• The Chesterfield County Fair continues at the county fairgrounds through Sept. 4. For more information, visit chesterfieldcountyfair.org or call 768-0148.

• "Virginia Rocks! The History of Rockabilly in the Commonwealth" opens at the Virginia Historical Society (VHS). This exhibit features more than 60 artists and bands from all over the state who cut 45 rpm rockabilly records in small recording studios and radio stations in the 1950s and ‘60s. It runs through Dec. 12. Admission to the VHS museum is free. For more information, visit online at vahistorical.org/news/pr_rockabilly.htm.

• Plant Now for Spring Flowers in the Garden. Plan and plant your spring cutting garden now for maximum effect and color with tips from Amy Hicks. She will discuss planning, planting, and culture for spring bloomers from 5-7 p.m. at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. For more details, visit lewisginter.org.

• The Confederacy and the World: A Themed Tour of the White House. This themed tour of the White House of the Confederacy will discuss Confederate foreign policy and diplomacy, including attempts to garner recognition from Britain and France, and the relationship of the Confederate government with the U.S. government. For more details, visit online at moc.org.

• Richmond Flying Squirrels vs. Bowie Baysox, 7:05 p.m. at The Diamond.

• Louisa County Air Show. This family event will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Freeman Field at the Louisa Industrial Air Park. It will feature the Science Museum of Virginia Space Traveler, static aircraft displays, airplane rides, aerobatic performances and food. For details, call (540) 967-0050.

• Dr. Sheppard’s Orchard. Hear the story of Johnny Appleseed and explore the fascinating history of apples and John Sheppard’s apple orchard from 1-3 p.m. at Meadow Farm Museum, Glen Allen. Free and appropriate for all ages. For more details, call 501-2130.

• Richmond Flying Squirrels vs. Bowie Baysox, 5:05 p.m. at The Diamond (fireworks).

• Tears for Fears plays at the National at 8 p.m. For tickets and more details, visit thenationalva.com.

• Richmond Flying Squirrels vs. Bowie Baysox, 12:05 p.m. at The Diamond.

• American Ruins opens with a reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Virginia Center for Architecture, 2501 Monument Avenue, and will run through Nov. 28. The exhibit features 50 photographs chronicling 16 sites of ruins on the American landscape. Enjoy light refreshments. Register by calling (804) 644-3041, ext. 100, or by e-mail to aliguori@aiava.org. Cost is $5; free for VCA members.

Musicians of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in this acoustic-only bluegrass jam session for all ages from 7-9 p.m. at Dorey Recreation Center, 2999 Darbytown Road, Henrico. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more details, call 795-2334.

• "Books on Broad" featuring Jan Neuharth will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Library of Virginia’s Virginia Shop. Neuharth will speak about "The Kill," her latest novel set in the "hunt country" of Virginia’s Piedmont region. For more details, visit online at lva.virginia.gov/news/booktalk.

• "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" by Edward Albee opens at 8 p.m. at Firehouse Theater Project, 1609 W. Broad Street, and will run through Oct. 2. For more details and ticket information, visit firehousetheatre.org.

• Cure by Design to benefit the American Cancer Society will be held from 6-10 p.m. at The Jefferson Hotel. The event includes an elegant cocktail hour, survivor fashion show and a memorable survivor reception. For more details, visit http://curebydesign.org/about.

• NASCAR Nationwide Series—Virginia 529 College Savings 250 will be held 7:30 p.m. at the Richmond International Raceway. For more details, visit rir.com.

• Semi-Hydroponics for Orchid Growing. Tom Voytilla will present How to Grow Orchids using semi-hydroponics at 2 p.m. at the Virginia Museum of Science. This talk is free and sponsored by the Virginia Orchid Alliance. For more information, visit richmondorchidalliance.com

• 13th annual Wine & Beer Classic. Say goodbye to summer with a sampling of the finest selections from Virginia’s wineries and breweries, food and live music under the stars from 7-10:30 p.m. at Maymont’s Children’s Farm lawn. The event is hosted by the Dooley Noted Society, Maymont’s young professionals’ group, which cultivates support of Maymont through volunteer, social and fundraising activities. For more details, visit maymont.org.

• Fifth annual Virginia GoGreen Garden Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Science Museum of Virginia. For more details, visit virginiagreen.org.

• Third Annual Celtic Festival sponsored by The Gayton Kirk Presbyterian Church USA, 11421 Gayton Road, will be held from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. This celebration of Scottish heritage includes children’s activities, food, games, dancing and music. Vendors will be selling cool stuff as well. Free admission. For more details, visit thegaytonkirk.org.

• The Capitol Steps will present an evening of political humor at 5 and 8 p.m. shows at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen. In this era of health care reform, bail outs, and immigration laws, be ready to laugh out loud at this political humor! Tickets are $40. To order tickets, call 804-261-ARTS (2787) or order online at artsglenallen.com.

• St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 4991 Springfield Rd., Glen Allen, will hold its 7th annual rummage sale from 8 a.m. to noon. Thousands of items (all donated by friends and parishioners) will be for sale including toys, house wares books, clothing and more. All proceeds will benefit St. John Baptiste Church and community in Haiti.

• 2010 USA Patriots Day Music Festival will be held on the grounds of Vista del Largo in Powhatan County. The event will feature the musical sensation Charlie Daniels and 2009 America’s Got Talent winner Kevin Skinner. Tickets are available at ticketstobuy.com.

• NASCAR Sprint Cup Series—Air Guard 400 will be held at 7:30 p.m. at Richmond International Raceway. For more details and ticket information, visit online at rir.com.

• Hollywood Cemetery Walking Tour. This tour is presented by the Valentine Richmond History Center from 2-4 p.m. It covers in detail the cemetery’s unique history, landscape design, architecture, symbols and residents. Meet at the cemetery entrance at Cherry and Albemarle streets. Cost is $10; $5 for History Center members.

• Jazz on the Hill 5K and Music Festival will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Brown’s Island. This family event will feature food and merchandise vendors, and will also raise money to keep jazz alive for Richmond youth. For more details, visit http://jazzonthehill5kmusicfest.com.

• Alzheimer’s seminar series. The Lynmoore Memory Care and Assisted Living, through the Alzheimer’s Association, will host a seminar series 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Oct. 5. Topics include dementia, personal care, activities with your loved one, and caregivers’ health and well-being. The cost is $20 per person. For reservations and more details, call 967-2575.

• Virginia Getaways off the Beaten Path. Chesterfield County Public Library can be your one-stop shop for travel ideas from Martha Steger from 11 .m. to noon at the Chester Library. The writer for numerous publications and former director of public relations for 25 years for the Virginia Tourism Corporation, Martha will take you outside of Chesterfield to often-overlooked places throughout Virginia. Light refreshments will be served. Please register online at library.chesterfield.gov or by calling 748-6314.

• Enon Book Discussion Group. "Gods in Alabama" by Joshilyn Jackson will be discussed from 7-8 p.m. at the Enon Library,1801 Enon Church Drive, Chester. For more information, please call 530-3403.

• Echoes of the Past: The Civil War on Commercial Recordings will be presented from 7-8 p.m. at the Museum of the Confederacy. Dr. Gregg Kimball, director of publications and educational services, will give the talk accompanied by the original cylinder recordings. Few people realize that we can actually listen to music performed by Civil War veterans on early cylinder and disc recordings. Kimball’s talk will examine these echoes of the Civil War on popular recordings, and explore their meaning. Attendees will hear the original recordings, not digital copies. Cost is $5 for non-members, and free to museum members.

• Reunion for all Square Dancers from 1954 – 2010. Join Circle 8 Square Dancers in celebrating the newest members’ graduation, and renew friendships of all former and current dancers from 7-9 p.m. at Thompson Middle School. For details, call Clint and Ruth Stirling at 746-0208 or Ralph and Elsie Dillard at 276-2088.

• Senior Party in the Park. Those 50 and up are invited to join Henrico Recreation and Parks and Senior Connections for a free fun-filled day of activities from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Hunton Community Center and Park. There will be music, contests, entertainment, demonstrations, crafts, exhibits, vendors, food, and much more at this exciting festival. Concessions will be available for purchase. For details, call 501-5114 or 501-5137.

• The National Alliance on Mental Illness will hold its monthly meeting 7 p.m. at Weinstein JCC, 5403 Monument Ave. The subject will be "Update of Schizophrenia Treatment Options." For details, call 285-1749.

• Fall Plant Sale. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will hold its annual sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday). The sale features plants ranging from well-known favorites to rare exotics. No admission required for the sale. For details, visit lewisginter.org.

• Third annual Battersea Antiques Jamboree and Appraisal Fair will be held Sept. 17-19 at historic Battersea in Petersburg, with 25 antiques’ dealers from all over the country. Admission is $5; $10 for appraisals by an antiques expert. For more details, visit batterseafound.org or call (804) 462-6190.

• Glen Allen Day will be held from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Meadow Farm Museum and Crump Park. This annual event includes a community parade, children’s activities, a petting zoo, train rides, a classic car show, arts and crafts, live music and much more. Free and fun for all ages.

• Scottish Country Dancers Performance. Come out for an evening of Scottish dances, culture, and entertainment from 7-8 p.m. at Twin Hickory Recreation Center, 5011 Twin Hickory Road, Glen Allen. Accompanied by traditional Highlander music, the Scottish Country Dancers will be dressed in beautiful, colorful Celtic attire from head to toe. The evening will conclude with a social and light refreshments. The event is free, but registration is required. Call 270-2161.

• Henricus Publick Days: Be a part of the annual celebration of the 1611 founding of the Citie of Henricus 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19. Experience the past as 400 years of history come to life with living history re-enactments, military drills and musket firings, craftsmen and blacksmiths, 17th-century medicinal demonstrations, Virginia Indian activities, historical children’s games and crafts, storytelling and more. Admission is free. For more details, visit henricus.org or call 804-748-1613.

• Christ Church, 5000 Pouncey Tract Road, will hold a consignment sale from 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

• 23rd Annual Richmond Home Show will be held Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19, at the Richmond Raceway Complex with over 200 companies specializing in remodeling, decorating and building. Admission is $7 for adults, free for children 16 and under. For more details, go to http://www.agievents.com/shows/display.cfm?showid=50.

• The Home Building Association of Richmond presents Richmond’s Homearama 2010 12-9 p.m. daily through Oct. 3. This year’s event showcases the latest in interior decorating ideas, trends, and innovations in new homes for the next decade. Six furnished homes will be on display. For details, visit richmondhomearama.com or call 932-9400.

• Monroe Ward Walking Tour. From the early 1880s through Reconstruction, Monroe Ward was considered one of Richmond’s most elegant neighborhoods. Stroll past these historic buildings that have been lovingly preserved and "recycled" for the 21st century in this 2-4 p.m. tour presented by The Valentine Richmond History Center. For details, visit richmondhistorycenter.com.

• Get in the Know presents Bird by Bird Gardening 10:30 a.m.-noon at the Chester Library. Learn about garden plans and plants for attracting different species of birds. Find out their favorite plants as we review a great new book with the help of a Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener. Refreshments will be served and registration is not required. This program is recommended for adults aged 55 and older. Please call 717-6381 for more information.

• Powhatan County Fair. The 2010 Powhatan County Fair opens and will be held through Sunday, September 26 at the Powhatan County Fairgrounds located at 4042 Anderson Highway, Powhatan.

• Powhatan’s 4th Fridays. Enjoy a fun-filled Friday night from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in beautiful Powhatan (2088 Carter Gallier Boulevard) with music by The Janitors. Adult admission is $5 with half going to a local charity. Free activities for children. Food will be available for purchase as well as beer and wine.

• "Smoke on the Mountains" opens 8 p.m. at the Barksdale Theatre at Hanover Tavern, running through Nov. 7. For more details, visit barksdalerichmond.org.

• The State Fair of Virginia at the Meadow opens at The Meadow Event Park (I-95 Exit 98) near King’s Dominion continuing through Oct. 3. Come see Virginia’s finest animals and agriculture, exhibits and shows, toe-tappin’ music, fine arts and crafts, blue ribbon competitions and more! For a schedule of events, ticket pricing and other information, please visit statefair.com or call 804-569-3200.

• Bark in the Park will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Deep Run Park in Henrico. Bring your best furry friend and enjoy a day of free fun-filled family activities. The event will include live music, a pet costume contest, a pet 2K for Paws Walk, children’s activities, an expo of local vendors and more. Call 501-5121 for more details.

• 2010 NPA Natural USA Bodybuilding and Figure Championships will be held from 6-9 p.m. at the Henrico Theatre, 305 E. Nine Mile Road.

• 43rd Street Festival of the Arts will be held for the 19th year in Richmond from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with arts, crafts and music. Admission is free. For more details, visit 43rdstgallery.com.

• Festival of Grapes and Hops. This event featuring Virginia wineries and microbreweries will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Old Towne Petersburg. Take a walk around the historic Farmer’s Market while enjoying amazing local food and live music from some returning favorites, A Company of Waites and the Petersburg Symphony Quartet. Vendors will selling items like handmade birdhouses, jewelry, wood "tile" art, wine glass holders, designer purses, lighted wine bottles and homemade soaps. Tickets can be purchased online or from various ticket locations. Please visit festivalofgrapesandhops.com or call 733-8131 for more information.

• Festival of India. Enjoy a variety of authentic Indian food, music, and dance at this free event held from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Richmond Convention Center’s Ballroom Pavillion, 403 N. Third Street. Beautiful Indian style clothing and jewelry will be sold. For more information, visit thefestivalofindia.org.

• 31st annual Arts Around the Lake will be held around Westhampton Lake from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For additional details, visit uronline.net/aal or call 289-8030.

• Beginner Square Dance Lessons. Tuckahoe Square Dance Club is sponsoring their annual new dancers’ class on Tuesday nights beginning Sept 28th. The first class is free for all participants. After that it will cost $4 per lesson. Children from 10-15 may attend for free with a paying parent. Both singles and couples are welcome to attend. Call Jim Dilworth at 795-5485, or go to tuckahoesquaredanceclub.com.

• Showdowns in Virginia: The Debates over Slavery and Secession. Dr. William W. Freehling will explore two epochal showdowns in the Old Dominion: the 1832 General Assembly debate over abolishing slavery and the 1861 Secession Convention’s debate over whether to remain in the Union or join the Confederacy. His lecture will be given from 7:30-9 p.m. in the Keller Hall Reception Room of the University of Richmond. It coincides with the sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) of the pivotal presidential election of 1860 and the secession movement that followed. Free, but seating is limited. To register, call (804)649-1861 x31, or e-mail library@moc.org.