Welcome to the Weekend Radar–the evolution of our Weekend Event Picks! In it, we hope to give you some events that might already be on your radar that you might want to check out (on the radar), some that are a bit under the radar, and at least one or two that’s a bit out there and zany. You know, the stuff that makes Richmond so uniquely…Richmond! Let’s go.

On the radar

Mardi Gras RVA 2020 –Dogtown Dance Theatre presents the 10th annual Mardi Gras RVA on February 22nd. This family-friendly event will have a multitude of diverse performances by Dogtown’s own artists, live music from Elana Lisa and the Hot Mess, an interactive parade including local businesses and artists, and authentic styled New Orleans food served by Sophia’s International Cuisine.

Dogtown Dance Theatre | 109 W. 15th Street | Saturday, February 22nd – 3:30 – 8:30 PM | $15 | TICKETS

Under the radar

Science After Dark: Frozen Science – Calling all magical snow queens, quirky and courageous princesses and reindeer-loving outdoorsmen: you are invited to come in out of the cold and warm up to a flurry of ice and snow-themed activities, featuring swimming pools full of a snow-like sensory polymer, paper snowflake making, Supercool liquid nitrogen demos, a soap cloud activity, snowball catapult making, and winter character crafts. In the Dome, we’ll have two special showings of Frozen at 5 pm or 8 pm (extra ticket required) and an all-live planetarium show at 7 pm (space is limited to the first 250 guests, no ticket required). After the shows, step outside to stargaze through telescopes with the Richmond Astronomical Society, weather permitting. (Brrr! Don’t forget your hat and coat.)

Science Museum of Virginia | 2500 W. Broad Street | Friday, February 21st – 5:00 – 8:00 PM | $10 and up | EVENT WEBSITE

Black Book Expo – Elegba Folklore Society will present the Black Book Expo February 22 – 23 in its Cultural Center in the RVA Arts District, 101 E. Broad St, corner of 1st & Broad. Featured authors will be on site along with a wide and varied selection of books. Elegba Folklore Society has presented the Black Book Expo since 2013, and it has become a programmatic staple.

Elegba Folklore Society | 101 E. Broad Street | Saturday, February 22nd – Sunday, February 23rd, 1:00 – 5:00 PM | FREE | EVENT WEBSITE

Valor Awards Workshop – Valor awards are given to officers for acts of bravery, boldness, determination, and heroic courage. Know a person in your life that deserves such an honor? Maybe it’s yourself! At this event, you can reflect on some of the amazing people in your life and make valor awards to present to them. Throw a pin on it and make it a brooch, even. For even more fun, sign up with a friend and make one for each other.

ArtWorks Richmond | 300 Hull Street | Sunday, February 23rd, 12:30 – 2:00 PM | $20 | TICKETS

…WTF?

Get Tattooed to End Lyme Disease – For the fourth year in a row, Loose Screw Tattoo will help make a difference during the Ink to End Lyme flash event on February 29th. Funds raised will support Lyme Warrior’s efforts to invest in research, treatment, and support for those living with the disease. The event is one of dozens occurring around the country to support the organization. During Ink to End Lyme, Loose Screw will lower its shop minimum and price the flash designs at $50 and up. The event always draws a crowd of tattoo collectors, artists and volunteers who bring it to life. Fresh and exclusive flash designs will be by Loose Screw’s talented team of internationally known artists, including Jesse Smith, Jason Stephan, Nick Mitchell, Chris Jenkins, Jen Bean, Anna Wolff, and Dondrae Usual.