Constitution Day, Yorktown Folk Festival, free historic buyboat tours and more events this week

It’s going to be a busy week in the Historic Triangle.

Watermen’s Museum in Yorktown is gearing up to host its annual Yorktown Folk Festival on Saturday and Sunday.

The free, family event features a variety of local bands, musicians, storytellers and dancers performing on five stages. Accordion Renaissance, Lionsbridge, the Peninsula Concert Band, Rose & Sword Irish Dance and Tin Can Fish Band are among the performers slated to appear during the two-day event. Art vendors, craft demonstrations and food vendors will also be present.

The Chesapeake Bay Buyboat Association will also bring its Buyboat Tour 2023 to Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown on Saturday and Sunday. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy free tours aboard the historic buyboats. Guests will also hear stories about the captains’ sea adventures and learn about the historical significance of the boats.

A free Constitution Day event will also be held at Colonial Williamsburg on Sunday. The program features a combined ensemble of members of the USAF Heritage of America Band, the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Band, the U.S. Fleet Forces Band and the Marine Detachment Navy School of Music. The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums will also perform.

Some other events to highlight for this week include the Democracy Dash 10K at Historic Jamestown, a Movie in the Park in Yorktown, the 63rd Annual Denbigh Day Parade and Festival in Newport News, Drool in the Pool at Chickahominy Riverfront Park and a free history lecture, “Williamsburg at War,” at York Hall. 

Several free concerts will also be held in the Historic Triangle this weekend, including the kickoff of New Town Tunes’ fall concert series, featuring Soul Expressions; a performance by the Peninsula Concert Band at Williamsburg Library Theatre; and a Rhythms on the Riverwalk concert featuring the country band Runnin’ Shine in Historic Yorktown. 

-Christin

Monday, Sept. 11

Special Event

• 9/11 Ceremony of Remembrance – Christopher Newport University (Newport News). A remembrance ceremony to honor the more than 3,000 people who lost their lives during the attacks of September 11, 2001, will be held at The Gaines Theater at Christopher Newport University. Remarks will be provided by CNU President William G. Kelly and Newport News Mayor Phillip D. Jones. The Newport News Police Department, Newport News Fire Department and Newport News Sheriff’s Office will also be present. This event is free and open to the public and tickets are not needed. RSVP is appreciated by emailing kingkt@nnva.gov. 10:00 am. 

Kids

• Bilingual Preschool Story Time – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Kids ages 2 1/2 to 5 are invited to attend a bilingual story time featuring a story, songs, crafts and more. 10:15 – 11:00 am. 

Seniors 55+

• Coloring & Conversation – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). This program, offered the second Monday of each month, features coloring, conversation and hot beverages for adults age 55+. Registration is not required; drop-in any time. 1:00 – 2:00 pm. 

Teens

• Teen Anime Club – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Tweens and teens in grades 6-12 are invited to meet up and enjoy the first two episodes of an Anime show and a related snack or quick craft. 6:00 – 7:00 pm. 

Tuesday, Sept. 12

Film

• Art House Café Film Series: “The September Issue” – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). This film series brings an art house flavor to your Tuesdays. This week’s featured film is The September Issue, based on the classic documentary that offers an insider’s look into Anna Wintour’s Vogue. See the trailer here. 2:00 – 3:30 pm. 
• “The Janes”: A Free Documentary Screening – Williamsburg Regional Library Auditorium (Williamsburg). The League of Women Voters is offering a screening of the film The Janes. See the website for a film description and additional details. Free. 5:00 pm. 

Open Mic

• Open Mic Night – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). Attend an evening of poetry, spoken word and song. Performers will have five minutes to share their latest story excerpt, acoustic song or poem. Community members who do not wish to participate can be part of the audience. This event is for teens and adults and content should be appropriate for a public space. 6:00 – 8:00 pm. 

Wednesday, Sept. 13

Special Event

• Scientist Walks into a Bar – Coastal Fermentory (Newport News). Jefferson Lab will hold its third “Scientist Walks into a Bar” discussion at Coastal Fermentory in Downtown Newport News on September 13. The topic will be  “Accelerating Medical Care: How Particle Accelerators are Changing Medical Diagnosis and Treatment,” and the discussion will be moderated by Todd Satogata, an ODU professor and senior scientist at Jefferson Lab. A portion of the proceeds from sales at the event will be donated to Here for the Girls, a nonprofit organization that seeks to improve the lives of young women impacted by breast cancer. Free and open to the public. 6:00 – 7:30 pm. 

Workshop

• Lacemakers: Lace School Days and their Holidays – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Attend a lecture by The Williamsburg Lacemakers, who will demonstrate lacemaking and discuss the training it once took to become a lacemaker. 11:00 am.

Wellness

• Meditation – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Begin or deepen your mindfulness practice with this monthly program led by Certified Mindfulness Meditation teacher Melissa McGill, Ed.D. 6:30 – 7:30 pm. 

Music

• New Town Tunes: Soul Expressions – Sullivan Square (New Town). New Town’s fall concert series kicks off on Wednesday, September 13. The featured band will be Soul Expressions (Motown to current R&B). Lawn chairs or blankets for recommended for seating. Dogs are welcome. Free. Gates open at 5 pm; shows start at 5:30 pm. 
• Dewey Decibel Concert Series: Peninsula Concert Band – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Enjoy a concert by the Peninsula Concert Band. The band will perform march, classic, and popular music. Free admission; no tickets required. 7:00 pm. 

Thursday, Sept. 14

Special Events

• Authors and Ales: A Book Signing Event – Tradition Brewing Company (Newport News). Tradition Brewing Co. is hosting a book signing for the new book, SS United States: An Operational Guide to America’s Flagship. The book is 25 years in the making and chronicles the design, construction, and operation of the SS United States, built at Newport News Shipyard. 5:00 – 8:00 pm. 
• Workforce Readiness Workshop – Tabb Library (Yorktown). A representative from Virginia Career Works will lead this in-depth workforce readiness workshop covering job search strategies, resume tips, interview skills and workplace etiquette. 6:30 – 8:00 pm. 

Writing

• The Making of Beautiful Blue & You – The College of William & Mary (Williamsburg). Williamsburg-based authors Melinda Lincoln-Richardson and Michael Richardson will host a discussion exploring the inspiration, technical approach, collaboration and publication of their books, Beautiful Blue & You and Beautiful Blue & You… Too. See p. 32 of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute/William & Mary fall course catalog for more details and read more about the Osher Institute here. 9:30 – 11:30 am. 

Genealogy

• Introduction to FamilySearch – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Learn the basics about how to use FamilySearch, a free genealogy website, to search for census and vital records, wills and probate, digitized books and family trees. Create a free account before the program at familysearch.org. See the website for registration details. 2:00 – 3:30 pm. 

Film

• Throwback Thursday Film Series: “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” – 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 Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958; NR). 2:00 – 3:50 pm. 
• Celtic Film Series: “The Banshees of Inisherin” – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). The Celtic Film Series runs the second Thursday of the month from September 2023 through May 2024. This month’s featured film is  The Banshees of Inisherin (R), written and directed by Martin McDonagh.  See the trailer here. 6:00 – 8:00 pm. 

Music

• Rhythms on the Riverwalk: Runnin’ Shine – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). Rhythms on the Riverwalk, Yorktown’s fall concert series, returns this week featuring four-piece country act Runnin’ Shine. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets, and coolers are permitted in designated area. Rotating food trucks will also be on site, and many Historic Yorktown restaurants will also be open for dine-in and take-out options. Free. 6:30 – 8:30 pm.
• Virginia Symphony Orchestra Presents Beethoven Festival – Ferguson Center for the Arts (Newport News). Experience Beethoven’s Triple Concerto, conducted by Eric Jacobsen. The performance will conclude with the powerful Symphony No. 7. Tickets are $25 and up. 
• Organ & Harpsichord Recital – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Rebecca Davy, music director and organist at Bruton Parish Church, presents a program of harpsichord and organ music. 8:00 – 9:00 pm. 

Kids

• Snuggle Stories: A Family Story Time – York County Public Library (Yorktown). This family storytime is for children of all ages and a parent or caregiver. Kids are invited to wear their pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animals. Registration not required. 7:00 – 7:30 pm. 

Friday, Sept. 15

Families

• Forest Explorers Friday: Hummingbirds – Freedom Park (Williamsburg). Learn about the importance of a pollinator and enjoy watching wild hummingbirds feed. The first ten families to arrive will receive a free hummingbird hand feeder to take home. This event is weather permitting and is geared toward all ages and families. Free. 5:30 – 7:00 pm. 

Saturday, Sept. 16

Special Events

• Democracy Dash 10K – Historic Jamestowne (Williamsburg). Jamestown Rediscovery and Colonial Road Runners will host the Fifth Annual Democracy Dash on Saturday, September 16. The Democracy Dash 10K is USA Track and Field-certified and features a flat, scenic course. It is the final event of the Historic Triangle Triple Crown. After the race, an awards ceremony with music and refreshments will be held at Magnolia at the Dale House Café. 7:30 am.
• 5K on the Runway – Newport News Williamsburg International Airport (Newport News). This one-of-a-kind experience allows participants to race on airport taxiways and runways. Runners and walkers of all ages are invited to participate and strollers are permitted. The event will also feature a live DJ, food and drinks for local vendors, games for all ages, inflatables and a post-race party. 8:00 am. 
• Chesapeake Bay Buyboat Tour – Riverwalk Landing Piers (Yorktown). The Chesapeake Bay Buyboat Association will sail into Historic Yorktown as part of their annual Buy Boat Tour 2023 on Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17. The historic buyboats will head to the Riverwalk Landing Piers on Saturday morning, and visitors will be invited aboard for deck tours. Guests will also hear stories about the captains’ sea adventures and the historical significance of the boats. Free. 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. 
• Denbigh Day Parade and Festival – Courthouse Way Community Center (Newport News). Attend the 63rd Annual Denbigh Day Parade and Festival. The event includes a parade, live music, games, educational displays, photo ops, arts & crafts vendors, a petting zoo, children’s train rides, amusements, food vendors and more. The parade features a variety of marching bands, decorated vehicles and floats, dance teams, little leaguers and more. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. 
• Batman Day – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Families and kids of all ages are invited to attend a special program focused on Batman. The event will feature superhero training in the “Superhero Boot Camp” and a Superhero BINGO for from 10:30-11:30 am. There will also be crafts for kids and a large selection of books and DVDs for checkout with a library card. Attendees are encouraged (but not required) to wear costumes of any superhero. See a short video preview about the event here. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Yorktown Folk Festival – Watermen’s Museum (Yorktown). Attend the 11th Annual Yorktown Folk Festival! This free, family-friendly event featuring live performances on five stages by local bands, musicians, storytellers and dancers. There will also be art vendors, craft demonstrations and food trucks. See the website for a full list of performers. Free. 10:00 am – 6:30 pm.
• Movies in the Park: “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” – McReynolds Athletic Complex (Yorktown). Enjoy a movie under the stars. The featured film will be The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG). Bring chairs or a blanket for seating. Concessions will be available. Free. Begins at sunset. 

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. Live music will be provided by Phil Casey from 9:00 – 11:00 am. The market runs from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm.
• Yorktown Market Days – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). Enjoy spectacular views of the York River while shopping for seasonal produce, fresh baked goods, meats, beautiful artwork and more. Clan MacCool Gang will perform on the Riverwalk Landing Stage. 8:00 am – 12:00 pm. 
• 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.
• 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. 

Writing

• Publishing Your Book: Making “Beautiful Blue and You” – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Local authors Michael Richardson and Dr. Melinda Lincoln-Richardson will discuss the challenges of co-authoring two books while having separate skills and interests. They will discuss topics including the selection of a publisher, promotions and marketing and distribution. 10:30 am. 

Kids

• Bookmobile FunFest: Up, Up, and Away! – Abram Frink Jr. Community Center (Williamsburg). Participants will test out a variety of stomp rockets and paper airplanes. There will also be other interactive science activities, followed by pizza and freeze pops at noon. 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. 
• Meet Betsy Ross – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Meet Betsy Ross as she works on sewing the early American flag. This program is presented by the Ann Wager Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. 1:00 pm. 

Tweens/Teens

• Introduction to 3D Printing – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Tweens and teens in grades 6-12 are invited to learn the basics of 3D printing in this introductory class. Spots are limited; those who wish to reserve a spot can reserve a ticket at the Youth Services desk starting an hour before the program. 1:00 – 2:30 pm. 
• The Actor in You – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Teens are invited to attend this workshop to learn about acting techniques and best practices from actors from the silver screen. This workshop is hosted by HPAC Studios LLC. Spots are limited; see the website for registration details. 2:00 – 3:30 pm. 

Film

• Saturday Morning Cartoons: “Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank” – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). This monthly film series is for animation lovers. This month’s featured film is Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank (2022; PG). See the trailer here. 10:30 am.

Music

• Audio Portrait – Spoke & Art Provisions Co. (Williamsburg), Enjoy live music by Audio Portrait. 12:00 – 4:00 pm. 
• Organ Recital feat. Dr. JanEl Will – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Enjoy sacred 18th-century music by candlelight featuring Dr. JanEl Will, organist at Bruton Parish Church. 8:00 – 9:00 pm. 

Nature

• Canoeing with the Stars – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Get away from the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in nature at night during this special canoeing program. This event is included with standard park admission. Canoe rentals are $13 per person or $8 per person for a family of 4+. 
• Stargazing – York River State Park (Williamsburg). The Virginia Peninsula Stargazers will point out components of the solar system in the night sky at this stargazing event. All equipment will be provided and the program is included with standard park admission. This event is forecast-dependent. See the website for more information. 8:00 – 11:00 pm. 

Sunday, Sept. 17

Special Events

• Chesapeake Bay Buyboat Tour – Riverwalk Landing Piers (Yorktown). Don’t miss the final day of the Chesapeake Bay Buyboat Association’s annual Buy Boat tours at Riverwalk Landing. Guests will have the opportunity to go aboard the historic buyboats for free tours. Visitors will also hear stories about the captains’ sea adventures and the historical significance of the boats. Free. 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.
• Drool in the Pool – Chickahominy Riverfront Park (Williamsburg). James City County and the Heritage Humane Society will host their annual Drool in the Pool event on Sunday, September 17. Pool passes for dogs to swim and play will be available at the gate. There will also be music, refreshments and goodies. The cost is $10 per dog, and all proceeds benefit Heritage Humane Society. 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. 
• Yorktown Folk Festival – Watermen’s Museum (Yorktown). The 11th Annual Yorktown Folk Festival wraps up on Sunday, September 17. The family-friendly event features local bands, musicians, storytellers, dancers, art vendors, craft demonstrations and food trucks. See the website for a full list of performers. Free. 12:00 pm – 6:30 pm. 
• Williamsburg at War with Guest Lecturer Michael Cecere – York Hall (Yorktown). Author and Historian Michael Cecere will discuss Williamsburg’s significant contributions to the American Revolution and the War for Independence. Williamsburg at War and Cecere’s other books will be available for sale/signing by the author following the lecture. Free. 2:00 – 3:00 pm.
• Constitution Day – Art Museums Lawn (Colonial Williamsburg). The public is invited to join Colonial Williamsburg in celebrating the signing of the U.S. Constitution at a free event, “To Support and Defend.” The program features a combined ensemble of members of the U.S. Army TRADOC Band, the USAF Heritage of America Band,  the U.S. Fleet Forces Band, and the Marine Detachment Navy School of Music. The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums will also perform. Guests may bring a lawn chair. Free. 6:00 – 7:30 pm. 

Nature

• Present Day Pirates – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Park rangers will use the Global Positioning System to help you find caches of park information and small gifts. Included with standard park admission. 1:00 – 3:00 pm. 
• Sunset Paddle – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Wind down your weekend with a scenic, evening trip on the York River. This program is included in park admission; see the website for canoe and kayak reservation pricing and details. 5:00 – 7:00 pm. 

Kids

• Dogs of DOG Street Storytime – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Author Virginia Lee will read her book The Dogs of DOG Street, which is about a rescue dog and his loveable group of canine friends. 2:00 pm. 
• Paws to Read with K-9 Connection – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Kids are invited to drop in and read to trained therapy dogs. No registration is required. 2:30 – 3:30 pm. 

Writing

• Writers’ Club: Traditional Publishing – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). If you’re struggling to find an agent or navigate the query process, this workshop is for you. Participants will gain an understanding of the traditional publishing process and learn strategies for working with agents. 2:00 pm. 

Multi-Day

Special Events

• Supernova Ska Festival – Fort Monroe (Hampton). Attend the largest ska music festival in the United States. This three-day, culturally-rich event was recently acclaimed by the Grammy Awards as one of the top 10 indie festivals for 2023. See the website for a full schedule of events and to purchase tickets. Livestream options are also available. Friday – Sunday, September 15 – 17. 
• Haunted Screams Expo – Hampton Roads Convention Center (Hampton). Gear up for the spooky season by attending the Haunted Screams Expo, featuring 150 vendors and 12 celebrities from your favorite action and horror movies. See the website for additional details or to purchase tickets. Saturday, September 16 & Sunday, September 17. 
• Homeschool Family Days – Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Homeschool students are invited to discover the sights and sounds of the 17th and 18th centuries. Families will be able to interact with educators while exploring a variety of historical topics. Tickets to Homeschool Family Days are $10 for students (K to Grade 12), $19 for adults and free for children under age 4, with unlimited admission to both museums for two weeks September 2-17. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at either museum. 
• Homeschool Days 2023 – Colonial Williamsburg. CW’s fall Homeschool Days will be held September 9-24, 2023. During these special days, homeschoolers and their families can explore the world’s largest U.S. history museum at a discounted rate. Tickets must be booked online to secure the special rate. Click here for additional details, including a full schedule of upcoming events. 

Art

• 40 Years of Art at the Muscarelle – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Explore featured pieces of art from the Muscarelle and William & Mary, from the collection’s origins more than 300 years ago to the museum’s opening in the 1980s and the future. Open Monday-Friday, 9 am – 5 pm, August 21 – November 1, 2023 (closed September 2-4 and October 13).

Nature

• Butterfly Haven Exhibit – Virginia Living Museum (Newport News). Over 450  butterflies and moths and dozens of chrysalis are now part of the Butterfly Haven exhibit at the Virginia Living Museum. The exhibit will be open July 29 – September 24. Click here for details.

Future Events to Note

• Wayfinding: How Humans Navigate the World – The Mariners’ Museum and Park (Newport News). Science journalist and author M.R. O’Connor will discuss her fascinating travels to the Arctic, Australia and the South Pacific in which she learned how master navigators find their way using environmental cues. O’Connor’s stories have appeared in The New Yorker, Foreign Policy, Slate, The Atlantic, and Nautilus. This event, which is part of the museum’s evening lecture series, will be held on Thursday, September 21. In-person tickets are $10 per guest and include one drink ticket. Virtual admission is free. All attendees must pre-register whether attending in-person or virtually. Doors open at 6:00 pm, and the program will be held from 7:00 – 8:30 pm. 
• Harvest Festival – Chickahominy Riverfront Park (Williamsburg). Families are invited to attend a fun, annual fall tradition featuring free kids’ activities, including face painting, a tractor-pulled hayride, inflatables, live bluegrass music by Code Blue, arts and crafts and more. There will also be a scarecrow stuffing attraction available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. This event will be held on Saturday, September 23. Parking is $5, and the Scarecrow Row (including all supplies) is $20. Community and food vendors will also be on site. 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. 
• Open Door Concert Series: Gabrielle Goodman – Williamsburg Presbyterian Church (Williamsburg). Williamsburg Presbyterian Church’s Open Door Concert Series will kick off on Sunday, September 24 with a concert by Gabrielle Goodman. Goodman – a professor at the Berklee College of Music who has sung alongside numerous jazz, classical and gospel music ensembles – will present a tribute to Duke Ellington. Free. 4:00 pm.
• Yorktown Art Stroll – 331 Water Street (Yorktown). Don’t miss the Yorktown Art Stroll on Sunday, September 24 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. There will be a wide range of art for sale, including oil, acrylic, and watercolor paintings; glass; drawings; photography; jewelry; pottery; fiber art; handmade soap; and woodwork. The event is free and open to the public. 
• 2nd Annual Pints and Paws 5K Run/Walk, 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk and “Pup Strut” – 2070 Jamestown Road (Williamsburg). Registration is now open for a 5K running and walking event with a 1 Mile Fun Run Walk and Pup Strut to benefit 4Paws Animal Rescue. The event will be held on Sunday, October 1 and is co-sponsored by Colonial Sports. One beer and one slice of pizza will be included in the registration; non-drinkers will receive a root beer. Awards will be given out to humans and canines. See the website for pricing information or to register. 
• Sine Nomine Presents . . . Kevin Kwan in Concert – St. Mark Lutheran Church (Yorktown). Sine Nomine Presents… and St. Mark Lutheran Church are delighted to present organist Kevin Kwan in concert on Sunday, October 1. Mr. Kwan is the Organist and Director of Music at Christ and St. Luke Episcopal Church in Norfolk. As a recitalist, Mr. Kwan has performed solo recitals in many prestigious venues, including Lichfield, Truro, Bristol, Westminster and Gloucester Cathedrals, as well as Bath Abbey and Westminster Abbey. In the summer of 2010, he played before a capacity audience at Passau Cathedral, Germany. Free and open to the public. 5:00 pm.
• NAMI Family to Family Education Program – Williamsburg House of Mercy (Williamsburg). NAMI will hold a series of 8 free weekly classes structured to help family members, partners and significant others understand and support those living with mental illness while maintaining their own wellbeing. The program will be offered Wednesdays from 6:00 – 8:30 pm, October 4 – November 29. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. If you have questions, call (757) 220-8535 or email info@namiwilliamsburg.org.