What’s Up: Arts & crafts fest, chess competition, sign-ups for charity 5K run 

Hello Richmondside readers, here are some highlights of things to do and know this week. You can sign up to participate in a 5K fundraiser, cycle on a newly completed bike lane, learn to play chess with experts and plenty more. 

For additional events, check out our calendar and be sure to add your own listings as well.

Bike — safely — on Hoffman Boulevard

For Richmond cyclists, a new bike lane extension along Hoffman Boulevard was recently installed and is ready for use. The bike lane is part of the South Richmond Transportation Connectivity Plan, a city initiative working to create a two-way cycle-track along the east side of the city between the Ford Plant and Hoffman Boulevard.

“I’m glad traveling by bike for work or for recreation between Marina Bay, The Richmond Ferry Terminal and Point Richmond (as well as the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge) has now become safer for all,” said Richmond resident Tristan Tom.

We Run Richmond: 5K fundraiser is July 27 

It’s time to register for Moving Forward’s eighth-annual We Run Richmond 5k. The fundraiser aims to equip elementary-age youths with backpacks and school supplies. The event is 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, at Lucretia Edwards Shoreline Park, 1500 Marina Way South. This year’s event includes virtual and in-person options, and a kids’ sprint for toddlers up to 12-years-old. Registration fees are $64.60 for adults and $38.10 for kids, and early registrations are encouraged. You can dress up as your favorite animated character or superhero to display the power of super-fitness. Those who participate in costume can enter the Best Costume Competition for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card. For more information, see the 2024 Runner’s Handbook, or contact the Moving Forward website. 

Hopperoni at Armistice is today

Every third Thursday of the month, Hopperoni is the place for after-work pizzas and IPAs, from 2 p.m.-8 p.m. at Armistice Brewing Company, 845 Marina Bay Parkway. Hopperoni pairs mouth-watering pizzas from Pie on the Fly with Armistice terpene bomb IPAs. 

International Chess Day competition on Saturday

Have you always wanted to learn how to play chess? The Richmond Public Library has you covered, from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at the Main Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. The library is partnering with The West Coast Chess Alliance to present the free International Chess Day competition. It’s open to all ages and will feature chess variants such as bug-house, blitz, and chances to win prizes. Pick up a game card and learn how to play chess from the experts.

Live music at The Backyard Saturday 

Enjoy a contemporary blues musical performance from Muwazu and the Bay Area All Stars, from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, at The Backyard, 205 Cutting Blvd. The Backyard is an outdoor beer and wine garden that also serves burgers, sandwiches, and Tartines. For the full menu, you can visit The Backyard website. 

Sunday: Point Richmond Arts and Crafts Festival (and Beyond) 

Every third Sunday of the month, The Point Richmond Arts and Crafts Festival (and Beyond) is a free celebration of local talent, featuring a showcase of handcrafted work from the greater Richmond community. From 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at 78 Railroad Ave., behind Baltic Kiss, enjoy yummy food from Black Star Pirate BBQ, artwork from Artist of Point Richmond, and artisanal creations from Purple Sky Creations, Golden Grove Goods, Papercut Pottery, and Angeline Otis Designs. The ACAB Festival is the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon with that artistic special someone. 

Ongoing events: Planning Commission meeting, Thrive Thursdays, Tai Chi for seniors, family storytime

Every week, local agencies and organizations host a variety of recurring events. See our calendar for more and add your local events there too, for free.

• The City Planning Commission is set to hold its meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, 440 Civic Center Plaza. Meetings are broadcast on KCRT Channel 28 and streamed on the KCRT Youtube Channel. You can visit the commission’s website to view the agenda or to join the meeting via a Zoom.  
• Thrive Thursdays / Health 4 All aims to create a space where the community can gather to learn and practice healthy habits by accessing information, resources, and participating in organized physical activity. It happens from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays at MLK JR. Park, 360 Harbour Way.
• For seniors, every Thursday the Seniors Network Activity Program hosts free Tai Chi. From 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at Lifelong William Jenkins Wellness Center, 150 Harbour Way. Attendees are advised to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Sessions are open to both seated and standing participants. For more information call (510) 684-9266. 
• Saturdays at the Richmond Recreation Complex, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., 3230 Macdonald Ave. Enjoy instructional activities such as Zumba, soccer, basketball, and chess Visit the website to register. Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Infant & Toddler Music and Movement Storytime, 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Mondays, Richmond Main Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. This Richmond Public Library Children’s Room program includes songs, fingerplays and books that are designed for families with babies and toddlers, but all ages of children are welcome.  
• Family Storytime, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Wednesdays, Richmond Main Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. This Richmond Public Library Childrens Room program is geared toward families with toddlers, the event is a storytime session with a Richmond librarian. 

Be sure to add your Richmond events to our calendar. If you know of an event that you think we should highlight in What’s Up, please email hello@richmondside.org.