Welcome to your weekly community bulletin for Richmond, TX. Whether you are a resident settling into the new year or a visitor exploring our historic downtown, here is what is happening around town this week and a few dates to mark on your calendar before the month wraps up.
This Week at a Glance: Jan 11-17
- Sun Jan 11 - Winter Bird Walk at Brazos River corridor, 8:00-9:30 a.m.: Join local naturalists for a slow-paced stroll spotting wintering songbirds and wading birds. Bring binoculars if you have them.
- Sun Jan 11 - Family Game Afternoon at George Memorial Library, 2:00-4:00 p.m.: Board games, puzzles, and a cozy corner for younger readers. All ages welcome.
- Mon Jan 12 - Beginner Yoga at Wessendorff Park Pavilion, 6:00-6:45 p.m.: Gentle session to ease into the week. Bring a mat and water. Free.
- Tue Jan 13 - Richmond History Talk at Fort Bend Museum, 12:00-1:00 p.m.: A curator shares artifacts and stories from early river trade. Short gallery walk included.
- Wed Jan 14 - Youth Basketball Skills Clinic at City Rec Gym, 5:30-7:00 p.m.: Fundamentals for ages 8-13. Loaner balls provided. Pre-registration recommended but walk-ups allowed.
- Thu Jan 15 - Acoustic Night on Morton Street, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Stroll the historic district and enjoy rotating acoustic sets on the sidewalk pocket stages. Family friendly.
- Fri Jan 16 - Art After Dark: Winter Mini-Workshop, 6:00-8:00 p.m.: Try watercolor postcards inspired by river landscapes. Materials included. Ages 13 and up.
- Sat Jan 17 - Downtown Farmers Market, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.: Seasonal produce, kettle corn, locally roasted coffee, and kids craft table. Pet friendly.
- Sat Jan 17 - Service Prep Hour for MLK Weekend at Community Center, 2:00-3:00 p.m.: Make hygiene kits and write encouragement notes to accompany next week's day of service projects.
Spotlight: Seasonal Fun and Local Tips
January brings cool mornings and bright, dry afternoons, perfect for riverfront walking and exploring historic streets. If you are heading to the parks, pack layers and a reusable water bottle. Early sunsets make evening programs feel cozy, so arrive a few minutes before start time to find parking along Morton Street or near the museum campus. Parents, the library's Winter Reading Challenge runs all month and is a great add-on to any rainy day plan.
Looking Ahead Later This Month
Mon Jan 19 - MLK Day of Service: Join neighborhood cleanup crews, garden workdays, and food pantry shifts across Richmond. Family-friendly teams available in the morning and midday slots. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring gloves if you have them.
Thu Jan 22 - Senior Social and Chili Cook-Off, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.: Lighthearted tasting, dominoes, and line dancing. Prize ribbons for best chili and best cornbread.
Sat Jan 24 - George Ranch Historical Park Winter on the Range, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.: Demonstrations of campfire cooking, roping basics, and blacksmithing vignettes.
Fri Jan 30 - Brazos Sunset Stroll, 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Guided walk highlighting river ecology and winter skies. Friendly dogs on leashes welcome.
Sat Jan 31 - Teen Poetry Jam at the library, 3:00-4:30 p.m.: Open mic format with optional writing prompts and warm-up games. Supportive audience encouraged.
How to Get Involved
Volunteer needs this month include market-day helpers for setup and cleanup, museum docents for weekend shifts, and park stewards for trail trimming after recent winds. First-time volunteers receive a quick orientation on-site. Youth volunteers are welcome with a parent or guardian.
Weather and Travel Notes
Expect cool mornings in the 40s to 50s and afternoons that can reach the 60s. Pack a light jacket, and consider a hat for sunny midday events. Give yourself extra time for downtown events as Morton Street and nearby blocks can be busy around evening programs. See you around Richmond, and have a safe, engaging week.
