Friendship Circle of Virginia

Sportable Event- River City Slam Wheelchair Tennis Tournament
2025-06-05 08:00 - 2025-06-08 17:00 (America/New_York) | Collegiate Schools Robins Campus, 400 Blair Rd., Richmond, VA, 23238, United States
Sportable’s 2025 River City Slam Wheelchair Tennis Tournament returns June 5-8, 2025 at Collegiate School’s Williams Bollettieri Tennis Center.
The USTA Level 1 / ITF Futures event anticipates top class competition and nationally ranked wheelchair tennis players representing states from coast-to-coast, in both junior and adult divisions (A, B, C, D, and Quad Open).

VDSA Event: River City Inclusive Gym – Henrico/Richmond – Ages 2-8
2025-06-07 15:00 - 15:45 | River City Inclusive Gym, 11248 Patterson Ave, Richmond, VA, 23238
River City Inclusive Gym – Winter/Spring 2025 Ages 2 to 8

Monthly on Saturdays
$10 per session
Space is limited and Siblings welcome

VDSA Event: River City Inclusive Gym – Henrico/Richmond – Ages 9 to adult
2025-06-07 16:00 - 16:45 | River City Inclusive Gym, 11248 Patterson Ave, Richmond, VA, 23238
River City Inclusive Gym – Winter/Spring 2025 Ages 9 to Adult

$10 per session
Space is limited and Siblings welcome

Children's Museum of Va- SENSORY-FRIENDLY NIGHTS – Chesterfield
2025-06-20 17:00 - 19:00 | Children’s Museum of Richmond – Chesterfield, 6629 Lake Harbour Dr, Midlothian, VA, 23220
The Children’s Museum is excited to host a FREE night for families with children with disabilities on the third Friday of each month from 5:00-7:00 pm.
Families can register in advance via the link below or can register in-person upon arrival.
A cool down room will be available and sensory supports provided. We can’t wait to play with you!

4th Annual Disability Inclusion Day at the Diamond
2025-06-29 13:35 - 16:30 | The Diamond, 3001 N Arthur Ashe Blvd, Richmond, VA, 23230
Friendship Circle of Virginia’s 4th Annual Disability Inclusion Day at the Diamond offers a variety of accommodations to make this Richmond Flying Squirrel’s baseball game accessible to all!

Celebrating Inclusion & Mental Health – In partnership with the Richmond Flying Squirrels, this event highlights the importance of an inclusive community by bringing together people with and without disabilities to experience a baseball game in a welcoming environment.
Accessibility Supports – Friendship Circle of Virginia has added a large number of accessibility supports such as ASL interpretation, Closed Captioning, Audio Description Services, a Sensory Zone, and more so that individuals with disabilities and mental health conditions can fully participate.
Free & Open to the RVA Community – The event is completely free (the only cost is parking), ensuring that everyone can take part in this special day.

As part of this initiative, we will distribute 10,000 FREE tickets to individuals with disabilities and their families through nonprofits and via ticket requests. Tickets are now live on our DIDD website: InclusionDayRVA

Minds of All Kinds
2025-07-12 16:00 - 20:00 | Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA, 23220
Join us for a sensory-friendly evening
You’re going to dig this paleontological adventure! Enjoy a less crowded environment as you get hands-on with dinosaur-themed activities designed to pique curiosity and inspire discovery. The event features accommodations for sensitivities to lights and sounds.

VDSA Event: Shenandoah Valley 10th Annual Summer Picnic
2025-07-19 11:00 - 14:00 | Oakdale Park, 134 Mt Crawford Ave, Bridgewater, Virginia, 22812
We’re excited to come together for our 10th annual summer potluck picnic! 10 years!! Wild.

Bring the family and enjoy this outdoor event in fellowship and fun at the park.
Hot dogs and burgers will be provided. Water, drinks, and sanitizer, too. Feel free to bring a side dish or dessert.

FCVA and Beyond Boundaries Event: Family Pontoon Ride
2025-07-20 13:00 - 16:00 | Osborne Park and Boat Landing, 9680 Osborne Turnpike, Henrico, VA, 23231, United States
FCVA Families are invited to enjoy a relaxing pontoon ride on the James with Beyond Boundaries!

VDSA: Richmond Grandparents Group
2025-08-04 18:30 - 19:30 | Virginia Down Syndrome Association, 1504 Santa Rosa Rd, Richmond, VA, 23229
A support group where we share our experiences with our grandchildren. We enjoy a bagged dinner together and learn from each other.

2nd Annual All Abilities Sports Day
2025-08-24 15:00 - 17:00 | James M. Holland Recreation Complex at Beulah, 6901 Hopkins Rd, North Chesterfield, VA, 23234
Join Friendship Circle of Virginia, Jacob’s Chance, and Sportable for an inclusive sporting event designed for individuals of all abilities!
Suggested age range 5-40.
This event pairs attendees one to one with volunteers in the community for friendship and fun giving participants the opportunity to try various adaptive sports with Jacob’s Chance and Sportable! Lineup: Basketball, Pickleball, Seated Volleyball, and Goalball!
Enjoy snacks, crafts, and a sensory area provided by Friendship Circle. Don’t miss this opportunity for fun and community engagement!
This event is in partnership with Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation and generously sponsored by Wegmans.

ASCV Event- Elementary Bowling
2025-08-25 13:00 - 14:30 | Bowl America Short Pump, 4400 Pouncey Tract Rd, Glen Allen, Virginia, 23060
Bowling is a program for autistic youth in elementary school. This is a great opportunity for participants to socialize in a fun and supportive setting. Players are grouped with peers by age. Volunteers and staff are on-site to assist participants as they bowl within their age groups.

AGES/TIMES
Elementary-age (ages 5-12): 1:00 PM arrival, play until about 2:30 PM (groups will play up to 2 games)NOTES

You only need to register a ticket for the participants bowling (you don’t need to register a ticket for caregivers)
Due to limited capacity, please only register autistic individuals in the household.
Caregivers must stay onsite while their loved one is bowling.

Fees: Pay-what-you-can tiered pricing structure – register at the rate that works best for you/your family:

Reduced Rate – $10/participant
Standard Rate – $15/participant
Supporter Rate – $20/participant

ASCV Event: Preschool Meetup at Sunshine Play Cafe
2025-08-28 16:00 - 18:00 | Sunshine Play Cafe, 9200 Stony Point Pkwy Suite 158b, Richmond, VA, 23235, United States
Enjoy regular fun activities in the community while getting to meet other families! This month, our preschool families are invited to join us for a play date at Sunshine Play Cafe!
AGES
Birth to 5

*The Sunshine Play Cafe requires all children to wear grippy socks. You may bring your own grippy socks if you already have them, or they may be purchased on-site for $3. All caregivers must also wear socks, but they do not have to be grippy.

Fees:

Caregivers – Free
Reduced Rate – $10/PreK participant
Standard Rate – $15/PreK participant
Supporter Rate – $20/PreK participant

VDSA Event: Virtual - Comprehensive Caregiver Support
2025-09-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Connect with other caregivers and individuals with a dual diagnosis in a loosely facilitated discussion format.

VDSA Event: Art in the Park (ages 2-12)
2025-09-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Crump Park, 3400 Mountain Rd., Glen Allen, VA, 23060, United States
Join us for Art in the Park! Art projects and playing are the best!
Baby to 12 years old.
Siblings welcome.

ASCV Event: RVA Duck Race and Festival of Inclusion
2025-09-06 11:00 - 16:00 | Browns Island, S 7th St, Richmond, VA, 23219
Returning to Brown’s Island on September 6, 2025, the Autism Society of Central Virginia will host the iconic race and Richmond’s largest sensory-friendly festival. Beyond the race, this exciting day will feature live music, food vendors, family-friendly zoned areas, and so much more!

PEATC Event- Friendship Building Strategies
2025-09-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual
Participants will explore the nature of their friendships and consider students with disabilities developing positive relationships with other students. The presentation will also describe the importance of creating opportunities for these students to belong to their school and their community to gain a sense of acceptance. Attendees will be provided strategies for parents as well as educators to use in facilitating friendships for all children, especially children with disabilities.

PEATC Event- Addressing Behaviors Confidently
2025-09-09 18:00 - 19:30 | Colonial Heights Technical Center, 3451 Conduit Road, Colonial Heights, VA, 23834, United States
Learn how to help your child be successful at home and school. This presentation will teach the basics of social and emotional skills like coping with feelings and making decisions. We will share examples of how to respond to interfering behaviors and big emotions and you’ll learn about school behavior support options available including Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).
Leave with practical strategies for addressing behavior confidently and resources for supporting your child’s learning.
IN-PERSON WORKSHOP
Refreshments and on-site childcare will be provided.

Natalie's Restaurant Event- Mom's Night Out for Special Needs Families
2025-09-10 17:30 - 19:30 | Natalie’s Restaurant, 2825 Hathaway Rd., Richmond, VA, 23225, United States
A fun-filled evening just for moms of special needs families to relax, connect, and enjoy a well-deserved night out!
Come join us for a special evening just for moms of children (of all ages) with special needs! This event is all about relaxation, connection, and fun. Take a break from your busy schedule and enjoy some well-deserved time for yourself. This is an opportunity to unwind and chat with other moms who understand your journey. Don’t miss out on this chance to recharge and connect with a supportive community. See you at 2825 Hathaway Rd!

PEATC Event- Turning 18 in Virginia: What Individuals with Disabilities Need to Consider
2025-09-10 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual
Turning 18 is a big deal. An 18-year-old is legally considered an adult in Virginia and can make their own legal, financial, medical, and educational decisions. For some individuals with disabilities, this will not be an issue. Others may need support. This workshop will share basic information about things that need to be considered as your loved one turns 18.
Presented by PEATC in partnership with Fluvanna High School

FCVA Event- Teen and Parent Orientation
2025-09-11 17:30 - 19:30 | Chabad of Virginia, 212 N. Gaskins Rd., Richmond, VA, 23059, United States
As we kick off another exciting year of friendship, we invite all of our amazing Teen Friends, both new and returning, along with their parents, to join us for our engaging and interactive Teen Orientation.

All returning and new Friendship Circle Teen Friends and a parent are expected to attend an orientation seminar before beginning to volunteer with Friendship Circle.

Orientation gives teens and their parents the opportunity to learn more about what to expect from volunteering at Friendship Circle programs. This interactive seminar will help prepare and train Teens allowing both themselves, and in turn their match, to gain the most from each program. Teens will also hear from various members of the disability community.

ASCV Event- Inclusive LEGO Club with Bricks 4 Kidz & Maggie Walker
2025-09-13 10:30 - 12:00 | River Road United Methodist Church, 8800 River Road, Richmond, VA, 23229
ASCV’s Inclusive LEGO Club is a fantastic opportunity to join Bricks 4 Kidz & Maggie Walker Governor’s School Robotics Team for a fun, hands-on LEGO building experience that includes motorized models, 3-D brick builds, mosaics, creative free build exploration, and more!
AGES
This program is most appropriate ages 5 -16. Participants will be separated by age group based on registrations!
NOTE
Caregivers are asked to remain on-site for the duration of the program.
FEES – Pay-what-you-can tiered pricing structure – register at the rate that works best for your family! Additional financial assistance is always available (see below for more details).

ASCV Member Reduced Rate – $20
ASCV Member Standard Rate – $35
ASCV Member Supporter Rate – $50
Non-Member Reduced Rate – $26
Non-Member Standard Rate – $45.50
Non-Member Supporter Rate – $65

FCVA Kickoff Event
2025-09-14 13:30 - 15:30 | Surge Adventure Park, 1406 N Parham Rd, Richmond, VA, 23229, United States
Join us as we kick off the new year at Surge Adventure Park on Sunday, September 14 from 1:30 – 3:30pm. Snacks and cupcakes for September Birthdays will be provided. All jumpers must complete a waiver before jumping.

ASCV Event: Elementary Art Workshop with Art on Wheels
2025-09-18 17:00 - 18:30 | River Road United Methodist Church, 8800 River Road, Richmond, VA, 23229
Join the ASCV and Art on Wheels for exploratory art classes! Guided by Art on Wheels’ highly-trained teaching artists, participants will get hands-on and try a variety of different art mediums.
The ASCV and Art on Wheels staff collaborate to ensure each class is focused on getting to know participant’s interests and aligning them with focused programming goals.
This relaxed and supportive environment is the perfect opportunity to expose your child to art and allow them to flex their creative muscles. No previous art experience is required and all materials are provided!
ART PROJECT
We will be using paint to create pictures of animals!
AGES
5-12
FEES – Pay-what-you-can tiered pricing structure – register at the rate that works best for your family! Additional financial assistance is always available (see below for more details)

ASCV Member Reduced Rate – $15
ASCV Member Standard Rate – $20
ASCV Member Supporter Rate – $25
Non-Member Reduced Rate – $19.50
Non-Member Standard Rate – $26
Non-Member Supporter Rate – $32.50

ASCV Event: Preschool Meetup at Children's Museum of Richmond Sensory-Friendly Night
2025-09-19 17:00 - 19:00 | Children’s Museum of Richmond – Downtown, 2626 W Broad St, Richmond, VA, 23220
Enjoy regular fun activities in the community while getting to meet other families! This month, bring the whole family and join the ASCV at the Children’s Museum of Richmond for their sensory-friendly night! A cool-down room and sensory supports will be provided.
The Children’s Museum of Richmond is now a designated Autism Friendly Community!

Canine Companions Event- Give a Dog a Job 5k Run/Walk
2025-09-20 09:00 - 11:30 | Main Line Brewery, 1603 Ownby Ln, Richmond, Virginia, 23220
Join Us for the 7th Annual Give a Dog a Job 5K!
When you register for our 5K run/walk race, you’re signing up for much more than just a spirited event. You will be running and walking with your furry friends to support a great cause. You’ll be joining the Old Dominion Volunteer Chapter puppy raisers and service dog teams to put more highly trained service dogs into the hands of adults, children, and veterans who need them! 100% of race proceeds go directly to Canine Companions.
This year marks 50 years of Canine Companions transforming lives by placing expertly trained service dogs with people living with disabilities—at no cost to them! September is also National Service Dog Month, and what better way to celebrate these hardworking dogs than by joining us for a fun-filled morning supporting their incredible mission? Come on out and help us GIVE A DOG A JOB!
This is a family and pet-friendly event and we encourage human and pet costumes to make the morning fun! There will be awards, door prizes, music and vendors!

VDSA Event: Art in the Park (ages 2-12)
2025-09-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Huguenot Park, 10901 Robious Rd, Richmond, VA, 23235

ASCV Event: Bike Ride with Beyond Boundaries
2025-09-25 17:30 - 19:00 | Dorey Park, 2999 Darbytown Rd, Henrico, VA, 23231
Join the ASCV and Beyond Boundaries for a bike ride! We will enjoy cruising down a section of the Capital Trail starting at Dorey Park!

– This program is for participants ages 6-18 who have experience and are comfortable riding a bike independently

IMPORTANT REGISTRATION NOTES:

Participants are encouraged to bring their own bike and helmet. A very limited number of bikes will be available to borrow. If you will need to borrow a bike, please contact us BEFORE registering to check availability – info@ascv.org

If a participant is under the age of 12, a caregiver needs to participate with them. Please also register the caregiver when registering for the program.

Nest Academy Event- 5th Annual Nest Golf Tournament
2025-09-29 09:30 - 17:00 | Meadowbrook Country Club, 3700 Cogbill Rd., Richmond, VA, 23234, United States
Join us for our 5th Annual Golf Tournament and Make a Difference!
Nest Academy RVA is excited to host our 5th Annual Golf Tournament at Meadowbrook Country Club! We invite you to enjoy a fun-filled day on the course while supporting our mission to create and provide enriching learning and social experiences for adults with complex physical, medical, and cognitive disabilities.

VDSA Event: Step UP for Down Syndrome 5K & Family Festival
2025-10-11 09:00 - 13:00 | Dorey Park, 2999 Darbytown Rd, Henrico, VA, 23231
Join us for our 19th annual Step UP for Down Syndrome 5K and Family Fun Festival on October 11th at Dorey Park from 9:00 – 1:00. Step UP for Down syndrome is our signature community awareness and fundraising event designed to bring the community together to show support and solidarity with individuals with Down syndrome.

Commonwealth Autism Event- Harvest For All Festival
2025-10-25 08:00 - 17:00 | Good Foods Grocery, 3062 Stony Point Road, Richmond, Virginia, 23235
Our annual Harvest for All Festival will take place on October 25th at Good Foods Grocery!
Join us for one of our most exciting events of the year complete with games, food, local vendors, live music, and more!
The RVA Express will be BACK! Don’t miss them this year at the festival.
The event is free but donations are always appreciated and go back into our community and the Commonwealth Autism Career Readiness and Employment Program. This program support adults with autism in learning job skills that will help them find fulfilling employment in the Richmond area.
Good Foods Grocery is a natural grocery store touting many local vendors and supporting local farms. Stop in to check out one of the largest bulk sections on the East Coast!
