Things to do this week: A special event at CW, The 26th Annual Horticulturist Extravaganza, 2nd Sundays and more

Colonial Williamsburg will host a special event, “A Common Cause to All,” on Sunday, March 12 at the steps of the Courthouse beginning at 1:40 pm.

March 12, 2023, marks the 250th Anniversary of the formation of Virginia’s Committee of Correspondence, which organized and mobilized the colonies’ united action against the British.

The Commonwealth is commemorating this notable occasion by inviting state commissioners, representatives of the Virginia American Revolution 250 committees, key stakeholders and colleagues from other states to Williamsburg for a public ceremony in the heart of the Historic Area.

The event is free and open to the public. It will feature a Fifes & Drums procession from the Courthouse to the historic Raleigh Tavern, and Thomas Jefferson will make an appearance. For more information, visit Colonial Williamsburg’s website.

Some other events to highlight for this week include a free Full Moon Hike at Freedom Park in Williamsburg (Tuesday) and a movie night featuring the film Hidden Figures at Tabb Library in Yorktown (Wednesday).

The weekend will bring a variety of additional events, including the 2nd Annual Spring Student Market in Midtown Row in Williamsburg (Saturday), the 26th Annual Horticultural Extravaganza in Yorktown (Saturday), the Newport News Parks and Recreation Job Fair (Saturday) and the return of 2nd Sundays Williamsburg (Sunday). See the full list below for additional details.

-Christin

Monday, March 6

Job Fair

• Newport News Parks and Recreation Job Fair – Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center (Newport News). The Newport News Dept. of Parks and Recreation is hiring. A variety of positions are available, including Aquatic Program Assistant, Concession Attendant, Construction Maintenance Worker, Marina Attendant, School Age Program Facilitator, and more. Candidates meeting minimum qualifications will be interviewed on the spot and those who are hired can start work within as little as three weeks. A second fair will be held on Saturday at a different location (see the Saturday event listing for more details). 4:00 – 7:30 pm. 

Health & Wellness

• Community Yoga at the Watermen’s Museum – Watermen’s Museum (Yorktown). Bring your mat and meet at the Carriage House to enjoy a yoga session overlooking the York River. Classes are beginner friendly; proceeds go to the Watermen’s Museum. $10 per session; $5 for students. 6:00 – 6:50 pm. 

History

• Port Hampton Culture Series: The Witching of the Virginia Midwife – Hampton History Museum (Hampton). Historian D’Anne Graham will explore the changing status of the Virginia midwife during this lecture. Learn about how midwife Joan Wright was accused of witchcraft in front of Virginia’s General Court on September 11, 1626, in the first recorded case of witchcraft in English America. Free for museum members; $5 for non-members. 7:00 – 8:00 pm. 

Kids

• Introduction to 3D Printing – James City County Library (Williamsburg). In this introductory class, kids will learn the basics of 3D printing, including printing, downloading a design file and more. For ages 6-12.  See website for registration information. 2:00 pm. 

Teens

• Intro to Yoga for Teens – James City County Recreation Center  (Williamsburg). Teens will build confidence in their yoga practice and learn techniques of mindfulness. $8. 5:30 – 7:00 pm.

Tuesday, March 7

Films

• Art House Café Film Series: “The Good House” – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). This film series brings an art house flavor to your Tuesdays while allowing you to hear from special guests, enjoy light refreshments and have a discussion after the film.  This week’s featured film is The Good House (2021; R). 2:00 – 3:50 pm. 

Crafts

• DIY Craft: Inspired by the Collection – Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg (Williamsburg). Celebrate National Craft month each week in March for a craft inspired by a piece in the museum’s collections. This week’s craft is Canvas Painting. Limit of 12 participants. Requires Art Museum admission or a Good Neighbor pass and a $25 event ticket. 2:00 – 4:00 pm. 

Health & Wellness

• Yoga for Arthritis and Joint Health – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). You’ll work all the major joints gently to enhance joint mobility and reduce pain and stiffness during this program. For ages 14+. $8. 5:00 – 6:30 pm. 

Nature

• Full Moon Hike – Freedom Park (Williamsburg). Explore the park after dark during this self-guided hike. Freedom Park will stay open late, past sunset. Visitors may only use Multiuse Trail 3. No registration required. Weather permitting. 6:00 -7:00 pm. 

Wednesday, March 8

Technology

• Top Ten Tips for Using Your New iPhone or iPad – James City County Library (Williamsburg). If you recently got a new iPhone or iPad and want to learn how to use its many features, this class is for you. Call to register. 2:00 – 4:00 pm. 

Films

• Movie Night: “Hidden Figures” – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Celebrate Women’s History Month by attending YCPL’s March movie series, featuring stories of incredible women previously overlooked in history. The March 8 featured film is Hidden Figures (PG). 7:00 – 9:00 pm. 

Thursday, March 9

Crafts

• DIY Craft: Quilting – Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg (Williamsburg). Learn about the quilt and the maker and then enjoy a mini quilting project. Requires Art Museum admission and a $5 program ticket. 11:30 am – 12:30 pm. 

Films

• Throwback Thursday Film Series: “Five Weeks in a Balloon” – 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 Five Weeks in a Balloon (1962; PG). 2:00 pm. 
• Celtic Film Series: “My Left Foot” – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). The Celtic Film Series will be held the 2nd Thursday of each month through May 2023. This month’s featured film is My Left Foot (1989; R). 6:00 – 7:45 pm. 

Teens

• Teen Board Game Night – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Teens ages 13-18 are invited to spend an evening playing fun and new classic board games. 6:00 – 7:30 pm. 

Theatre

• Every Brilliant Thing: The Tour – Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center (Newport News). This story, presented by Virginia Stage Company, is told from the perspective of a single performer. It features comedy, improv and audience interaction to portray one individual’s struggle growing up with a mother who faced suicidal depression. Sponsored by Sentara Healthcare. RSVP here. 6:00 – 7:00 pm 

Kids & Families

• Snuggle Stories: A Family Story Time – Tabb Library (Williamsburg). This family story time is for children of all ages and a parent or caregiver. Kids are encouraged to wear their pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animal. 7:00 – 7:30 pm. 

Music

• Candlelight Organ Recital: Rebecca Davy – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Enjoy a recital by Rebecca Davy, music director and organist at Bruton Parish Church. 8:00 – 9:00 pm. 

Friday, March 10

Nature

• High Bridge Trail Trip – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). Join JCC Parks & Rec as they take in the views along High Bridge Trail in Farmville, VA. For ages 12+; participants 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. $35. 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. 

History

• Development of Confederate Ironclads – The Mariners’ Museum and Park (Newport News). Director Emeritus of the USS Monitor Center, John V. Quarstein, will present about the construction of five Navy ironclads – including one built in Hampton Roads – after the Confederacy was established. This program is available in-person ($1) and via livestream (free). Registration is required. 12:00 – 1:00 pm.
• Domestic Diversions – Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg (Williamsburg). Listen to musical pieces commonly played in homes in 18th-century Williamsburg. Requires Art Museum admission or a Good Neighbor pass. 2:30 – 2:50 pm. 

Music

• VSO Presents: Mozart’s Requiem – Ferguson Center for the Arts (Newport News). The Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus will be directed by JoAnn Falletta, the Connie and Marc Jacobson Music Director Laureate, in this performance of Mozart’s Requiem. Tickets start at $25. 7:30 pm.

Crafts

• Maker: 3D Printing 101 – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Participants will learn the basics of 3D printing and the ways it’s being used throughout the world. No registration is required. For ages 13 through adult. 4:30 – 5:30 pm. 

Saturday, March 11

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 Farmers Market – Historic Hilton Village (Williamsburg). Shop for goods from local farmers and bakers at Historic Hilton Village. 8:00 am – 12:00 pm. 
• Toano Open Air Market – 7891 Richmond Road (Toano). The Toano Open Air Market will kick off for the season on Saturday, March 5, 2023. Shop for a variety of items from local farmers, artists and artisans. 
• 2nd Annual Spring Student Market – Midtown Row (Williamsburg). Support local students’ small businesses. There will be 15 vendors and live music with Sam Radecki and David Coffee. Parking is available along College Row, in the Earth Fare parking lot and near the Village Green. This event is free and open to the public. 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. 

Recycling

• Household Chemical Collection/Computer Recycling –  105 Service Drive (Yorktown). The Household Chemical Collection/Computer Recycling/Paper Shredding returns on Saturday, March 11. This event is open to residents of Williamsburg, James City County, York County, Hampton and Poquoson. For more information and a complete list of accepted items, click here. 8:00 am – 12:00 pm. 

Job Fair

• Parks and Recreation Job Fair – Brittingham-Midtown Community Center (Newport News). The Newport News Dept. of Parks and Recreation is hiring. A variety of positions are available, including Aquatic Program Assistant, Concession Attendant, Construction Maintenance Worker, Marina Attendant, School Age Program Facilitator, and more. Candidates meeting minimum qualifications will be interviewed on the spot and those who are hired can start work within as little as three weeks. 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. 

Book Signing

• “Beautiful Blue & You” Book Signing – Michael and Dr. Melinda Lincoln-Richardson, authors of the newly published book Beautiful Blue & You, will return for a second book signing at the Barnes & Noble at 5101 Main Street in New Town from 1:00 – 4:00 pm on Saturday, March 11. The book will also be featured during the month of March at the Barnes & Noble Book Store at the Peninsula Town Center in Hampton. 

Sailing

• Captain Henry Marx Memorial US Sailing International Safety at Sea Course – The Mariners’ Museum and Park (Newport News). This US Sailing-sanctioned, hands-on course is designed and conducted by leaders in the field of boating safety. The daylong program is open to any sailor wanting to improve their safety skills. Space is limited. $300 per person. Includes all course materials and a US sailing certificate. 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. 

Nature

• 26th Annual Horticultural Extravaganza – Tabb High School Auditorium (Yorktown). Meet, interact and network with fellow gardeners while learning how to use more sustainable or “smart” practices in your garden. Sponsored by the York County/City of Poquoson Master Gardeners and VA Cooperative Extension. $25. Registration is due by March 8 and can be completed here. 7:30 am – 12:30 pm.
• Walk This Way: Williamsburg Walking Club – Powhatan Creek Trail (Williamsburg). Get active and stay healthy by taking a guided walk through the trails of James City County. Free. 10:00 am – 11:00 am.
• In the Garden: Common Mistakes in Landscaping – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Master Gardener Gary Streb will talk about what NOT to do in your yard, possible fixes and the importance of ‘Right Plant – Right Place.’ 10:15 – 11:15 am. 
• Operation Oyster Reef – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Discover what makes oyster reefs to important to the health of the bay and how York River State Park is contributing to this habitat. Included with park admission. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. 
• Vegetable Gardening – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Learn how to make your dream vegetable garden a reality by attending this class taught by a Virginia Master Gardener. Registration recommended. 1:00 – 2:00 pm. 

Kids 

• Science Saturday – Tabb Library (Williamsburg). Kids will learn about chemistry by exploring chemical reactions with fun experiments. For grades 1-5. 10:15 – 11:00 am. 
• Puppet Storytime – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Children will sing and dance with puppets and enjoy books, flannel board stories and other activities. For ages 3+. 11:00 am. 
• Virginia Symphony Orchestra presents the Horn Section – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). VSO musicians will introduce the family their instrument is in and play for the audience both separately and together. This program is great for the whole family. 11:00 am. 

History

• From Freedom to Slavery – Hennage Auditorium (Colonial Williamsburg). See the story of Methotaskee, a Shawnee Indian who was brought back to slavery after making a free life for herself. 1:30 – 2:15 pm. 
• Disaster Strikes! The Cost of Dressing in 1769 – Hennage Auditorium (Colonial Williamsburg). See a demonstration about the wardrobe of the average 18th-century woman, based on a 1769-70 merchant’s account book from Louisa County, VA. Art Museum admission/Good Neighbor pass required. 4:30 – 5:30 pm. 

Music

• John Spence Live at Billsburg – Billsburg Brewery (Williamsburg). Local musician John Spence performs live at Billsburg Brewery. 5:00 pm. 
• Choral Concert: Bucknell University Choir – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Enjoy a recital featuring the Bucknell University Choir from Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, directed by Caleb Hopkins. 8:00 – 9:00 pm. 
• A Night with Taylor Dayne – The American Theatre (Hampton). Enjoy a concert by Taylor Dayne, an American pop icon whose career spans three decades. Taylor’s single, “Tell It To My Heart,” turned her into an overnight international star in 1987 and she went on to sell over 75 million albums and singles worldwide. Opening for Taylor is Hampton Roads’ 80s tribute band, The Deloreans! Tickets are $35-$45. 8:00 – 10:00 pm. 

Sunday, March 12

Special Events

• A Common Cause to All – Courthouse Steps (Colonial Williamsburg). This event commemorates the 250th Anniversary of Virginia forming its Committee of Correspondence, which secured a united action among the colonies against the British. The event will include a Fifes & Drums procession from the Courthouse to the historic Raleigh Tavern with an appearance by Thomas Jefferson. 1:40 – 2:40 pm. 

Markets

• 2nd Sundays Williamsburg – Downtown Williamsburg. 2nd Sundays, Williamsburg’s arts and street festival, returns for the season on March 12, 2023. Visit the website for a full list of vendors and performers. 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. 

Kids & Families

• Paws to Read – Tabb Library (Williamsburg). Kids will practice their reading skills by reading to a trained therapy dog. For grades 1-5. Two sessions available: 1:30 – 2:30 pm and 3:30 – 4:30 pm. 

Music & Theatre

• Live Music feat. Lane Rice – Saude Creek Vineyards (Lanexa). Enjoy live music featuring Lane Rice while sipping wine and eating BBQ from The Scottish Pig. 1:00 – 4:00 pm. 
• Hampton Roads Philharmonic – The American Theatre (Hampton). Hampton Roads Philharmonic returns for its tenth season at the American Theatre, featuring musicians from all walks of life, brought together by a shared love of music. Tickets are $20. 2:30 – 5:00 pm.
• The Wizard of Oz – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). The Institute of Dance performs The Wizard of Oz. Free and open to the public. 3:00 pm.
• The Peking Acrobats – Ferguson Center (Newport News). Catch this all-new production featuring performers from The Shanghai Circus. Tickets are $28.50 and up for adults; $15 for children. 3:00 pm.
• Gloria – Williamsburg Presbyterian Church (Williamsburg). The Williamsburg Choral Guild will present Gloria by Francis Poulenc with string quartet and soprano soloist. The concert also features Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Serenade to Music. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students and free for children under 12. 4:00 pm. 

Multi-Day

History

• Women’s History Month @ CW – Colonial Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg will offer a variety of special programs in honor of Women’s History Month throughout March. See a list of those events here. 

Theatre

• Oklahoma! – Walsingham Academy (Williamsburg). Walsingham Academy will present “Oklahoma!” Friday, March 10 at 7:00 pm and Saturday, March 11, 2:00 & 7:00 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students. 
• The Bridges of Madison County – Peninsula Community Theatre (Newport News). This performance is set in America’s heartland and features a soaring score and heartbreaking story. See the website for a full description. Feb. 24 – Mar. 12 (Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm; Sundays at 2:30 pm). Tickets can be purchased online and are $20 for general admission; $17 for senior/military and $12 for students. 

Art

• Museum Discoveries: Crafting the Collection – Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg (Williamsburg). Explore the galleries and then drop by the Education Studio to create your own work of art. Art Museum admission/Good Neighbor pass required. Saturday, March 11 & 18, 2:00 – 4:00 pm. 
• Famous Faces: The Portraits of Calvin Bridges – The Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center (Newport News). This special art exhibit will be on display March 9-11, 2023; March 16-18, 2023; March 23-25, 2023; March 30 – April 1, 2023, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free. 

Dining

• Hampton Restaurant Week – Hampton. Hampton Restaurant Week returns March 5-19. Support local restaurants and savor a variety of local faire. Specials include $10 and $15 lunches and $25 and $35 dinners. See the website for a full list of participating restaurants.

Kids

• Kids’ Sports Programs – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). JCC Parks & Rec will offer a series of sports programs for kids throughout the month of March. See the website for additional information.
• St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake Decorating  – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). Kids will learn basic cupcake decorating skills using buttercream icing in St. Patrick’s Day colors. Two sessions offered: Friday, March 10, 5:00 – 7:00 pm and Saturday, March 11, noon – 2:00 pm. $25/session. 

Teens

• Electronics and Programming for Teen Makers – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Teens ages 13-18 will learn about the Arduino electronics platform and how to use it to bring their inventions to life. Registration is required. This class meets Saturday, March 11 & Sunday, March 12, 1:00 – 4:00 pm. Students should plan to attend both sessions.

Future Events to Note 

• CB&W Spring Open House – Dare Road (Grafton). The local Chesapeake Bay & Western Model Railroaders Club will host a Spring Open House on Saturday, March 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday, Mar. 19 from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free and events are family-friendly. The Club is located just east of Route 17 on Dare Road, Grafton, Va.  Club signs will mark the directions and location. Call (757) 898-0717 for information or visit the website.
• Yorktown Market Days: Winter Market – Get out and enjoy the winter sunshine at Riverwalk Landing’s Yorktown Winter Market. This St. Patrick’s Day-themed market will feature locally grown, produced and crafted products from your favorite vendors and artists. You’ll find baked goods, prepared soups, gourmet chocolates, homemade candles, dog treats and more. Saturday, March 18. 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. 
• Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra Events – Multiple Locations. The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra will host a series of special events during the month of March, including a special lunch at LeYaca featuring GRAMMY-winning guitarist virtuoso Jason Vieaux (Tuesday, March 14, 11:30 am). That event will be followed by Masterworks Concert #4 on Thursday, March 16, which will feature Jason Vieaux, and will be held at the Williamsburg Community Chapel (pre-concert lecture 6:30 pm; concert, 7:30 pm) and will also be available to livestream. For a full list of upcoming WSO events, click here. 
• Open Door Concert Series: Presbybop/Cantori – Williamsburg Presbyterian Church (Williamsburg). Williamsburg Presbyterian Church will host a free concert by Presbybop/Cantori as part of its Open Doors concert series on Sunday, March 19 at 4:00 pm. See the website for additional details. 4:00 pm.