Things to do this week: Paws at the River, Halloween with Heroes and more events

Yorktown Market Days will host its annual Paws at the River on Saturday, Oct. 28.

The event is designed to bring awareness to local animal rescue organizations and help adoptable pets find their “furever” homes.

The market will extend to the Riverwalk Landing businesses, where guests will find information booths and other educational opportunities. 

Additionally, trick-or-treating will be held at Historic Yorktown businesses from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A trick-or-treat map can be found here and will also be available onsite. 

Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in free pet portraits, attend a Halloween costume parade, visit with a furry member of the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office canine unit and purchase homemade dog treats. Acoustical guitarist Phil Poteat will perform on the Riverwalk Landing Stage. See a full schedule of the day’s events here.

James City County will also host its annual Halloween with Heroes event on Wednesday, Oct. 25 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Law Enforcement Center at 4600 Opportunity Way.

The event is open to all children and families in the community and features safe and fun trick-or-treating alongside local public safety heroes. There will be equipment displays and entertainment by Colonial DJs. Costumes are encouraged.

Some other events to highlight this week include a Family Fall Festival at Chick-fil-A on Mooretown Road in Williamsburg, the 2023 Great Williamsburg Adventure Race, trick-or-treating at Toano Open Air Market, the Historic Hilton Village Fall Festival and “Thomas Nelson and the Yorktown Tea Party,” a free public event featuring Jim Gallagher, who portrays Thomas Nelson Jr. in an upcoming PBS documentary that will air this fall.

-Christin

Events This Week

Monday, Oct. 23

Art

• Centuries of Art at Your Library: A Beautifully Broken Virginia – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Experience the “unseen” side of Virginia through a photographic journey featuring beautifully decaying rural places within the state. This program features John Plashal, a Richmond-based author, photographer and speaker. 7:00 pm. 

Tuesday, Oct. 24

Special Event

• Family Fall Festival – Chick-fil-A Mooretown Road (Williamsburg). Chick-fil-A on Mooretown Road will host a Family Fall Festival on Oct. 26 featuring trunk-or-treat with community heroes, face painting and games, treats and fun for the whole family. Guests are invited to dress in their best costumes (no scary ones), and attendees are asked to bring new canned goods to support Grove Christian Outreach Center, a local nonprofit organization that provides food and other necessities to community members in need. 

Arts/Crafts

• Cricut: Intro to Heat Transfer Vinyl – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Learn the basics of heat transfer vinyl and create a monogrammed canvas pouch. Spots are limited; see the website for registration details. 11:00 am. 

Film

• Art House Café Film Series: “The Thief Collector” – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). This film series brings an art house flavor to your Tuesdays and features special guests who are film experts, discussion and light refreshments. This week’s featured film is The Thief Collector (2022; NR). See the trailer here. 2:00 – 3:45 pm. 

Game Night

• Dungeons & Dragons (18+) – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Attend an evening of Dungeons & Dragons at Tabb Library. For new and experienced players 18+. Light refreshments will be provided; see the website to register. 6:00 – 8:00 pm. 

Wednesday, Oct. 25

Special Events

• City Center Fall Farmers Market – City Center at Oyster Point (Newport News). Attend a family-friendly, fall-themed City Center Farmers market. There will be fall craft vendors, a pumpkin patch, live acoustic performances, food trucks and more. 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. 
• Halloween with Heroes – James City County Law Enforcement Center (Williamsburg). All children and families from the community are invited to participate in Halloween with Heroes. The event features exciting and safe trick-or-treating alongside local public safety heroes. Entertainment will be provided by Colonial DJs. Costumes are encouraged. 6:00 – 8:00 pm. 

Art

• Art in the Afternoon: Beyond the Tombstones – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Attend the final lecture in a four-part art history series presented by Muscarelle Museum of Art docents. Free and open to the public. Register online. 2:00 pm. 

Teens

• Teen Gaming – Yorktown Library (Williamsburg). Teens are invited to play games, socialize and interact with others in a safe and happy environment. 5:00 – 7:00 pm. 

Thursday, Oct. 26

Special Event

• A Question of Religious Freedom: The 1773 Baptist Preacher Trials – Yorktown Library (Williamsburg). Attend an interactive historical performance on the 1773 Baptist Preacher Trial that led the colonists on the path toward America’s shared religious freedom. Registration is not required. This program is sponsored by the York County Arts Commission and VA250Commission. 6:30 – 7:30 pm. 
• Spooky Soiree Museum Mixer – Virginia Living Museum (Newport News). The Virginia Living Museum is hosting a Spooky Soiree Museum Mixer for adults this year. Guests will enjoy an evening of games, music and Halloween trivia. Costumes are encouraged. Old City’s BBQ food truck will also be present. For ages 21+; rain or shine. Tickets are $18 and include one drink ticket. 6:00 – 9:00 pm. 
• Lighting of the Cressets – Duke of Gloucester Street (Colonial Williamsburg). Colonial Williamsburg’s 18th-century streets will come alive with the Lighting of the Cressets and performances by strolling musicians. Free. 6:00 – 9:00 pm.

Genealogy

• Find Your Veteran Ancestors in Fold3 – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Learn how to use Fold3 – Ancestry’s resource for U.S. military records from the American Revolution to WWII – to learn more about your military ancestors. Logging in is free with your WRL card. 2:00 – 3:30 pm. 

Film

• Throwback Thursday Film Series: “Rebecca” – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg).  This film series features a variety of contemporary and classic movies for an adult audience. This week’s featured film is Rebecca (1940; NR). 2:00 – 4:15 pm. 

Game Night

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

Author Talk

• A Lifetime of Writing: A Virtual Conversation with Bestselling Author John Irving – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Join a virtual conversation with internationally bestselling author John Irving. He will discuss his lifetime of writing, including his most recent novel, The Last Chairlift. This event features a live Q&A so viewers can ask the author questions. See the website for a link to the event. 7:00 pm. 

Music

• Organ Recital: Dr. JanEl Will – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Enjoy sacred 18th-century music by candlelight, presented by Dr. JanEl Will, organist at Bruton Parish Church. 8:00 – 9:00 pm. 

Kids

• STEM Storytime – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). This children’s program features a different STEM concept every month and includes a craft, experiment or demonstration. 7:00 – 7:30 pm.

Friday, Oct. 27

Special Event

• Zombie Prom with the Deloreans – Tradition Brewing Company (Newport News). Attend a spooky prom experience featuring a performance from The Deloreans. There will be craft beer specials and a 360 prom photo booth and a chance to compete for zombie prom king and queen titles. Dress to impress in your favorite costume. 8:00 – 11:00 pm.

Kids/Families

• Ghostly Goo – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). Children ages 4-9 will make a customized Halloween slime and then design a spooky jar to keep it in. Kids are invited to wear their costumes. $25. 5:00 – 6:30 pm. 
• Family Zumba: Superpower Hour – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). This Zumba program gives families a chance to be active together. It features a different theme each month, with exciting music and easy-to-follow movements. 5:30 – 6:30 pm.  
• Family BAM! Family Drum Fitness Seasonal Beats – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). Participants will drum away stress while increasing their fitness and listening to music. For all ages (5+) and all abilities. Free. 6:30 – 7:30 pm.

Teens

• Teens Night Out – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Teens are invited to celebrate the end of the month with friends, games, snacks, music and more. No registration is required. Free. 6:00 – 8:00 pm. 

Music

• Joe’s Day Off – Charly’s Airport Restaurant (Williamsburg). Joe’s Day Off will perform at Charly’s Airport to close out their 2023 entertainment season. Support this fun venue and local musicians while enjoying homemade soups, sandwiches and salads. 5:00 – 8:00 pm.
• 1980s Costume Party – Revolution Golf & Grille (Williamsburg). Participate in a 1980s costume contest and celebrate the season with a selection of Alternative 80s music presented by the band Barry Manilow’s Wardrobe. 7:00 – 10:00 pm.

Saturday, Oct. 28

Special Events

• Trick-or-Treating at Toano Open Air Market – The Village Green (Toano). This week’s Open Air Market will feature a Halloween theme with trick-or-treating. The market is located at 7891 Richmond Rd. and will run from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm with a costume contest at 11 am. 
• Yorktown Market Days: Paws at the River – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). This annual Paws at the River event is designed to bring awareness to animal rescue organizations and help adoptable pets find their forever homes. The market will feature trick-or-treating at Historic Yorktown businesses, pet rescue organizations, a Halloween pet costume parade and a performance by acoustical guitarist Phil Poteat. Free. 9:00 – 3:00 pm. 
• The 2023 Great Williamsburg Adventure Race – Martha Wren Briggs Amphitheater at Lake Matoaka (Williamsburg). Teams of two or four will race throughout Williamsburg completing unique challenges presented by local businesses. All participants must register in advance. Rain or shine. $15 per person. W&M students race for free, courtesy of the City of Williamsburg. 10:00 am – 12:30 pm. 
• Disability Awareness Trick or Treat – Abram Frink Jr. Community Center (Williamsburg). Trick-or-treat in a sensory-friendly environment while learning about community resources for kids and adults with disabilities. There will be activities for all ages, allergy-free treats and a sensor break room. For all ages with disabilities. Free. 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. 
• Historic Hilton Village Fall Festival – Historic Hilton Village (Newport News). Enjoy a day of fall fun at the annual Historic Hilton Village Fall Festival. There will be artisans, crafters and vendors as well as kids; activities, food trucks, a coffee truck and a beer tent. 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. 
• City Center Fall Festival – City Center at Oyster Point (Newport News). This family-friendly fall festival will feature live performances, food trucks, local vendors, an interactive kids’ zone and local and national beers, cider and wine. Free parking; free festival entry. Tasting tickets are $50 and all proceeds will benefit Sister Cities of Newport News, Inc., a non-profit organization. 12:00 – 5:00 pm. 

Markets

• Williamsburg Farmers Market – Merchants Square (Williamsburg). Find a variety of local products – including seasonal produce, meats, seafood, baked goods, honey, cheese, cut flowers, handmade soaps and more – offered by more than 40 vendors. LCV Project will perform live music from 9:00 – 11:00 am. The market runs from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm.
• Buckroe Beach Farmers Market – Buckroe Beach (Hampton). Shop for fresh produce, baked goods, dog treats, gift items and much more from 30+ local vendors. 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. 

Kids

• No Carve Pumpkin Party – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). Kids will use a variety of materials to turn pumpkins into creative works of art. No carving is involved. Participants should bring a medium-sized pumpkin to class. For ages 18 months – 6 years old. Kids must be accompanied by a caregiver. $15. 9:30 – 10:30 am. 
• Puppet Storytime – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Kids ages 3+ will sing and dance with puppets and enjoy books, flannel board stories and other activities. 11:00 am. 
• Dog Storytime with Lincoln McCarthy – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Author and educator E.B. Fletcher will host a dog-themed storytime featuring the star of her books: her dog, Lincoln McCarthy. 1:00 pm. 

Poetry

• Slam Poetry – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). This program focuses on developing poets as writers and performers. Participants will learn about observation, writing and performance in a judgment-free space. For ages 13+. 2:00 – 4:00 pm. 

Crafts

• Crafternoon – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). Attend a relaxing afternoon of crafting and community. For adults of all skill levels interested in crocheting, knitting, needlepoint, and other related crafts. 3:00 – 5:00 pm. 

Outdoor Recreation

• Freedom Park Full Moon Hikes: Hunter’s Moon – Freedom Park (Williamsburg). Explore Freedom Park after dark until the full moon. The park closes at sunset, but Multiuse Trail 3 only will reopen for a self-guided hike on a one-mile, paved ADA-compliant trail. No registration required; weather permitting. All ages. Free. 6:30 – 7:30 pm. 

Music

• Organ Recital: Christopher Reynolds – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Enjoy a recital by Christopher Reynolds, organist from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia. 8:00 – 9:00 pm. 
• Super Hero Halloween Party – The Brass Tap (Williamsburg). Wear your favorite superhero costume and win prizes while enjoying live music with 2 Phase Band and a DJ. 9:00 pm – 12:00 am.

Sunday, Oct. 29

Special Event

• Thomas Nelson and the Yorktown Tea Party – York Hall (Yorktown). Thomas Nelson Jr. – as portrayed by Jim Gallagher – addresses the citizens of Yorktown in 1774 to describe British reprisals for the Boston Tea Party and present the case for action to enforce the boycott of tea and other goods enacted by the Continental Congress. Gallagher portrays Thomas Nelson Jr. in an upcoming PBS documentary that will air this fall. Free. 2:00 – 3:30 pm. 

History

• The Arts and Mysteries of Brewing – Historic Trade: Cook (Colonial Williamsburg). Enjoy an enlightening demonstration of the brewing process as it was practiced during the 18th century. Requires CW admission or a Good Neighbor Pass. 10:00 am – 3:45 pm. 

Craft

• Sit and Stitch – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Beginners are invited to meet up, learn the basics of knitting and stitch along with others. 1:00 pm. 

Technology

• Learn to Use AI – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Learn about the practical uses of AI for home and business. 2:00 – 3:30 pm. 

Music

• Choral Evensong of Remembrance – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Attend a choral evensong of remembrance in honor of James (Jock) S. Darling, former Choirmaster of Bruton Parish. Presented by the Bruton Choirs, directed by Rebecca Davy and accompanied by organist JanEl Will, violinist Alana Carithers, and cellist Sarah Glosson. 5:30 – 6:30 pm.

Multi-Day

Special Events

• Newport News Greek Festival – Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church (Newport News). Oct. 26 (4-9 pm) and Oct. 27-28 (11 am – 9 pm). This popular festival features authentic Greek food, beverages and desserts along with Greek dancing, music and vendors. 
• Annual Costume Sale – Sandler Center at William & Mary (Williamsburg). William & Mary’s Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM) will hold a two-day annual Costume Sale to benefit FISH, Inc. of Williamsburg. The event will feature a twilight sale on Wednesday, Oct. 25 from 8 – 11 p.m. and an additional sale on Thursday, Oct. 26 from 10 am – 5 p.m. The sale will feature costumes for all ages; formals, tuxes and furs; vintage and global fashions; jewelry, purses, accessories and more. Items will be priced below thrift store prices. 
• Haunted Trail – Historic Endview (Newport News). Oct. 27 & 28. Follow in the steps of a Revolutionary War soldier who meets unimaginable dangers and frightful creatures in the dark woods of Endview. Suggested age is 12 and older. Tickets are $10/person if purchased in advance. Tours will depart every 10 minutes between 6:30 and 9:50 pm. 6:30 – 9:50 pm. 
• Night of the Living Museum – Virginia Living Museum (Newport News). Oct. 27 & 28. Wear your Halloween best and explore the museum after dark. There will be fun and games, treats, a spooky dance party and animal encounters. 5:30 – 8:30 pm. Advance tickets are $17 (or $12 for members); see the website for additional ticket options and pricing.

Future Events to Note

• York County Vintage Market – McReynolds Athletic Complex (Yorktown). Nov. 4. Antique lovers won’t want to miss this opportunity to search for collectibles, restored furniture, accessories, antiques, art, clothing, home decor, jewelry and much more. The event will also feature a classic car show, food trucks and live entertainment. Free. 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. 
• Open Door Concert Series: Seamus Egan Project – Williamsburg Presbyterian Church (Williamsburg). Nov. 5. Enjoy a traditional Irish music concert by Seamus Egan Project. Free. 4:00 pm. 
• Yorktown Tea Festival – Historic Yorktown. Nov. 8-10, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm. Attend a delightful celebration of all things tea. Participants will have the opportunity to sip and savor unique blends and learn about the history of tea in colonial Virginia. $10 per day. 
• Repair Fair & Recycling Expo – Warhill High School (Williamsburg). Nov. 18. James City County’s annual Repair Fair & Recycling expo celebrates America Recycles Day. The event will provide drive-thru recycling drop-off for plastic bags, glass, compost and tires, as well as donation acceptance of furniture, household goods, building materials, clothing and shoes. Fixers will also be available to repair lightly broken items. As a bonus, free shredding (maximum of two grocery store bags per person). 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.