Events

Join the Cradle Graves Floral Workshop on Saturday, May 16, at 10:30am-12:30pm, a two-hour workshop from the Worship the Ground Series: A Brief History of a Sympathy Floral Practice with a Hands-on Workshop hosted by Rachael Watman from Swann’s End Flowers and Cemetery Historian Sharon Pajka.

This workshop will begin with a 30-minute presentation that traces the history of cradle graves from their popularity during the Victorian era to today and will elucidate the rituals and specifics of caring for the cradle grave gardens. Discussion will include modern day volunteer groups who now tend to cradle graves.

After the presentation, the 90-minute hands-on workshop will have participants clean up and replant a cradle grave of their choosing in Presidents Circle at Hollywood Cemetery. Participants will learn about the importance of using native plants suited to the environmental conditions of the site.

This workshop costs $40 per person, which includes a $25 donation to Friends of Hollywood Cemetery. No refunds or transfers. Spaces are limited to 12 participants. To RSVP, click here.

Rachael Watman, MSW, is a gerontological social worker, death doula, and long-standing advocate for quality end-of-life care. Rachael is also a master gardener, growing, designing, and selling flowers via her farm, Swann's End Flowers in Powhatan, Virginia.

Join us on Monday, May 18, at 2:00-3:30pm for an energy healing experience, led by Charlene from The Rainbow Frequency. This 90-minute session is designed to offer a peaceful retreat within the cemetery's restorative grounds.

The experience will begin with a walk through the cemetery to help participants center themselves in nature, followed by a guided meditation focused on grounding and holistic wellness. By focusing on breath work and the surrounding beauty, participants can experience a deeper connection to the environment. We will conclude with a discussion on various techniques for maintaining balance and self-soothing across mind, body, and spirit.

This event is free, however, a donation to Friends of Hollywood Cemetery is highly encouraged. No refunds or transfers. Spaces are limited to 20 participants.To RSVP, click here.

 

Join us on Saturday, May 23, at 2:00-3:30pm for an energy healing experience, led by Charlene from The Rainbow Frequency. This 90-minute session is designed to offer a peaceful retreat within the cemetery's restorative grounds.

The experience will begin with a walk through the cemetery to help participants center themselves in nature, followed by a guided meditation focused on grounding and holistic wellness. By focusing on breath work and the surrounding beauty, participants can experience a deeper connection to the environment. We will conclude with a discussion on various techniques for maintaining balance and self-soothing across mind, body, and spirit.

This event is free, however, a donation to Friends of Hollywood Cemetery is highly encouraged. No refunds or transfers. Spaces are limited to 20 participants.To RSVP, click here.

 

Enjoy the sunrise, discover wildlife, and capture the best landscapes at Hollywood Cemetery with Richmond’s celebrated outdoor photographer, Bill Draper. Join us for Rise & Click, a 2-hour photography workshop hosted by Bill Draper on Sunday, June 7, at 5:45-7:45am.

This tour costs $25 per person, with all proceeds benefitting Friends of Hollywood Cemetery. No refunds or transfers. Spaces are limited to 12 participants. To RSVP, click here.

Begin your morning with stillness, story, and self-discovery. Join us on Saturday, June 13, at 9:00-10:30am for Meandering Among the Markers, a 90-minute writing and reflection workshop held in the serene spaces of Hollywood Cemetery. This small-group session invites you to explore your inner landscape through quiet observation, poetic expression, and personal reflection—guided by symbols, epitaphs, and the language of memory. Inspired by morning light and mindful pacing, this workshop is designed for those seeking a creative, contemplative experience.

This session offers space to:

• Observe a specific grave and interpret its visual symbols
• Reflect on epitaphs and poetic expression
• Write short poems or sketches (inspired by poets like Rupi Kaur or personal journaling)
• Participate in optional deeper sharing, including prompts such as “Today I miss…” or “Today I remembered…”

This event is free, however, a donation to Friends of Hollywood Cemetery is highly encouraged. No refunds or transfers. Spaces are limited to 15 participants.To RSVP, click here.

 

Begin your morning with stillness, story, and self-discovery. Join us on Saturday, July 11, at 9:00-10:30am for Meandering Among the Markers, a 90-minute writing and reflection workshop held in the serene spaces of Hollywood Cemetery. This small-group session invites you to explore your inner landscape through quiet observation, poetic expression, and personal reflection—guided by symbols, epitaphs, and the language of memory. Inspired by morning light and mindful pacing, this workshop is designed for those seeking a creative, contemplative experience.

This session offers space to:

• Observe a specific grave and interpret its visual symbols
• Reflect on epitaphs and poetic expression
• Write short poems or sketches (inspired by poets like Rupi Kaur or personal journaling)
• Participate in optional deeper sharing, including prompts such as “Today I miss…” or “Today I remembered…”

This event is free, however, a donation to Friends of Hollywood Cemetery is highly encouraged. No refunds or transfers. Spaces are limited to 15 participants.To RSVP, click here.

 

Enjoy the sunrise, discover wildlife, and capture the best landscapes at Hollywood Cemetery with Richmond’s celebrated outdoor photographer, Bill Draper. Join us for Rise & Click, a 2-hour photography workshop hosted by Bill Draper on Sunday, July 12, at 5:45-7:45am.

This tour costs $25 per person, with all proceeds benefitting Friends of Hollywood Cemetery. No refunds or transfers. Spaces are limited to 12 participants. To RSVP, click here.

Join the Van Yahres Tree Company for the annual Fall Tree Tour on Wednesday, October 28, at 11:00am-12:30pm. This 90-minute guided walk will showcase our accredited arboretum and provide education about the preservation and care of the historic trees of Hollywood Cemetery.

This event is free, however, a donation to Friends of Hollywood Cemetery is highly encouraged. No refunds or transfers. Spaces are limited to 50 participants. To RSVP, click here.