York County’s first-ever Restaurant Week kicks off February 26 and runs through March 3.

The event offers an opportunity for locals to support popular, independent dining establishments while enjoying exclusive specials.

A total of 18 restaurants will be participating, including Anna’s Brick Oven, Carrot Tree Kitchens, Dominion Dogs, Grunow’s Kitchen, Mobjack Coffee & Petite Café, Shorty’s Diner, Water Street Grille, York Gardens & Tearoom, Yorktown Pub and more.

Anna’s Brick Oven is giving customers 10% off their entire bill, while Dominion Dogs is offering $12 meal deals that include a hot dog, a side and a fried Oreo.

Shorty’s Diner is serving up French Toast Flights or smashed burgers for $10.50 all week long, and Grunow’s Kitchen – a dedicated gluten-free, nut-free facility – is offering three-course lunch and dinner specials for $25. 

For a full list of participating restaurants and their special offers, click here.

Some other highlights for this week include a complimentary Leap Year Wine Tasting at Amiraj restaurant in Williamsburg, a concert featuring bluegrass band J2B2 at Williamsburg Library, a Winter Market in Yorktown, STEM Career Day at the Virginia Living Museum, One City Marathon Weekend in Newport News and a Grandma’s Apron event honoring Women’s History Month at the Stryker Center.

Want to submit a future event for consideration? Email me at christin@thetriangle.news.

-Christin

Events This Week

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Monday, Feb. 26

Below is a list of local happenings taking place Feb. 19-25. Click on the bolded event title for additional details.

3D Printing

• 3D Printing 101 – Online (Hosted by WRL). Learn the basics of 3D printing, including all the ways it’s being used from medical devices to homes. For ages 13 through adult. No registration required. See the website for the Zoom link. 6:30 pm.

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Tuesday, Feb. 27

Film

• Art House Café Film: “My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3” – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). This film series offers an art house flavor. It features special guests who are film experts, light refreshments and a discussion after the film. This week’s featured film is My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 (2023, PG-13). See a trailer here. 1hr 32min. 2:00 pm. 

Game Night

• Dungeons & Dragons (18+) – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Attend an evening of Dungeons & Dragons designed for new and experienced players ages 18+. Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted. There is no registration for this event. 6:00 – 8:00 pm. 

History

• Pop-Up Archaeology! – Art Museums (Colonial Williamsburg). Attend a special pop-up archaeology exhibit in the museum. Archaeologists will be available to talk to guests and show recently unearthed finds from their ongoing excavations. Requires Art Museum or a Good Neighbor Pass. 2:00 – 4:00 pm. 
• God is My Rock – Hennage Auditorium (Colonial Williamsburg). Gowan Pamphlet, a popular local preacher and enslaved man, offers his perspective on slavery, religion, and freedom. Requires Art Museum admission or a Good Neighbor Pass. 3:00 – 3:45 pm. 

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Wednesday, Feb. 28

Kids

• Homeschool Enrichment: Virginia Aquarium – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Homeschooled kids in grades K-5 are invited to learn about the Chesapeake Bay from educators with the Virginia Aquarium. To reserve a spot, pick up a ticket at the children’s desk starting 30 minutes before the program. 2:00 pm. 
• Introduction to 3D Printing – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Kids ages 6-12 will learn the basics of 3D printing during this program. Basic computer skills are required. Space is limited; to reserve a spot, pick up a ticket at the Youth Services desk starting 30 minutes before the program. 5:30 pm. 

Technology

• Top Ten Tips for Using Your New iPhone or iPad – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). This class covers several of the basic features of iPhones and iPads and how you can download and use WRL apps to access e-books, magazines and digital audiobooks. Class size is limited; see the website for registration information. 2:00 – 3:30 pm. 

Author Talk

• Virtual Author Talk with Kim Scott – Online (Hosted by WRL). Kim Scott, author of the New York Times bestseller Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity, will host a virtual talk and live interactive Q&A. Register here. 2:00 pm. 

History

• A Taste of Freedom – Hennage Auditorium (Colonial Williamsburg). Learn about Americus Weston, a formerly enslaved man who gained freedom and sanctuary by escaping to a Union camp in the South. Requires Art Museum admission or a Good Neighbor Pass. 3:00 – 3:45 pm. 

Wine Tasting

• Leap Year Wine Tasting – Amiraj (Williamsburg). Amiraj is hosting a complimentary Leap Year Wine Tasting on Wednesday, Feb. 28. Attendees will taste and learn about wine from different leap years. There will be a guest speaker, wine and small bites. Guests are welcome to stay for dinner after the tasting. RSVP by calling 757-565-3200. 4:30 – 6:00 pm. 

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Thursday, Feb. 29

Special Event

• Leap Day Party – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Celebrate Leap Year, which happens only once every four years. Tabb Library will host a family-friendly night of games, crafts and more. SweetFrog will be on site with ice cream for purchase and the library will provide free popcorn. A Leap Day Story Time will also take place at 7.  This event runs from 6:00 – 7:30 pm. 

Film

• Throwback Thursday Film Series: “Invaders from Mars” – 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 Invaders from Mars (1953, NR). 1h 18min. 2:00 pm. 

History

• Pop-Up Archaeology! – Art Museums (Colonial Williamsburg). Attend a special pop-up archaeology exhibit in the museum. Archaeologists will be available to talk to guests and show recently unearthed finds from their ongoing excavations. Requires Art Museum or a Good Neighbor Pass. 2:00 – 4:00 pm. 
• Introduction to Oral History – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Colonial Williamsburg historian Andre Taylor will teach you how to plan and conduct an oral history. 6:30 pm.  

Teens

• Teen Tiny Canvas Painting – James City County Library (Williamsburg Library). Teens are invited to stop by and create a miniature painting on a canvas. For ages 13-18. 6:00 pm. 

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Friday, March 1

Special Event

• Fish Fry – Williamsburg Hellenic Center (Williamsburg). The Williamsburg Hellenic Center is holding its annual Friday Fish Fry event every Friday evening through March 29, 2024. The meal costs $15 and includes fried fish, coleslaw, French fries and cake. Guests may dine in or take the meal to go. 4:30 – 7:00 pm. 

Nature

• Roaming Ranger – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Meet with a naturalist/ranger and discover the aquatic, insect, mammal, and plant life in the park’s ecosystems. Included with park admission. 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. 

Art Event

Walk the Row Art Crawl – City Center at Oyster Point (Newport News). Grab drinks from City Center restaurants, sip and stroll Mariners Row. There will be art created by local artists and students from Newport News Public Schools and opportunities to be part of an interactive exhibition by the Contemporary Arts Network. 5:00 – 9:00 pm.

Teens

• Teen After Hours – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Teens are invited to this Asian Fusion-themed Teen After Hours event, where they’ll cook ramen noodles and add toppings of their choice. They’ll also make a fun dessert and enjoy an episode of One Piece while dining. Gluten free options will be available. 5:30 – 7:30 pm

Music

• Dewey Decibel Concert Series: J2B2 – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). J2B2 is a bluegrass band featuring four legendary, award-winning musicians: John Jorgenson, Herb Pedersen, Mark Fain and Patrick Sauber. Tickets are $5 ($4 for Friends of WRL). 7:30 pm.

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Saturday, March 2

Special Events

• Yorktown Market Days: Winter Market – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). Take a break from being indoors and head out to Yorktown Market Days’ Winter Market, featuring locally grown, produced and crafted goods. There will be an assortment of baked goods, prepared soups, gourmet chocolates, homemade candles, dog treats, local art and more. The  Fifes and Drums of York Town will perform at 10 am and the free, heated Yorktown Trolley will also be running all day. The Winter Market runs from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Free.
• STEM Career Day – Virginia Living Museum (Newport News). Enjoy an exciting journey into the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) during the Virginia Living Museum’s inaugural STEM Career Day. The museum will showcase STEM career opportunities with a focus on plant and animal care, planetary science, community science and more. Included with museum admission. 11 am – 3 pm.

Outdoor Recreation

• Williamsburg Walking Club Series – Powhatan Creek Trail (Williamsburg). Williamsburg Walking Club, a monthly walking meetup group, will head to Powhatan Creek Trail on March 2. The club provides coaches to guide you through the trails of James City County. Pre-registration is preferred; see website for details. Ages 14+. Free. 10:00 – 11:00 am. 

Nature

• Stream to Sea Stroll – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Walk through the park and discover life in different aquatic ecosystems, including a small woodland and marsh stream, freshwater pond, and brackish/saltwater river. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. 

• Stargazing – York River State Park (Williamsburg). The Virginia Peninsula Stargazers will point out different items of our solar system in the night sky. Equipment will be provided. This program is weather-dependent. Included with standard park admission. 6:00 – 9:00 pm. 

Beekeeping

• Getting Started in Beekeeping – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). Learn about what’s involved in becoming a beekeeper, including what you need to know, how much it costs and how to get started. 1:00 – 2:00 pm. 

Brunch

• Museum Café Brunch – Museum Café (Colonial Williamsburg). Explore the Art Museum’s exhibits and enjoy a brunch featuring Colonial-inspired offerings, like Martha Washington’s Roasted Vegetable Skillet and seasonal bread pudding. 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. 

Craft

• Sewing Saturday: Baby Bibs – Abram Frink Jr. Community Center (Williamsburg). Participants will sew a baby bib for someone special in their life. Beginning sewers are welcome and supplies are provided. Space is limited; see the website for reservation details. 9:45 am – 12:00 pm. 

Music

• Organ Recital: Michael Gibson – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Enjoy sacred music on the Dobson Pipe Organ by candlelight. Presented by Michael Gibson, organist at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church in Newport News, Virginia. 8:00 – 9:00 pm. 

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Sunday, March 3

Sensory Friendly

• Quiet Time for the Spectrum – James City County Library (Williamsburg). People with autism and sensory issues are invited to enjoy the library before hours in a quieter, less stimulating environment. 12:00 – 1:00 pm. 

Teens

• Student-Led Tutoring – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Tutoring sessions will be available for teens who need help with Chemistry or Biology. For ages 13-18. 2:00 – 5:00 pm. 

Film

• Jewish Film Festival: “The Narrow Bridge″ – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). This year marks the 23rd anniversary of the Virginia Peninsula Jewish Film Festival. The purpose is to use the power of film to entertain, educate and connect our audiences on issues related to Jewish life in the U.S., Israel, and around the world. This week’s featured film is The Narrow Bridge (2022). See a trailer here. 1hr 16min

Kids & Teens

• Mario Kart Tournament – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Kids ages 9-18 are invited to compete in a Mario Kart tournament. No registration necessary. 2:00 – 4:00 pm. 

Women’s History Month

• Grandma’s Apron – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). This comical program offers a display of aprons from 1775 to present day and will surely bring back memories of your Grandma’s apron and the many uses it provided her. Presented by Virginia Lee of the Speaker’s Bureau of the Ann Wager Chapter of the DAR. 2:00 pm. 

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Multi-Day

Special Events

• York County Restaurant Week – Multiple Restaurants (York County). York County’s inaugural Restaurant Week will be held at select local dining establishments February 26-March 3. A total of 18 restaurants will be participating. To see the full list of restaurants and their special offers, click here. 
• By the Way, Meet Vera Stark by Lynn Nottage – Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) Memorial Hall (Williamsburg). William & Mary Theatre presents a comedy from from the Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright of Ruined, Lynn Nottage. Feb. 29 – March 2, 2024 at 7:30 pm and March 3, 2024 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $18 for adults, $12 for students and children and can be purchased here.
• 2024 Black Artist Showcase – Jamestown Settlement (Williamsburg). See the 2024 Black Artist Showcase before the exhibit comes to a close. More than 22 Virginia-based artists present 30+ original interpretations and reflections of family, faith, music and social justice. Feb. 1 – 29. Included with museum admission. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. 
• One City Marathon – Newport News. The One City Marathon returns for its 10th season March 1-3. A variety of special events will take place throughout the weekend, including the Maritime 5K and Nautical Mile Fun Run (City Center), One City Celebration (Tradition Brewing Company), Newport News One City Marathon (Newport News Park), BayPort Credit Union Half Marathon (Menchville High School) and One City Celebration (Coastal Fermentory in the Yard District). Click here to view the full weekend schedule or to register for an event. 
• Colonial Williamsburg Homeschool Days – Colonial Williamsburg will host its annual winter Homeschool Days, February 24 – March 3, 2024. Homeschoolers and their families will be able to take advantage of a special, discounted rate. See the website for additional details

Art Exhibition

• Muscarelle Museum of Art Student Photography Contest – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). The Muscarelle Museum of Art will present an exhibition of student photography submitted as part of a competition held in the fall semester of 2023. The exhibition is juried by Cuban artist and photographer Adrián Fernández and features photographic works by currently enrolled students at William & Mary from diverse disciplines. Open Monday-Thursday, 9 am – 5 pm, Feb. 26-29.

Kids

• Busch Gardens & Water Country USA Preschool Pass – Busch Gardens (Williamsburg). Did you know Busch Gardens offers a free preschool pass for kids ages 3-5? The 2-park Preschool Pass offers unlimited admission to both the theme park and water park in Williamsburg. Online registration for the 2024 pass opened Jan. 24. You must register online and visit the park by May 31, 2024 to activate the pass. See the website for more information or to sign up.

Coloring Contest

• JCC Coloring Contest –  James City County is conducting a winter coloring contest. To participate, download and print your favorite letter in the word “LOVE,” color the sheet and submit it to the county. Entries must be submitted by the 28th of each month (January or February). Four winners will receive a LOVE swag bag. Click here for full submission instructions.

Skating

Skating at the Liberty Ice Pavilion – Colonial Williamsburg. The Liberty Ice Pavilion is open daily from Friday, Nov. 17 through Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, including holidays. One-day skating tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for kids ages 3-12 and free for children under 3. Ice skates can be rented for $5.61 per person. See the schedule here.

Nature

• Treehouses: Look Who’s Living in the Trees – Virginia Living Museum (Newport News). At this newest hands-on exhibition, visitors will roam from tree to tree while discovering the many habitats that trees provide for animals large and small. Climb through large treehouses, become an animal tracker, get face-to-face with wildlife of all sizes, move your feet on the forest-sound dance floor and more. Included with museum admission. Jan. 27 – May 5, 2024, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. 

Tax Assistance

• Williamsburg AARP 2024 Tax-Aide – Multiple Locations (Williamsburg Area). Williamsburg AARP Tax-Aide returns for the 2024 tax season beginning on Feb. 1 and running through April 15. The program offers free tax counseling, preparation and filing service to taxpayers with low to moderate income, with special attention to those aged 60 and older. Tax-Aide is once again operating out of the downtown Scotland Street library location and will also return to James City County Library on Croaker Road. To make an appointment online, click here.

Future Events to Note

• Flute Frenzy’s Game Night! Concert – Matthew Whaley Elementary School (Williamsburg). Join Flute Frenzy for Game Night!, an interactive evening of music and entertainment. The concert will feature class video game tunes, game show tunes, sports anthems and more, all arranged small (from piccolo to contrabass)! Youth and adult choirs will perform separately and together. This event is free and open to the public; donations are welcome. Friday, March 8, 7:00 pm.  
• Sensory Easter Egg Hunt – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). JCC Parks & Recreation is hosting a Sensory Easter Egg Hunt for all ages with disabilities on Saturday, March 9, 10 am – noon. To register, call 757-259-4200 or click here. 
• JCC Parks & Recreation Job Fair – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). JCC Parks & Recreation will host a summer job fair on Saturday, March 16, 10 am – 1 pm. Same day interviews will be conducted. 
• VNPS Annual Native Plant Sale – 401 North Boundary Street (Williamsburg). If you’re planning to grow Virginia native plants in your garden this year, mark your calendars for the John Clayton Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society’s Annual Plant Sale. Attendees will be able to learn about plants native to our area and talk to gardening experts. Saturday, May 4, 9:30 am – 2 pm.