73 things to do this week (May 9 - 15)

Some highlights for this week include a free outdoor concert in New Town by the band Full Moon Fever, a National Train Day Celebration at Lee Hall Depot in Newport News and a free public lecture, “Seeking Freedom: Black Refugees in Time of War,” at the American Revolution Museum in Yorktown.

The Williamsburg Botanical Garden-Freedom Park Arboretum will also be holding its 37th Annual Native Plant Sale on Saturday.

If you’d like to submit a future event for consideration, please reply to this email to tell me about it.

-Christin

Multiple Days

Juneteenth 2022 Poster Contest ️– Newport News Public Libraries (Newport News). Elementary and middle school students are invited to use their artistic talents to express their visions and thoughts about the Juneteenth themes of liberty, freedom, justice and equality. Registration materials can be picked up and completed posters dropped off at Grissom Library, Main Street Library and Pearl Bailey Library. Posters must be submitted by May 16.
Freedom Park Spring Photo Contest – Freedom Park is hosting a spring photo contest through May 13. Entries can be submitted here. Limit of two entries per participant. Voting will be open to the public from May 20 – June 20.
Plants with a Purpose Honor Box Plant Sale – Williamsburg Botanical Garden and Freedom Park Arboretum in Williamsburg. This event begins on April 23 and ends on May 31. From 7:00 am until sunset, find plants that are beneficial to the local ecosystem and attract pollinators and local wildlife. Pay with cash in the locked drop box on the sale rack or pay online here after the sale begins. Prices are marked on the plants. Sign up for email updates on ongoing plant sales here. The garden and arboretum are also free to visit and open daily during regular park hours, 7:00 am until dusk. The Williamsburg Botanical Garden and Freedom Park Arboretum will also be holding an Annual Native Plant Sale on Saturday; details are provided below (see the event listings for “Saturday, May 14”).
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike – Peninsula Community Theatre in Newport News. See the performance that won a Tony Award for Best Play. This comical show theatrical event tells the story of often-bickering middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia, whose movie-star sister, Masha, swoops in with her new boy toy, Spike. Masks recommended. Standard tickets are $20. April 29 – May 15, Friday & Saturday 8 pm, Sunday 2:30 pm.
Palace Concert – Governor’s Palace (Colonial Williamsburg). Tuesdays, May 10, 17, 24 and 31. This elegant special music event features the Governor’s Musick, Colonial Williamsburg’s early music ensemble and will be held every Tuesday throughout the month of May. You’ll enjoy 17th- and 18th-century music for flute, harpsichord, voice and strings. Not appropriate for children six and under. Tickets are $19 for adults, $12 for children ages 6-12. Tuesday 7:00 – 8:00 pm.
American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course – This course is for ages 15+ interested in receiving lifeguard certification. Participants must attend and pass a swim test on the first day and attend every class to earn certification. Dates: Friday, May 13, 4-6 pm, Saturday, May 14, 9 am – 5 pm, Monday-Thursday, May 16-19, 4-9 pm. Course is $210 for all sessions; fee includes book and materials.
Revolutionary Points of View – Capitol Hall of Burgesses at Colonial Williamsburg. This event will be held every Tuesday (May 10, 17, 24 and 31). Step back in time to the eve of the American Revolution and hear a wide range of points of view about the war and independence – and then join in on the debate to decide whether we remain British or become Americans. Two time slots are available: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm and 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm. Tickets are $16 for adults; $9 for children under 12.
Aqua Zumba Classes – Kingswood Pool (Williamsburg). Classes are open to the public and held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:30 am. No pool membership is required; just drop in. Cost is $10 per session or $80 for 10 sessions.
Teen Cooking Kit – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Teens are invited to stop by the library to pick up a YCPL Teen Cooking kit, starting today. Kits will be available all month, while supplies last. The kit features the spice of the month – sage – along with recipes using that spice.
COLORS Exhibit ️– Stryker Center in Williamsburg. This collaborative show features two longtime friends, photographer Kathy Hornsby and painter Connie Desaulniers, who will share their love of color saturation in their art forms. The exhibit can be viewed weekdays from 9:00 to 5:00 pm through May 27.
Edgar Degas: The Private Impressionist ️– Muscarelle Museum of Art in Williamsburg. This exhibition includes works by Degas, including drawings, prints, photographs, monotypes, a sculpture and a letter, all from one private collection. The collection is meant to illuminate the background and personality of Edgar Degas and showcase his artistic genius. This exhibit runs through May 29, 2022. Admission is free for Muscarelle Museum of Art members; $10 for non-members. See website for hours.
Intersections – Colonial Williamsburg (in front of Raleigh Tavern). This street theatre experience explores the daily lives of ordinary people in the extraordinary times of the 18th century. Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through May 29. Free and open to the public. 11:00 – 11:35 am.
WCAC Twentieth Annual High School Student Art Show ️– Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center. See featured artwork from students of Bruton, Jamestown, Lafayette and Warhill High Schools as well as Walsingham Academy at the Twentieth Annual High School Student Art Show. April 27 – May 20. The gallery is free and open to the public Wednesday – Saturday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Afterschool Crafts ️– James City County Library. Monday – Thursday, 4:00-7:00 pm; Friday, 4:00-6:00 pm. This drop-in event features new crafts every week.
Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival – Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. This event is the largest spring food and wine festival in Virginia. It features over 100 dishes, wines, cocktails and craft beers from around the globe, including new offerings inspired by Australia and Greece. Live music and entertainment will also take place. April 28 – June 12; see website for times and ticket details.

Today, Monday, May 9

Teen Craft Night ️– Pearl Bailey Library (Newport News). This Teen Craft Night event will honor Asian Pacific Heritage Month with a focus on paintings inspired by artist Yayoi Kusama. Registration required. For ages 12-17. 5:00 – 6:30 pm.
Live Music: Phil Casey – Spoke & Art Provisions Co. (Williamsburg). Spoke & Art is running a weekly Live Music Monday series through May 30. This week’s featured artist is Phil Casey. 5:00 – 8:00 pm.
Mending Monday ✔️– Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Bring your hemming, stitching and sewing projects to the Williamsburg Library Makerspace to use the library’s sewing machines and workspace. Library staff will be available to help with sewing resources and machine use. 6:00 – 8:00 pm.

Tuesday, May 10

Full STEAM Ahead – Grissom Library (Newport News). Children ages 2-5 can discover Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math during this interactive, five-week class. Registration is required for each date. 11:00 am.
Intro to Cricut Design Space ️– Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Interested in learning how to start working with a Cricut? This class will cover the basics of Cricut Design Space, the software used to make Cricut creations. 11:00 am.
Art House Café Film Series: Cyrano – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). This film series brings an art house flavor while allowing guests to hear from film experts, have a discussion with other viewers and enjoy light refreshments. This month’s featured film is Cyrano, set in 17th-century Italy (rated PG-13). See website for full film description. 2:00 pm.
Newport News Parks & Recreation Job Fair ✔️– Denbigh Community Center (Newport News). Apply for jobs on the spot; interviews will be held on-site. Start work in as little as 2 weeks. A wide variety of positions are available, including customer service (both indoors and outdoors), animal care and welfare, construction maintenance roles marina positions, youth programs and more. 4:00 – 7:00 pm.
Small Business Workshop ✔️– Grissom Library (Newport News). If you’re looking to start your own business or need advice for growing your current small business, check out this workshop presented by SCORE. For adults 18+; registration is required. 6:00 pm.

Wednesday, May 11

Story and a Walk – Newport News Park (Newport News). Bring your pre-school-aged child to the Discovery Center for this monthly nature story reading event. A new picture storybook about animals and their adventures will be featured each month. 10:00 am.
Lego Builders – Pearl Bailey Library (Newport News). Kids 5-11 can use their imagination to build a mini lego masterpiece at this event. 4:00 pm.
Movies at Main: Coming Home Again – Main Street Library (Newport News). This month’s featured thought-provoking film is Coming Home Again. For adults 18+. 5:00 – 7:30 pm.
Yoga @ Grissom – Grissom Library (Newport News) and Virtual. Instructor Emily Coyner teaches introductory yoga classes every Wednesday evening, no experience required. Spots are limited; all participants must register for either the in-person or virtual classes. 6:00 pm.
“Fire & Ice”: Washington & Adams, Part I – Hennage Auditorium at Colonial Williamsburg. Professor Peter will discuss the influential roles played by George Washington and John Adams in winning American Independence. A book signing will follow. $5 program fee in addition to Art Museum admission or a Good Neighbor pass. 5:00 – 6:00 pm.
New Town Tunes – Sullivan Square at New Town (Williamsburg). James City County Parks & Recreation, in partnership with CultureFix, presents a spring concert series featuring tribute bands. On May 11, come see Full Moon Fever’s Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Tribute. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Free. 5:30 pm.
Drumming for Wellness – Freedom Park (Williamsburg). This workshop will feature drum and voice to practice mindfulness. Students will learn basic drumming and meditation techniques. All instruments provided. 5:30 – 7:00 pm.
Fellowship in a Ring – James City County Library (Williamsburg). This group is dedicated to science fiction and fantasy-themed books, films, television and pop culture. A suggested reading list is offered before each meeting. 6:30 pm.

Thursday, May 12

City Center Farmers Market – City Center at Oyster Point (Newport News). Find fresh, healthy, farm-to-table foods like produce, beef, jams and local treats at this Farmers Market, every Thursday through September 1. 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Homeschool Thursdays – Grissom Library (Newport News). This STEAM program features different topics designed to be stand-alone enrichment to supplement what kids are already learning at home. For ages 5-11. 10:30 am.
Throwback Film Series: Amelia – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). This film series, now in its 19th year, features a variety of classic movies geared toward and adult audience. This week’s featured film is Amelia, which recounts the life and career of Amelia Earhart. Rated PG. 2:00 pm.
“Fire & Ice”: Washington & Adams, Part II – Professor Peter Henriques will discuss the long and stormy relationship between George Washington and John Adams. A book signing will follow. $5 program fee plus Art Museum admission or a Good Neighbor pass. 5:00 – 6:00 pm.
History on Film: The Monuments Men – Grissom Library (Newport News). This big screen movie tells the story of a dedicated group of artists, curators and soldiers fighting to save cultural treasures in Europe during WWII. Rated PG-13. Popcorn and candy will be available. For adults 18+. 5:30 pm.
Celtic Film Series: Brooklyn – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). The Celtic Film Series is held on the 2nd Thursday of each month through May 2022. This month’s featured film is Brooklyn (2015), a drama/romance set in 1950s Brooklyn. Rated PG-13. 6:00 pm.
Power in the Panels: A Graphic Novel Book Club – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by discussing this month’s featured book, “The Best We Could Do” by Thi Bui. For ages 18+. 7:00 pm.
Talking History Lecture Series: “Seeking Freedom: Black Refugees in Time of War” – American Revolution Museum at Yorktown (Yorktown). This public lecture will be led by Marvin-Alonzo Greer, historian and genealogist. Capacity is limited and advanced online registration is required. Register here. Free. 7:00 pm.
Evening Lecture: Crime of Clotilda – The Mariners’ Museum (Newport News) and Virtual. Historian Dr. Natalie S. Robertson will share the story of Clotilda, the last American slave ship, and its illegal, fateful smuggling voyage from point of capture in West Africa. Advance registration required. $10 in person for non-members, free to livestream. 7:00 pm.
South Pacific – Ferguson Center for the Arts (Newport News). This classic Rodgers and Hammerstein, Pulitzer Prize-winning tale is set on a tropical island during WWII. You’ll enjoy Broadway performances and a chorus of American sailors and Navy nurses. 7:30 pm. Tickets are $50 and up. 7:30 pm.

Friday, May 13

Main Street Library’s Chess Club ♞- Main Street Library (Newport News). This chess program for ages 5-17 meets every two weeks from 1:00 – 3:00 pm.
Mature Singles Network Meetup ✔️- MSN Is a singles network for people who are 55+. There are two organizations in the area: Williamsburg MSN and York/Middle Peninsula MSN. Both groups meet for lunch on the second Friday of each month. Network gatherings for members of both groups are also held on the third Saturday of each month at various Williamsburg-area restaurants. For more information or to get on the mailing list, email Jim Walsh.
Dungeons and Dragons – Virtual, hosted by Newport News Public Library. Adults 18+ are invited to join in on this digital game of Dungeons and Dragons. See website for Discord server link. 7:00 – 9:00 pm.
Dewey Decibel Concerts: North Sea Gas – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). North Sea Gas is a popular Scottish folk band featuring three-part harmonies. Tickets are $5 ($4 for WRL members). 7:30 pm.
Stayin’ Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees – Ferguson Center for the Arts (Newport News). Vocalists Tony Mattina, Todd Sharman and George Manz create the realistic sound and experience of the Gibb brothers live in concert. Tickets are $18 and up. 8:00 pm.

Saturday, May 14

Household Chemical Collections and Computer Recycling ✔️– 105 Service Drive (Yorktown). VPPSA will accept paints, fuels, pesticides, solvents, automotive products and other chemicals at this event. This collection is for residents of Williamsburg, James City County, York County, Hampton and Poquoson. See a full list of accepted materials here. 8:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Williamsburg Farmers Market – Duke of Gloucester Street and P4 parking lot (Williamsburg). The Williamsburg Farmers Market is back for the 2022 season! Shop from producers of locally grown produce, baked goods, cut flowers, organic vegetables, herbs, pasture-raised meats, cheeses, fresh bread, honey and more. Visa, Mastercard, SNAP and W&M express are now accepted. 9:00 am – noon.
Toano Open Air Market – 7891 Richmond Rd (Toano). Shop safely every Saturday while supporting local farmers, artisans, pollinators and a variety of other vendors. Pre-ordering is recommended in order to ensure product availability. 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.
Awesome Opossums – Newport News Park (Newport News). Learn all about the interesting – and often misunderstood – opossum, including how they can adapt to survive in a wide variety of environments. This event will be offered at two different times: 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Be Well in the Burg – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). This health and fitness initiative promotes active and healthy lifestyles. Three fitness classes will be offered: Cycle (8 am), Zumba (9 am) and Align & Flow Yoga (11 am). For ages 14+. Free.
Yorktown Market Days – Vintage Market/Car Show on Main Street – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). This special market will feature hard-to-find collectibles and upcycled treasures. You’ll also be able to check out more than a dozen fully restored classic cars and speak to their owners at the Car Show. 8:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Annual Native Plant Society Sale – Williamsburg Botanical Garden and Freedom Park Arboretum (Williamsburg). Shop for native plants that thrive in the area and attract beneficial pollinating insects. (Rain date May 15th). 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.
National Train Day Celebration – Lee Hall Depot (Newport News). All are invited for a fun day featuring interactive model train layouts, educational presentations, costumed railroad characters, children’s activities, music, vendors, food, door prizes and more. Tickets are $5; free for children under 7. Purchase tickets here or at the gate. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Repair Fair ✔️– Warhill High School (Williamsburg). The Clean County Commission is launching its first Repair Fair. Residents are invited to bring lightly broken items to be fixed by local volunteers, who will help mend items like clothing, jewelry, small appliances and items that need welding. The fair is also seeking volunteer fixers with special repair skills. See website for additional details. Volunteers will receive a $75 stipend for their time. If planning to attend, please fill out this form. Free for registered participants. 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Creek Pick Your Paddle – York River State Park. Explore the beautiful wetlands of Taskinas Creek and the York River by canoe or kayak at this event. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent; call the park office for fees and reservations. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Saturday Acoustic Brunch: Paul Norfleet – Spoke & Art Provisions Co (Williamsburg). Enjoy brunch while hearing live music by Paul Norfleet. 11:00 am.
Third Annual Bug Fest – Grafton Middle School (Yorktown). Celebrate bugs at the Third Annual Bug Fest, featuring insect displays, Bug Talks, crafts and activities and local experts with bug facts. Bug-themed story time will be held at 11:05 am and 1:20 pm in the auditorium. 10:00 – 2:00 pm.
Science Saturday: Chromatography – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Kids in grades 3-5 are invited to dive into chromatography, which combines science with art. 10:30 – 11:30 am.
Pop-In Saturdays: Wild About Reading – Pearl Bailey Library (Newport News). Kids ages 3-11 are invited to participate in a craft activity and scavenger hunt at this event. Registration is not required. 2:00 – 4:00 pm.
Live Music: Beers, Beats & Bites Feat. Scrapper T Duo – Virginia Beer Company (Williamsburg). Don Chido will be on site to dish out street tacos and handmade tapas all day, and live music by Scrapper T Duo will be featured from 4:00 – 7:00 pm.
Campfire Social – Chickahominy Riverfront Park (Williamsburg). Celebrate summer with an old-fashioned campfire gathering at the park featuring s’mores, activities, storytelling and more. All are welcome. Free. 7:00 – 8:00 pm.
Live Music: Bad Habit Rocks – Billsburg Brewery (Williamsburg). Grab a glass and enjoy heavy classic rock by Bad Habit at Billsburg Brewery. 7:00 – 10:00 pm.
As Far As the Stars Night Hike ✨- York River State Park (Williamsburg). Participate in a magical journey through the night to observe wildlife at the York River State Park. Free with park admission. 7:30 – 9:00 pm.
Clay Jenkinson as Thomas Jefferson – Ferguson Center for the Arts (Newport News). Humanities scholar and writer Clay Jenkins will bring Jefferson to life, focusing on his life and accomplishments. The audience will also have the opportunity to ask Mr. Jefferson questions on any subject. Tickets start at $30. 8:00 pm.

Sunday, May 15

Pedal the Parkway – Colonial Parkway. The National Park Service at Colonial National Historical Park invites the community to walk, bike or stroll along a seven-mile section of the Parkway from 7:00 am – 12:00 pm on this special Parkway Rec Day. Staff will close the Parkway to vehicle access during the event.
Dungeons & Dragons Day – Tabb Library (Yorktown). This Dungeons and Dragons event is for middle and high school students. Registration is required. 1:00 – 4:30 pm.
Art at the River Juried Art Show ️– Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). See the work of more than 35 local artists at this 9th annual Juried Art Show. Creative artists including painters, photographers, jewelers and potters will have their work on display. There will also be special performances from the Fifes and Drums of York Town (10:00 am) and Audio Portrait (11:00 am and 3:00 pm). This event has been rescheduled from May 8. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
River Seine – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Discover unique fish and shellfish by following the Woodstock Pond Trail during this ranger-guided activity. Free with park admission. 1:00 – 3:00 pm.
Introduction to Genealogy ✔️– Main Street Library (Newport News). Learn the basics of genealogy and how to use Ancestry.com for your search. Registration is required; basic computer knowledge is needed. 1:00 – 2:30 pm.
Live Music: Sean Winter – Virginia Beer Company. Enjoy live music by Sean Winter from 2:00 – 5:00 pm. The Bumbling Bee Vegan will also be on site dishing out food from noon to 6:00 pm.
Paws to Read with K-9 Connection – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Kids can practice their reading skills by reading aloud to trained therapy dogs. Registration is not required. 2:30 – 3:30 pm.
Roaming Ranger – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Meet with the park’s naturalist/ranger and learn about the aquatic, mammal, plant and insect life in the park. Free with park admission. 4:00 – 5:00 pm.

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