What to Do, Eat & Explore This Week in the Greater Richmond Metro: Chesterfield, Henrico & the Heart of Central Virginia

The 115th annual Chesterfield County Fair kicks off on August 28, and opening weekend is always the most exciting time to go. This year's fair celebrates America's 250th birthday with a special "Star-Spangled Affair" theme, featuring pig races, agricultural and craft exhibitions, a circus, musical performances, and the always-popular midway games and carnival rides. The fair runs 5-11 PM on weekdays and 11 AM-11 PM on weekends, with tickets running $6-$12. The En'Novation Opening Night on Friday, August 28 kicks things off at 8 PM with a spectacular show. Opening weekend also includes the Chesterfield County Arts and Crafts Competition dropoff on Thursday, August 27 at 3 PM. For families with kids, the fair's agricultural exhibits -- live animals, 4-H projects, and farm demonstrations -- are a highlight. And for anyone who loves fair food, the fried Oreos, funnel cakes, and turkey legs are as good as ever.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden's Flowers After 5 summer concert series continues on Thursday, August 27, and this is one of the final evenings of the season. The garden stays open late with live music filling the air among the blooming flowers, lush greenery, and the iconic Bloemendaal House. You can explore the garden's 50 acres of themed gardens -- the Asian Valley, the Victorian Garden, the Cherry Tree Walk -- while enjoying craft beer, wine, and small plates from the Garden Cafe. The concert series is included with general garden admission (and free for members), and the August evening light makes for spectacular photo opportunities among the flowers. This is a wonderful date night option or a relaxed family outing. Kids love exploring the Children's Garden with its treehouse and water features, and the butterflies in the Conservatory are always a hit with little ones.

The Richmond Flying Squirrels, the San Francisco Giants Double-A affiliate, are back at The Diamond for a full homestand this week. August baseball at The Diamond is a Richmond tradition -- affordable tickets, between-inning antics, and the chance to see future Major Leaguers play. Tuesday night features $2 beer and hot dogs. Friday night has post-game fireworks. And Sunday is Kids Run the Bases day. The ballpark atmosphere at The Diamond is family-friendly and casual, with a great selection of local craft beer from Richmond breweries available at the concession stands. The Flying Squirrels have a devoted following in Richmond, and weeknight games are a perfect way to shake off the workday with the family.

Firehouse Theatre in Richmond's Fan District presents FIVE: A Ritual for What Remains on Tuesday, August 25 at 7:30 PM. This intimate performance piece explores themes of memory, loss, and ritual through movement and storytelling. Firehouse Theatre is one of Richmond's most beloved intimate performance venues, housed in a converted fire station that dates back to the early 20th century. The shows here are always thought-provoking and deeply human, and the intimate 100-seat house means you are never far from the stage. It makes for a memorable evening in Richmond's cultural district, perfect for a date night or a solo adventure into the city's vibrant arts scene. After the show, walk over to one of the nearby restaurants on Broad Street for dinner or drinks.

The Lucky Leaf Expo comes to the Greater Richmond Convention Center for a weekend-long event on August 28-29. This convention features exhibitors, educational sessions, live entertainment, and vendor offerings from across the industry. The convention center is located in downtown Richmond, steps from the historic Broad Street corridor and within walking distance of dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops. Whether you are attending the expo or just in downtown Richmond that weekend, the convention center brings thousands of visitors into the city and creates a vibrant downtown atmosphere.

Late August is a great time for Latin music in Richmond, with Latin Jazz and Salsa events happening at venues around the city. The Latin music scene in Richmond has grown significantly in recent years, with dedicated salsa nights at venues like The Lilly Pad (RVA Bachata on Thursdays) and live Latin jazz performances popping up at spots throughout the Fan and Scott's Addition. Check local event calendars for this week's specific listings. These events are family-friendly and offer a great way to experience Richmond's growing cultural diversity through music, dance, and food.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill opened its Chesterfield location at 15700 Hull Street Road in 2025 and was immediately named one of the 10 best new Richmond restaurants of the year. This polished-casual steakhouse specializes in hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood prepared over an open wood-fired grill -- the same flames that give every dish that distinctive smoky, charred flavor. The menu is approachable for the whole family: wood-grilled salmon and shrimp, aged steaks, half-pound burgers, chopped salads, and loaded baked potato soup. The bar program features craft cocktails with fresh juices and a solid wine list with several Virginia bottles. The interior is warm and modern with exposed wood beams, open kitchen views, and a lively bar area. Firebirds is the kind of restaurant that raises the bar for Chesterfield County dining. Reservations are recommended on weekends, especially during the Chesterfield County Fair when the area is busier than usual.

Viet Holic Vietnamese Cuisine and Cafe opened in late 2025 at 8700 Midlothian Turnpike in North Chesterfield and has quickly become a favorite among Richmond food lovers. This modern Vietnamese spot serves classic pho, banh mi, vermicelli bowls, and rice plates in a bright, clean space with a welcoming atmosphere. The pho broth is rich and aromatic, simmered for hours with traditional spices. The banh mi is made on fresh French-style baguettes with house-made pate, pickled daikon and carrot, and your choice of grilled pork, lemongrass chicken, or tofu. The cafe side of Viet Holic serves Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da), matcha lattes, and bubble teas that make it a perfect lunch or afternoon pick-me-up stop. Viet Holic is a welcome addition to Chesterfield's increasingly diverse dining scene and is well worth a visit this week.

Lafayette Tavern is one of the most anticipated new restaurant openings in Richmond in 2026, located at 1011 Lafayette Street in the heart of downtown. This modern American tavern brings a fresh approach to classic tavern fare -- think elevated burgers and hand-cut fries, sharable plates with seasonal ingredients, creative cocktails, and a carefully curated wine and beer list. The interior blends historic charm with contemporary design, featuring exposed brick, warm wood tones, and a long bar that invites lingering over a drink. Located in the vibrant downtown Richmond dining scene, Lafayette Tavern is within walking distance of The Diamond, the Convention Center, and the Broad Street corridor. It is the perfect spot for a pre-game dinner before a Flying Squirrels game or a post-work dinner with colleagues.

CAVA opened its Chesterfield location at 9959 Iron Bridge Road in September 2024 and has become an instant hit for families looking for fresh, fast, and flavorful Mediterranean food. The build-your-own bowl and pita concept lets everyone customize their meal -- choose a base of grains, greens, or pita, add proteins like spicy lamb meatballs, braised lamb, grilled chicken, or roasted veggies, and top it with house-made dips like hummus, tzatziki, and harissa. The bowls are generous, the ingredients are fresh, and the prices are reasonable for a family meal. CAVA is a great option for a quick dinner after the Chesterfield County Fair or before heading to an evening event. The bright, modern dining room is welcoming and casual, and the staff is always happy to help newcomers navigate the menu.

Pablo's Cantina opened in 2025 on North Sycamore Street in Petersburg's Old Towne Historic District, taking over the space formerly occupied by El Mundo. This Mexican street-food spot brings vibrant flavors to the Tri-Cities dining scene with a menu of tacos, burritos, tortas, and antojitos that celebrate the authentic street food traditions of Mexico. The setting in Old Towne Petersburg -- one of the best-preserved Victorian-era downtowns in America -- makes for a beautiful dining experience. After dinner, take a walk along Sycamore Street to admire the historic architecture, stop into one of the antique shops, or head over to the Appomattox River for a sunset view. Pablo's Cantina is part of a wave of new restaurants revitalizing Petersburg's culinary scene, and it is well worth the drive from Richmond for a weekend dinner out.

Bell Greek in Mechanicsville continues to be one of the highest-rated dining spots in the Richmond metro area, with a 4.6-star rating that reflects consistent quality and warm hospitality. This family-owned Greek restaurant serves hand-made gyros, souvlaki, spanakopita, moussaka, and lamb dishes that taste like they came straight from a family kitchen in Athens. The grilled octopus is tender and perfectly charred, the tzatziki is creamy and house-made, and the baklava is flaky, honey-drenched perfection. Bell Greek is the kind of restaurant that rewards repeat visits -- the owners remember regulars, the portions stay generous, and the quality never slips. It is an easy drive from anywhere in the Richmond metro, making it a great dinner destination this week.

Pocahontas State Park is Chesterfield County's outdoor crown jewel -- over 8,000 acres of forests, lakes, and trails that offer something for every kind of outdoor enthusiast. The Beaver Lake Trail is a 2-mile loop around a serene lake with boardwalks, bridges, and abundant wildlife viewing -- great blue herons, turtles, and beavers are common sights. The Water Spray Ground is a huge hit with kids on hot August afternoons, offering a cool splash zone with fountains and spray features. The park also has the CCC Museum (Civilian Conservation Corps), hiking and biking trails ranging from easy to moderate, kayak and canoe rentals on Swift Creek Lake, and a campground. Late August is the ideal time to visit -- the water spray ground is still operating, the trails are shaded and green, and the park is less crowded than in peak July. Admission is just $7 per vehicle. Bring a picnic and spend the whole day.

Forest Hill Park is one of Richmond's most beautiful and historic parks, featuring rolling hills, a spring-fed lake, mature oak and beech trees, and a network of trails that connect to the James River Park System. The Buttermilk Trail, which starts from Forest Hill Park, is a 4.5-mile single-track trail that follows the river through the woods, past massive boulders, and along the riverside with stunning views of the James River rapids. The trail is popular with mountain bikers, trail runners, and hikers. The park itself has tennis courts, a playground, picnic shelters, and the Reedy Creek access point to the James River -- perfect for wading and cooling off on a warm late-summer afternoon. Forest Hill is a true Richmond gem, and it is at its most beautiful in the late summer when the canopy is full and the light filters through the leaves.

Deep Run Park is one of Henrico County's largest and most popular parks, with 165 acres of rolling terrain, wooded trails, two ponds with fountains, and a modern playground that kids love. The main walking trail is a 1.5-mile paved loop that circles the park, passing by the ponds, through shaded woods, and across open meadows. The park is known for its stunning spring wildflowers and summer greenery. It has multiple picnic shelters, tennis and basketball courts, a baseball field, and plenty of open space for a game of catch. The park's location in the West End makes it a convenient stop for a walk or picnic after dinner. In late August, the evening light over the ponds is beautiful, and the playground stays busy with families making the most of the remaining weeks of summer freedom.

Dutch Gap Conservation Area is a 726-acre nature preserve located on the James River in Chesterfield County, near the I-295 Varina-Enon Bridge. The preserve features hiking trails through hardwood forests, along tidal marshes, and to a scenic overlook of the James River. The trails are well-maintained and vary from easy to moderate, making them accessible for families with children. The preserve is a popular spot for birdwatching -- the marshes attract herons, egrets, red-winged blackbirds, and migratory waterfowl. The history of Dutch Gap dates back to the Civil War, when Union forces dug a canal across the peninsula to bypass Confederate artillery on the James River. Today it is a peaceful natural area that feels much farther from the city than it actually is. The late summer wildflowers in the meadows are beautiful, and the river overlook at sunset is spectacular.

Texas Beach is one of Richmond's most beloved James River access points, located on the North Bank of the river near the intersection of Riverside Drive and the North Bank Trail. The trail leads through a shaded floodplain forest down to a sandy beach on the James River where you can wade, swim (with caution for the current), or just sit and watch the river flow by. The North Bank Trail connects Texas Beach to the Belle Isle footbridge and the rest of the James River Park System trail network. The full loop -- crossing Belle Isle, the Buttermilk Trail, and the North Bank Trail -- makes for a 4-5 mile hike with some of the best river views in Richmond. In late August, the river is warm, the trail is shaded, and the crowds are thinner than in the peak of summer. Park at the Texas Beach parking lot on Riverside Drive and walk down. Bring water and bug spray.

Tuckahoe Creek Park is a peaceful 30-acre park along Tuckahoe Creek in western Henrico County. The park features a short nature trail that follows the creek through a wooded ravine, a playground, and a kayak/canoe launch for paddling the scenic Tuckahoe Creek. The trail is easy and family-friendly, with wooden boardwalks crossing the creek in several places. The park is a hidden gem in the West End -- quiet, uncrowded, and beautiful. In late August, the creek is low and clear, and the tree canopy keeps the trail cool and shady. The park is a great spot for a short morning walk or an afternoon picnic with the kids. It connects to the Tuckahoe Creek watershed, which flows into the James River, and the paddling route downstream is beautiful for experienced kayakers.

The Back to School Bowl at Fort Eustis Bowling Center (King Pinz, 675 Dickman St) on Sunday, August 23 from 12-4 PM kicks off the final week of summer for military families at JBLE-Eustis. As the new school year begins this week for many Virginia school districts, Joint Base Langley-Eustis continues to offer family support programs. The JBLE MWR is the central hub for back-to-school resources, school supply information, and family activities. For military families who PCS'd to the area over the summer, the JBLE School Liaison Office is an invaluable resource for navigating school enrollment, special education services, and the unique challenges of military-connected student transitions. If your family is new to the area and you are still looking for housing near JBLE-Eustis or Fort Gregg-Adams before the school year settles in, Shannon can help -- call her at 804-803-1080 to schedule a consultation.

Fort Gregg-Adams continues to support military families through the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) and Army Community Service (ACS) as the August school year begins. The EFMP office offers back-to-school resources for families with special needs, including school liaison support, IEP guidance, and enrollment assistance. The ACS office provides financial readiness workshops, employment assistance for military spouses, and relocation counseling. For military families living in the Richmond metro area and commuting to Fort Gregg-Adams, the drive is approximately 30-40 minutes from Chesterfield County via I-95 and 20 minutes from Petersburg and Prince George via Route 301. As a Military Relocation Professional (MRP), Shannon helps military families navigate exactly these kinds of decisions -- balancing commute times, school quality, and housing options across the entire Richmond metro. Call her at 804-803-1080 to talk through your options as the school year begins.

This is the week that most Virginia school districts begin the 2026-2027 school year. Henrico County Public Schools, Chesterfield County Public Schools, Hanover County Public Schools, Richmond City Public Schools, and surrounding districts all start their academic year in late August. For military families who have recently PCS'd to the area, this is a critical week for ensuring your children are enrolled and ready. Key steps for military families enrolling in a Virginia school district mid-move: (1) Contact the school district's central registration office -- most accept enrollment year-round. (2) Gather required documents -- proof of residency (lease or purchase contract), birth certificate, immunization records, and your military orders or ID for the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. (3) Request your child's records from their previous school immediately. Virginia participates in the Interstate Compact, which helps smooth the transition for military children changing schools due to PCS orders. The compact ensures that your child's placement, records transfer, and graduation requirements are handled with minimal disruption. If your family arrived over the summer and you are still getting settled, do not worry -- Virginia schools are experienced with military family enrollment throughout the year. And if you still need housing, Shannon can help you find a home in your preferred school district quickly. Call 804-803-1080.

Team RWB's Richmond chapter continues its year-round schedule of events connecting veterans, active duty service members, and military families through group fitness, social gatherings, and community service. Late August typically features group trail runs at Pocahontas State Park and along the Buttermilk Trail, evening social hours at Scott's Addition breweries, and service projects supporting veteran causes. Team RWB is free to join and welcomes members of all fitness levels -- the focus is on connection and community, not athletic performance. As military families settle into the back-to-school routine, Team RWB offers a great way for newly arrived veterans and spouses to build a support network. Both the Richmond chapter and the Hampton Roads/Peninsula chapter maintain active Facebook groups where they post weekly event schedules. This is the perfect week to join a run, meet fellow veterans, and start building your community in the Richmond area.

The USO of Virginia operates centers at Richmond International Airport, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, and locations throughout the state, providing a welcoming space for military families traveling, transitioning, or simply needing support. The USO Richmond center at the airport serves transitioning service members and their families with comfortable lounge space, Wi-Fi, snacks, and travel assistance. At JBLE-Langley-Eustis, the USO center is a hub of activity with programs like Tiny Toe Time for new parents, coffee socials for military spouses, and holiday events for the whole family. As the school year begins and the summer PCS season winds down, the USO is an excellent resource for military families looking for connection, support, and a sense of home in the Richmond area. All USO services are free for active duty, National Guard, Reserve, and their families. Visit the USO Mid-Atlantic website for center locations, hours, and program schedules.