So you’ve made it through the gauntlet of office holiday parties and you’ve still got some energy left? Well, there’s half of December left and plenty happening in the River City for people not consumed by last minute shopping. Take a breather and enjoy the festive season of lights and maybe some of Hardywood’s famous seasonal Gingerbread Stout (GBS). Here is a roundup of some events happening this weekend.
Friday, Dec. 15
Fourth anniversary jam featuring Afro-Zen Allstars at Starr Hill Richmond Beer Hall and Rooftop
Check out the mesmerizing, heavenly grooves of Ethiopia’s “Swinging Addas” sound from the 1960s and 1970s, when Richmond’s own Afro-Zen Allstars brings its tight horns and driving rhythm section to Starr Hill. Music for the mind, body and spirit. From 7 to 10 p.m. The band’s last show of the year is a free! https://starrhill.com/
Aaron Evans and members of Indecision at the Broadberry
Fans of long-running Charlottesville jam band, Indecision, will recognize this as almost a full Indecision show, though bassist Shawn McCrystal is being replaced at this gig by Stuart Holme. Rather than a smattering of classic rock covers mixed in, expect all originals, with music that draws from many genres. 7 p.m. $16.
Saturday, Dec. 16
The 12th annual Carytown Holiday Artisan Market at City Stadium
This year’s holiday market will feature 150 local artisans, as well as plenty of food trucks and craft beverages. It takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at City Stadium, 3201 Maplewood Ave. Also on Dec. 17.
Winter Richmond Moon Market at Stone Brewing Richmond
Billed as Richmond’s “original enchanted market,” this is a curated craft and wellness market that brings together Virginia’s “weirdest, wildest and most wonderful artists, healers and craft persons in one place for live music, food, workshops and more.” Expect vendors of plants and flowers, fortunetellers, jewelry, candles, custom skincare, housewares, vintage gear and more. Runs on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 17 from noon to 5 p.m. 4300 Williamsburg Ave.
Punks for Presents at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery (Richmond)
Here’s a fun Richmond punk rock holiday tradition that started in 2005 and features Christmas-themed punk and metal parodies. And you’ve gotta love the band names for this night. They’ve got Operation Icy (Operation Ivy), Something to Write Santa About (The Get Up Kids), Salt Sweat Sugarcookies (Jimmy Eat World), Sleighs the Day (Saves the Day), Andrew Jackson Ski Lodge (Andrew Jackson Jihad). Doors open at 4 p.m. and the all-ages show starts at 4:30 p.m. $10. Hardywood Richmond is located at 2410 Ownby Lane. Advance tickets are available here.
GBS Fest at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery (West Creek location)
Looking for a family-friendly event where the adults get to enjoy some of that delicious Gingerbread Stout from Hardywood? Look no further. This festive event at Hardywood’s West Creek location features train rides, Santa, food trucks, live holiday music, a custom Christmas ornament pop-up, face painting and fairy hair, and a special appearance of the one-man Scrooge show from the Virginia Theatre Machine (at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.) The entire event runs from noon to 4 p.m. at 820 Sanctuary Trail Dr.
No BS! Brass Band’s 13th annual canned food drive also featuring the Prabir Trio at The Broadberry
You say you’ve got canned goods and you’re just looking for a place to bring them that will also features the bombastic sounds of Richmond’s finest in funky brass bands in addition to veteran local musician Prabir Mehta and his trio? This should do the trick. Show starts at 8 p.m. $16 general admission. Tickets on sale here.
Sunday, Dec. 17
Deau Eyes’ third annual Holiday Party at the Hofheimer Building
What better way to cap your weekend off than by spending your Sunday with rising Richmond musician Deau Eyes and her special guests at her third annual holiday party at the Hof. Should be a night of festive vibes in “a full-blown winter wonderland.” Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and music starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $7 for early birds, $10 in advance and $15 day of show. The Hofheimer Building is located at 2818 W. Broad St. You can find advance tickets here.
