If you've lived in Richmond for any extended period of time, you know that with the warm weather comes a plethora of things to do on the weekends.

Festivals start sprouting up all over town. Outdoor concerts have been scheduled and the stages are being prepped. Patios at restaurants turn into after work hot spots, complete with happy hours, local bands and half-priced appetizers.

With all this excitement buzzing around Richmond, it's hard to choose just one event as the thing to do this weekend.

So, we're offering you four choices. Whether you have the need for adventure and competition, want to soak in the beauty at historic gardens, please your palette with some wine tasting or are aching for a little art in your life, this weekend has it all.

Back 2 Back

If you missed the first performance of the Virginia Commonwealth University 2008 Spring Senior Dance Concert, don’t worry, these talented seniors are back for their second round this weekend.

The 2008 Spring Senior Dance Concert is an eclectic mix of works put together by 10 graduating seniors, four of whom presented their projects this previous weekend. The remaining six will take the stage for performances at 8 p.m. Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26.

Students were asked to explore works that incorporate both drama and comedy and draw inspiration from works of literature, emotion and, above all, the triumphs and struggles we all face in life.

The result? Ten beautifully crafted performances as unique in theme and direction as the choreographers who designed them.

Among the remaining six, is "Guided Reflection" choreographed by Melany Cash. Cash dives into the world of personal demons, both internal and physical, the effect they have on our lives, and how spiritual guidance can help us in overcoming their negative power.

"Configured Time" from Tony E. Colden Jr. depicts the inverted growth on an individual's self development while Alex Miegel ponders the concept of life after death and what connection the spiritual world may have to the physical world.

Senior Ami Dowden-Fant brings together eight performers in "preSSed" to express the mental state of anger. Contrastingly, Tashara Gavin-Moorehead reflects the sensuality of the female spirit in "Spirit Wrapped in Flesh."

Lastly, Adrienne LaNee' Moody draws her inspiration for "It's Time She Knows" from the book "Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul." Moody sends her four dancers on a journey that exemplifies the beauty that every woman possesses, regardless of her background or past. 

• Back 2 Back, the 2008 Spring Senior Dance Concert, is the final event of the VCU Dance NEXUS 2007-08 season. Performances will be help at 8 p.m. Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26 at the Grace Street Theatre. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for VCU students with a valid ID. For tickets and more information, call the Grace Street Theatre Box Office at 804-828-2020.

Historic Garden Week

For the 75th year running, the event heralded as Virginia's springtime tourism event, Historic Garden Week will celebrate four centuries of Virginia's rich heritage with more than 30 tours across the commonwealth, continuing through the week and into the weekend.

"We started the tours in 1929; there were a few years they didn't do the tour because of World War II and the ladies, instead of doing a tour, had what they called 'Victory Gardens,'" said Christine Harris, executive assistant to Historic Garden Week.

"The money we generate from the tours goes to the restoration of historic gardens in Virginia, such as Monticello, Kenmore in Fredericksburg, the older plantations along the James River, the UVA Pavilion Garden, and so on."

During the week, more than 30 tours are available for people to enjoy. Tours specifically located in Richmond began with the Hampton Gardens tour earlier this week.

Today (Wednesday), the spotlight will focus on Seminary Avenue and Ginter Park, while Thursday's tour travels to Windsor Farms, hailed as one of the most popular tours across the state during Historic Garden Week.

Tours in other parts of Virginia range from the Chesapeake Bay all the way to the Blue Ridge Mountains and include rural, urban and suburban settings, presenting gardens from formal 18th century terraces to backyard habitats, walled city spaces and even "secret" gardens.

Also during the week, select tours will feature special activities such as flower arranging demonstrations, discussion by Master Gardeners, local music ensembles, lunches provided by local church groups and even fashion shows. 

• The 75th annual Historic Garden Week runs through Sunday, April 27. Tickets may be purchased on the day of the tour at any of the properties open, at designated information centers and in advance at vagardenweek.org. A complete list of tour dates is also available online. Prices range from $10-$40, depending on the locality.

Great Richmond Region Adventure

We all know Richmond has some great hidden secrets, but when have you been given the chance to seek them out? Well this weekend, you can.

It's time to grab your treasure hunting gear and sharpen those code-cracking skills for the second annual Great Richmond Region Adventure from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 26.

If you plan to participate, you'll have to hurry! Deadline for online registration ends today (Wednesday) by close of business. However, if you really have the desire to register and can't make the deadline, give Ravenchase Adventures a call, and they may be able to squeeze you in.

"[The Richmond Region Adventure] started last year and is traditionally handled during what's called Discover America Week," said Lisa Duty, creative gadgetologist and merrymaker extraordinaire for Ravenchase Adventures.

"And since Virginia history is pretty much American history, the Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau was looking for a fun way to promote tourism in our area."

Teams are able to register up to six players, turning the $150 registration fee into a mere $25 per person. Teams will check in on-site at Ravenchase at 11 a.m. to go over directions, rules and tips for using the customized tools and gadgets provided by Ravenchase.

This year, the Great Richmond Region Adventure starts in the Fan. Teams will use a treasure map, gadgets and clues to determine each destination, which will eventually lead them into downtown Richmond, toward the secret ending location.

"The first team there with all their clues completed and the fastest time, which includes any penalties are bonuses they may have picked up along the way, wins," Duty said.

For the winners: $2,500 to split and an additional $2,500 to donate to your team's favorite Richmond region attraction.

Not from Richmond? Not a problem. Buty admits that while knowing the city may help you in terms of shortcuts for getting to locations, but the information given on the treasure map and clues are all you out-of-towners will need.

• The second annual Great Richmond Region Adventure will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 26. Online registration ends today and costs $150 per team. Teams may consist of up to six players. For more information and to register, visit ravenchase.com or call 888-702-9039.

James River Wine Festival

James River is inviting all Richmonders to "sip, savour and celebrate" Virginia wines this weekend during the 17th annual James River Wine Festival held from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 26 and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 27 at the Innsbrook Pavilion.

Twenty-two well-known wineries come together with live jazz, swing and rockabilly music from, Piedmont Soup Prize as well as great food, arts and crafts.

A few of the wineries include Cooper Vineyards, Grayhaven Winery, Barboursville Vineyards, James River Cellars and Veritas Vineyard and Winery. Festival goers will enjoy samples and a complimentary wine glass to take home.

The festival is being held to benefit Diversity Thrift, a thrift store whose proceeds are used to benefit lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.

• The 17th annual James River Wine Festival will be held at the Innsbrook Pavilion, noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 26 and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 27. Tickets for the event are $15 in advance, $20 at the gate. Pets and coolers are not allowed. For more information and a list of places to purchase tickets, visit jamesriverwinefestival.com.

After all this are you still looking for something to do this weekend? Then check out our searchable Calendar to find even more things going on.