Things to do in Richmond this weekend: Folk Fest, Francine Fest
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Francine the Lowe's cat, back at her peak laziness — Air Tag and all. Photo: Courtesy of Lowe's
Folk music, sunset parties, Francine and a little hard-drive destruction are all on the list in Richmond this weekend.
Thursday, Oct. 8
🌺 VMFA's Fine Arts & Flowers opens with dozens of floral arrangements inspired by works in the museum's permanent collection through Sunday. Free but special events are ticketed.
⛳️ The Korn Ferry Tour Championship tees off at the Federal Club in Glen Allen, where 60 golfers will compete for 20 PGA Tour cards through Sunday. Tickets start at $48, kids 18 and under are free.
💃🏻 It's the last weekend to see "Mamma Mia" at the Altria this season. Times vary. Tickets start at around $47 for some showtimes.
🌅 Vibes at Sunset, the popular monthly sunset party, is ending this year's season at the Virginia War Memorial. 5-9pm. Free but RSVPs encouraged.
Friday, Oct. 9
🪕 The Richmond Folk Festival returns to the riverfront with six stages and more than 30 performing groups spanning music, dance and cultural traditions from around the world. Friday 6:30-10pm; Saturday noon-9:30pm; Sunday noon-6pm. Free.
💾 Shredtoberfest at Tech for Troops headquarters allows you to shred hard drives while enjoying some grilled bratwurst. 11am-3pm. Free admission.
👻 Hanover's SpookyFUN Fest fills Pole Green Park with trick-or-treating, crafts, costumed characters and a not-so-spooky hayride. The festival moves to Poor Farm Park Saturday. 4:30-8pm. Free.
🎨 VisArts' Second Fridays offers pay-what-you-will art classes, with sessions at 6pm and 7:30pm.
🎤 "Sing Now, Text Later" brings an R&B singalong party to Black Olive for VSU Homecoming weekend, with DJs Sonic, Tokyo, Landmark and Infinity. 10pm-2am. $17.64.
🪩 Pandora Cafe in Scott's Addition is hosting an "80s Retro Night" with three DJs spinning disco. Dressing like it's 1986 is encouraged. 8pm-1am. $14.88.
Saturday, Oct. 10
🍺 Hardywood celebrates 15 years with an all-day anniversary party at its Ownby taproom, including backyard games and local food trucks. Starting at noon. Free.
🐈 Francine Fest returns to Main Line Brewery for a second year celebrating Richmond's famous Lowe's cat, with proceeds benefiting local animal groups. 2-10pm.
🛍️ Richmond Night Market takes over 17th Street Market with local artists, live music, live art and kids' activities. 5-9pm. Free.
🎃 Edgar's Enchanted Garden brings a kid-friendly spooky morning to the Poe Museum with crafts, story time, treats and a mobile bookstore. 10am-1pm. Free; registration recommended.
📜 The 24th annual Gabriel Gathering honors the enslaved blacksmith and rebellion leader at the Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground. 6-8pm. Free.
Sunday, Oct. 11
🍓 RVA Black Farmers Market set up at Shalom Farms Northside with produce, homemade goods and crafts from Black farmers and vendors. 11am-3pm. Free.
🐶 A dozen Virginia animal shelters and rescues come together at the Richmond SPCA for a massive adoption event aimed at finding homes for as many dogs as possible. Noon-3pm. Free.
🎸 Grimalkin Music Fest wraps its two-day run celebrating queer joy at Basic City Beer Co., showcasing independent musicians and artists while supporting the Richmond-based nonprofit label's community work. 4-10pm. $25 suggested donation or pay what you can.