Weekend Top 10

JULY 26SPARC will present “Newsies” at 7:30 p.m. July 26, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. July 27 and at 2 p.m. July 28 at the Henrico Theatre in Highland Springs. This Disney film turned Tony Award-winning Broadway musical features the classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day” and “Santa Fe.” Suitable for the whole family, “Newsies” inspires everyone to fight for what’s right. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students 18 and under. For information, call 353-3393 or visit www.sparcrichmond.org. *** The Short Pump Town Center Summer Concert Series will conclude with country music artist Phil Vassar from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Main Plaza. Vassar is known for his hits, “Just Another Day in Paradise” and “Carlene.” Wine and beer tastings benefit St. Mary’s Hospital’s Evelyn D. Reinhart Guest House. Admission is free. For more information, call 360-1700 or visit www.shortpumptowncenter.com. *** West Broad Village will host Movies on the Lawn every Friday in July at 8:30 p.m. at The Pad. The event includes a family-friendly movie, balloon art, complimentary popcorn, raffles and more. Tonight’s movie is “Christopher Robin.” Blankets and folding chairs welcome. Outside alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Admission is free with a canned food donation to FeedMore. For more information, visit www.westbroadvillage.com. *** The Henrico Theatre Company will present the final production of its 40th season, “The Fantasticks,” July 26-28 at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen. The musical comedy is about a boy, a girl, their fathers (who try to keep them apart) and a love that grows each season. “The Fantasticks” is the longest-running musical in the world and was first performed by HTC in 1985. All performances are at 8 p.m. except Sunday matinees which are at 2:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Tickets start at $8 and can be purchased by calling 501-5859 or online at www.artsglenallen.com. *** The Virginia Repertory Theatre’s Children’s Theatre at Willow Lawn will present “Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical” July 26-28. Inspired by the events of The Little Rock Nine, “Polkadots” follows 8-year-old Lily Polkadot, the first Polkadot to attend school in the “Squares Only” small town of Rockaway. Lily and her new friend Sky, a shy Square boy who appreciates her for her unique polkadot skin, prove that individual differences don’t make you weird or wrong, they make you awesome. Single tickets start at $21. For information, visit www.virginiarep.org.

JULY 27
The second annual RVA Community Fun Day will take place from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Dorey Park. The event is free to the public and will feature free health screenings, kids' activities, pet adoptions, dance-off contests, vendors and entertainment. WRIC TV anchor Constance Jones will serve as “Mistress of Ceremonies” and will be joined by Monica L. Ball of Real Talk with Monica and Rising Towards Success, and Mario Williams, “Artillery Da God.” For details, call 608-6407 or e-mail realtalkwithmonica@gmail.com.

Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, 2408-2410 Ownby Lane, will host the 4th Annual HeART & Soul Brew Fest from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. The family-friendly festival features music, urban art, vendors, soul food and craft beers. Admission is free. For details, email heartandsoulbrewfest@gmail.com or visit www.hardywood.com.

The GEMS & International Egyptian Mau Society Cat Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 27-28 at Richmond Raceway. Nearly 200 felines from around the country will compete for Top Cat including the rare Egyptian Mau and other breeds such as Bengal, Cornish Rex, Japanese Bobtail, Maine Coone and Persian. Household pets will compete for the title of Best House Cat. In addition to the judging, spectators will have the opportunity to meet the cats and their owners and ask questions. Many owners will have kittens for sale. Admission starts at $4. Visit www.egyptianmau.org for information.

Old Dogs New Tricks Bluegrass Band will perform from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Calvary Christian Church, 14196 Ashland Road in Glen Allen. The bluegrass gospel concert kicks off the church’s Homecoming Week. Admission is free. For details, call 798-7536 or visit www.calvarychristianglenallen.org.

JULY 28
A local woman is hoping to make July feel like Christmas for some families. Tara Gray is hosting "RVA Christmas in July," a scavenger hunt that will take place July 28 at some parks in the Richmond area. Gray has purchased and received donations of various gift cards to local businesses, which she will leave at the parks, including several in Henrico. Gray was inspired by the popularity of uniquely painted rocks, which people often hide in various public spots. Her idea is designed to help families who could use a little boost. Anyone who would like to donate gift cards to the effort should contact Gray at grays708@yahoo.com.