Arrival of first English settlers in Virginia to be commemorated in Jamestown 

On May 14, 1607, three ships filled with English passengers anchored in the James River. There were 104 men and boys plus crewmembers aboard, and they had set out to find gold and a water route to the Pacific Ocean. The settlers did not succeed in their original goals, but they ultimately set in motion the events that established the foundation of America.

Historic Jamestowne is celebrating this momentous occasion by inviting visitors to attend Jamestown Day on Saturday, May 13. The event will include walking tours and living history designed to take visitors back to the 17th century and explore the context behind the arrival of the English in Virginia.

Archaeologists will share recent discoveries, including sites north of the fort that may contain the first expansion of the settlement, along with a ca. 1617 well, believed to be associated with Lieutenant Governor Samuel Argall. The Ed Shed will also offer hands-on archaeological activities for kids and families, and curators will host a behind-the-scenes tour of the collections and conservation facilities.

Jamestown Day activities at Historic Jamestown are included with regular admission, with the exception of specialty tours, which require an extra ticket. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit historicjamestowne.org.

Jamestown Day will also be commemorated at Jamestown Settlement all day on Saturday, May 13. The family-friendly special event will feature military salutes and a variety of hands-on demonstrations, including English and Powhatan trade, Powhatan games and recreation, English agriculture and period cooking.

Jamestown Day programming is included with standard admission. In honor of the special occasion, members of the military (veteran, active duty, reserve and retired military personnel and up to three direct family members) will receive free admission to Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown with military identification. For additional details and a schedule of the day’s demonstrations, visit jyfmuseums.org.

Some other highlights for this week include a free New Town Tunes concert featuring the Michael Clark Band (Wednesday), a National Train Day Celebration at Lee Hall Depot in Newport News (Saturday) and a Vintage Market/Car Show in Yorktown (Saturday).

There will also be several special events happening on Sunday for Mother’s Day, including 2nd Sundays Williamsburg, a Mother’s Day Surf & Turf program at York River State Park and a free Mother’s Day Concert at Fort Monroe Theatre, presented by Hampton Roads Philharmonic. 

-Christin

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Enter to win free tickets to the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra!

The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra is giving away two free tickets to its final concert of the season – Masterworks Concert #5 Rhapsody in Blue – to a reader of The Triangle. The concert, directed by Music Director Michael Butterman, will be held at the Williamsburg Community Chapel on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at 7:30 pm.

To enter to win tickets, simply reply to this email and tell us why you’d like to attend the concert. The deadline to enter the drawing is Monday, May 15 at 11:59 pm. All responses will be entered into the drawing, and the winner will be notified by email.

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Events This Week

Monday, May 8

Kids

• Reading with a Ranger – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). Kids ages 2 1/2 – 5 are invited to attend a storytime with a real park ranger from Colonial National Historical Park. Two times are available: 10:15 – 10:45 am or 11:00 – 11:30 am.

Teens

• Teen Anime Club – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Middle and high school students are invited to join fellow Anime lovers for the first two episodes of an Anime show. 6:00 – 7:00 pm. 

Tuesday, May 9

Crafts

• Makerspace: Design Space 101 – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Delve deep into the design element of the Cricut Design Space software. No registration required; for ages 13+. 11:00 am. 

Technology

• Tech Tuesdays @ Yorktown Library – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). Adults, especially those age 55+, are invited to get help with their personal mobile device or tablet during Tech Tuesdays. Time slots are available at 1:00 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:00 pm and 2:30 pm. Appointments last 25-30 minutes. See the website to register.

Film

• Art House Café Film Series – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). This film series brings an art house flavor to your Tuesdays. This month’s featured film is The T. A. M. I. Show (NR; 2010). 2:00 – 3:55 pm. 

Teens

• Mother’s Day Card Making for Teens – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Teens ages 13-18 are invited to make a card for their mom or a special person in their life. 4:00 – 6:00 pm. 

Game Night

• BINGO Night – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Attend a free BINGO night at Tabb Library. Registration is recommended. 6:30 – 7:45 pm. 

Live Music

• Evening Program: Palace Concert – Governor’s Palace (Colonial Williamsburg). Enjoy an elegant evening of chamber music showcasing 17th- and 18th-century music, including songs known in Virginia as well as music from Europe. Not appropriate for children ages 6 and under. Tickets are $19 for adults, $12 for youth 12 and under. 

Wednesday, May 10

Live Music

• New Town Tunes Concert Series: Michael Clark Band – Sullivan Square in New Town (Williamsburg). James City Parks & Recreation, CultureFix and New Town are partnering to present a Spring After Hours Concert Series. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. This week’s concert features the Michael Clark Band. Free. 5:30 – 8:00 pm.

Teens

• Teen Game Night – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). Teens and tweens in grades 6-12 are invited to attend a fun game night. 5:00 – 7:00 pm.

Thursday, May 11

Special Events

• Naturalization Ceremony – American Revolution Museum at Yorktown (Yorktown). A naturalization ceremony will be held for candidates receiving American citizenship. A total of 99 eligible candidates will take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States and become American citizens. The ceremony is open to the public in the museum’s artillery amphitheater, but space is limited. See the website for additional details, including museum admission information. 11:30 am – 12:30 pm. 

Films

• Throwback Thursday Film Series: “Ride the High Country” – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). This film series features a variety of contemporary and classic movies for an adult audience. This week’s featured film is Ride the High Country (1962; NR). 2:00 – 3:40 pm. 
• Celtic Film Series: “Wild Mountain Thyme” – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). The Celtic Film Series runs the 2nd Thursday of each month from September 2022 through May 2023. This month’s featured film is Wild Mountain Thyme (2020; PG-13). 6:00 – 7:45 pm. 

Lectures/Educational Programs

• Hollywood Comes to Williamsburg: A Century of Movie and Media Productions – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Learn about how Colonial Williamsburg has served as the setting for numerous television programs and movies. 2:00 pm. 
• Preserving Family Papers – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). Archivist Bill Barker from the Mariners’ Museum will discuss some of the preservation challenges that family papers pose. 6:30 – 7:30 pm. 
• Wayfinding: The Science and Mystery of How Humans Navigate the World – The Mariners’ Museum and Park (Newport News). Science journalist and author M.R. O’Connor will speak about his experience traveling to the Arctic, Australia, and the South Pacific to talk to master navigators who find their way using environmental cues. Attend in person ($10 per guest) or online (free). In-person admission includes one drink ticket. See website for details. 7:00 – 8:30 pm. 

Yoga

• Introduction to Basic Yoga – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Join this 3-week introductory yoga session taught by experienced instructors from Full Circle Yoga & Pilates. 5:30 – 6:00 pm. 

Kids

• Snuggle Stories: A Family Story Time – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Children of all ages and a caregiver are invited to attend this storytime program. Kids are encouraged to wear their pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal. 7:00 – 7:30 pm. 

Live Music

• Organ Recital: Cheryl Van Ornam – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Enjoy a candlelit recital by organist Cheryl Van Ornam from First Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. 8:00 – 9:00 pm.

Friday, May 12

Special Events

• Cocktails at the Charles – The Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center (Hampton). Join fellow art lovers for Cocktails on the Charles. You’ll appreciate the beauty of the exhibition while sipping a glass of wine or an elegant cocktail. $15/person, $10/HAL members. Includes a voucher for a cocktail/mocktail. 5:30 – 7:30 pm. 

Kids/Family

• What’s in the Water – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Learn about the fish and other creatures living in York River’s water. Included in park admission. 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. 

Live Music

• Barry Manilow’s Wardrobe Debut – Alewerks Brewing Company (Williamsburg). Enjoy a live show by Barry Manilow’s Wardrobe. The band will perform a selection of Alternative 80s music. 6:30 – 9:30 pm. 9f8dea0c-b3a6-8e4f-a7e8-3441be8a6a8c

Saturday, May 13

Special Events

• Vintage Market/Car Show on Main Street – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). This special market features opportunities to search for upcycled treasures and hard-to-find collectibles. You’ll also be able to stroll among more than a dozen fully restored classic cars at the Car Show on Historic Main Street. Free. 8:00 am – 12:00 pm. 
• Jamestown Day at Historic Jamestowne – Historic Jamestowne (Williamsburg). Historic Jamestowne will commemorate Jamestown Day – the anniversary of the arrival of the English to Virginia – on Saturday, May 13th. A variety of special programming will be offered, including walking tours and living history that take visitors back to the 17th century. Jamestown Day events are included with admission, with the exception of specialty tours. See the website for a full schedule of the day’s programming. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. 
• Jamestown Day at Jamestown Settlement – Jamestown Settlement (Williamsburg). Celebrate the 416th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown. The family-friendly program will feature military salutes, maritime demonstrations and more. See a full schedule of the day’s events here. This program is included with standard admission. Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg receive free admission with proof of residency. In honor of Jamestown Day, members of the military and up to three direct family members will receive free admission to Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown with military identification. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
• National Train Day Celebration – Lee Hall Depot (Newport News). Enjoy a day of fun for all ages in celebration of America’s love of railroads. There will be model train layouts, children’s activities, educational presentations, costumed railroad characters, live music, door prizes, vendors, food and more. Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased here. Children under 7 are free. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
• Indigenous Arts Day – Jamestown Settlement (Williamsburg). Celebrate Indigenous arts at Jamestown Settlement. A variety of Indigenous artists and craftspeople will display and demonstrate their work, some of which will be available for purchase. This event is included in museum admission. Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg receive free admission with proof of residency. See the website for additional details and a full schedule of events. 11:00 am – 4:30 pm. 
• Super Chix Grand Opening – Midtown Row (Williamsburg). Super Chix restaurant will host a Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, May 13, from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm. 
• Latisha’s House 10th Anniversary Dinner & Concert with Good Shot Judy – The Williamsburg Inn Regency Room (Williamsburg). Enjoy an AAA Five Diamond dining experience with a 1-hour concert by Good Shot Judy while supporting Latisha’s House. See the website for details. 6:00 – 9:00 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. The market runs from 8:00 – 12:00 pm and there will be live music from 9:00 – 11:00 am.
• Hilton Village Farmers Market – Historic Hilton Village (Newport News). Shop for goods from local farmers and bakers at this NEW year-round market at Historic Hilton Village. 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. 
• Toano Open Air Market – 7891 Richmond Road (Toano). Shop for a variety of items from local farmers, artists and artisans. 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.

Recycling

• York County Household Chemical Collections – 105 Service Dr. (Yorktown). VPPSA will hold a household chemical collections event in Yorktown for residents of Williamsburg, James City County, York County, Hampton and Poquoson. See a list of acceptable materials here. 8:00 am – 12:00 noon. 

Nature/Outdoor Recreation

• Walk This Way: Williamsburg Walking Club – Freedom Park Multiuse Trail 3 (Williamsburg). Let walking coaches guide you through the trails of James City County during this fun program. The trail location changes every month. 9:00 – 10:00 am. 
• Fossil Frenzy Hike – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Discover relics of very old marine creatures while hiking to Fossil Beach. Included in park admission. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. 
• Mountain Laurel Leaf-A-Long Hike – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Participate in a one-mile hike that explores Virginia’s unique and diverse native tree species. Included in park admission. 2:00 – 4:00 pm. 

Kids

• Saturdays @ Frink: Pop-N-Play – Abram Frink Jr. Community Center (Williamsburg). Kids are invited to drop in any time for classic arcade games and other fun activities. 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. 
• Science Saturday – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Children in grades 1-5 are invited to explore fossils at this program. 10:15 – 11:00 am. 
• Movies in the Park: “Encanto” – New Quarter Park (Williamsburg). Enjoy a showing of Disney’s Encanto (PG). Starts 15 minutes after sunset. This event is free, and free popcorn will also be available. 

Arts & Crafts

• Daytime Paint Night – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Join in this guided acrylic paint program to create your own interpretation of a shared design. For ages 13 through adult. Registration is required. Two times are available: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 2:00 – 4:00 pm. 

Gardening

• In the Garden: Gardening in Small Spaces – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Learn tips and techniques to garden in a small space. 10:15 am. 

History

• Public Auction – Auction Stage (Colonial Williamsburg). Participate in an exciting auction, where you’ll bid on items from CW stores as well as exclusive items not available elsewhere. The assortment is different for each auction. 11:00 am – 12:00 pm.

Music

• Virginia Symphony Orchestra: From the Silk Road to the Planets – Ferguson Center (Newport News). Enjoy a Virginia Symphony Orchestra performance featuring two members of the legendary Silk Road Ensemble: the world’s leading virtuoso on the tabla, Sandeep Das, and composer Kayhan Kalhor! Tickets are $25-$79. 7:30 pm. 
• Choral Concert: Osbourn Park Madrigal Singers – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Enjoy an a cappella choral concert by the Osbourn Park Madrigal Singers from Osbourn Park High School in Manassas, Virginia, directed by Dominick Izzo. 

Sunday, May 14

Special Events/Mother’s Day

• Mother’s Day Brunch – Williamsburg Inn (Williamsburg). The Williamsburg Inn will host a special Mother’s Day brunch from 10:00 am – 1:30 pm. See the website for details, including the prix-fixe menu and reservation information. 
• 2nd Sundays Williamsburg – Downtown Williamsburg. Celebrate Mother’s Day at the 2nd Sundays street festival, which features unique art and handcrafted goods, specialty food items, live music, food trucks, kids activities and more – all in a family-friendly atmosphere. See the website for a full list of scheduled entertainment and vendors. 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. 
• Mother’s Day Surf & Turf – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Treat Mom to an adventure on land and sea. Attendees will paddle the York River to Fossil Beach, search for prehistoric relics and then paddle back. See the website for reservations and rental fees (which must be paid in advance). Moms paddle free with a paying paddler. 2:00 – 5:00 pm. 
• HRP Presents: A Mother’s Day Concert – Fort Monroe Theatre (Hampton). Celebrate the mothers in your lives at this special concert featuring classical music performed by Hampton Roads Philharmonic. Free. 2:30 pm. 

Multi-Day

Live Music/Theatre

• Don Giovanni – Kimball Theatre (Williamsburg). Enjoy a fully-staged opera with a world-class cast. This performance is in the original Italian, with English supertitles. Wednesday, May 10 (7:30 pm), Friday, May 12 (7:30 pm) and Sunday, May 14 (2:30 pm). Tickets are available here.
• The Book of Mormon – Ferguson Center for the Arts (Newport News). See the performance that has won nine Tony Awards for “Best Musical.” May 9-10, 7:30 pm. Visit the website for additional information or to purchase tickets. 

Raffle/Fundraiser

• Williamsburg REALTORS has kicked off a Wheelbarrow of Summer Fun raffle to raise money to build a house in James City County for a local family in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. All proceeds will be used to build a Habitat home for a local family. The winner will be drawn on June 15th. To purchase a raffle ticket, click here.

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Future Events to Note

• Family Fun Fest – Chickahominy Riverfront Park (Williamsburg). Families are invited to enjoy hands-on activities, amusements and entertainment, costumed characters, music and much more on Saturday, May 20. Lunch will be available from food vendors. For more information, click here. $5/car (cash or check only). 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. 
• WSO’s Masterworks Concert #5 – Williamsburg Community Chapel (Williamsburg). Enjoy WSO’s final concert of the season: Masterworks Concert #5, Rhapsody in Blue, directed by Michael Butterman. A live stream of the performance will also be available. Thursday, May 25, 7:30 pm (pre-concert lecture 6:30 – 7:30 pm). Single tickets are $60 for adults (and $10 for students) and can be purchased online here.
• WAAR Shred-a-Thon – WAAR Parking Lot (Williamsburg). Williamsburg REALTORS ® will hold a Document Shredding Community Event free to all on Thursday, June 1 from 2-4  pm at WAAR office parking lot (5000 New Point Rd, Ste 1101, Williamsburg). 

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Community Announcements

Host families are needed for exchange students – Host families are currently being matched with high school foreign exchange students for all school districts for the 23-24 school year. Spots are limited, and May 15th is the deadline. Students have their own spending money and health insurance, are fluent in English, fully supervised throughout their stay (semester or school year), and are matched based on shared interests/hobbies, country and gender preference. Anyone can host– traditional families, singles, working parents, empty nesters, etc. Contact Welby Whiting Fairlie 757-784-8763 or [email protected]. Additional information is also available at www.iseusa.org.