I’m testing out a new format this week. You’ll notice that the events are organized by category, rather than just date. I’d love to know: Which format do you prefer? Please hit “reply” to share your thoughts. Your feedback will help me determine which style to use moving forward.

I’ll also be working to include more events geared toward seniors. If you have any suggestions for senior-focused programs or events, please let me know.

Some highlights for this week include the kickoff of the free Summer Breeze Concert Series (featuring Brasswind) in Williamsburg, the Picnic in the Park and Fireworks in Poquoson, the Hampton African American Heritage Festival and the Project: FiveFortySeven summer solstice celebration hosted by James City County Parks and Recreation.

-Christin

Special Events ✨

Tuesday, June 21

Project: FiveFortySeven – James City County. Celebrate summer solstice by joining JCC Parks & Recreation for the Longest Day of Play. Rise and shine at 5:47 am and enjoy recreational activities throughout the community all day long, including outdoor recreation, virtual programs, fitness classes, free daily access passes to the recreation centers and pools and much more. Explore different parks or try a new activity, all for free. 5:47 am – 11:59 pm. See the full list of the day’s programs here.

Wednesday, June 22

2022 Hampton Roads Small Business Symposium – Hampton Roads Convention Center (Hampton). This free half-day conference will feature workshops covering the basic elements of government contracting, the procurement process and other great topics to help small businesses stay on track and grow their business. Attendees will also be able to network with other business owners and learn from experienced speakers. Click here for the full program agenda.

Friday, June 24

The Yard District Block Party – The Yard District (Newport News). Head over to this block party by the water for a fun afternoon and evening. Check out the Tasting Room and enjoy music from the Fine Swiss Cheese band, beer by Coastal Fermentory, food trucks, and frozen bourbon squishies in the parking lot. 3:00 – 8:00 pm.

Saturday, June 25

Hampton African American Heritage Festival – Mill Point Park (Hampton). This special festival commemorates Juneteenth and features an African Street Market with African-themed apparel, arts and crafts and food vendors. Some of the best of Hampton Roads 7 City entertainers will be present. Bring a lawn chair. $10 for adults; free for kids 12 and under. 11:00 am – 10:00 pm.
6th Anniversary Brewers’ Invitational Beer Fest – Tradition Brewing Company (Newport News). Grab your friends and spend the day with 14 breweries from across the region and beyond. There will be live music from Red Stapler and food trucks from Old City BBQ and Sate. $40 for advance purchase; $45 for day-of tickets (walk up). Tickets include unlimited tastings from 14 breweries and a special event tasting glass. 12:00 – 6:00 pm.
Pizzapalooza – Ironclad Distillery (Newport News). Enjoy pizza from Pizza Bella Vista, Benny’s, Bodacious Bakery, Flame & Pie, and Sour Street. You’ll also be able to try a cold brew from Coastal Fermentory or bourbon from Ironclad Distillery Co. Tickets include one slice from each vendor plus a drink. 12:00 – 6:00 pm.
Poquoson’s Picnic In the Park and Fireworks – Municipal Park (Poquoson). This summer kick-off event welcomes the community back to enjoy a fun, family-friendly event featuring food, fireworks and more. 5:00 – 10:00 pm.

Sunday, June 26

Spencer’s Ordinary Wreath Ceremony – Freedom Park (Williamsburg). A memorial service will be conducted by the Williamsburg chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution in honor of the brave Americans who sacrificed their lives in the Battle of Spencer’s Ordinary on June 26, 1781. Immediately after the ceremony, there will be a presentation about the history of the battle – which involved skirmishes in Freedom Park between units of Lord Cornwallis and those of the French General, Marquis de Lafayette – in the Freedom Park Interpretive Center. 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

Live Music

Wednesday, June 22

Port Warwick Summer Concert Series: Good Shot Judy – William Styron Square (Newport News). Port Warwick’s Summer Concert Series returns with big band music from Good Shot Judy. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket, food and drink. Weather permitting. Free. 6:00 – 9:00 pm.
Summer Breeze Concert Series – Lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg (Williamsburg). This free summer concert series will run every Wednesday from June 22, 2022 – August 31, 2022. This week’s featured band is Brasswind (a classic horn band). 6:00 – 9:00 pm.

Thursday, June 23

Sounds of Summer Concert Series: Cat5 Band – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). This week’s concert features the Cat5 Band. Lawn chairs, blankets and small coolers are permitted. 7:00 – 9:30 pm. Free.
Music By The Bay Summer Concert: York River Concert 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 the York River Concert Band. Free. 7:00 – 8:15 pm.
Music Under the Stars: Rockin’ to the 80s – 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 for access to Ft. Eustis. Processing can take one week. Alternatively, if you prefer on-site verification and vehicle search, you do not need to fill out this form.). Free and open to the public. 7:00 pm.

Friday, June 24

Kip Moore Live– Lake Matoaka Amphitheater (Williamsburg) – See acclaimed American country singer and songwriter Kip Moore perform live in Williamsburg. Doors open at 6:30; show starts around 7. Outside chairs are not permitted. Parking is included in the ticket price. See the website for more details or to purchase tickets.

Saturday, June 25

Good Shot Judy Vineyard Live Concert – New Kent Winery (New Kent). Beloved local band Good Shot Judy brings a big band sound to New Kent Winery. There will also be wine, beer and food trucks from Southern Spud, Smokie Joe’s and Intergalactic Tacos. Several hundred seats are available; those arriving after gates open should bring their own chairs. Please bring an ID as there are no paper tickets. Admission is $10. Gates open at 5:30 pm; show at 6:30 pm.
The Connection – Brass Cannon Brewing (Williamsburg). A group of local musicians and songwriters from a variety of backgrounds connected to form this group, which features an eclectic mix of country, folk, rock, blues and Irish influence. 6:00 – 9:00 pm.
The Last Rewind – Virginia Beer Company (Williamsburg). DC’s Phish tribute band, The Last Rewind, is returning to The Virginia Beer Co. A portion of all beer sales will benefit Williamsburg’s food pantry, FISH. Free show. 5:00 – 8:00 pm.

Sunday, June 26

Live Acoustical Guitar Performance feat. Lou Vangieri – Gallery at York Hall (Yorktown). This free concert will feature an acoustical performance by local musician Lou Vangieri. 12:00 – 2:30 pm.
Groovin by the Bay – Buckroe Beach and Park (Hampton). This week’s live concert at Buckroe Beach features The Janitors. 5:00 – 8:00 pm.

Practical Events ✔️

Wednesday, June 22

Soft Plastic Recycling – James City Lions Club (Williamsburg). Recycle your soft plastic from 9:00 – 10:00 am at Colonial Towne Plaza Shopping Center, 6925 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg. They will also accept food donations for FISH and used eyeglasses/hearing aids. See the list of acceptable plastics here. 9:00 – 10:00 am.

Thursday, June 23

Beginning Word – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Learn the basics of word processing in Microsoft Word, including formatting and working with documents. 10:00 am.

Saturday, June 25

Free Electronics Recycling Event – Habitat ReStore (Williamsburg). This free e-waste recycling event will accept small appliances, printers, computers, laptops, old cell phones, computer accessories, random metal items, VCRs, music wires and anything else with a plug. 11:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Shred Day, Hosted by the Newport News Sheriff’s Office – Todd Stadium (Newport News). Shred papers that contain personal information – like bank and credit card statements, pay stubs or receipts – at this drive-thru event, hosted by the Newport News Sheriff’s Office. Free to residents (no business shredding). Please bring papers in boxes or paper bags as plastic bags will not be accepted. 8:00 – 11:00 am.

Adult Lectures/Programs

Thursday, June 23

Writers’ Workshop – Grissom Library (Newport News). The Writers’ Workshop meets every fourth Thursday of the month. Instructors Howard Manly and Angie Taliferro lead the group, focusing on a different element of writing or common writing problem each month. For adults 18 and up. 5:30 – 7:30 pm.

Saturday, June 25

Bird Watching 101: Binocular Basics – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Master Naturalist David Lunt will discuss how to get the most out of your binoculars in this workshop. Topics will include considerations for choosing, calibrating and using binoculars for birding and wildlife observation. 1:00 – 2:30 pm.
The Newest Invention of Civil War Medicine – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Be part of the James River Squadron, where your Navy Surgeon will explain the latest invention to help with surgery and what you can expect as you enter the world of The Civil Wars surgical team. 2:00 pm.

Arts and Crafts ️

Monday, June 20

Bath Teas: Take and Make – Grissom Library (Newport News). Register to pick up a free DIY Bath Tea kit from Grissom library to take home and customize. All who register must choose between energizing, pink lemonade or lavender-lemon bath tea. For patrons 18+.

Thursday, June 23

Distressed Farmhouse Planters – Pearl Bailey Library (Newport News). This easy, fun farmhouse-style craft is a great way to kick off the summer. You’ll change a basic planter into a stylish summer accent. All supplies provided; registration is required. For adults 18+. 6:00 – 7:30 pm.

Multiple Days

Juneteenth Commemorative Art Exhibition – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). The Juneteenth Commemorative Art Exhibition features a selection of local and regional Black artists, including works by Danny Doles, Rondall James, Alexis Joyner, Jackie Merritt, Patrick Mills, Faithe Norrell, Cynthia M. H. Potter, Willis M. Potter, and Dr. Jonathan Wosu. Exhibit hours are Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm through July 8.
Annual JCC Parks & Recreation Student Art Show & Exhibit – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). View unique artwork by Anne Kushnick’s oil painting, pastel and acrylic students. Some of the art will be available for purchase. Runs June 17 – July 15 during library hours.
Gallery at York Hall Photography Exhibit – Gallery at York Hall (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.

History

Tuesday, June 22

(re)educate – Hennage Auditorium (Colonial Williamsburg). In this theatrical performance, free and enslaved Black students Isaac Bee, Molly, John, Mary Ashby, and their teacher Ann Wager share lessons learned at the Williamsburg Bray School. Included with art museum admission or a Good Neighbor Pass. 1:30 – 2:15 pm.

Friday, June 24

Civil War Lecture: Union Navy in 1862 Peninsula Campaign – Mariners’ Museum and Park and Virtual (Newport News). John V. Quarstein, director emeritus of the USS Monitor Center, will lead this presentation about Major General George McClellan’s Peninsula Campaign. See website for full event description. Registration fee is $1 for in-person attendance (free for museum members); free to live stream.

Saturday, June 25

History Hike: Water Street and Tobacco Road – Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters (Yorktown). Take a stroll through Historic Yorktown with a professional historian and learn about the establishment of the tobacco port as well as the Revolutionary and Civil wars and the twentieth-century patriotic celebrations of the British surrender.

Multiple Days

Yorktown Battlefield Walk – Yorktown Battlefield Visitors Center (Yorktown). A park ranger will guide this short walk across the battlefield while discussing the 1781 Siege of Yorktown. Included in park entrance fees. 10:00 am – 10:45 am. This event will be held Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Ranger Talk – Yorktown Battlefield Visitors Center (Yorktown). Join a park ranger for this brief exploration of the people, places and events in Yorktown during America’s war for independence. Included in park entrance fees. This event will be held Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 1:30 – 1:50 pm and 3:00 – 3:20 pm.

Fitness and Yoga

Monday, June 20

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 21

Dance 2 Fit – Pearl Bailey Library (Newport News). This three-session dance class will meet on Tuesday evenings, June 21, June 28 and July 5. Attendees will burn calories while learning the latest dance moves in this 45-minute class. For adults 18+. 6:45 – 7:30 pm.

Films

Monday, June 20

“Death on the Nile”: An Interactive Movie Experience – Grissom Library (Newport News). This interactive movie night will focus on the film Death on the Nile. It will feature more than one of Detective Poirot’s favorite desserts, and there will be prizes for best costume, best Poirot accent, and figuring out Whodunit. No peeking ahead or spoilers! 6:00 – 8:00 pm. For patrons 18+.

Tuesday, June 21

Art House Café Film Series – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). This week’s featured showing is Fisherman’s Friends (2019). Rated PG-13. See website for film description. 2:00 pm.

Thursday, June 23

Throwback Thursday Film Series – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). This week’s featured film is The Bounty (1984). Rated PG. See website for film description. 2:00 – 4:00 pm.

Saturday, June 25

Summer Saturday Cinema – Pearl Bailey Library (Newport News). Kick back and enjoy a classic summer blockbuster on a big screen. This month’s feature is Independence Day. Refreshments will be served. For adults 18+.

Markets

Thursday, June 16

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.

Saturday, June 25

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 to ensure product availability. 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.
Buckroe Beach Farmers Market – Buckroe Beach (Hampton). Enjoy local produce, baked goods, fresh seafood, jarred foods and much more every Saturday through Oct. 29. 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.

Kids and Families

Tuesday, June 21

Puppet Storytime – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Children ages 3+ are invited to sing and dance with puppets and enjoy books, flannel board stories and other activities. 10:00 am.
Catch-a-Craft – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Kids are invited to drop in and get creative with a new craft each week any time the craft room is open. The craft room is open on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., 2 p.m. – 4 p.m and 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Terrific Tuesday – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Kids of all ages are invited to enjoy storytime and outdoor activities in the summer sunshine. Weather permitting. 10:30 am.
Teeny Tiny Farm Petting Zoo – Grissom Library (Newport News). Children of all ages are welcome to kick off the library’s Summer Reading Challenge at this special event featuring the Teeny Tiny Farm Petting Zoo, balloon sculptures and glitter tattoos. 2:00 – 3:00 pm.
Little Scientists – Pearl Bailey Library (Newport News). This is the first class in the summer space series. This month’s subject is the moon. For kids ages 5-10. Registration is required. 4:00 – 5:30 pm.

Wednesday, June 22

Baby Storytime – James City County Library (Williamsburg). This lapsit storytime activity is geared toward babies from birth to 18 months. It includes 15 minutes of songs, fingerplays and lap games. Reserve a ticket at the Youth Services desk an hour before the program starts to ensure your spot is saved. 10:00 am.
Art Song Duo: Constructing Friendship – Williamsburg Library and James City County Library (Williamsburg). Art Song Duo will explore the building blocks of friendship in this event featuring dancing, singing, clapping, unique stories and a positive message. This event will be held at Williamsburg Library at 10:00 am and James City County Library at 1:00 pm.
Color Powder Party – Grissom Library (Newport News). Kids will have fun making a colorful mess at this outdoor event. Goggles will be provided; kids should bring a towel and a bottle of water. For ages 6-11. Registration is required. 11:00 am.

Thursday, June 23

Larsen’s Reptiles – Williamsburg Library and James City County Library (Williamsburg). Kids are invited to hear interesting stories, facts and trivia questions about reptiles from experts Scott and Kim Larsen. There will also be opportunities for the participants to greet and pet reptiles. This event will be held at Williamsburg Library (11:00 am) and James City County Library (2:00 pm).
Nature Discovery Center – Riverview Farm Park (Newport News). During this family-friendly nature event, park naturalists will present hands-on materials that will delight learners of all ages. Two time slots are available: 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.
Summer Reading Challenge Kick Off Party! – Pearl Bailey Library (Newport News). Register for this summer reading kickoff program to enjoy games, dancing with a D.J and treats including a free snocone from Pelican’s Snoballs. 3:00 – 5:00 pm.
Storytime & Craft: Flying Machines – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). This children’s program will feature new stories and crafts with a different theme each week. Pick up a ticket at the Youth Services desk starting an hour before the program to reserve a spot. This week’s theme is Flying Machines. 6:00 pm.

Friday, June 24

Puppet Storytime – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Kids ages 3+ are invited to sing and dance with puppets and enjoy books, flannel board stories and other activities at the Stryker Center. 10:00 am.
Catch-a-Craft – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Kids are invited to make a new craft every week at this drop-in event. The craft room will be open from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Fun Fridays on the Square – City Square Plaza (Williamsburg). Kids of all ages are invited to attend this all-ages story time each Friday on City Square outside of the Williamsburg Library. The program will feature children’s games, activities and snacks. Weather permitting. 10:30 am.
Pajama Jam – Virginia Living Museum (Newport News). Head over to the VLM for an evening of family fun with the Bugs, Butterflies & Bees Pajama Jam! The museum will be hosting pollinator-themed arts and crafts, games, scavenger hunts, dancing and snacks. Children must be accompanied by adults. $17 for non-members; $15 for members. Kids 2 and under are free.

Saturday, June 25

Saturdays at Frink – Abram Frink Jr. Community Center (Williamsburg). Join WRL’s Bookmobile each Saturday for something to make, do, learn and play. This week’s event theme is FunFest. 10:00 am – 1:00 pm.
Night Sounds in Nature – Newport News Park (Newport News). The park fills with the amazing sounds of frogs, toads, insects and other critters after dark. Meet at the Discovery Center and then head out for a short evening hike. 8:00 pm.
Fur-Goodness Sake – Newport News Park (Newport News). Bring your family to the Discovery Center at the park to learn all about the different kinds of fur animals have and how it helps provide warmth, cooling and protection. This event will be offered at two different times: 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.

Multiple Days

Summer Kids Dream $3 Movie Series – Movie Tavern (Williamsburg). Movie Tavern will be offering $3 movies as part of its Summer Kids Dream Family Film Series all summer long through September 1. See website for a list of upcoming movies, showtimes and additional details.

Just for Tweens/Teens

Tuesday, June 21

D&D Night – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Tweens and teens ages 9-18 can meet up with other players for single-session Dungeons & Dragons campaigns on the third Tuesday of each month. All experience levels are welcome. 5:30 – 7:30 pm

Thursday, June 23

Paint Blast and Pizza Party – Grissom Library (Newport News). Youth ages 12-17 are invited to create bomb art. Attendees should wear appropriate clothes and shoes for this messy event. 11:00 am. Registration is required.

Friday, June 24

Teen Makerspace Hours – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Teens are invited to make a sticker or come prepared with a project using a Cricut machine. For ages 13-18. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.

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