brook Road. The exhibit will open on Friday, September 16 with a public reception from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibit will be on display until Friday, October 21.

Fabian Ramirez installing his new sculpture

“Arte!” which means “art”, will include pieces from contemporary artists Josue Fred, Helene Ruiz, and Juan Carlos Suazo. Pieces to be displayed will include abstract paintings, sculptures, masks, mixed media, and more.

Spotlight Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. This exhibit is free and open to the public. For details on this exhibit or to schedule a tour please call Shaunn Casselle, curator at 646-6722

Movies in the Park 2016

Join the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities our 2016 Movies in the Park series!

Our first movie of the year will begin on Friday, June 17 at Byrd Park, 600 S. Boulevard, 23221.

For more information or updates, please visit our Facebook page.

Movies in the Park 2014

Join the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities our 2014 Movies in the Park series!

Our first movie of the year will begin on Friday, June 20 at Byrd Park, 600 S. Boulevard, 23221.

For more information or updates, please visit our Facebook page.

Guided Walks to James River Park's Heron Rookery Offered

The department has partnered with the Richmond Audubon Society and the Virginia Audubon Council to offer guided walks again this year to see the Great Blue Herons making their home in the James River Park.

     The popular walks will be offered on three Saturdays; February 16, March 16 and April 13, from 10 a.m. to noon. Each walk to the rookery will bring its own sights and sounds as these magnificent birds court and build their nests throughout the spring in preparation for laying their eggs and raising their chicks. The cost of each is $5 per person.

     No registration is required. To participate in one of the guided walks, bring $5 in cash and meet in the grassy area on the northwest side of the 14^th Street Bridge. To participate in this tour, you must be able to climb a small ladder. You may also want to bring a pair of binoculars.

    For more information, call (804) 646-5944.

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Black History Month Cook-Off

Richmond Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will celebrate Black History Month with a Soul Food Cook-Off on February 28 from 7 to 8 p.m. at its Randolph Community Center, located at 1415 Grayland Avenue.

     The public is invited to bring their favorite homemade soul food dish to the community center to share, whether it’s a main dish, a side dish, a dessert or bread. Everyone who brings a dish will get to enjoy the food and will be asked to vote on their favorites.

      Children age 6 and older, as well as teens and adults, are encouraged to enter, and winners will be selected from age groups six to 11, 12 to 16, and 17 and older.

      The cook-off is free to enter, but participants must register by February 15. For more information or to register, call the Community Center at (804) 646-1080.

  

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City to Hold Egg Hunts at Community Centers

Richmond, VA – On Monday, April 9, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., children age 12 and younger are invited to hunt for 25,000 candy- and prize-filled eggs that will be hidden at the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities’ community centers and participate in other fun activities for free. The centers are located as follows:

• Ann Hardy Plaza                            3000 First Ave.                          646-4824
• Battery Park                                   2803 Dupont Circle                    646-0944
• Blackwell                                         300 E. 15th St.                        646-8630
• Creighton Court                               2101 Creighton Road                 646-4511
• Fairfield Court                                  2506 Phaup St.                        646-0029
• Hickory Hill                                       300 E. Belt Blvd.                     646-8663
• Hotchkiss                                         701 E. Brookland Park Blvd.     646-4466
• Humphrey Calder                               414 N. Thompson St.              646-1780
• Pine Camp                                       4901 Old Brook Road               646-3672
• Powhatan                                         5051 Northhampton St.            646-0973
• Randolph                                          1415 Grayland Ave.                 646-1080                 
• T. B. Smith                                        2015 Ruffin Rd.                      646-8490
• Westover                                           1301 Jahnke Road                  646-8995
• Whitcomb Court                                 2302 Carmine St.                    646-2988

Children who want to participate in the egg hunts will need to bring their own baskets. For more information, contact the community center of interest.

      These events are co-sponsored by the city of Richmond and Radio One.

Free 'Eggstravaganza' Set for March 24

The Department has partnered with Radio One to hold a free spring “Eggstravaganza” for children age 12 and younger on Saturday, March 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Forest Hill Park, 4021 Forest Hill Ave. The event will feature two egg hunts at 12:30 p.m., one for ages 5 through 8 and another for ages 9 through 12. A total of 25,000 candy-prize filled eggs will be up for grabs in the two egg hunts.

     The event will also include music by DJ Milli, hula hoop demonstrations by RVA Hoop House, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, a balloon artist, free give-away’s, opportunity to purchase photos with Mr. Bunny, children’s fingerprinting provided by the Richmond Sherriff’s Office, and vendors selling a variety of foods.  In addition, children age 4 and younger can enjoy story telling every 30-minutes and other activities in “Bunny Town.”

     Children who want to participate in the egg hunts should bring their own basket. In the event of rain, the Eggstravaganza will be held on Sunday, March 25, from 1 to 4 p.m.  

Cheerleading Jamboree to Showcase 600+ Area Cheerleaders

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will hold its annual Cheerleading Jamboree on Thursday, November 10, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Landmark Theater, located at 6 N. Laurel St.  Approximately 600 cheerleaders from the department’s community centers and area high schools and colleges will perform during the event.

      Tickets for the event are $3 in advance for children 11 and younger and $6 for children 12 and older and adults. Tickets purchased the day of the event are $5 for 11 and younger and $8 for 12 and older and adults. They may be purchased at the Landmark Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., online at etix.com, or by phone at 1-800-514-3849.

     Seating is general admission and the doors will open at 5 p.m.

‘Let’s Pink’ Breast Cancer Event Set for Nov. 4

The department will hold a breast cancer awareness event and fundraiser called “Let’s Pink” at its Hickory Hill Community Center on Nov. 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.  The event will include raffles, visual arts, vendors, food, music, entertainment and much more.

     The mission of Let’s Pink is to merge the vibrancy and artistic minds of Richmond’s youth and young adults with the knowledge and life experience of Richmond’s seasoned generation while raising awareness for breast cancer.

     Local artists and photographers will display interpretive works related to breast cancer at the event and have other works from their collections on sale as well. In addition, Lauren Parker from SLAM, Richmond’s youth poet team, will present pieces created especially for the event, and two guest speakers will discuss their personal journeys with breast cancer and how it has affected them.

     An information table will provide brochures and pamphlets to take home, and a variety of vendors representing health, fitness, beauty and fashion will also participate.

     Donations of $5 are encouraged to attend the event, and all proceeds will go to the Central Virginia Affiliates of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

     Although no registration is required, you can learn more about the event and sign up to attend, as well as donate, online by visiting LetsPink.EventBrite.com. You can also call 646-8874 or 245-6637 for more information.

      The Hickory Hill Community Center is located at 3000 E. Belt Boulevard. This program is in line with Mayor Dwight C. Jones’ Healthy Richmond Campaign to promote healthy lifestyles for all residents in the city of Richmond.

Boot Camp for New Mothers to start Nov. 2

The department will offer six weeks of fitness training for new mothers and their babies that will help the moms lose weight, get back into shape, and regain their confidence, while they bond with their babies. It’s called “Mom and Me Boot Camp.”
     Classes will start on Nov. 2 and run through Dec. 14 and will be held at the department’s Humphrey Calder Community Center at 414 N. Thompson St. on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
     The instructor, Myra Robinson, is a personal trainer certified by the American Council on Exercise and a fitness instructor certified by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. As the owner of Mombshellfitness, she specializes in cardio and strength training for new mothers. “We turn new moms into bombshells!” she says.
     During the classes, moms work on high intensity cardio drills and strength training, often using their babies’ strollers, while the babies are entertained by the high energy music and constant movement. In addition, the class, which fosters new friendships, can help combat postpartum depression and the stress of caring for a baby.
     The cost of the boot camp is $120 for the entire six-week session, which amounts to just $5 per class, and there is no extra cost for a second child!

     The program is in line with Mayor Dwight C. Jones’ Healthy Richmond Campaign set to kick off in the spring to help promote healthy lifestyles in the city of Richmond.

     To register for the boot camp or for more information, call the community center at (804) 646-1780 or e-mail the instructor at myra@mombshellfitness.com. For more information on the Mayor’s Healthy Richmond Campaign, call 646-5823.

Department Extends Free Movies in the Park Series

Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities has added another free movie to its series of family films shown in parks around the city. “Cats and Dogs: Revenge of Kitty Galore” will be shown at 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 26, in Jefferson Park at 21^st and East Marshall streets.  

     In the animated family comedy, cats and dogs join forces for the first time in history to take down Kitty Galore, a former agent for the spy organization MEOWS, who has hatched a diabolical plan to make the world her own scratching post. The film features the voices of Chris O’Donnell and Jack McBrayer in the starring roles.
    This movie concludes the department’s series of free family Movies in the Parks, co-sponsored by 106.5 the Beat. The series kicked off on July 15 in Byrd Park and has featured a PG-rated film every Friday night in a variety of parks around the city.
     Families are encouraged to bring their blankets, popcorn and drinks to enjoy the movie.

James River Park Programs Scheduled

The department has scheduled three programs to be held in its James River Park System.       
     On Friday, July 29, children and their families are invited to come to the park’s headquarters at Reedy Creek, 4001 Riverside Drive, for a program called “Insects at Night.” This program offers a hands-on investigation of insects caught in light traps and is co-sponsored by the James River Park System and VCU. No fee or advance registration is required for the program, which will take place from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

     On Saturday, July 30, back by popular demand, the department will offer a guided Torch-Lit Walk on the Slave Trail. The walk, which will cost $5 per person, will start at 8:30 p.m. from Ancarrow’s Landing, located at 1308 Bander St. No advance registration is required, and return transportation to the parking lot following the walk will be provided.

     On Friday, Aug. 12, the department will offer a “Moonlight Paddle and Picnic for Wounded Warriors.” This free program is co-sponsored by the James River Park System, the James River Outdoor Coalition and McGuire Veterans Hospital, and all veterans, “wounded warriors,” handicapped individuals, and the general public are invited to participate. The event will take place from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Huguenot Flatwater, located at 8200 Riverside Drive. Advance registration by Wednesday, Aug. 10, is required by calling (804) 646-8911. There is no fee to participate.

 

Department Kicks Off Free Outdoor Movie Series

The department will kick off its third year of free movies in the park on Friday, July 15, at 8 p.m. with the showing of "Megamind” in Byrd Park beside Fountain Lake. The animated film features Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill and Tina Fey in a sci-fi comedy that finally gives the underdog a chance to save the world.
“Megamind” will be followed by six more free family movie nights in Richmond’s parks. The schedule is as follows:

· Friday, July 22
“Despicable Me”
Battery Park
2803 Dupont Circle

· Friday, July 29
“Alpha and Omega”
Hotchkiss Community Center
701 E. Brookland Park Blvd.

· Friday, August 5
“Shrek Forever After”
Mary Munford Playground
211 Westmoreland St.

· Thursday, August 11
“Justin Bieber: Never Say Never”
Bryan Park
4308 Hermitage Road

· Friday, August 12
“Sister Act II”
Byrd Park’s Dogwood Dell
1100 Blanton Ave.

· Friday, August 19
“Tangled”
Forest Hill Park
4021 Forest Hill Ave.

All movies will begin at 8 p.m. and are rated PG. The department's movie night series is co-sponsored by 106.5 the Beat.

City to Kickoff 55th Annual Festival of the Arts June 10

Mayor Dwight C. Jones and the City of Richmond will kick off the 55th annual Festival of the Arts on Friday, June 10, at 8 p.m. on the Dogwood Dell stage with the Upper East Side Big Band. The festival features 30 evenings of outdoor family entertainment at Dogwood Dell throughout out the summer that are free to attend.
Highlighting the annual festival will be the city’s Fourth of July Celebration at the Dell. This year, beginning at 4 p.m., it will feature local hip hop group Kids in Da Biz, jazz by Sharon North, a concert on the Carillon bells, and rousing patriotic music by the Richmond Concert Band concluding with a fireworks extravaganza.
Other highlights of the annual summer festival include a Gospel Music Fest on Sunday, July 10, from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., a Latin Jazz and Salsa Festival on Saturday, July 23, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., and a special tribute to local musician Page Wilson on Sunday, July 17, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. that will feature Terry Garland and Lil’ Ronnie, Wilson’s band Reckless Abandon, and the Janet Martin Band performing rock, blues and Americana music.
In addition to the wide variety of musical entertainment, the festival brings dance, movies, and theater to the Dell, as well as an entire lineup of morning and afternoon entertainment especially for young audiences on the Ha’Penny Stage, which is adjacent to the Dell.
Families are encouraged to bring picnics and blankets to performances, however no alcohol or pets are allowed. The outdoor amphitheatre is located in Byrd Park at 1300 Blanton Avenue, just north of the Boulevard Bridge.
The Festival of the Arts is produced by the Cultural Arts Division of Richmond’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. The complete schedule of programs can be downloaded from the main page of the city’s website at www.richmondgov.com.

Free Family Fishing Fair set for June 4

The department will hold a Family Fishing Fair on Saturday, June 4, from 9 a.m. to noon at Shield’s Lake in Byrd Park. The event will be free and open to anyone five years old and older. No fishing license is required because it’s Virginia’s annual Free Fishing Weekend.
Local fishing experts will be on hand to teach basic freshwater catch-and-release fishing.
If you plan to attend, the department recommends that you bring water to drink and a folding chair. Also bring your own fishing poles and tackle if you have them. The department will have some poles and tackle available for use, but these will be limited to two per family.
Co-sponsoring the event with the department are Region 3 Bassmasters, Trout Unlimited, Virginia Fishing Adventures, Green Top Hunting & Fishing, Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries, and Chesterfield County.

Have Lunch Served on a Frisbee!

The Landing, the concession at Byrd Park, will open for business at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 28. It's located at Byrd Park’s Fountain Lake and offers pedal boat rides and food service throughout the summer months. It will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. until dusk.
Pedal boat rides will cost $12 for 30 minutes, and food service will include hot dogs, hamburgers, barbeque, a wide variety of sandwiches, cold plates, sides, ice cream, and beverages - including Polar Shock Frozen Drinks! In addition, you can have your box lunch served in a box - or on Frisbee at no additional charge!
Visit www.petesgreatfood.com for the complete menu or to order in advance. Ordering online in advance will have your order ready for pick up and can save time if you are on a limited lunch hour or on your way to a Festival of the Arts performance at Dogwood Dell. You can also contact Pete's for group rates.
The Festival of the Arts kicks off at Dogwood Dell on Friday, June 10 at 8 p.m. with big band and swing music by the Upper East Side Big Band. Watch for a copy of the complete Dogwood Dell schedule to be published on this website or call 804-646-DELL for program updates.