Restaurant Week continues through Sunday, Jan. 29 in both Williamsburg and Newport News. The annual event features deals and promotions designed to allow diners to try a variety of different foods for a fixed, reduced price. Many of the participating restaurants are offering two-course lunch specials and three-course dinner specials, and some also have breakfast specials.

In Williamsburg, 22 restaurants are participating, including 1607 Grill, Aberdeen Barn, Axe Republic, Berret’s Seafood Restaurant, Blue Talon Bistro, Bonefish Grill, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Corner Pocket, Craft 31, Dog Street Pub, Fat Tuna, Gabriel Archer Tavern, La Piazza, Oceans & Ale, Old City BBQ, Opus 9, Paul’s Newtown, Sal’s by Victor, Second Street Bistro, Surry Seafood Company, Two Drummers Smokehouse and the Williamsburg Lodge. See a full list of their menus here. 

Twenty-two restaurants are also participating in Restaurant Week in Newport News this year. Among them are Azzurri Italian Restaurant, Bonefish Grill, Burger Theory, Cabo Grill, Circa 1918, Cove Tavern, The Crab Shack, Fairways BBQ, Farmer’s Table, Fin Seafood, Harpoon Larry’s, Juan’s Mexican Cafe’ and Cantina, Lormnava Afrik Cuisine, Midtown Eats, Saffron, Sage Kitchen, Schlesinger’s at Port Warwick, Second Street American Bistro, Smoke BBQ Restaurant & Bar, Steak & Tonic, Tuscano’s Brazilian Grill and The Twisted Crab. Menus are available here.

Some other highlights for this week include a SCORE workshop for aspiring entrepreneurs in Williamsburg, a free Marathon Mondays Agility Training program in Newport News, a performance of The Three Muskateers at the American Theatre in Hampton and a history presentation on the “Coal Wars” at Lee Hall Depot.

There will also be a free concert by Alcee Chriss at the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church on Sunday. An acclaimed organist and keyboardist, Chriss stars in the PBS documentary Pipe Dreams (2019) and serves as the Minister of Music at Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Ridgefield, CT.

Have a wonderful week!

-Christin

Events This Week, Jan. 23-29

Multi-Day

Dining

• Newport News Restaurant Week – Newport News Restaurant Week returns Jan. 15-29. This annual event allows diners to enjoy two or three-course meals at participating restaurants from a set menu for a fixed, affordable price. See the list of participating restaurants and their menus here. 
• Williamsburg Restaurant Week – Williamsburg Restaurant Week, hosted by the Williamsburg Area Restaurant Association, is a favorite annual event featuring curated menu offerings at special, discounted prices. Try a variety of food while supporting local establishments. This year’s event runs Jan. 19-29. See a list of participating restaurants and menus here. 

Theatre

• 84, Charing Cross Road –  James-York Playhouse (Williamsburg). The Williamsburg Players will kick off the new year with “84, Charing Cross Road.” See the website for a description. The play runs from Jan. 20 – Feb. 5, 2023. Tickets are available here. Tickets are $20 for adults, $12 for students and children. 

History

• Pop-Up Archaeology! – Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg (Williamsburg). Archaeologists will be present to talk to guests about ongoing excavations at Custis Square, First Baptist Church, and Powder Magazine archaeology sites on Tuesday, Jan. 24 and Thursday, Jan. 26. This event will be open for free-flow visitation. Requires art museum admission or a Good Neighbor Pass. 2:00 – 4:00 pm.

Outdoor

• Liberty Ice Pavilion – Colonial Williamsburg (Williamsburg). The Liberty Ice Pavilion at Colonial Williamsburg is open daily through Feb. 26, 2023. See the ice rink’s full operating schedule here.

Monday, Jan. 23

Health & Wellness

• Marathon Mondays: Agility Training by Pivot Physical Therapy – Pivot PT Oyster Point (Newport News). Celebrate the 2023 One City Marathon by running, walking, stretching and eating healthy to gear up for the big race weekend! Fun & free wellness activities for the whole family every week Jan. 9 – Feb. 27! This week’s featured event is Agility Training by Pivot Physical Therapy. Register here.

Lecture

• Great Road Style: The Decorative Arts Legacy of Southwest Virginia – Virtual. Learn about the cultural heritage of Southwest Virginia and Northeastern Tennessee. During this lecture, you’ll learn about the lively mix of decorative arts that became synonymous with the Great Road Style. This program is presented by Betsy White, art historian and interim director of William King Museum of Art in Abingdon. Advanced registration is required; see the website for details. 7:30 pm.

Tuesday, Jan. 24

Films 

• Art House Café Film Series: Moonage Daydream – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). This film series aims to bring an art house film flavor to your Tuesdays. You’ll also meet new friends, enjoy light refreshments, hear from special guests and have a discussion after the film. This week’s featured film is Moonage Daydream (2022; PG-13). 2:00 pm.

Games

• Dungeons & Dragons – Tabb Library (Williamsburg). Attend an evening of Dungeons & Dragons at Tabb Library. Start a new ongoing campaign or take part in a one-shot campaign. Registration is required and light refreshments are provided. For new and experienced players 18+. 6:00 – 8:00 pm. 

Teens

• Makerspace: 3DND – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Teens ages 13-18 are invited to make a DND miniature and learn the basics of slicing a 3D file. Spots are limited; call to register. 6:30 – 7:30 pm. 

Wednesday, Jan. 25

Music

• Musick in the Geddy House – James Geddy House (Williamsburg). Enjoy plays and songs from one or more members of the Governor’s Musick ensemble. Guests will also be able to ask questions about the music and instruments. Requires CW admission or a Good Neighbor pass. 11:00 am – 2:00 pm.

Health & Wellness

• Meditation Series – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Engage in mindfulness and meditation in a supportive, small group setting. January’s theme will be stress and anxiety. Register online. 6:30 – 7:45 pm. 

Kids

• Kids Bounce – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). Kids are invited to burn energy during this mini trampoline class. For ages 8-13. $5. 5:00 – 5:45 pm. 

Health & Wellness

• Tai Chi for Beginners – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). This class introduces participants to the basic elements of Tai Chi. Free. For ages 14+. 5:00 – 6:00 pm. 
• Drumming for Wellness – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). Participants will use the drum and voice to practice mindfulness in a drum circle. No musical experience needed; all instruments provided. For ages 16+. Free. 5:30 – 7:00 pm.

Business

• SCORE Workshop: How to Start Your Own Business – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). If you’re interested in starting a business but concerned about how to begin, where to begin and whether your idea makes sense, this workshop is for you. This program is free; register here. 5:30 – 7:30 pm.

Thursday, Jan. 26

Crafts

• DIY Craft: Quilting – Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg (Williamsburg). Learn about quiltmaking and then enjoy a mini quilting project. Requires Art Museum admission and a $5 event ticket. 11:30 am – 12:30 pm. 11:30 am – 12:30 pm.

Films

• Throwback Thursday Film Series – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). This week’s featured film is The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing (1955; NR). 2:00 – 3:55 pm.

Tweens & Teens 

• Drop-in D&D – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Dungeons & Dragons players ages 9-18 are invited to drop-in and play this classic tabletop game. All experience levels are welcome. 5:30 – 7:30 pm.

Friday, Jan. 27

Educational

• Chinese New Year Dance Lecture – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Attend the opening reception and curator’s talk for the special exhibit, “Chinese Dance: National Movements in a Revolutionary Age, 1945-1965.” 2:00 – 4:30 pm. 

Nature & Wildlife

• Waterfowl Watch – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Stop by and discover the ducks that will inhabit the park until early spring. There will be an outdoor display of decoys and images. Bring binoculars for better views. Included with park admission. 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. 

Health & Wellness

• Family Zumba: Winter Wonderland – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). Family Zumba offers an opportunity for families to be active together and work toward staying healthy. It’s held one Friday each month with different themes each month. Space is limited; registration is required. For ages 5+. Free. 5:00 – 6:00 pm. 

Entertainment

• Parsons Dance – Ferguson Center for the Arts (Newport News). Enjoy a performance by Parsons Dance, an internationally renowned dance group known for its energetic, athletic and joyous style. Tickets are $42-$49 for adults; $10 for kids. 
• The Acting Company Presents The Three Muskateers – The American Theatre (Hampton). See the world premiere adaptation of The Three Muskateers, commissioned by The Acting Company. This inspiring tale is filled with laughter and adventure. Tickets are $35 and up. Friday, Jan. 27. 8:00 – 10:00 pm.

Saturday, Jan. 28

Outdoor Recreation

• Winter Bird Walk – New Quarter Park (Williamsburg). Join the Williamsburg Bird Club for a bird walk at New Quarter Park. Bring binoculars if you have them. Free and open to the public. For more information, email [email protected] 8:00 – 10:00 am.
• Tidewater Striders Distance Series – Fort Monroe (Hampton). This race, held on a scenic course at Fort Monroe, features 10 and 15 mile tracks that will take you over the moat bridge. After race parties will be held at Ozzlefinch Brewery; all participants will receive 2 beer tickets and pizza. Sign up here. $55. 8:30 – 11:30 am. 
• Fossil Frenzy Hike – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Join park staff in discovering relics of early whales, porpoises, sharks, clams, scallops and snails on a hike to fossil beach. Included with park admission. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. 

Health & Wellness

• Family Health Fair – Family Health Fair (Williamsburg). Enjoy activities for all ages, nutrition workshops, healthy recipes and demonstrations, giveaways, Yoga demonstrations and more. Presented by The Arc of Greater Williamsburg. 9:00 am – noon. 

History

• Black Gold: The Coal Wars – Lee Hall Depot (Newport News). This special program discusses the Coal wars of West Virginia during the height of America’s use of coal to heat homes. The coal wars resulted from harsh economic exploitation of miners who carried out this dangerous work. A costumed interpreter will interact with visitors and discuss the life of a coal worker. A variety of fun children’s activities and refreshments will also be available. Included with regular admission. 7:00 pm. 

Kids

• Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s Big Bad Musical Wolf  – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Musicians from the Virginia Symphony Orchestra will walk kids of all ages through the stories of “Three Little Pigs,” and Prokofiev’s “Peter and The Wolf.” 11:00 am.
• [email protected]: Orisirisi – Abram Frink Jr. Community Center (Williamsburg). This program celebrates Africa with Orisirisi drumming, dance, and call and response. It will feature Nigerian-born Adetutu “Tutu” Harrell and music scholar Don Harrell, who have performed all over the world for Disney. 11:30 am. 

Sunday, Jan. 29

Live Music

• Open Door Series: Alcee Chriss – Williamsburg Presbyterian Church (Williamsburg). Enjoy a free concert featuring Alcee Chriss III, an organist and keyboardist who is featured in the PBS documentary, Pipe Dreams (2019). 4:00 pm.

Crafts & More

• Unwind with YCPL – Tabb Library (Yorktown). If you need some space to work on a craft or project – or just want to get out of the house for a bit – check out Unwind with YCPL. This new program provides adults space to work on a project, socialize and simply relax. There will also be games, puzzles and occasional craft offerings. 1:30 – 2:45 pm. 

Future Events to Note 🗒️

“Making the Most of Your Refund” Workshop – James City County Human Services Center (Williamsburg) and Virtual. James City County’s Office of Housing, in partnership with Literacy for Life, will host the “Making the Most of Your Refund” workshop on Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 11:00 am and 6:00 pm. Participants can attend either in person or virtually on Zoom. Register in advance. 

Williamsburg Book Festival – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). The Williamsburg Book Festival seeks to promote and support the art of literary composition in the Williamsburg area and expose writers to the reading public. This free, family-friendly event features authors from a variety of genres, speakers, illustrators and publishers from Virginia and beyond. Saturday, Feb. 4 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. 

Winter Carnival – 401 Oriana Rd. (Newport News). Newport News Parks & Recreation will host a special Winter Carnival on Saturday, Feb. 4 from 12:00 – 5:00 pm. The event will feature a 4,000+ square foot synthetic ice rink, carnival games, face paintings, candy apple treats, a hot cocoa bar, crafts, photo ops and a live DJ. Skates, games, activities, parking and admission are all free. Food vendors will also be on site selling delicious food and tasty treats. 

Yorktown Winter Market – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). Attend a special, Valentine’s Day-themed market at Riverwalk Landing! Saturday, Feb. 11 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.