I’ve lived in Richmond, VA for 6 years. I did undergrad at VCU, then stuck around for Brandcenter—which meant I needed to find new ways to fall in love with the city, or risk getting painfully bored for the next two years.

So I gave myself a mission: weekend “side quests” to places I’d never been, surrounded by people I didn’t know, doing things I barely understood. I get bored easily, so jumping into something random is my favorite way to keep things interesting.

Monster Jam

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Monster Jam ⋆

Rating: 9/10

Where: Washington, DC

What I learned:

The most popular trucks were the ones that were based off a character. Fan favorites included Monster Mutt (dog), Megalodon (shark), and El Toro Loco (bull). This is less about the person driving it and more about how cool they can make their truck look.

Being a fan favorite is VERY important. As they performed stunts in different categories, fans got to rate from their phones on a scale of 1-10, which determined their overall score and the winner of the competition at the end of the night.

Entrance to Capital One Arena with 'Tonight Monster Jam' sign and people entering.

Monster trucks performing at Capital One Arena

Interactive judging screen with a slider to rate a run from 0 to 10, featuring a tire as the slider marker. Instructions read: 'Judge the Run - Once you hear the call to judge from the host, you have just 10 seconds to judge that last run.' A score of 7.75 is displayed. Submit button at the bottom. Background is yellow with triangular patterns. © 2025 Feld Entertainment Inc."

WWE Friday Night Smackdown

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WWE Friday Night Smackdown ⋆

Rating: 10/10
Where: Washington, DC

What I learned:

Chanting and smack talking the people around you is highly encouraged because in between matches, the WWE universe is built on drama and beef. Jay Uso and his “Yeet!” chant took over the arena the most that night.

Sabotages with chairs, steel staircases, and getting slammed across the commentator table are completely normal and the highlight of the show. The more you stir the pot, the more likely you are to earn yourself a match (sometimes on the spot) with your enemy.

Indoor sports arena filled with people, large screens displaying 'Nia Jax,' bright stage lights and laser beams.

Audience at a WWE event holding signs, including one heart-shaped sign saying "Smackdown My Heart" and another saying "Sign of the Night."

Do Portugual Circus

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Do Portugual Circus ⋆

Rating: 8/10

Where: Richmond, VA

What I learned:

The acts showcased raw, human talent rather than the stereotypical “freakshow” style circus with the big muscle man and acts with lions. Some of the acts included aerial skills, hand balancing, and dancers.

There was a clown entertaining in between acts. He had typical acts like fooling around with people, but he did a full 180 at the end and closed with a crazy saxophone performance.