This weekend, Richmond will host the ninth annual Best Friends Day, a four-day event extravaganza born and bred in Richmond that brings together friends for some fun.
Every year since 2001, Richmond has played host to national and regional touring bands, a myriad of insane antics, jam-packed fun in the sun and droves of attendees from all over the country. Hundreds flock to Virginia’s capital city to hear some of their favorite music, hang out with their good buddies and enjoy a silly, long weekend away from the daily grind.
Started in 2001 by a group of 40 or so friends looking for a way to celebrate their friendship and enjoy a weekend getaway at Hadad’s Lake, Best Friends Day has since spawned a tremendous following - growing in attendance each year and expanding from one day to four, with a laundry list of activities planned.
This year is no different. BFD 9 is shaping up to be the mother of all punk rock fests, with bands such as Lemuria, Propaghandi, Andrew W.K. and Municipal Waste playing alongside other fantastic bands.
Each event is individually priced and some are free; but due to the various locations of each show and event, no weekend passes will be offered and everything is independently operated.
On Saturday, To the Bottom and Back will provide free bus transportation from the Fine Foods parking lot to Hadad’s Lake, starting at 10 a.m. Bands such as Negative Approach, Brainworms and The Measure will be playing during this all-day music blowout.
Here’s a schedule of the weekend’s events:
Thursday, Aug. 19
Lemuria, Banner Pilot, Black Army Jacket, The Dopamines and Inter Arma will be playing at the Bike Lot (ask around for location) at 7 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 20
A Field Day Challenge in Holly Street Park will put contestants in a series of activities the organizers have described as a “Decathlon of Oblivion.” 10 teams of four will compete for the ability to see Andrew W. K. and Propaghandi free. Signups are at Mojo’s Philadeli (733 W. Cary Street) at 11:30 a.m.
Propagandhi, Andrew W.K., Municipal Waste, Deep Sleep and Savage Brewtality will be playing at the Canal Club (1545 E. Cary Street) starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20.
Saturday, Aug. 21
Tim Barry will be playing at Fine Foods Market (700 Idlewood Ave.) at 10 a.m.
People will be heading over to Hadad’s Lake (1140 Mill Road) for a day of swimming and friends. Bands like Negative Approach, Off With Their Heads, Brainworms, The Arrivals, Algernon Cadawallader, The Measure (SA), NO BS Brass and Sundials will performing all day. Cost is $20.
Sunday, Aug. 22
Government Warning, Grabass Charlestons, Cloak/Dagger, AmateurParty and Mouthbreather will be playing at Gallery 5 at 1 p.m. Cost is $5.
For more information and updates, go to bestfriendsday.net.
Brandon Hopkins is a freelance writer and Richmond native currently living in Atlanta, GA. His favorite things in life are pizza, mopeds and roller derby. He can be found ranting virtually at mayhemandpizza.blogspot.com.
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