vol. 281 / Unlocking FaithExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 281 / Unlocking Faith
This week’s guest editor, Faith Wilkerson, Ed.D., is a higher education powerhouse and community connector who has spent over two decades crafting inclusive programming and leading institutional traditions at the university level. With her strategic leadership in student affairs and diversity work, she's shaped the experiences of thousands of students while maintaining her commitment to equitable engagement.
Currently juggling roles as an adjunct professor at the University of Richmond and Founder of UnlockingRVA (plus its nonprofit arm, Unlocking Richmond), Faith is all about bringing communities together one unforgettable event at a time.
This three-time VCU graduate and former Alumni Council President has racked up some serious accolades, including Style Weekly's Top 40 Under 40 and the Richmond Times-Dispatch Women Who Drive Richmond award. But here's what really makes Faith tick: she's perpetually plotting her next adventure (Jamaica 2026, anyone?), believes wholeheartedly in the restorative power of a good nap, and shares her home office with Axel, her scene-stealing Yorkie who's mastered the art of photobombing Zoom calls and has somehow landed himself on the "unpaid intern" roster.
Between changing lives professionally and keeping Axel from redecorating the furniture with his teeth, Faith proves that impactful leadership and a sense of humor make the perfect combination.
Take it away, Faith …
Happily Natural Festival
Celebrate culture, wellness, and community at the 2025 Happily Natural Festival. Also known as Happily Natural Day, this three-day Richmond tradition uplifts holistic health, African and African-American culture, and social change. Expect an African-centered business expo, cultural arts and crafts, workshops, lectures, live music, and more. The main festival day is Saturday, August 30 — don’t miss it.
Happily Natural Festival / Friday, August 29 - Sunday, August 31 / Richmond, VA / times + locations vary, updates and details here
RuPaul's Drag Race Werk the World Tour
Starring RuPaul’s Drag Race icons Sasha Velour, Jaida Essence Hall, Kim Chi, and more, this larger-than-life show brings dazzling performances, fierce fashion, and unforgettable energy to the stage.
This two-day celebration brings together tabletop gaming, arcade classics, esports championships, cosplay photoshoots, and more. Whether you’re a casual fan or a competitive gamer, ImmerseCon is the place to play, connect, and explore.
Vitals:
ImmerseCon 2025 / Saturday & Sunday, August 30 – 31, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM, prices vary / Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa Short Pump, 12042 W Broad Street
THE WELL Fest
Curated by The Well Collective, THE WELL Fest is a full-day gathering of people, art and creative connection in the heartbeat of our city. This celebration will highlight Richmond's arts, culture, and music scene, along with welcoming Charlotte-based Sainted Trap Choir to the stage. Taking place at Main Street Station on September 6th from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM; 10:00 AM if you plan to attend the morning wellness class led by local instructors.
You can expect a high-energy Wellness Bar featuring kombucha, cold-pressed juices, coffee, and teas from local favorites like The Beet Box and Urban Hang Suite. There will be an Art Walk curated by The Art Seen, where you can enjoy artist showcases and be a part of the creation of a public mural. The Market will feature a selection of hand-picked vendors, artisans, and creators. There will be giveaways, a mind-body lounge, and activations that inspire connection with Richmond’s city center, yourself and each other.
vol. 280 / Moments of JoyExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 280 / Moments of Joy
This week’s guest editor, Paige Wilson, is inspired by Joy. And it's her mission to encourage all of Richmond to become “Nabors.”
Based in the River City, Paige is the Founder and CEO of fast-growing Naborforce, a purpose-driven company that has sparked hundreds of thousands of joyful moments since its launch in 2018. Naborforce connects older adults to a trusted network of “Nabors,” thoroughly vetted and compassionate individuals who are available to lend a helping hand and provide peace of mind for families. This expanding network of Nabors promotes independent, joy-filled aging across Greater Richmond and beyond.
Paige was moved to create Naborforce after caring for her own mother, Joy, while navigating a demanding career in senior leadership roles in the investment banking industry. After her mother passed away, Paige set out to build a company that blended her professional expertise with her personal passion. She did so with the same warmth, optimism, and humor her mother embodied.
Built from love, Naborforce continues to attract a talented and deeply caring group of Nabors, all united by one mission: to support older adults and bring light into their daily lives.
This week, we are thrilled to welcome Paige as guest editor. She is sharing three tips for creating joyful moments for yourself, for others, and for the city we all love to call home.
Take it away, Paige …
Befriend Movement
Befriend believes in the limitless power of human connection to build a more compassionate and joyful world, and it all begins in our own communities. As an answer to the loneliness epidemic, Befriend creates opportunities for people to connect across generations and differences — especially with seniors who are often overlooked. At Befriend, everyone belongs. The organization hosts experiences that foster curiosity, understanding, and friendships that strengthen both individuals and communities. The ripple effects are lasting.
"When people show up with open hearts and curious minds, something magical happens – real connections form and lasting change begins," says Mollie Reinhart, the founder of Befriend.
Check out one of the nonprofit’s upcoming events, like the Befriend Sunset Walk happening on Thursday, Aug. 14, from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. at the University of Richmond Eco-Corridor and Lake. Participants will meet at 6201 River Road, behind Starbucks. And don’t miss the Befriend Sunset Clean-up scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 28, from 7 to 8 p.m. at Jefferson Park, 1921 Princess Anne Ave.
One song at a time, Joyful Voices works to stimulate the mind, energize the body, and elevate the spirit. This community chorus was created for singers with Alzheimer’s or other dementias and their caregivers. Rehearsals take place every Thursday morning from 10:00–11:30 a.m. at Salisbury Presbyterian Church. The ensemble offers a meaningful and joyful musical experience, performing two public concerts each year. Volunteers are always welcome to sing along, bring refreshments for social time and concerts, help with weekly setup and cleanup, or assist in preparing printed music for the chorus. Music is powerful, and there’s no better way to experience that power than with Joyful Voices.
Vitals:
Joyful Voices / The next Summer Sing Along is August 14, from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. / 13621 Salisbury Road, Midlothian / Volunteer here
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels is more than just a meal, it's a chance to bring joy into someone's home. This vital program helps seniors and homebound neighbors in Richmond stay independent, safe, and happy at home. Each weekday, fresh, diet-specific meals are prepared with care in the Bayard Community Kitchen and delivered by friendly volunteers between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Flexible delivery options ensure every neighbor is supported in a way that fits their needs.
Meals on Wheels offers more than nourishment. Every visit includes a smile and a safety check, providing connection, reassurance, and peace of mind. Feed More prepares and delivers meals to nearly 1,000 individuals across 14 Central Virginia localities and is a proud member of Meals on Wheels America.
It only takes 60 seconds to find out if this program is right for you or a loved one. If you are in a position to lend a hand, there are many ways to get involved. Be part of Central Virginia’s hunger-fighting community and make a difference through one meal, one visit, and one neighbor at a time.
Naborforce offers flexible, neighborly support for older adults — whether it's help around the house, running errands, or simply providing companionship. Friendly, vetted Nabors are available to lend a hand, offering a reliable backup solution for busy families and bringing peace of mind to loved ones. Whether you need occasional help or consistent support, this Richmond-based business makes it easy to connect with someone right in our community. Nabors are often empty nesters, retirees, or others who enjoy spending time with seniors and want to give back while earning flexible income. If you need a Nabor or are interested in creating moments of joy by becoming a Nabor, reach out to learn more.
vol. 279 / Earth FolkExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 279 / Earth Folk
Meet this week's guest editors, Laney Sullivan and Jameson Price of Høly River. This musical duo is known for their ethereal pop soundscapes, transcendent melodies, and environmental activism. Rooted in themes of nature, spirituality, and human connection, their music weaves together elements of folk, world, and ambient genres. Their performances create an immersive experience that goes beyond a traditional concert, offering audiences moments of reflection, introspection, and inspiration.
In addition to their music, Laney and Jameson are passionate advocates for environmental stewardship and community building. They are the founders of Fonticello Food Forest, a thriving community garden and resource hub in Southside Richmond. The food forest is dedicated to nature connection, education, and expanding access to fresh food through a weekly free farmstand.
They also co-founded the Earth Folk Collective, an organization focused on fostering creativity, connection, and ecological awareness through music, art, and co-housing. Earth Folk hosts a monthly old-time music jam and other gatherings that bring people together around shared values.
These are just a few of the many ways the two demonstrate their deep commitment to living in harmony with the earth and inspiring others to do the same.
Take it away, Laney and Jameson ...
804 Day
Richmond’s epic free block party is happening Saturday, August 2, in Shockoe Bottom beside the beautiful Main Street Station. 804 Day is a citywide celebration featuring local artists from a wide range of genres, showcasing the rich creativity of our community.
Catch our set on the WNRN Stage at 1:30 p.m. Expect a full day of live music across multiple stages, plus food, drinks, art, local makers, and the kind of community energy that makes the 804 thrive. This event is presented by Shockoe Records and the City of Richmond, and made possible by a host of volunteers and sponsors.
Vitals:
804 Day / Saturday, August 2 / 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. / Free / 17th Street Market, 100 North 17th Street
Warriors in Bloom
Also on Saturday, August 2, don’t miss Warriors in Bloom at Agecroft Hall and Gardens. This unconventional, Ren Faire–inspired experience features live music, theater, demonstrations, and vendors, all set against the backdrop of a dreamy historic venue overlooking the James River.
Virago Alley, the nonprofit behind the Richmond Renfaire, is hosting Warriors in Bloom to celebrate bold figures who dared to defy convention and changed history in the process. The immersive event will spotlight legendary figures such as Joan of Arc, Tomyris, Rani Durgavati, and Grace O'Malley through performances, lectures, storytelling, crafting activities, and an open-air artisan market.
Enjoy local vendors, historically inspired fare, and a variety of family-friendly activities in a setting that beautifully blends past and present.
Don’t miss this community wellness party hosted by Taou Studios at Celeste Farm. Monday evenings this summer, Celeste Farm opens its gates to the public for yoga, sauna, cold plunge sessions, farm-to-table picnics, and refreshing mocktails.
Haven’t been out to Celeste Farm in Varina yet? It’s just five minutes from downtown, and it’s an incredible vision brought to life by Goatocado owner Ian Newell. This flower-filled outdoor venue features a field spa where you can truly start your week off on the right foot.
Vitals:
Gather at Celeste Farm / Monday, Aug 4 / 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. / Tickets: $20 per individual, $40 per carpool group ($5 off for members) / Celeste Farm, 7001 Osborne Turnpike
More about Laney and Jameson.
Laney and Jameson of Høly River recently added “children’s book author” to the long list of reasons Richmond cheers them on. Their new children’s book, The Loon, is a lyrical lullaby adapted from one of the band’s own songs and brought to life through intricate papercut illustrations by Baltimore-based artist and activist Valeska Populoh. Thoughtfully made, the 5”x5” book is printed with soy-based inks on 100% recycled paper at a climate-neutral facility. You can order the first edition through Shockoe Records. Each copy comes signed and includes a digital version of The Loon lullaby. A beautiful gift. A beautiful message. A beautiful hometown story.
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