Wednesday, August 26th, 2026

Spectrum

Beyond Campus: Exciting events to explore around & within Richmond this month

August 26, 2026

Fakeha Naeem, Contributing Writer August and September are usually the month when U.S. colleges experience the hustle and bustle of in-state, out-of-state and international students moving into their new homes and VCU is no exception. While VCU offers many on-campus activities, there are many exciting off-campus activities for students to explore around downtown Richmond to broaden their horizons.  End of Summer: The Artisan Market Many gatherings take place in the last stretch of summer, including The Artisan Market, a free event held at Strangeways Brewing on Aug. 29 from 12 to 5 p.m., according to Visit Richmond Virginia. The market showcases unique handmade items from local vendors, offering a range of craftsmanship and handmade items created by artists living in Virginia to celebrate the end of summer.  Chesterfield County Fair Rides are just the tip of the iceberg for county fairs. Chesterfield County Fair will run a week-long event featuring performances, pageants, arts and crafts and a horse show beginning Aug. 28 to Sept. 5, according to the Chesterfield County Fair website. The fair is open on weekdays from 5 to 11 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, seniors and children over

Monster Drawing Rally rallies community at 1708 Gallery

August 26, 2026

Elle Cota, Spectrum Editor 1708 Gallery hosted its 17th monster drawing rally on Aug. 22. While no monsters were present, 80 artists were split into four rounds, each lasting an hour. From 12:15 p.m. to 5:25 p.m., artists worked on their not-strictly-monster-related pieces as attendees walked around and watched. A whistle signaled the beginning and end of each round, adding to the event’s fast-paced atmosphere.  Artists worked in a variety of styles and mediums, while nonparticipating attendees created their own monster designs on a chalkboard wall.  The event began in 2009 after Southern Exposure, a San Francisco-based organization, shared details on a similar event with a 1708 Gallery board member. The gallery has continued the tradition ever since, according to Emily Smith, director of 1708 Gallery. “I think it’s both the novelty and curiosity of seeing people make work and what that looks like and how it comes together,” Smith said. “Then you get to hopefully take one home and you’ve got an original work of art and that’s pretty cool.” Over the years, Smith has watched participation grow from 60 artists to 80 artists, as more people have expressed interest in taking part. Smith said the rally provides artists

A quack-tastic day of community at RVA Duck Fest

August 26, 2026

Elle Cota, Spectrum Editor RVA Duck Fest brought families, community organizations and vendors together on Aug. 22 at CarMax Park for a day centered on autism awareness, inclusion and connection.  The Autism Society of Central Virginia hosted the event, formerly known as the RVA Duck Race & Festival. Duck Fest featured live music, organization booths and new activities, including the chuck-a-duck contest – a game where guests throw rubber ducks into duck-shaped inflatables for a chance to win prizes. The ASCV organization uses events like Duck Fest to help people connect with others and find social opportunities and support, said Kate Fletcher, community engagement manager for ASCV. Fletcher has attended Duck Fest since its first year and has worked with ASCV at the past two events, along with her family. The ASCV provides caregiver support groups and connects families with resources, along with 400 programs each year for people of all ages and support needs. “It is really to say come as you are and we welcome all and we try to make all of our programs adapted and suitable no matter what level of support an individual needs,” Fletcher said. Fletcher’s three sons have autism and have participated in

HOTPANTS finds its sound in Richmond rock scene

August 19, 2026

Rachel Nicholas,  Assistant Spectrum Editor In a city full of creativity and booming artistry, Richmond rock band HOTPANTS has spent the last few years finding their place in the city’s music scene, pulling inspiration from classic rock, indie and psychedelic music.  Although they gather ideas from a multitude of places, the band agrees that assigning a genre to their sound is not so simple. “People will ask us, ‘What kind of music do you play?’ I’m just like, ‘I don’t know,’” frontwoman Mackenzie Roark said.  HOTPANTS formed after Roark released her first album in 2022 and wanted to bring the songs to a live audience. The band’s current lineup came together through years of connections between Richmond musicians, eventually becoming what Roark considers the “core of HOTPANTS.” Roark first met guitarist and bassist Billy Bacci around 2017 at an open mic event she was running. Bacci previously played with drummer Drew Barnocky and bassist Matt Moran through another band they were in together. “Paint on it was a band that me, Matt and Drew were in,” Bacci said. “We made three albums together and I met Matt through his brother and Drew was playing for Mackenzie at the time.” When

Beyond Campus: Exciting events to explore around & within Richmond this month

Spectrum Editor August 26, 2026

Fakeha Naeem, Contributing Writer August and September are usually the month when U.S. colleges experience the hustle and bustle of in-state, out-of-state and international students moving into their new homes and VCU is no exception. While VCU offers many on-campus activities, there are many exciting off-campus activities for students to explore around downtown Richmond to broaden their horizons.  End of Summer: The Artisan Market Many gatherings take place in the last stretch of summer, including The Artisan Market, a free event held at Strangeways Brewing on Aug. 29 from 12 to 5 p.m., according to Visit Richmond Virginia. The market showcases unique handmade items from local vendors, offering a range of craftsmanship and handmade items created by artists living in Virginia to celebrate the end of summer.  Chesterfield County Fair Rides are just the tip of the iceberg for county fairs. Chesterfield County Fair will run a week-long event featuring performances, pageants, arts and crafts and a horse show beginning Aug. 28 to Sept. 5, according to the Chesterfield County Fair website. The fair is open on weekdays from 5 to 11 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, seniors and children over four years old have discounted admission rates. Children three and under are free. Collect-A-Con: Trading Cards and Anime Are you searching for rare Pokémon cards or specific anime items to add to your collection? Collect-A-Con provides fanatics the opportunity to discover and add to trading card and anime collections, according to Collect-A-Con USA. The Greater Richmond Convention Center will host the con from Aug. 29 to 30, with 900 vendors selling Pokémon and sports cards, vintage toys and other collectables, along with appearances from anime voice actors and celebrity guests. Richmond Comedy and Music Festival The Richmond Comedy and Music Festival presents a blend of humor and music featuring comedian Micha “Bamm Bamm” White and live performances by Unity 7 and DJ Hype Entertainment on Saturday, Aug. 29 from 7 to 11 p.m., according to Virginia Business Expo Corporation. The festival is a ticketed event at Imani catering-conference center for ages 21 and over. The multi-disciplinary event features jazz and R&B music and a variety of food and drinks from local vendors. Wine and Design  Wine and Design advertises itself as a premier art experience for attendees to spend a quiet, creative evening with their friends, offering exclusive classes, according

Beyond Campus: Exciting events to explore around & within Richmond this month

August 26, 2026

Fakeha Naeem, Contributing Writer August and September are usually the month when U.S. colleges experience the hustle and bustle of in-state, out-of-state and international students moving into their new homes and VCU is no exception. While VCU offers many on-campus activities, there are many exciting off-campus activities for students to explore around downtown Richmond to broaden their horizons.  End of Summer: The Artisan Market Many gatherings take place in the last stretch of summer, including The Artisan Market, a free event held at Strangeways Brewing on Aug. 29 from 12 to 5 p.m., according to Visit Richmond Virginia. The market showcases unique handmade items from local vendors, offering a range of craftsmanship and handmade items created by artists living in Virginia to celebrate the end of summer.  Chesterfield County Fair Rides are just the tip of the iceberg for county fairs. Chesterfield County Fair will run a week-long event featuring performances, pageants, arts and crafts and a horse show beginning Aug. 28 to Sept. 5, according to the Chesterfield County Fair website. The fair is open on weekdays from 5 to 11 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, seniors and children over four years old have discounted admission rates. Children three and under are free. Collect-A-Con: Trading Cards and Anime Are you searching for rare Pokémon cards or specific anime items to add to your collection? Collect-A-Con provides fanatics the opportunity to discover and add to trading card and anime collections, according to Collect-A-Con USA. The Greater Richmond Convention Center will host the con from Aug. 29 to 30, with 900 vendors selling Pokémon and sports cards, vintage toys and other collectables, along with appearances from anime voice actors and celebrity guests. Richmond Comedy and Music Festival The Richmond Comedy and Music Festival presents a blend of humor and music featuring comedian Micha “Bamm Bamm” White and live performances by Unity 7 and DJ Hype Entertainment on Saturday, Aug. 29 from 7 to 11 p.m., according to Virginia Business Expo Corporation. The festival is a ticketed event at Imani catering-conference center for ages 21 and over. The multi-disciplinary event features jazz and R&B music and a variety of food and drinks from local vendors. Wine and Design  Wine and Design advertises itself as a premier art experience for attendees to spend a quiet, creative evening with their friends, offering exclusive classes, according

Monster Drawing Rally rallies community at 1708 Gallery

August 26, 2026

Elle Cota, Spectrum Editor 1708 Gallery hosted its 17th monster drawing rally on Aug. 22. While no monsters were present, 80 artists were split into four rounds, each lasting an hour. From 12:15 p.m. to 5:25 p.m., artists worked on their not-strictly-monster-related pieces as attendees walked around and watched. A whistle signaled the beginning and end of each round, adding to the event’s fast-paced atmosphere.  Artists worked in a variety of styles and mediums, while nonparticipating attendees created their own monster designs on a chalkboard wall.  The event began in 2009 after Southern Exposure, a San Francisco-based organization, shared details on a similar event with a 1708 Gallery board member. The gallery has continued the tradition ever since, according to Emily Smith, director of 1708 Gallery. “I think it’s both the novelty and curiosity of seeing people make work and what that looks like and how it comes together,” Smith said. “Then you get to hopefully take one home and you’ve got an original work of art and that’s pretty cool.” Over the years, Smith has watched participation grow from 60 artists to 80 artists, as more people have expressed interest in taking part. Smith said the rally provides artists

A quack-tastic day of community at RVA Duck Fest

August 26, 2026

Elle Cota, Spectrum Editor RVA Duck Fest brought families, community organizations and vendors together on Aug. 22 at CarMax Park for a day centered on autism awareness, inclusion and connection.  The Autism Society of Central Virginia hosted the event, formerly known as the RVA Duck Race & Festival. Duck Fest featured live music, organization booths and new activities, including the chuck-a-duck contest – a game where guests throw rubber ducks into duck-shaped inflatables for a chance to win prizes. The ASCV organization uses events like Duck Fest to help people connect with others and find social opportunities and support, said Kate Fletcher, community engagement manager for ASCV. Fletcher has attended Duck Fest since its first year and has worked with ASCV at the past two events, along with her family. The ASCV provides caregiver support groups and connects families with resources, along with 400 programs each year for people of all ages and support needs. “It is really to say come as you are and we welcome all and we try to make all of our programs adapted and suitable no matter what level of support an individual needs,” Fletcher said. Fletcher’s three sons have autism and have participated in

HOTPANTS finds its sound in Richmond rock scene

August 19, 2026

Rachel Nicholas,  Assistant Spectrum Editor In a city full of creativity and booming artistry, Richmond rock band HOTPANTS has spent the last few years finding their place in the city’s music scene, pulling inspiration from classic rock, indie and psychedelic music.  Although they gather ideas from a multitude of places, the band agrees that assigning a genre to their sound is not so simple. “People will ask us, ‘What kind of music do you play?’ I’m just like, ‘I don’t know,’” frontwoman Mackenzie Roark said.  HOTPANTS formed after Roark released her first album in 2022 and wanted to bring the songs to a live audience. The band’s current lineup came together through years of connections between Richmond musicians, eventually becoming what Roark considers the “core of HOTPANTS.” Roark first met guitarist and bassist Billy Bacci around 2017 at an open mic event she was running. Bacci previously played with drummer Drew Barnocky and bassist Matt Moran through another band they were in together. “Paint on it was a band that me, Matt and Drew were in,” Bacci said. “We made three albums together and I met Matt through his brother and Drew was playing for Mackenzie at the time.” When

Buzz-worthy day at Pollinator Palooza

August 19, 2026

Aaliyah Sharrock, Contributing writer What brings people together to learn about native plants, butterflies and bees? For the attendees of Pollinator Palooza, the answer may be as simple as curiosity or even a desire to better understand the ecosystems around them.  That connection was on display at Pollinator Palooza located at Studio Two Three on Aug. 16, where educators, vendors and community members gathered to learn about pollinators, native plants and the relationship between people and nature. The free event offered visitors an opportunity to learn about pollinators, explore native plants and interact with local businesses and educators.  Yelena Avigail, an educator at the event, is a butterfly expert who showcased artwork, stickers and watercolor paintings while teaching visitors about moths and butterflies. “My favorite pollinators are moths and I think they are very misunderstood because people think that they are here to eat our clothes, but most beautiful moths don’t even have mouths,” Avigail said. One of Avigail’s favorite pollinators is the snowberry clearwing moth, a daytime-flying moth that mimics the appearance of a bee. Visitors were also particularly interested in the Atlas moth at her booth.  The moth came from Southeast Asia and was raised through its entire

Mom! Phineas and Ferb are making an improv show!

August 19, 2026

TJ Parrillo, Contributing Writer Richmond’s Coalition Theater, located at 8 W. Broad St., wants to bring out not just the actors, but the audience’s creative side in their upcoming “Phineas and Ferb” themed improv show. “Phineas and Ferb” is not just about two boys navigating the boredom of summer, it is also about imagination and collaboration.  When adapting any series from pre-recorded and scripted to live and improvised, one must consider the many trade-offs of the respective mediums. To elevate their source material, Richmond Coalition Theater uses features including audience interactions and a live band providing music for improvised musical numbers. With no two episodes the same, each performance echoes the line “So Ferb, what do you want to do today?” with a twist of audience interaction. When audience members arrive at the theater, they write down an invention they would like Phineas and Ferb to build, said cast member Blake Vail-Rhodes. The director, Preston Bradsher, then picks two suggestions, which become the episode titles and the inventions. The show is PG and there is veto power for any inappropriate suggestions. “Our actors bring their own voice and interpretation to the characters, but when casting we purposefully prioritized casting people

Culture takes center stage at Richmond’s 3rd annual International Dance Festival

August 19, 2026

Sadie Porter, Contributing Writer Traditional dancers from over 18 countries, spanning from India to China to Mexico, congregated at the Cultural Arts Center at Glenn Allen on Aug. 15 for the 3rd annual Richmond International Dance Festival as a celebration of diversity and community. From only representing a mere five countries at the first festival, to 16, to finally this year representing a total of 18 countries, the Richmond International Dance Festival has reached its largest audience yet.  Culture Encounters presented the event — a nonprofit organization that aims to bring immigrants in the Richmond region together. The immersive experience includes community dinners, school visits and workplace programs. Amma Gatty, founder and executive director of Culture Encounters has seen the changes firsthand, starting out as an art summer camp for kids before shifting its focus to the exploration of cultures. “The idea is for immigrants and locals to have spaces where they can truly connect and engage with each other,” Gatty said.  As culturally diverse as Richmond is, ethnic groups are separate into their own communities, isolating different cultural groups, according to Gatty.   The dance festival highlighted the importance of multi-cultural appreciation within the city of Richmond with community members

Punks, ravers come together for moshing, mutual aid

April 29, 2026

Cora Perkins, Assistant Spectrum Editor It was a normal day in Scuffletown Park, the birds were chirping, the flowers were blooming and the punks and ravers were moshing and dancing.  Femmefest, a festival of DJs and hardcore punk bands, celebrated feminine-presenting people, both in and out of music.  Miles Dillahunt, vocalist of PlutoniumWomb and creator of the fest, wanted there to be a space for newcomers to become involved in the scene.  “I wanted to create a safe space for people who might be nervous to get involved with activism or shows due to their queerness or femme identity, just so that way they feel less alone and encouraged to go to more shows,” Dillahunt said.  A big motivator for the event was the reaction to a previous story by The CT about women in the hardcore scene in Richmond. The comments under the article spoke volumes to how many men in the scene feel about women speaking out against issues they face within the hardcore community, Dillahunt said.  “The comments were vile,” Dillahunt said. “Both Judas and Lexi received death threats for speaking on their lived experiences. A lot of the people in the comments aren’t even authentic punks,

Professor teaches VCU’s first Asian American history class 

April 29, 2026

Burke Loftus, Staff Photographer VCU’s Department of History now offers a new course, Intro to Asian American History, the first of its kind in the university’s history.  Second-year political science student Trina LaFortune is a Filipino American from Annandale, Virginia. Growing up in Northern Virginia, she said most of her knowledge of Asian American culture came from conversations with her family, who immigrated to the United States from the Philippines in the early 2000s, and other Asian immigrant families. “We only highlighted ‘Asian studies’ in junior and senior year, and that was the extent of it,” LaFortune said. “There [are] a lot of Asian people in NOVA. Even then, my education just had a narrow scope of what Asian American history was.”  In the fall of 2025, LaFortune’s focused inquiry professor, Frank Cha, announced to the class that he would be teaching an Intro to Asian American History course in the spring — asking students to email him if they were interested. “Part of me was like, ‘Oh my god, this is representation,’ but also part of me was like, ‘No, I think I’m just more curious to see what else I can learn,’” LaFortune said. “I wanted to see