Free summer concerts, Yorktown Military Appreciation Weekend, Juneteenth celebrations and more to do this week (June 6-12)

There are a bunch of free summer concerts happening throughout the Peninsula this week, including performances by The Main Event Band (Yorktown), the TRADOC (U.S Army Training and Doctrine Command) Band (Newport News), Brasswind (Newport News), Stan’s Big Band (Fort Monroe) and United Souls (downtown Hampton).

Some other highlights for this week include Yorktown Military Appreciation Weekend, 2nd Sundays Williamsburg and several Juneteenth celebrations in Newport News.

If you’d like to share a future event, please hit “reply” to this email and send me the details.

-Christin

Multiple Days

Yorktown Military Appreciation Weekend ⭐- Yorktown. June 11 and 12, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Special programs will be presented throughout Yorktown, including at the Watermen’s Museum, Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters, York County Historical Museum at York Hall and the Museum on Main. Events will include living history demonstrations, period music and historic craft demonstrators. See the full schedule here.
Juneteenth Week 2022 Festivities – Newport News. Between June 8-19, the city of Newport News will celebrate Juneteenth, an official state holiday in Virginia that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. A wide variety of events and programs will be held throughout the city. This week’s events include:
- Juneteenth Parade (Saturday, June 11, Brooks Crossing to King-Lincoln Park, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm)
- Juneteenth Concert (Sunday, June 12, King-Lincoln Park, 5:00 – 7:30 pm).
- Juneteenth Expressions – an event featuring free Juneteenth giveaway novelties and Instagrammable moments – will also be held at various locations throughout the city daily, June 8 – June 19.
- See the full list of the city’s upcoming Juneteenth events here.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Week – Recovery Operations Center in Newport News. The City of Newport News will be collecting hazardous waste – including fertilizers, oil-based paints, pesticides and household cleaning products – Monday, June 6 through Saturday, June 11 from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. For additional information and a full list of acceptable materials, click here.
Gallery at York Hall Photography Exhibit ️– Gallery at York Hall in Yorktown. This exhibit features the photography of Shirley Whitenack and runs from July 1 through July. Free. Gallery hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm and Sunday, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival – Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. This event is the largest spring food and wine festival in Virginia. It features over 100 dishes, wines, cocktails and craft beers from around the globe, including new offerings inspired by Australia and Greece. Live music and entertainment will also take place. April 28 – June 12; see website for times and ticket details.

Monday, June 6

Meetup Mondays ✔️– Main Street Library (Newport News). Meetup Mondays are held on the first Monday of the month and feature different activities for adults with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers. Registration is not required. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Beginning Word – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Learn the basics of word processing using Microsoft Word. Seating is limited; call to register. 2:00 pm.
Family Movie Night: “The Mitchells vs. The Machines” – Pearl Bailey Library (Newport News). All ages are welcome to attend this family movie night, featuring the film The Mitchells vs. The Machines. Light refreshments will be provided. 5:00 – 7:00 pm.
Explore Powhatan Creek by Kayak – James City County Marina (Williamsburg). Learn about the natural and historic resources of the James River and Powhatan Creek while exploring the water by kayak. Kayak, paddles and personal flotation device provided. Registration is required and spots fill up quickly; sign up here. Free. Ages 16+. 5:30 – 7:30 pm.
Hampton 2040 ✔️– Hampton Convention Center (Hampton). This event will ponder what Hampton should look like in 20 years and what the community needs to do to get there. Best-selling author Rebecca Ryan will host the discussion. Free and open to the public; refreshments will be provided. 5:30 – 8:30 pm.
Community Yoga – Watermen’s Museum (Yorktown). Bring your yoga mat and meet at the carriage house to participate in a rejuvenating, beginner-friendly yoga session. $10. Proceeds benefit the Watermen’s Museum. 6:00 – 6:50 pm.

Tuesday, June 7

All-Ages Storytime – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Children and their caregivers are invited to this activity featuring stories, songs, rhymes and other activities. 10:00 am.
PowerPoint I: Introduction to PowerPoint – Pearl Bailey Library (Newport News). Learn how to create a slide show presentation featuring pictures, slide designs and transitions. Registration is required. 10:15 am – 12:15 pm.
Lavender Sprig Craft ️– Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Make felt lavender sprigs to decorate your home with. Call to register. For ages 12 through adult. There are two sessions available: 12:00 – 1:00 pm and 1:00 – 2:00 pm.
Day of Celebration for 1,000 Books – Tabb Library (Yorktown). This special celebration is for children who have completed the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. There will be snacks, crafts and entertainment for the whole family. Registration required. 1:30 – 2:30 pm.
Art House Café Film Series: “This Beautiful Fantastic” – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). This film series offers an art house flavor. In addition to watching the featured film, guests can hear from film experts, enjoy light refreshments and participate in a discussion after the film. This week’s film is This Beautiful Fantastic (2016). NR. 2:00 pm.
Introduction to Gale Legal Forms – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Learn how to navigate the library’s large database of downloadable legal documents. 2:00 pm.
Adult Anime Club – Grissom Library (Newport News). The Adult Anime Club meets every first Tuesday of the month. Participants watch various anime episodes via Crunchyroll and Funimation. 5:00 pm.
Nia for Beginners – Main St. Library (Williamsburg). Nia is a sensory-based movement practice that blends yoga, dance and martial arts to empower people of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities to move in a way that connects mind, body and spirit. For adults 18+. Free. 6:00 – 7:00 pm.
Shrek the Musical Jr. – Bruton High School (Williamsburg). See a live performance of Shrek the Musical Jr. presented by the York County Middle School Arts Magnet. Admission is free. 6:30 – 9:00 pm.
WhoDunnits: A Mystery Book Group – James City County Library (Williamsburg). The WhoDunnits book discussion group is devoted to mysteries. It meets the first Tuesday of each month. This month’s featured title is Murder on Astor Place by Victoria Thompson. 6:30 pm.

Wednesday, June 8

Story and a Walk – Newport News Park (Newport News). Bring your preschool-aged learner to the Discovery Center for this monthly nature story reading. Each month features a new picture storybook about animals and their adventures in nature. Registration is not required.
City Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Open House – Denbigh Community Center and Main Street Library (Newport News). Attend one of two open houses being held at the Denbigh Community Center (15198 Warwick Boulevard) and Main Street Library (110 Main Street) to learn more about the city’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and share your thoughts and ideas. 4:00 – 7:00 pm.
Lego Builders! – Pearl Bailey Library (Newport News). Kids 5-11 are invited to build a mini lego masterpiece at this event. 4:00 – 5:00 pm.
Drumming for Wellness – Freedom Park (Williamsburg). In this workshop, students will learn basic drumming and meditation techniques to practice mindfulness. No musical experience is necessary and all instruments will be provided. For ages 16+. Free.
PowerPoint I: Introduction to PowerPoint – Pearl Bailey Library (Newport News). Learn how to create a slide show presentation featuring pictures, slide designs and transitions. Registration is required. 5:30 – 7:30 pm.
Port Warwick Summer Concert Series: Brasswind – William Styron Square (Newport News). Port Warwick’s Summer Concert Series returns with music by Brasswind. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket, food and drink. Weather permitting. Free. 6:00 – 9:00 pm.

Thursday, June 9

City Center Farmers Market – City Center at Oyster Point (Newport News). Find fresh, healthy, farm-to-table foods like produce, beef, jams and local treats at this Farmers Market, every Thursday through September 1. 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Beginning Excel – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Learn how to open, save and input data in Microsoft Excel in this introductory class. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Medicare Education ✔️– Tabb Library (Yorktown). Medicare can be confusing. If you have questions about how it all works, join this workshop led by Sheila Moynihan of Boomer Insurance. Sheila will provide a free, unbiased Medicare overview. 1:00 – 2:00 pm.
Throwback Thursday Film Series: “Krakatoa: East of Java” – Williamsburg Library (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 Krakatoa: East of Java (1968). NR. 2:00 – 3:45 pm.
Summer Sankofa Series Genealogy Workshops – Virtual, hosted by William & Mary. The Lemon Project Genealogy Initiative’s Summer Sankofa Series features free workshops on various topics related to genealogy. Online registration is required for each session. This month’s featured workshop is titled The Trifecta: The Secret Sauce of Researching the Formerly Enslaved with Nicka Sewell-Smith. Register here. 6:00 pm.
Books & Beers Book Club – Tradition Brewing Company (Newport News). Discuss good books while enjoying great beer with NNPL’s Books and Beers book club, which meets on the second Thursday of each month. This month’s book selection is Will by Will Smith. 6:00 pm.
Sounds of Summer Concert Series: The Main Event Band – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). Yorktown’s Sounds of Summer concert series is back, and it runs Thursday nights from 7 to 9:30 p.m through August 11. This week’s featured band is The Main Event Band. Blankets, chairs and small coolers are permitted. Free. 7:00 – 9:30 pm.
Music By The Bay Summer Concert: Stan’s Big Band – Continental Park (Fort Monroe). Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy music from some of the region’s most talented performers. This week’s concert will feature Stan’s Big Band. Free. 7:00 – 8:15 pm.
Music Under the Stars: Salute to America’s Army – Magnolia Park (Newport News). The U.S Army Training and Doctrine Command Band, now in its 90th season, will perform a series of summer concerts at Magnolia Park. This week’s theme is Salute to America’s Army. (Please note that in order to attend, all guests 18+ must complete this pre-authorization form in its entirety and email it to the contact on the form. Processing can take one week, but the form will be valid for the full season once processed). Free and open to the public. 7:00 pm.
Snuggle Stories – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Snuggle Stories is a family story time for children of all ages and their parent or caregiver. It features stories, songs and a simple craft or activity. Kids are encouraged to wear their pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal. 7:00 – 7:30 pm.
Power in the Panels: A Graphic Novel Book Group – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). This group meets the second Thursday of each month and is for graphic novel enthusiasts (18+). This month, attendees will pick a novel centered around a country they’ve never visited and participate in a discussion. 7:00 – 8:00 pm.

Friday, June 10

Main Street Library’s Chess Club ♜- Main Street Library (Newport News). Kids ages 5-17 are invited to attend this chess club every two weeks from 1:00 – 3:00 pm.
All Ages Storytime – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Children and their caregivers are invited to this activity featuring stories, songs, rhymes and other activities. 10:00 am.
Happy Hour Hiring Fair for Busch Gardens and Water Country ✔️– Busch Gardens Human Resources (Williamsburg). Busch Gardens is seeking individuals to work in a variety of open positions. Pay is up to $14 an hour with up to $1,500 in sign-on-bonuses. All applicants receive a free single-day ticket when applying and attending the job fair. 4:00 – 7:00 pm.
Downtown Hampton Live: United Souls – Mill Point Park (Hampton). The Downtown Hampton Live concert series features international recording artists United Souls. Free. 5:00 – 9:00 pm.
VSO Presents: The Music of Star Wars – Ferguson Center for the Arts (Newport News). The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will perform music from the iconic Star Wars film franchise, including music from Rogue One and Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Tickets are $25-$110. 7:30 pm.
Mysterious Moonlight Canoe Tour – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Experience marsh life at night and the full moon by the water. Various creatures can also be found along the shoreline at night. One paddler per boat should be experienced for this tour; call for canoe reservations and price. 7:30 – 10:30 pm.

Saturday, June 11

VPPSA Household Collection Day ✔️– Warhill High School (Williamsburg). The VPPSA Household Chemical Collections and Computer Recycling event accepts computers, household maintenance products, lawn and garden items, household cleaners and more. See the full list of acceptable materials here. 8:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Yorktown Market Days – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). Shop for seasonal produce, freshly baked goods, honey, handmade soaps and candles, artwork and more from local creators and artisans. 8:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Williamsburg Farmers Market – Duke of Gloucester Street and P4 parking lot (Williamsburg). The Williamsburg Farmers Market is back for the 2022 season! Shop from producers of locally grown produce, baked goods, cut flowers, organic vegetables, herbs, pasture-raised meats, cheeses, fresh bread, honey and more. Visa, Mastercard, SNAP and W&M express are now accepted. 8:00 am – noon.
Toano Open Air Market – 7891 Richmond Road (Toano). Shop safely every Saturday while supporting local farmers, artisans, pollinators and a variety of other vendors. Pre-ordering is recommended in order to ensure product availability. 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.
Capital Color Ride – Chickahominy Riverfront Park (Williamsburg). This family-friendly biking event spans a 15-mile stretch of the Virginia Capital Trail. You’ll be able to venture from Chickahominy Riverfront Park to the James City County Marina and back, while encountering color stops, snacks, water and more at the rest stops. Registration fee: $15 (includes a free t-shirt and refreshments, while supplies last). Register here. 9:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Creek Pick Your Paddle – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Explore the beautiful wetlands of Taskinas Creek and the York River by canoe or kayak at this event. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent; call the park office for fees and reservations. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Sew a Rope Basket ️– Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Sew your own decorative rope basket using rope and fabric strips. All supplies will be provided by the library, but bringing your own sewing machine is encouraged. Spots are limited; call to register. For ages 16 through adult. Two sessions are available: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 2:00 – 4:00 pm.
Scales & Tails – Newport News Park (Newport News). Learn about the fascinating lives of the amphibians and reptiles living in Newport News Park. Two sessions are available: 10:00 am or 2:00 pm.
Saturdays at Fink – Abram Frink Jr. Community Center (Williamsburg). Join WRL’s Bookmobile each Saturday for something to make, do, learn and play. This week’s theme is Pop-N-Play. 10:00 am – 1:00 pm.
Battlefield Tour – National Park Visitor Parking Lot (Yorktown). This walking tour of the Yorktown National Battlefield will include the 1st and 2nd Parallels, Redoubts 9 and 10 and the British Defense Line. The tour will also discuss the Moore House and the Siege of 1862, when the Yorktown Battlefield was part of the American Civil War. Please arrive 10 minutes early; guests must have a National Park Park or park ticket in addition to the tour ticket. $10 per person. 11:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Dabble In Discovery – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Meet with the park’s naturalist/ranger and learn about the aquatic, insect, mammal and plant life that live within the park’s two thousand acres. 1:00 – 3:00 pm.
Jigsaw Puzzle: Summer Competition – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Test out your jigsaw puzzle skills while competing for prizes. Teams of four will compete to finish a 500-piece puzzle within two hours. There’ll also be a puzzle swap. 1:00 – 4:00 pm.
Adult Movie Night: “Loving” – Grissom Library (Newport News). Celebrate the 55th anniversary of “Loving Day” with the movie, Loving. The movie is based on the true story of Mildred and Richard Loving, an interracial couple from Virginia who took their case to the supreme court to fight for the right to live as a married couple. For adults 18+; registration is required. 2:00 – 4:00 pm.
Fossil Frenzy Hike – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Thousands of years ago, marine creatures swam in the area that now comprises the York River. This activity will focus on discovering fossils of very old creatures – including whales, porpoises, sharks, clams, scallops, and snails – during a hike to a fossil beach. Advance registration required. This event is included with park admission. 4:00 – 6:00 pm.
Busy Beavers – Newport News Park (Newport News). Learn why the reservoir and marsh in Newport News Park are ideal habitats for beavers. You’ll also hear about how their ability to build and maintain dams creates homes for many other animals. 6:30 pm.
Movies in the Park: “Luca” – New Quarter Park (Williamsburg). Bring a blanket or lawn chairs for this screening of the film Luca (2021), an original animated Disney Pixar. Begins at sunset.

Sunday, June 12

Summer Reading Kickoff – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Celebrate the start of the summer reading season at this free event featuring a bounce house, face painting, barrel train rides and more. 1:00 – 4:00 pm.
Children’s Book Signing: “Little Bit Goes to Williamsburg” – Gallery at York Hall (Yorktown). Author Caroline Ward be present for a book signing of her children’s story, Little Bit Goes to Williamsburg. 1:00 – 3:00 pm.
2nd Sundays Williamsburg ️– 205 N. Boundary St (Williamsburg). Celebrate the 13th anniversary of 2nd Sundays Williamsburg. This art and music street festival features over 115 unique artisans, musicians, performers and food vendors along 6 blocks. The event is held on the 2nd Sunday of every month, March – December. Free. 11:00 am – 5:00 pm.
River Seine – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Discover unique fish and shellfish by following the Woodstock Pond Trail during this ranger-guided activity. Included with park admission. 1:00 – 3:00 pm.
Roaming Ranger – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Meet with a naturalist/ranger and discover the aquatic, mammal, insect and plant life in the ecosystem of this 2,000-acre park. Included with park admission. 4:00 – 5:00 pm.
Sunset Pick Your Paddle – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Enjoy a scenic evening trip on the York River. 5:30 – 7:30 pm. This event is included with park admission; call the office for rental fees and reservations. 5:30 – 7:30 pm.

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This week’s cover image (top) features the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band of Fort Eustis. (Photo by Joe Sohm/Visions of America via Getty Images).

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