Coalition Theater is an amazing space to support local and enjoy some comedy! Got to check out…read moretheir Class Action Stand Up Showcase on a Sunday which consisted of getting to see students from the stand up class do comedy in front of an audience for the first time! The energy was electric and everyone was so funny (definitely a testament to how good the class must be). The show was about 2 hours and for only 14 dollars was an extreme value! Loved being able to laugh and cheer on strangers as they did something for the first time. They also had a concessions stand that appeared to sell drinks and a few snacks, I didn't indulge but it was nice to know that was an option. Coalition theater provides a bridge between entertainment and community which I really loved. I'd definitely reccomend giving one of their shows a try if you are looking for a fun night alone, with friends or for a date night!

I love this local comedy theater! It's an incredible spot to take classes and see shows. I've taken…read moreimprov 101 and 201 classes here and have adored both of my experiences. When you sign up for a class, you get a free show pass for the season you're signed up. My 101 was with Emilee and she was incredible. I loved her positive energy and feedback. She really supported us and helped us grow. My 201 was with Chris and I loved how passionate he was about improv. Him and our TA took amazing notes to help us improve our improv. He also took the time to sign us up for extra practices during open mic nights at the theater. If you're looking to take comedy classes or just want to catch a show, Coalition Theater is the place for you. You can catch shows Thursdays through Saturdays. They have drinks and snacks for sale during shows. There is a gender neutral bathroom. There are three rows of seating and it's a pretty intimate space. It's an awesome community of supportive and inclusive people.

What a beautiful theatre experience, 5th Wall Theatre is a bold artistic team launching unique…read moreplays with talented entertainers! They are taking over the spot formerly called the basement and offer shows in the intimate space, I went opening night for their showing of Our Dear Dead Drug Lord. They had some of the most talented display of local actors and presented the story in a way that was engaging and an amazing use of the small space. They not only have the theatre space but also house a bar in the front that serves drinks and few desserts for enjoying before or during the show. The premier was phenomenal and I am so excited to see what else they brew up! This was a perfect show for the spooky season and their upcoming shows look really promising. I would definitely reccomend checking it out for a date night, night out or if you're interested in seeing some plays that are unique and not often in the rotation at other local theatres!

Theatre IV is a division of the VA Repertory Theatre, and it was founded back in '75. Their…read moremission is to provide innovative theatrical productions of the highest national caliber and present these productions in the Richmond area as well as on tour in 31 other states, in addition to DC for schools and educational institutions. The selections include shows such as 'Treasure Island,' 'Hansel and Gretel,' 'Tortoise and the Hare,' 'Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, etc. I had the opportunity to see these guys when they came to perform 'Stuart Little' - it was about an hour-long musical adaptation of the beloved children's book with puppets, singing, and comedy. Definitely great for the younger crowd (K-2nd graders), as they seemed to be the biggest fans and the most engaged! +repertory theater +educational theatrical productions (primarily for K-2nd)

FYI - Back in 1977 (yes, there really were theatres in Richmond then), I had the good fortune to be…read morepart of the cast of the musical OKLAHOMA!, which was presented for several months at the Haymarket Dinner Theatre in Mechanicsville. Later, I was in a production of DIAMOND STUDS at the Barksdale Theatre, when it was still in....Ashburn (was it?) What fun both of those productions were! And during the run of DIAMOND STUDS, I presented a Sunday matinee storytelling performance called BOYS AND GIRLS TOGETHER at the Barksdale. I had the good fortune to work with Phil Whiteway in OKLAHOMA! and Bruce Miller in DIAMOND STUDS. Incredibly rewarding times those were! And both theatres served the Richmond area well. Both musical productions were well attended, and even my matinee presentation was enjoyed by the (TINY!) audience who showed up. Good memories! It's nice to know theatre is still alive and well in Richmond, and that my buddies are still involved. Even COVID-19 can't keep a good theatre down! Yee-HA! Incidentally, in OKLAHOMA!, I played the role of Aunt Eller (I've done that role three times, and directed the musical once.....that was at Anderson College, Anderson SC). In DIAMOND STUDS I was the piano player who did several vignettes. FYI, I'm sending today (5/13/2021) a packet of 8x10 black-and-white photos from the Haymarket production of Oklahoma. Phil and his wife--they met in this production--are both in several of these photos.

This is a cashless venue, with signs denoting as such, but tips are always encouraged. The dancers…read moreand other artists are amazing! A local juggler, Pedro Garbanzo performed the night I went and everyone was in fine form! From Pedro's hilarious and exhilarating performance, to the DJ's drag, and the incredible burlesque dancers, there's nothing missing from this experience. The food menu is more bar snacks, so be sure to eat first, though there was mention of brunch beginning in March so I'm excited to go back for that. The food available looked delicious and my mozzarella sticks were yummy. They also strive to be as inclusive as possible, including towards the sober community. While I'm not part of that, I did very much enjoy my ice cream float and saw the extensive mocktail option list Overall, definitely somewhere to keep in mind. Newly opened, this place definitely looks like it's putting down roots to stay

Came by for their soft opening to sample their new brunch menu. Can't give a full assessment yet on…read morehow the full drag brunch will be but I have high hopes because I saw You'neek Nu'york at a recent cabaret show and they were HILARIOUS. The people here are great, they are all wonderful and welcoming and committed to this place which I love. The atmosphere, service, and experience here is top tier. The food is pretty darn good and definitely worth rolling out of bed for brunch. I had a fever dream mocktail, We split the waffle flight, and a bacon, egg and cheddar cheese croissant, as well as some maple tots. I've also had the plain tots. The tots are fantastic, they are so crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They are perfect. I wanted to love the maple butter version of it, for that sweet and savory combo, but I actually kind of would have rather just had plain tots and dipped them in syrup or ketchup. They just weren't maple enough for my likings. The waffle flight was great to try once, to figure out what you like, but I definitely have a strooooong preference toward some of the waffles over others. The rainbow road was cute, just had m&m minis on top to give it some color, which I liked but didn't love. Mainly because I can do that at home. The strawberry velvet was probably my least favorite because the raspberry drizzle was just... strong. I wanted to love it, but I would have preferred maybe just some fresh berries simmered down over the bright red sauce that kind of tickled my throat. My kiddos would have probably loved it, it was definitely giving off strawberry squeeze bottle syrup vibes which some people love but just aren't for me. The midnight waffle was my second favorite because it was chocolate and white chocolate and I love those things. I just realized it said it had raspberry drizzle, but I don't remember that part which is probably why I loved it so much. Chocolate = good: 'nuff said. The absolute star of the plate was the razzle dazzle in all its cinnamon sugar churro glory... best waffle ever. It was amazing. It is definitely unique, delicious, and the perfect sweet breakfast eat. I will order it every time now, it was fantastic. Skip the rest and just go for this one. The protein croissant was also a great choice, you choose between ham, bacon or prosciutto, and cheddar, provolone or mozzarella, and it comes with egg. The egg was sooooo fluffy and delicious, the bacon was cooked perfectly. It was savory and salty and perfect. I definitely recommend going with a friend and splitting a savory croissant and a sweet razzle dazzle waffle and it ticks literally every box for brunch/hangover food. The fever dream mocktail was also pretty good on its own and I like that the ginger beer in the mocktails goes a long way in helping with any leftover tummy aches from last night, if you are the sort of person who parties hard on Saturday and sleeps til brunch on Sunday. I probably would not order it again with the sweet waffles because pineapple ginger beer and waffles were not a great combo, but it would have been killer if I were just going for tots and a protein croissant. Total shoutout though that this place has put a lot of thought into its non-alcoholic drink menu and it isn't just an afterthought to appease the DD. Sober folks can enjoy a tasty drink too! It has been said already, but I do wish there were some other choices for tables. I do think the tables are great and super chic if you had your mimosa, maybe a basket of fries, watching your show... I would have definitely opted for a larger table since I specifically came to get my brunch on. We were shuffling plates, dangling stuff precariously, we shoved our drink menu on a nearby empty table... we could have opted for the bar, but then we'd be facing away from the show... Things to know before you go: This is a cashless venue, so do bring your card, even for tipping. Generally not a problem since I almost always pay by card, but I do generally prefer to leave cash tips. Also, the parking situation is mostly street with assorted lots scattered randomly around and apparently you only have to pay from like 9-6 or something like that Monday through Friday - which the street signs do not say - but there is a tiny little sticker on the parking pay boxes. Download the parking app to make it easier because we found that the machine will sure as heck take your money ($5 for2 hours even if you are parking at 5:58pm on a Wednesday), but the app will prorate you "do you want to pay 70 cents to park for 15 minutes until the parking is free?"

Came to the Empire Theater for a showing of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Seems like different companies…read moreuse this theater like the Barksdale and Theater IV (more history here: http://www.theatreivrichmond.org/company.html#empire). The theater is smallish, maybe half the size of the Carpenter theater. There is a balcony. With the small size it seems like any seat would provide a decent view. We were about 10 rows from the orchestra and stage left (or right?) and the seats were fine. As for the show, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, pretty entertaining, especially the younger Scoundrel. Street parking. It is near Comfort, Tarrants...Depending on the night it can be a little shady or busy with people on that stretch of Broad St.

My wife, daughter and I attended the final showing of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" on August 7th. The…read moreseating selection by the ticket office (Row F 106-108) was well positioned and the acoustics were excellent. The blend of professional performers in the lead roles, coupled with our local performing company was an good marriage of talent, energy and entertainment. I had not attended this this theatre for almost six years. Although small in audience area, the layout and seats were comfortable. Valet parking allowed me to minimize unnecessary walking and added security. The bar was adequately stocked and the desserts looked quite delicious (I did not partake unfortunately). I recommend this theatre to those who want fulfilling enterainment and a great experience.

Hosted a day-long event at the Grace Street Theater. Very easy process and working with Amelia and…read moreLee was seamless. Beautiful, updated space with 225 seats and dressing rooms with showers at your disposal. Clean restrooms (and throughout) Small lobby, but very clean space and comfortable seating. Reasonable pricing. Would definitely use again!

The VA War Memorial at the Carillon was the Secret Location for this year's Diner en Blanc. It was…read morea lovely location for a joyous & community centered event.

The concert was really good. Each lady performed to their strengths. I would have paid to see them…read morebut this was a free event. The food truck they had there was ok but wasnt prepared for the number of people who showed up. I ordered the catfish nuggets and wing platter. It came with the two meats, a side, Mac and cheese and garlic toast. The toast perfect, buttery and seasoned well. The staff was nice but the rest of the meal was off. The nuggets were fried soft and the Mac and cheese was mushy and cold. We also ordered the salmon balls which were slightly overcooked. Dellwood should have had two trucks to spread out the work and allow them to recover.

The Richmond Folk Festival is so Richmond and one of our city's best festivals. It's been happening…read morefor about 20 years. I think it's so wonderful that it's a free festival filled with so much culture. I grew up going to festivals in DC almost every weekend and this reminds me of those amazing festivals. There were about five different stages set up across our park system (near the James River). Various acts of music genres from all over the world were playing throughout the weekend. There is something for everyone. One of the highlights for me this year was the Flea Circus at the family tent. It was so wholesome and fun. Another annual highlight for me is the craft tent with beautiful handmade goods. One of my favorites is this Turkish store's booth with stunning tiles and bowls. There are plenty of food options here too. The "food court" can be found on Brown's Island, but this year there were food options scattered in the Belle Isle parking lot and a park on top of the hill too. I'm not sure what the parking situation looks like because I normally walk to the festival. I highly recommend walking or biking to avoid the heavy traffic you will inevitably run into during the festival. The Richmond Folk Festival is fun no matter what age you are. It celebrates music and cultures from around the world. I highly recommend visiting it each year.

An experience that I'm glad I didn't miss! The only drawback is that there was so much good music…read moreand informative workshops that we could not do it all.