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The ABC's of this Weekend

Just as promised, the events are never-ending. It's impossible to pick just ONE thing to do on the weekends anymore. And we certainly aren't complaining.

Gone are the days when "making plans" meant choosing between going to the movies, renting a flick, or ordering from On Demand. In true Richmond fashion, once the weather heats up, outdoor venues open and concerts, art shows and festivals are held in places we once, and very simply, knew as streets, parks and intersections.

So – here you are again, Richmond; a few choices to help you put your weekend plans in perspective.

It's like Fashion Week in New York for Richmonders. Except, out of all our artist's designs, the only thing you'll be able to wear is the jewelry.

This weekend marks the 37th return of Richmond's Arts in the Park , held (rain or shine) at the Carillon in Byrd Park from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 4.

Richmond's Arts in the Park show and sale is a nationally-juried event, bringing together 450 art and craft exhibitors from across the country. Their expertise ranges from woodwork, glass, fiber and ceramics to weavings, paintings and jewelry.

Artists and crafters will be situated around the "Mall" that surrounds the Carillon beneath the shaded groves, giving attendees the ability to view and purchase their top-quality, original work.

This favorite Richmond event is sponsored by the Carillon Civic Association (CAA) , a neighborhood group dedicated to the beautification of the surrounding area including Byrd Park.

Proceeds from the event will benefit a number of different resources in the Richmond area, including last year's redesign of the Tot Lot Playground . In addition, the CAA also donates to various other Richmond organizations, including the Children's Festival, School of Performing Arts in the Richmond Community (SPARC) and the Richmond Symphony, just to name a few.

Richmond's 37th annual Arts in the Park will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 4 at the Carillon in Byrd Park. Admission is free. Free parking and shuttles to event are available from the University of Richmond Stadium parking lot, just across I-195 from Carytown. Please leave pets at home. For more information, visit richmondartsinthepark.com .

Playwright, performer and artist Slash Coleman does it again, Richmond.

Known for his unique one-man show "The Neon Man and Me," Coleman brings another brainchild, The Modern Burlesque Brigade to Broad Street this weekend with the group's new show, "Sex Education," premiering at 8 and 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 at Studio X .

The Modern Burlesque Brigade is Richmond's only neo-burlesque troupe which combines the talents of four Richmond based performers including Slash Coleman himself, dancer and choreographer Becca Bernard , magician Larry Volz and director/musician Miniver Cheevy .

The group was formed in 2007, debuting their first show, "Ballad of the Beautiful Sex Monster" on New Years Eve, 2007, at Petersburg's playhouse, Sycamore Rouge .

The 60-minute production of "Sex Education" combines traditional vaudeville comedy, burlesque bombshells and live music from the Miniver Cheezy Jazz Trio that is sure to have you in tears of laughter by the end of the night.

"We've got everything from an 'Oh no the condom broke' dance to an '1800's ballroom dance' to a 'Catholic School girl' scene," Colman said in a news release. "It's a satire about the outdated and conservative views on intimacy, relationships and sex in our society."

The Modern Burlesque Brigade will perform "Sex Education" at 8 and 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 at Studio X, located at 2707 W. Broad Street. Tickets for the show are $15 and may be purchased in advance by calling 804-340-0255 or visiting slashcoleman.com . Seating is general admission and reservations are recommended.

Is there a single Richmonder out there who doesn't enjoy a fiesta, and more importantly, one that's being held on beautiful Brown's Island down by the James?

I didn't think so.

If you check out our Summer Concert Guide , you'll see that the 12th annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta has taken up residence in spot number three of our line-up. So, if what they say is true that the "third time's a charm," you know you're in for one heck of an outdoor event.

Per usual Brown's Island fashion, tents will be set up along the outskirts of the island with food vendors serving a variety of tasty treats from chips and salsa, hotdogs, steak and cheese sandwiches – you name it, it'll be there.

Wrist bands and tickets will be required for those wishing to purchase alcoholic beverages, so make sure to keep your I.D. handy. After all, what's a fiesta without a little cerveza?

The music line-up is guaranteed to make you get up and dance, boasting rock icon Joan Jett & the Blackhearts as the headliner, preceded by performances from Evans Blue, Red, National Product and some of the best local talent Richmond has to offer.

For years, the local nonprofit group, Greater Richmond SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) has benefited from proceeds collected at the Fiesta, however, the event itself was traditionally not promoted as a family-friendly event. That should change this year.

"We're really trying to make it more family oriented this year," said Vivian Oswald the events coordinator. "We're going to have a kid's area with a clown, face-painting, balloons – all that kind of stuff."

One thing amigos and amigas need to keep in mind is the parking. With the construction of the new Mead Westvaco Building currently under way in the former Federal Reserve parking lot, Oswald suggests that people should try parking in the decks located along 10th Street, just behind the Federal Reserve.

Gates at the 12th annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta open at 11 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 3. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the gate. Children ages 12 and under get in free with a paid adult. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Plan 9 in Carytown or online at cincorva.com . Please leave pets at home.