Upcoming events.
Trip a Little Light Fantastic
Do you remember the first time you encountered Mary Poppins? So much of the film’s magic stemmed from its invitation to make-believe. To pretend that any of us might come across a sidewalk mural and slip into a new, fantastical realm. Or laugh ourselves silly until we floated to the top of the ceiling. Why not open an umbrella and fly?
At some point during our childhoods, we looked at the adults around us and vowed to never become that. To never be too serious or too stressed or too boring or too no fun at all. And yet, most of us could likely be accused of one or all of those descriptors midway through any given week. But seriously, when was the last time another adult invited you to play? Just… to have fun.
Consider this your invitation. On Saturday, June 15 (the last gasp of Spring!), we’ll partake in an afternoon picnic on which we make it our mission to spark delight and laughter. Your ticket will include a picnic basket catered by the heroic folks at Red Bud Catering. Menu items are below. Please be sure to select your choice when purchasing your ticket.
As always, the address for this event will be provided the week prior. Colorful attire (and hats!) encouraged. Inspiration can be found here.
PICNIC MENU
R O S E M A R Y H A M SANDWICH
b r i o c h e r o l l , d i j o n a i s e , b r i e , g r e e n s , s h a v e d o n i o n
C A P R E S E SANDWICH
b r i o c h e r o l l , b a s i l p e s t o , s u n d r i e d t o m a t o , m o z z a r e l l a , a r u g u l a
C H I C K E N S A L A D
s h a v e d c e l e r y , c h i v e , l e m o n , g r e e n s
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM A WONDER CLUB EVENT?
Wonder Club is an immersive experience uniquely designed to spark awe and inspire authentic connection.
It’s invitation to get to know one another better. An intentional question will be posed to guests during the event to draw us more deeply into the sweetness of shared space.
Poetry will likely be read.
There may be music.
There will definitely be laughter.
It’s an out-of-the ordinary opportunity to pause and reconnect with oneself and others.
Escaped Alone
ESCAPED ALONE
….a reading
"A verdant backyard on a summer afternoon. Three old friends and a neighbor. Tea and catastrophe.”
Please join us for a reading of Caryl Churchill's apocalyptic play Escaped Alone. This convention-defying play sets in comic and devastating counterpoint the consolations of a good chat and the looming weight of disasters both intimate and global.
We, as audience, will partake in a uniquely immersive experience as we attend this reading from our host’s backyard. This, too, is the setting of our play. It’s very meta!
We’ll gather for cocktails in the garden at 6:30. The reading will commence around 7. We’ll have an informal discussion following the play (there will be LOTS to talk about). Please bring a lawn chair to sit in.
Tickets are $15. This event is rain or shine!
DETAILS
Date: Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27
Address: 109 E Jefferson St, Charlottesville, VA 22902 (backyard!)
Admission: $15
Cocktails served
Bring a lawn chair or blanket
Midwinter Fest
Midwinter’s Night Supper beckons us into the deep of winter as we contemplate the renewal of time.
Wonder Club Carols
Join us as we spread some old fashioned holiday cheer with a little neighborhood caroling. We’ll gather for some mulled wine and hot chocolate before we venture into the Rugby Hills neighborhood. Bring along family (kids welcome) and friends. Singing talent not required. Address and details upon rsvp.
“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
-Elf
Lantern Light Autumn Night
Lantern Light, Autumn Night seeks to rekindle that traditional sense of post-harvest connection. It’s a chance to celebrate life’s bounty amidst the cooler weather while welcoming a slower season.
Summertide Feast
Summertide Feast offers a moment to pause before we shift into the fullness of the fall season. For our first, inaugural Wonder Club dinner, will gather under the stars for an intimate, outdoor feast. We’re pulling together all the ingredients to create a magical evening that we can’t wait to share with each of you! Details are below...
“The compensation of growing old… was simply this; that the passions remain as strong as ever, but one has gained- at last! - the power which adds the supreme flavour to existence - the power of taking hold of experience, of turning it round, slowly, in the light. “
-Virginia Woolf
EVENT DETAILS
The suggested donation is $40 per person. This includes a four-course meal and service.
Vegetarian and gluten-free options will be offered- please include your preference in your RSVP.
Guests are invited to bring their own libations.
Spouses, partners, and bosom buddies welcome.
Inspiration for attire can be found here.
Handmade flower crowns and boutonnieres will be offered by the lovely Sarah Gillespie at Demitasse Flowers. Pricing and order information can be viewed here. Please be sure to place your order by August 15.
Our location will be announced one-week prior to the event. Please keep an eye on your email for details!
Many components of this particular happening will depend on the number of attendees. Please be sure to RSVP no later than August 15 for planning purposes! Please be sure to Venmo your donation when you rsvp: @d-ainsworth.
THIS EVENT IS FULL
What can I expect from a Wonder Club dinner?
Wonder Club is an immersive dinner experience uniquely designed to spark wonder and inspire authentic connection.
The design elements are selected to awaken the senses and set the tone for the evening.
The most important component to the dinner is the invitation to get to know one another better. An intentional question will be posed to guests at the start of the evening to draw us more deeply into the sweetness of shared space.
Poetry will likely be read.
There may be music.
There will definitely be laughter.
It’s an out-of-the ordinary opportunity to pause and reconnect with oneself and others.
Perseid Meteor Shower Watch
The Perseid meteor shower is one of my favorite times of the year! Perseid peaks mid-August, and with no moon on the 12th, it’s a great time to catch the event. We will gather on August 12 just before sunset to watch the sun go down and the meteors come out.
Please note that the meteor shower becomes more visible as the night gets later. Plan to take a nap before you come if possible and anticipate that this will be a late night (it is perfectly acceptable to doze as needed). We will have picnic style snacks after sunset and play some games until it grows dark enough to see things. Bring blankets to make yourself cozy and snacks/drinks as desired.
The location for this is private, so we ask that folks carpool as much as necessary. Carpoolers can plan to meet at 7:30 off Fontaine Ave. Details for both locations will be sent on Friday. As always, please RSVP so we have an accurate headcount.
Raindate August 13!
EVENT FULL
An Uncivilized Affair
Mad Hatter meets Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in this outlandish picnic on the hills of Jefferson Vineyard.
Lyrid Meteor Shower
The Lyrid meteor shower is peaking on April 22nd. Join us for an evening in a secluded location to catch this spectacular display!