Things to do this week: CW Lights, Easter events, spring markets and more

CW Lights, Colonial Williamsburg’s “magical glow” event, has returned for the season.

The family-friendly evening program takes place in the Governor’s Palace Gardens. Attendees will enjoy the sounds of 18th-century entertainment while strolling through the illuminated world-class gardens, where soft lighting will showcase the spring blooms.

CW Lights is a walking experience and includes uneven terrain and pathways, so guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes. The event runs nightly through April 22. For more information or to reserve tickets, click here.

Yorktown’s spring market season also kicks off this week with a Go Green Market that will feature live performances by the Fifes and Drums of York Town and Toe-tappers Scrapper T Duo. A variety of special exhibitors will also be present. Admission to the market is free. 

Some other highlights for this week include a free Imani Winds concert (part of W&M’s Ewell Concert Series) at the Williamsburg Library Theatre and Easter events for the kids at Lee Hall Depot, Chippokes State Park, the Hampton Virginia Aquaplex and the Virginia Living Museum.

See the list below for additional events happening this week.

-Christin

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Events This Week

Monday, April 3 Kids & Families Family Workshop: Foodways – Governor’s Palace Kitchen (Colonial Williamsburg). Participants will learn basic food decorating techniques from the 18th century to brighten up desserts. Designed for ages 7 and older; kids 7-13 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. See the website for additional details. $20 for each participant (including participating chaperones). 10:00 – 11:00 am.  Teens Teen Game Day – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Teens ages 13+ are invited to attend this drop-in event for tabletop and video gaming. 2:00 – 4:00 pm.  Teen Lego Party – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Teens are invited to drop in for a lego party. Registration is not required. 3:00 – 4:30 pm.  Arts & Crafts Garden Workshop: Floral Centerpieces – Landscape Design Studio (Williamsburg). Participants will learn to create a small-scale centerpiece. This workshop is led by the landscape designers that make the Historic Area holiday decorations. For ages 18+. No flower arranging experience is necessary; all materials and tools will be provided. $65. 5:30-7:00 pm.  Yoga Community Yoga at the Watermen’s Museum – Watermen’s Museum (Yorktown). Attend a yoga session looking out over the York River. Classes are beginner-friendly and proceeds go to the museum. $10 per session; $30 for a 4-session pass; $5 for students. 6:00 – 6:50 pm.  Special EventPort Hampton Culture Series: Coal Blooded – Hampton History Museum (Hampton). Videographer Brandon Davis will show and discuss his documentary short exploring the community and health impact of the coal terminal in Southeast Newport News. A panel discussion and Q&A will follow the film. Admission is $5 (free to museum members). 7:00 – 8:00 pm. Tuesday, April 4 Live Music Palace Concert – Governor’s Palace (Colonial Williamsburg). See the Palace of the royal governor come to life as CW’s early music ensemble offers an elegant evening of chamber music showcasing 17th- and 18th-century music. Tickets are $19 for adults, $12 for kids 12 and under. 7:00 – 8:00 pm.  Hermitage Piano Trio – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). The Chamber Music Society of Williamsburg presents a concert by three-time Grammy Award-nominated Hermitage Piano Trio. See the website for additional details. Tickets are $30 ($5 for students), payable by cash or check only. 7:30 pm.  Organ Recital: Dr. JanEl Will – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Dr. JanEl Will, organist at Bruton Parish Church, presents a recital of sacred 18th-century music by candlelight. 8:00 – 9:00 pm.  Wednesday, April 5 Arts & Crafts Makerspace: Design Space 101 – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Delve deeper into the design component of Cricut Design Space. For ages 13+; no registration required. 11:00 am.  Intro to Cricut Design Space – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Learn the basics of Cricut Design Space. This program is designed for adults. 11:00 am.  Felt Flower Making  – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Teens ages 13-18 will make a felt flower bouquet or wreath for spring during this program. Registration required. 2:00 – 3:00 pm.  Craft It! with YCPL: DIY Suncatchers – Yorktown Library (Yorktown).  Craft suncatchers from Mason jar lids using a fun and easy technique. For adults 18+; registration required. 6:30 – 7:45 pm. ‘ Tweens & Teens Tween Game Day – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Tweens ages 9-12 can drop in for Nintendo Switch and board games during this event. 2:00 – 4:00 pm.  Teen Game Night – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). Teens and tweens in grades 6-12 are invited to this game night featuring Wii, Nintendo Switch and tabletop games. No registration required. 5:00 – 7:00 pm.  Electronics Top Ten Tips for Using Your New iPhone or iPad – James City County Library (Williamsburg). If you recently purchased an iPhone or iPad and are trying to figure out how to use its many features, this program is for you. 2:00 – 4:00 pm.  Thursday, April 6 Tweens/Teens The Art and History of Henna – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Tweens and teens (ages 11+) will learn about the ancient practice of henna mehndi art and get their own temporary henna tattoo. There are two sessions: 1:00 – 2:30 pm and 3:00 – 4:30 pm. Spaces are limited.  Film Throwback Thursday Film Series: “Cleopatra” – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg).  This film series features a variety of contemporary and classic movies for an adult audience. This week’s featured film is Cleopatra (G; 1963), starring Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Rex Harrison. 2:00 – 5:15 pm.  Local Government James City County Budget Community Meeting – 101 Mounts Bay Road or Virtual. The Fiscal Year 2024 Proposed Budget will be discussed with County Administrator Scott Stevens and Financial and Management Services Director Sharon McCarthy. You can attend in person in the Building F Board Room at 101 Mounts Bay Road or watch it live online or on Cox Cable channel 88. Comments and questions can also be submitted before the meeting. See the website for details. 4:00 pm. Outdoor Recreation Full Moon Hike: Pink Moon – Freedom Park (James City County). Enjoy a hike under the full moon at Freedom Park. Free. 7:30 – 8:30 pm.  Yoga Evening Yoga – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Attend an evening yoga session with a certified instructor. For ages 18+ and all skill levels. 6:30 – 7:30 pm.

Friday, April 7 Food/Fundraiser Community Friday Fish Fry – Williamsburg Hellenic Center (Williamsburg). Attend the Hellenic Center’s final Friday Fish Fry event of the season. Take out and dine-in available. $14.00. 4:30 – 7:00 pm.  Tweens/Teens Teen After Hours: Middle School – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). Kids in grades 6-8 are invited to this Peep-themed event, which will include games, a Peeps taste test and a library-wide egg hunt. Register online. 5:30 – 6:30 pm. Teen After Hours: High School – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). High schoolers in grades 9-12 will play games, participate in a Peeps taste test and hunt for eggs throughout the library during this fun program. Register online. 7:00 – 8:00 pm.  Live Music Ewell Concert Series: Imani Winds – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). See a live concert by twice Grammy-nominated Imani Winds. The wind quintet embraces traditional chamber music repertoire while also commissioning music from new voices that reflect historical events and the times in which we currently live. 7:00 pm.

Saturday, April 8

Markets

• Yorktown Market Days: Go Green Market – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). Yorktown will kick off its spring market season this Saturday with a special Go Green Market. The event will feature special exhibitors, educational children’s crafts, activities and games. Guests will be able to shop for seasonal produce, fresh baked goods, meats, fresh-cut flowers, handmade soaps and candles, honey, gourmet dog treats and work from local artists and artisans. Shoppers are encouraged to bring reusable bags. For additional details, click here. 8:00 am – 12:00 pm. 
• 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 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.

Easter-Themed

• Eggstravaganza 2023 – Virginia Living Museum (Newport News). Learn all about animals that lay eggs, participate in an egg scavenger hunt and enjoy lawn games in the conservation garden during this special event. Included in museum admission or membership. An animal show will be held at 11:30 am and a science show will take place at 12:30. This event runs 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. 
• Easter Bunny and Egg Hunt – Lee Hall Mansion (Newport News). This fun event will feature photos with the Easter Bunny, springtime crafts, a history scavenger hunt and an egg hunt. Admission is free; donations are welcome. One reservation is needed per family. Reserve your spot here. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. 
• Friends of Chippokes Annual Easter Egg Hunt – Chippokes State Park (Surry). This annual Easter egg hunt will take place rain or shine and begins promptly at 2 pm. For kids 10 and under. There will be over 1,000 eggs hidden into two sections, one for younger kids and one for older. Bring your own basket. There will be light refreshments and activities for the family. Meet at the Jones-Stewart Mansion Parking Lot. Included with $7 park admission fee. 2:00 – 4:00 pm. 
• Underwater Egg Hunt – Hampton Virginia Aquaplex (Hampton). This spring-themed celebration features multiple egg hunt options, special treats, raffles, a dance-a-thon and more. Egg hunts will take place in the Program Pool and adults may be asked to accompany their children. Egg hunts are $5/round and those who register online will receive a complimentary goodie bag. 2:30 – 5:00 pm. 

Outdoor Recreation

• Walk this Way: Williamsburg Walking Club – Warhill Sports Complex (Williamsburg). Coaches guide participants through the trails of JCC in this walking club. Have fun while making a positive impact on your health. Weather permitting. For ages 14+. Free. 10:00 – 11:00 am.

Nature

• River Raptors Hike – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Discover majestic aerial hunters in their habitats, including bald eagles, red shouldered and red tailed hawks and osprey. Included in park admission. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. 

Gardening

• In the Garden: Tomatoes: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Learn tips for growing tomatoes during this workshop led by  Harriet Parson, a Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener. 10:15 – 11:15 am. 

Auction

• Public Auction – Auction Stage (Colonial Williamsburg). Bid on selected items from CW’s stores as well as exclusive items not available elsewhere. Open to the public. 12:00 – 1:00 pm. 

Kids

• Rainbow Puppets: “That’s the Truth!” – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Rainbow Puppets presents a trio of storybook favorites in this program, including Pinocchio, Rumpelstiltskin, and the Wolf Crier. They will explore the importance of always telling the truth. 2:00 – 3:00 pm. 

Special Events

• The Ruins of Presidents Park: Easter Weekend – Hampton Roads Materials (Williamsburg). Attend one of the final informal tours of the giant presidential heads that were previously displayed at Presidents Park in Williamsburg. See website for ticket information and available times. 
• Percy Jackson’s HeroFest – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). This program, geared toward Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians (and many other series), will feature games, crafts and more. There will also be a virtual visit featuring special guests. 1:00 – 4:00 pm.
• Sea Monsters! ‘O Brave new seas that have such monsters in them’ – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Explore ancient to modern biological and mythological creatures of the sea during this lecture. This event is part of Percy Jackson’s HeroFest. 2:30 pm.
• Langley Speedway Opening Night – Larry King Law’s Langley Speedway (Hampton). Experience the fun and excitement of the first official night of racing of the 2023 season. Tickets are $15. 5:00 – 9:30 pm. 
• Stargazing Night – Virginia Living Museum (Newport News). Enjoy a planetarium program followed by a sensory extravaganza featuring laser shows set to music. The cost is $8 per ticket ($5 for museum members). There will also be a free live science show at 5:15 pm, featuring demos and activities, presented by CNU. Multiple shows are available; see the website for details and show times. 

Live Shows

• Dave Crumpler & Michael Glass – Berret’s Seafood Restaurant and Taphouse Grill (Williamsburg). Dave Crumpler & Michael Glass will perform live acoustic music in historic Williamsburg. 3:00 – 6:00 pm. 
• Brasswind – Revolution Golf (Williamsburg). Enjoy a performance by popular local band Brasswind. 7:30 pm.
• An Evening With Bernadette Peters – Ferguson Center for the Arts (Newport News). Enjoy a live performance by Bernadette Peters, one of Broadway’s most critically acclaimed performers. Tickets are $48.50 and up. 8:00 pm. 
• Yarkov Smirnoff: Happily Ever Laughter – The American Theatre (Hampton). See a live comedy show featuring  Yakov Smirnoff, who has performed on “The Tonight Show” and countless television programs and films. Tickets are $35-$45. 8:00 – 10:00 pm. 

Sunday, April 9 Festiva l2nd Sundays Williamsburg – Downtown Williamsburg. Attend a special 2nd Sundays art and music festival event on Easter. 11:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Multi-Day Special Events CW Lights – Governor’s Palace Gardens (Colonial Williamsburg). Enjoy a magical glow experience at Colonial Williamsburg. Stroll through the world-class gardens at the Governor’s Palace, where the spring blooms will be illuminated like never before. You’ll also enjoy the finest 18th-century entertainment. This is a family-friendly event. CW Lights runs nightly through Saturday, April 22. Admission is $19 for adults, $12 for children 2-12 and free for children under 2. Tickets are available for three time slots: 8:00 – 9:00 pm, 8:30 – 9:30 pm or 9:00 – 10:00 pm.  Easter-Themed Easter Afternoon Tea – Williamsburg Inn (Williamsburg). Enjoy an Easter Tea featuring handmade freshly baked scones, tea sandwiches and pastry delights with signature tea. The sounds of live Irish harp music will enhance the experience. Click here for additional details or to reserve your spot. April 6-8. Art Quilts Exhibit – Gallery at York Hall (Yorktown). Stop by to view the quilts exhibit at the Gallery of York Hall. The Gallery features paintings, pottery, jewelry, stained glass, quilts, and other pieces from more than 300 local artists, and a portion of proceeds supports performing performing and visual arts in Historic Yorktown. The quilts exhibit runs April through May. Admission is free. Hours are 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Tuesday – Saturday and 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Sunday. Kids Puppet Mania – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Kids ages 9 and up will learn to operate the library’s Muppet-style puppets, make a puppet of their own and put on a show in this 3-day workshop. Monday, April 3 – Wednesday, April 5 (10 am – 12:00 pm). History Street Theatre – Front of Raleigh Tavern (Colonial Williamsburg). This street theatre performance explores the daily lives of the ordinary people who lived in 18th-century Colonial Williamsburg. Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout April. 10:00 – 10:25 am. Presentation: Musket Demonstration – Magazine Yard (Colonial Williamsburg). In this presentation, a member of Colonial Williamsburg’s Military Programs staff will demonstrate the loading and firing of the musket using an 18th-century loading procedure. This is a recurring events with multiple times/dates; see the Colonial Williamsburg’s website for details.  Tax Help Free Tax Prep Help – Multiple Locations. Free tax preparation services are available for those who qualify through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and Tax Counseling for the Elderly, now through mid-April. To find a free tax preparation service near you, visit this website and enter your zip code. In Williamsburg, AARP Tax Aide is also available at the Williamsburg Library and at Fire Station #1, Feb. 1 – April 15. VITA tax preparation services are available Tuesday and Thursday (1-5:30 pm) and Saturdays (9 am – 1:30 pm) at Colonial Williamsburg’s Kids Club Building 17 Near the Visitors Center. Click here for additional details.

Community Announcements Host families needed for exchange students – Host families are currently being matched with high school foreign exchange students for all school districts for the 23-24 school year. Spots are limited, and May 15th is the deadline. Students have their own spending money and health insurance, are fluent in English, fully supervised throughout their stay (semester or school year), and are matched based on shared interests/hobbies, country and gender preference. Anyone can host– traditional families, singles, working parents, empty nesters, etc. Contact Welby Whiting Fairlie 757-784-8763 or [email protected]. Additional information is also available at www.iseusa.org.