The 241st anniversary of America’s Revolutionary War victory will be celebrated with a series of events and activities leading into Yorktown Day this week.
There will also be a wide variety of fall and Halloween-themed events taking place, including a unique Tales of All Hallows Eve program at Historic Jamestowne, the Yorktober Fest at Riverwalk Landing, ghost walks at Fort Monroe and the return of the Newport News Greek Festival.
Kids and families will be able to get outside and enjoy the fall weather this weekend at the Bluebird Gap Farm Fall Festival in Hampton and the Friends & Family Fall Festival at Freedom Park in Williamsburg. There will also be a free Halloween Family Movie Night in Newport News.
-Christin
Special Events ✨
️ Today, Sunday, Oct. 16
- Character Writing Workshop with the Chesapeake Bay Writers – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). This workshop, taught by local Virginia author Robin Traywick Williams, focuses on character-building and dialogue craft. For ages 13 through adult. See the website for sign-up information. 2:00 – 3:00 pm.
- Open Door Concerts Series Presents: Invoke – Williamsburg Presbyterian Church (Williamsburg). Enjoy this free concert by Invoke at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church (215 Richmond Road). Since their debut in 2015, Invoke continues to successfully dodge even the most valiant attempts at genre classification. Labeled a classical string quartet, the ensemble is equally comfortable exploring folk music on mandolin and banjo. For additional details, click here. 4:00 pm.
- Poquoson Seafood Festival – Poquoson Municipal Park (Poquoson). The Poquoson Seafood Festival has returned for its 40th anniversary after a two-year pandemic hiatus. The event marks the City of Poquoson’s annual salute to the working watermen of the Chesapeake Bay and life in a coastal city. There will be live music, fresh food and seafood, entertainment, arts and crafts, local vendors, work boat races, activities for all ages and more. Chairs and blankets are recommended for those who want to watch the live concerts. The festival is free to attend; parking is $10. The event concludes today, Sunday, Oct. 16. 12:30 – 6:30 pm.
️ Tuesday, Oct. 18
- Scientist Walks into a Bar – Tradition Brewery (Newport News). Learn how Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are changing the way things are done – in science and industry – and how it affects you. Free admission. 6:00 – 7:30.
️ Wednesday, Oct. 19
- Yorktown Day – Yorktown Victory Monument (Yorktown). Take part in a series of festivities to commemorate the Siege of Yorktown in 1781 and the Revolutionary War victory. The day starts off with a wreath-laying ceremony followed by a patriotic parade down Main Street. You’ll be able to enjoy a performance by the Fifes and Drums of York Town, and NPS historic structures will be open for self-guided tours throughout the afternoon. For a full schedule of events taking place on Yorktown Day, click here.
- Yorktown Day Book Signing – Gallery at York Hall (Yorktown). As part of Yorktown Day, the Gallery at York Hall will host a book signing. Children’s historical fiction authors Libby McNamee and Jenny L. Cote will be among the participating authors, according to WYDaily. Call the Gallery for additional information. Free. 12:30 – 3:30 pm.
- Surrender Field Tour – Mobjack Bay Coffee (Yorktown). The British Army, under Lord Cornwallis, surrendered to American Allies on Oct. 19. Take part in this informative walking tour of Surrender Field and learn about the events that happened on that day 240 years ago. $15/person; children 12 and under are free. 2:00 – 3:00 pm.
The 241st anniversary of America’s decisive Revolutionary War victory at Yorktown will be celebrated Saturday through Wednesday, October 15-19, with a multi-day salute of events and activities at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, Yorktown Battlefield and Historic Yorktown leading to Yorktown Day commemorative events on October 19. (Photo courtesy of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation). |
️ Friday, Oct. 21
- Wine & Paint Night – Williamsburg House of Mercy (Williamsburg). Attend a fun evening of wine and painting to help supply Thanksgiving meals to local families. The evening will be hosted by Artfully Amazing Studio. The cost is $50 per person and a suggested donation of a bag of non-perishable Thanksgiving food. All supplies (canvas, paint, brushes), instruction and a glass of wine with a cheese and cracker plate are included. Proceeds will go to purchasing turkeys and Thanksgiving meal ingredients for families in need. 5:30 – 7:00 pm.
- Revel at Chowning’s Tavern – Chowning’s Tavern Garden (Colonial Williamsburg). Head to Chowning’s for an evening of 18th-century merrymaking. You never know who may stop by to share stories, converse, ignite a bit of treason or lead the room in boisterous song. 7:00 – 9:00 pm.
️ Saturday, Oct. 22
- 4th Annual Weighted Angels 5k – Billsburg Brewery (Williamsburg). Take part in the Weighted Angels 5K Run & Walk to raise awareness, walk or run in honor of loved ones and raise funds to support families who have faced pregnancy loss, stillbirth or infant loss in Virginia. Participants can run or walk either in person or virtually this year. Click here for additional information (including race times and prices) or to sign up. Registration begins at 7:00 am.
- Williamsburg Community Shred-A-Thon – Walsingham Academy (Williamsburg). Walsingham Academy will host a free Community Shred-A-Thon on Saturday, Oct. 22. Bring your documents for on-site, drive-thru shredding. The Stealth Shredding trucks can handle all paper, CDs, DVDs, paper clips, staples, binders, and large clips. The first bag is free; additional bags are $5 each (based on the size of a paper grocery bag). All proceeds will benefit the Annual Fund for Excellence—supporting academics, technology upgrades, fine arts, athletics and more. Donations are also accepted. 8:00 – 11:00 am.
- 2022 Walk to End Alzheimer’s – New Town Gazebo (Williamsburg). Join hundreds of other participants in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Registration opens at 8:30 am, opening ceremony is at 9:40 am and walk begins at 10:00 am.
- Custis Square Community Open House – Custis Square (Colonial Williamsburg). Attend a day of archaeology at Custis Square, the home and gardens of John Custis, an early 18th-century resident. There will be free flow exploration, character interpretation and artifacts on display throughout the day. You’ll also be able to talk to archaeologists in the field about the history of Custis Square, earlier excavations that helped to inform our understanding of the Custis family and current project goals. Custis’ best-known relative, Martha Washington, will also be there with her new husband, George, between 10 am – 12 pm. This event is weather dependent. 10:00 – 4:00 pm.
- Heal Greater Williamsburg/Heal the Nation Community Day – Jamestown Beach Event Park (Williamsburg). Attend a relaxing day of family-friendly activities on the lawn of Amblers House, overlooking the Jamestown Beach waterfront. Activities will include storytelling with renowned storyteller Dylan Pritchett, workshops, rock painting, caricature drawings, and engaging community discussions. Vendors will also be on site. Free. 1:00 – 4:00 pm.
- Field Dayz 2022 – 326 Francis Street West (Williamsburg). Precarious Beer Project presents Field Dayz 2022! This event will feature food trucks and vendors, 60+ beers from 25+ breweries, live music, games and prizes and a toy drive to benefit CHKD. General admission is $40. See website for more information or to purchase tickets. 4:00 – 8:00 pm.
- Halloween Family Movie Night – Former K-Mart Site (Newport News). Come out for a Halloween family movie night at the former K-Mart site (401 Oriana Road). The featured film will be Addams Family 2. Kids and their parents are encouraged to wear costumes. In addition to the movie, there will also be Halloween-themed crafts, giveaways and inflatables. Free popcorn will also be available while supplies last, and food vendors will be on-site for those who wish to purchase food. Parking and admission are free. 6:00 – 8:30 pm.
- Tales of All Hallows Eve – Historic Jamestowne (Williamsburg). Historic Jamestowne is hosting its annual Halloween event, “Tales of All Hallows Eve,” on Saturday, October 22. Guests will be able to explore Jamestown Island by firelight and hear actual eyewitness accounts of conjurations and witchcraft from 17th-century Virginia, brought to life through character interpretations. Each story will be introduced with historical context that will offer how the perceived “supernatural” events evolved to blur logic and create fear for those who experienced them first-hand. Tickets ($20) are limited. This event will be held at 6:45 pm & 8:00 pm.
The Jamestown settlers had plenty to be afraid of. (Photo courtesy of Jamestown Rediscovery) |
️ Sunday, Oct. 23
- Friends & Family Fall Festival – Freedom Park (Williamsburg). Join the Historic Virginia Land Conservancy for a Friends & Family Fall Festival. This event will take place in the Free Black Settlement Area. Activities will include educational exhibits, live music, a petting zoo, games and more. Food and drink will also be available for purchase from Two Drummers Offbeat Eats, Shoofly Dairy Bar, Alewerks Brewing Company and The Williamsburg Winery. Free and open to the public. 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.
- Yorktoberfest – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). Sample more than 30 beers, ciders and most from Coastal Virginia. You’ll also enjoy music, vendors or food trucks. This event is tented and is rain or shine. This annual event is hosted by the York County Chamber of Commerce. 12:00 – 6:00 pm.
️ Multi-Day
- Newport News Greek Festival – Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church (Newport News). Enjoy authentic Greek food, beverages and desserts at this fun festival. There will also be Greek dancing, music and vendors. Thursday, Oct. 20 (4:00 – 9:00 pm), Friday, Oct. 21 & Saturday, Oct. 22 (11:00 am – 9:00 pm).
- Ghost Walk at Fort Monroe – Fort Monroe (Hampton). The Fort Monroe Ghost Walk returns to share haunting tales that accompany the very real history of Fort Monroe. This year’s tours will explore homes, buildings and structures and will feature a brand-new route, new stories and new experiences! Not recommended for children under 12. Tickets are $20 in advance; $25 at the door. For additional information – including tour times – or to purchase tickets, click here. Friday, Oct. 21 – Sunday, Oct. 23.
- Bluebird Gap Farm Fall Festival – Bluebird Gap Farm (Hampton). Every year, the City of Hampton welcomes the fall season at the Bluebird Gap Farm Festival. The event features various children’s activities, hayrides, punkin’ chunkin’, live entertainment, storytelling, master gardening and much more. Admission and activities are free. Food and pumpkins are available for purchase. Saturday, Oct. 22 & Sunday, Oct. 23, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.
- Night of the Living Museum – Virginia Living Museum (Newport News). This not-too-spooky Halloween event is geared toward families with kids ages 12 and under and offers fun for all. Come dressed as your favorite character or wild animal. Then, trick-or-treat throughout the museum as you walked through themed galleries filled with characters and decorations. In addition, there will be creepy crafts, Halloween games and live animal shows featuring fierce and not-so-fierce Halloween critters. Attendees will also be able to take a nighttime hike along the outdoor boardwalks. Oct. 21-Oct. 22. Cost is $20 per ticket ($15 for members) if purchased in advance. Tickets purchased on the day of the event will increase to $25 ($20 for members). Kids ages 2 and under are free. 5:30 – 8:30 pm. Purchase tickets here.
- Fright Light Planetarium Shows – Virginia Living Museum (Newport News). Head over to the planetarium for family fun featuring a mix of Halloween-themed songs and awesome laser lights. Recommended for ages 6 & up. Tickets are $8 each ($5 for members); kids 2 and under are free. Shows will be held Friday, Oct. 21 and Saturday, Oct. 22 at 6 pm, 6:45 pm and 7:30 pm.
- Lighting of the Cressets – Duke of Gloucester Street (Colonial Williamsburg). Colonial Williamsburg’s 18th-century streets will come alive at night with strolling musicians during the Lighting of the Cressets. This event is open to the public and will be held on select evenings throughout the month. This week, Lighting of the Cressets will take place on Thursday, Oct. 20, Friday, Oct. 21 and Saturday, Oct. 22, 6:00 – 9:00 pm.
- Yorktown Day Celebrations – A series of events will be held at multiple locations in Yorktown (American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, Yorktown Battlefield and Historic Yorktown) to celebrate the 241st anniversary of America’s decisive Revolutionary War victory at Yorktown. The activities will be held Saturday, October 15 through Wednesday, October 19. See the full list of events here.
Live Music
️ Wednesday, Oct. 19
- M.S.G. Acoustic Blues Trio – Hampton History Museum (Hampton). M.S.G performs acoustic blues, roots and spiritual music in the Piedmont style and writes original songs steeped in their honored traditional influence. The band features Miles Spicer, vocals and guitar; Jackie Merritt, bass harmonica and vocals; and Resa Gibbs rub board, percussion and vocals. Tickets are $5 (free for museum members). 6:00 – 7:00 pm.
️ Thursday, Oct. 20
- WSO Masterworks Concert #2 – Williamsburg Community Chapel (Williamsburg). The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra performs in their second Masterworks concert of the season featuring renowned jazz musician and trumpeter Rex Richardson. Pre-concert lecture 6:30 – 7:00 pm; concert begins at 7:30 pm.
- Chamber Concert: York River Concert Band – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Attend a candlelit concert by the York River Concert Band from Hampton Roads, directed by Jeff Haney. 8:00 – 9:00 pm.
️ Friday, Oct. 21
- Live Music Weekends– Virginia Beer Company (Williamsburg). Celebrate the fall season in Williamsburg’s Edge District with live music throughout the weekend. On Friday, catch a live concert featuring the Ben Phelps Project (6:00 – 9:00 pm). VBC will also host live music on Saturday, Oct. 22 (featuring the Zack Salsberry Trio, 4:00 – 7:00 pm) and Sunday, Oct. 23 (featuring Nathan Lienard, 2:00 – 5:00 pm).
️ Saturday, Oct. 22
- Historic Organ Recital with Thomas Marshall – Wren Chapel (Colonial Williamsburg). Experience a performance featuring the Historic English Chamber Organ, one of Colonial Williamsburg’s 18th-century instruments. This recital features Thomas Marshall, organist at Williamsburg United Methodist Church. 10:00 – 10:30 am.
- Music of J.S. Bach – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Enjoy an extraordinary candlelight concert featuring music by J.S Bach for voice, baroque violin, recorder, cello and harpsichord. This performance will feature Sarah Taylor, Soprano, Bekah Davis, Alto, Brian Blair, Tenor, Chris Mooney, Baritone, Ruth van Baak Griffioen, Recorder, Sophie Lowe, Baroque Violin, Ryan Lowe, Baroque Cello, and Rebecca Davy, Harpsichord.
History
️ Friday, Oct. 21
- Hampton Roads History Lecture: The Siege of Yorktown – The Mariners’ Museum and Park (Newport News). This Hampton Roads History Lecture is presented by John V. Quarstein, director emeritus of the USS Monitor Center. Attendance in-person is included with $1 admission; free to watch livestream. Advance registration is required whether attending in person or watching online. 12:00 pm.
️ Saturday, Oct. 22
- The Siege of Yorktown Battlefield Walking Tour – Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters (Yorktown). This walking tour will include the British Defense line, the 1st and 2nd Parallels and Redoubts 9 and 10. There will also be discussions about the Surrender on October 19, the Founding Fathers after Yorktown and the return of the Marquis de Lafayette in 1824. $15/person; children 12 and under are free. 11:30 am – 12:30 pm.
Films
️ Monday, Oct. 17
- Cinema @ Scotland Street: “Ali & Ava” – The Cinema @ Scotland Street series features indie, foreign, art house and documentary films. This week’s featured film is Ali & Ava (2021; NR). See the trailer here. 6:00 pm.
- 5B – Grissom Library (Newport News). Grissom Library will present the award-winning documentary, 5B, which shares the story of the first dedicated AIDS ward in the U.S, which opened at San Francisco General Hospital in 1983. Registration is not required. Ages 18+. 6:00 – 7:45 pm.
️ Thursday, Oct. 20
- Throwback Thursday Film Series – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). The Throwback Thursday Film Series, now in its 19th year, features a variety of classic movies for an adult audience. This week’s featured film is Charlotte Gray (2001; PG-13). Read a description here. 2:00 – 4:05 pm.
Lectures & Workshops
️ Monday, Oct. 17
- Cartier: Innovation & Inspiration – Virtual, hosted by Williamsburg Regional Library. The name Cartier has been associated with sparkle, glamour and opulence since the 1980s. See examples of the various style popularized by Cartier through the 1950s and hear the tales of the multiple inventions, famous clients and cutting-edge designs behind the jewels. Click here for the Zoom link. 7:30 pm.
️ Tuesday, Oct. 18
- Write On Track: A Crash Course to Outlining Your Next Novel – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Join this evening of all things related to novel prep, with a focus on the importance of an outline and the ins and outs of making one that works for you. There will even be activities you can take home to your writing desk. For adults 18+. This workshop can also be attended via Zoom. 6:00 – 8:00 pm.
️ Wednesday, Oct. 19
- Sensing Time in the 18th-Century Atlantic World – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Ali Macdonald, doctoral candidate in History, will explore how time is sensory and examine surviving material objects to suggest that clock time might not be as all-consuming as it may feel. You’ll learn about how in the eighteenth-century Atlantic world, craftspeople and artisans relied on their senses to “know time.” 2:00 pm.
️ Thursday, Oct. 20
- UFOs Over Virginia – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Susan Swiatek, State Director of the Virginia chapter of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) will present on UFO cases in Virginia. MUFON was established in 1969 “to track citizen sightings of UFOs.” 6:00 pm.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CjqjRqvuAeM/
Business
️ Thursday, Oct. 20
- SCORE Workshop: How to Start & Manage Your Own Business – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). If you’re interested in starting a business but concerned about how and where to begin, this workshop is for you. You’ll learn how a business plan can help you, what your options are for a legal structure for your business, where to look for help and guidance and more. Free admission; advance registration is required. Email Williamsburg SCORE for more information. 5:30 – 7:30 pm.
Outdoor Recreation
️ Saturday, Oct. 22
- Fall Foliage Pick Your Paddle – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Enjoy the scenic beauty of autumn as you explore the marsh by boat. Rental prices: Canoes $9 per person or $6 per person (family of 4 or more), Solo Kayak $16 per person, Tandem Kayak $22 per boat. Call the park office for fees and reservations. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Health & Wellness
️ Monday, Oct. 17
- Community Yoga at the Watermen’s Museum – Watermen’s Museum (Yorktown). Join a rejuvenating yoga session in a beautiful setting – the Carriage House at Watermen’s Museum. Classes are beginner-friendly and proceeds go to the museum. The theme for Oct. 17 is “Looking Inward, a full-body breath and back-strengthening practice.” Bring your yoga mat. 6:00 – 6:50 pm. $10.
️ Wednesday, Oct. 19
- Fight the Flu & Covid-19 Vaccine Clinic – Riverside Doctors’ Hospital (Williamsburg). Riverside will hold a drive-thru clinic on Wednesday, Oct. 19. All primary doses and booster doses will be available based on the current approved vaccination schedule. Patients who have any of these symptoms should wait to receive a vaccine until their symptoms resolve. See the website for additional information. 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.
- Drumming for Wellness– James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). Attendees will learn basic drumming and meditation techniques and participate in drum circles and sound immersions. No experience needed; all instruments provided. For ages 16+. 5:30 – 7:00 pm.
- Slow Flow Yoga – Grissom Library (Newport News). Ce’Ara Cannon will guide participants through a gentle and engaging yoga flow. For patrons 18+. 6:00 – 7:00 pm.
Thursday, Oct. 20
- Evening Yoga – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Attend an evening of yoga and breathing exercises with a breathing instructor. This class is held on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. For ages 18+ and all skill levels (please bring a yoga mat). 6:30 – 7:30 pm.
Groups & Gatherings ♂️
- Mature Singles Network – Various locations (Historic Triangle). The Mature Singles Network (MSN) is the only social organization in the Triangle for single people who are 55 or more years of age. The group has no political, religious or social agenda. “We are a strictly voluntary group interested in our mutual well being which includes creating and/or expanding our circle of friends. We sponsor monthly luncheons in metro Williamsburg/James City and York. And there is a monthly ‘Gathering’ and a members-only newsletter,” the group’s organizer explains. For more information, reach out by email here.
Crafts
️ Thursday, Oct. 20
- Get-Ready-For-Halloween Makerspace Hours – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). The Makerspace will be open for two extra hours the last two Thursday evenings before Halloween so you can work on your spooky projects. You can put the finishing touches on your costumes, use Cricut machines to cut out decorations and more. 6:00 – 8:00 pm.
Just for Tweens & Teens
Williamsburg & Yorktown
️ Monday, Oct. 17
- Intro to Yoga for Teens– James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). This yoga practice is designed just for teens to help them manage a meaningful and enjoyable life. The four-week class will build their confidence in yoga and teach techniques of mindfulness. $8. 5:30 – 7:00 pm.
️ Wednesday, Oct. 19
- Tween Game Day – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Tweens ages 9-12 are invited to drop in for board games, like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Mario Kart 8, plus Dungeons and Dragons. 6:00 – 7:30 pm.
️ Thursday, Oct. 20
- Teen Advisory Group – James City County Library (Williamsburg). WRL’s teen volunteer group meets on the first and third Thursdays of the month at alternating locations. They share ideas for library services and work on various tasks. Application and orientation are required. Additional information is available here. This week’s meeting will feature a new member orientation. 6:00 – 7:00 pm.
️ Saturday, Oct. 22
- Electronics and Programming for Teen Makers – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Teens are invited to this three-session class to learn about the Arduino electronics platform and how to use it to bring their ideas to life. It’s a neat hobby and could be a path to a career in engineering. For ages 13-18. Registration is required; participants should plan to attend all three sessions. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Newport News
️ Tuesday, Oct. 18
- Teen Chef Club – Pearl Bailey Library (Newport News). Teens ages 12-17 are invited to participate in this seasonal edition of Teen Chef Club, where they’ll conjure up delightfully ghoulish goodies. 5:00 – 6:30 pm.
️ Thursday, Oct. 20
- Homeschool STEAM for Teens – Main Street Library (Newport News). In this month’s program, participants will engineer a design project, and everyone will be making a car. Registration is required. 2:00 – 3:30 pm.
- Animanga Club – Grissom Library (Newport News). Teens will watch anime, discuss Japanese culture, play games and have fun. For ages 12-17. 6:30 – 7:45 pm.
Kids & Families
There will be a wide variety of fall and Halloween-themed events for kids and families this week. (Getty) |
️ Tuesday, Oct. 18
- Elementary Creation Station: Session 2 – Tabb Library (Yorktown). This creative craft hour is held on the first and third Tuesday of every month for kids in grades K-5. Both sessions have the same crafts, so participants should only register for one of the two sessions. This month’s theme is Pirates! 4:30 – 5:30 pm.
️ Wednesday, Oct. 19
- Homeschool Enrichment: Backyard Birds – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Kids will learn about the feathered friends they can meet in their own backyard. They’ll take a walk outside the library to spot local wildlife and make their own bird feeder to take home. Registration is required. 2:00 – 3:00 pm.
️ Thursday, Oct. 20
- Kidz Clay – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). Kids will hand-build and explore the potter’s wheel in this multi-session class. A variety of topics will be presented; no experience is needed. Work is available for pickup after firing. For ages 10 – 15. $40, plus a $15 materials fee (due to instructor at first class). 4:15 – 5:15 pm.
- Forest Friends Yoga: Fall! – Freedom Park (Williamsburg). Kids ages 5-8 are invited to attend this autumn-inspired youth yoga class under the trees at the park. They’ll learn how to quiet their minds and bring mindfulness during moments of difficulty. $5.
️ Friday, Oct. 21
- Splash on Friday – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). Enjoy family time in the pool! This event features a free swim area and an area for a Wibit inflatable obstacle course. Games and prizes are included. Registration is required. For all ages. Free. 6:00 – 8:00 pm.
- Family Zumba Fall Fun: Superheros – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). This fun family Zumba event gives families a chance to be active together. Offered one Friday per month with a different fall theme. Space is limited; registration is required. For ages 5+. Free. 5:00 – 6:00 pm.
️ Saturday, Oct. 22
- Saturdays@Frink/Digital Resources for Students – Abram Frink Jr. Community Center (Williamsburg). Kids are invited to learn how to navigate WRL’s digital resources, anytime between 10 am – 1 pm. Other activities will also be available, like S.T.E.M learning fun and more. 10:00 am – 1:00 pm.
- STEAM Saturday: Breakerspace – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Kids are invited to participate in STEAM activities focusing on the breaking part of making. They’ll get hands-on experience with a variety of tech by taking things apart and seeing what’s inside. They’ll also make upcycled art and play in the Kiwanis Kids Idea Studio. 1:30 – 4:00 pm.
- Campfire Social – Chickahominy Riverfront Park (Williamsburg). Celebrate fall with a good old-fashioned campfire gathering Chickahominy Riverfront Park. There will be s’mores, activities, storytelling and more around the campfire overlooking Gordon Creek. Free. 6:00 – 7:00 pm.
️ Sunday, Oct. 23
- Family Harvest Fest – Williamsburg Christian Retreat Center (Toano). WCRC will host a Family Harvest Fest on Saturday, October 23. There will be face painting, bounce houses, hayrides, food trucks and family fun for all ages. All activities are free. 2:00 – 6:00 pm.
️ Multi-Day
- Hallow-Read 2022 – Williamsburg Regional Library (Williamsburg). The spooky season is upon us, and kids are invited to join in this fun reading challenge. They’ll log their reading to earn points and complete activities to unlock clues to a Halloween riddle. Those who unlock all clues and solve the riddle by Oct. 31 will earn a fun Halloween prize. Click here for more details.
- Baby Lapsit Storytime – Williamsburg Library and James City County Library. This story time program is especially for babies from birth to 18 months and their caregivers. It includes 15 minutes of songs, fingerplays and lap games. The same songs and activities will be featured every week to form a foundation for learning for your baby. This program is offered Mondays (Williamsburg Library) and Tuesdays (James City County Library) at 10:00 am throughout the fall.
- Preschool Storytime – Williamsburg Library and James City County Library. Preschool Storytime is designed for preschoolers ages 3-5 and their caregivers. It features stories, songs, rhymes, fingerplays and other activities. This program is offered Mondays (James City County Library), Wednesdays (Williamsburg Library) and Thursdays (James City County Library) at 10:00 am throughout the fall.
- Toddler Storytime – Williamsburg Library and James City County Library. Toddler Storytime is geared toward toddlers ages 18 months to 3 years and their caregivers. It features brief stories, rhymes, songs and other activities. This program is offered Tuesdays (Williamsburg Library) and Wednesdays (James City County Library) at 10:00 am throughout the fall.
- Open Art Studio – James City County Library. Kids are invited to paint, draw, create and explore with a variety of materials in the Open Art Studio. This program is offered at the James City County Library from 1:00 – 7:00 pm Monday through Thursday, 1:00 – 5:00 pm Friday and 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Saturday and Sunday.
Newport News & Hampton
️ Monday, Oct. 17
- Children’s Craft Table – Northampton Branch Library (Hampton). Kids are invited to stop by the library every week for a fun new craft. Crafts are available at any time while the library is open. 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
️ Tuesday, Oct. 18
- Builder Lab – Grissom Library (Newport News). Kids in grades K-5 are invited to tinker, engineer and build a creation of their own design using LEGOs, Brain Flakes, K’Nex, and Zoob! 6:00 pm.
- BABYGARTEN Costume Party – Main Library (Hampton). Head over to Main Library for a Spooktacular Costume Party and Parade. Attendees should bring their favorite treat to share with babies and caregivers. Babygarten is a fun early literacy program for infants (birth to 23 months) and their caregivers. 10:00 – 11:00 am.
️ Wednesday, Oct. 19
- Young at Art – Grissom Library (Newport News). Kids will create art together using various supplies and mediums. Dress for a mess! This program is for ages 3-7 and is designed for child and caregiver participation. Registration is required. 11:00 am.
- Listen to a Story with Mrs. Maria – Main Library (Hampton). Kids ages 2-10 are invited to listen to Mrs. Maria read two picture books every Wednesday for the month of September. This week’s books are The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid Of Anything by Linda Williams and Me and My Dragon – Scared of Halloween by David Biedrzycki. 3:00 – 3:30 pm.
- Monster Mash – Pearl Bailey Library (Newport News). Kids ages 3-10 are invited to celebrate the spooky season by making a slime monster, crafting a creepy creature and more. Things might get messy! 6:00 – 7:30 pm.
️ Thursday, Oct. 20
- Movies Under the Stars: “The Addams Family” – Pearl Bailey Library (Newport News). Head over to Pearl Bailey Library for this family outdoor movie night! This week’s featured film is the animated movie The Addams Family. All ages are welcome; light refreshments will be provided. 5:30 – 7:30 pm.
️ Multi-Day
- Babies in Bloom – Newport News Public Libraries. This interactive storytime offers a gentle introduction to the wonderful world of books and reading. For infants from birth through 23 months with a parent or caregiver. Registration is not required. This program is held Mondays at 10:30 am (Grissom Library), Wednesdays at 11:00 am (Pearl Bailey Library) and Thursdays at 10:15 am (Main Street Library).
- Preschool Storytime – Grissom Library and Main Street Library (Newport News). Early literacy skills, including vocabulary and understanding the narrative, are reinforced during this interactive storytime. Parents and caregivers are welcome to observe, but children are encouraged to participate independently. For ages 4 through 5. Registration is not required. This program is held Tuesdays at 11:00 am at both Grissom Library and Main Street Library.
- 2’s and 3’s Please – Grissom Library and Main Street Library (Newport News). This program for kids ages 2 through 3 combines early literacy elements in a highly interactive storytime. Books, songs and activities are used to help develop skills needed for school readiness. It’s held Tuesdays at 10:15 am at both Grissom Library and Main Street Library.
Future Events to Note ️
️ Wednesday, Oct. 26
- Halloween with Heroes – James City County Law Enforcement Center (Williamsburg). Children of all ages are invited to trick-or-treat at the Law Enforcement Center while visiting with our local first responders. Come meet police officers, firefighters and emergency communications officers. Costumes are encouraged.
- Flute Frenzy Presents the Magic of Fall – Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church (Williamsburg). Williamsburg-based flute choir, Flute Frenzy, will perform an eclectic program of pieces inspired by Autumn, Nature, and the Supernatural. This will be the first concert of their season and the first conducted by their new Artistic Director, Sean Arawjo. 7:00 PM Wednesday, October 26th at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church (7479 Richmond Road). Free admission; donations welcome. Flute Frenzy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and donations are tax-deductible.
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