Things to do this week: Final Summer Breeze concert, First Africans commemoration, outdoor movies and more events

While the scorching heat is still lingering, the days are starting to get a little shorter, and many summer programs are beginning to wind down.

Williamsburg’s Summer Breeze Concert Series will conclude for the season this week with a performance by Americana and country strings band Bill and the Belles. Fort Monroe’s Music by the Bay concert series will also come to a close with a performance by the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band.

Port Warwick’s summer concert series runs a bit longer – until August 30 – and this week, Good Shot Judy will perform. The final concert of the Yorktown Sounds of Summer Concert Series will be held next week (there will be no concert this week).

Williamsburg REALTORS will also send off summer this weekend with the Raising the Roof 5K Run/Walk, a fundraiser to benefit Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg. All proceeds will benefit the construction of a Habitat home in James City County. After the race concludes, WAAR will host a free Community Day filled with fun and entertainment for everyone.

Some other events to highlight for this week include a First Africans Commemoration at Jamestown Settlement, free history tours at the Warwick County Historical Society Open House and a night hike followed by stargazing at York River State Park (all on Saturday).

There will also be two free outdoor movies this week: Minions: Rise of Gru (Saturday at McReynolds Athletic Complex) and Top Gun: Maverick (Sunday in Merchants Square).

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

-Christin

Events This Week

Monday, August 14

55+

• Coloring & Conversation – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). Adults age 55+ are invited to join this program on the second Monday of each month for coloring, conversation and hot drinks. Drop-in anytime. 1:00 – 2:00 pm. 

Kids 

• Watch-and-Play: “Frozen” – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Kids are invited to attend this all-ages movie screening series featuring crafts, snacks and more. This film concludes the summer series, and the featured film will be Frozen (PG). 6:00 – 7:45 pm. 
• All Ages Storytime – James City County Library (Williamsburg). This program features stories, rhyme, songs and other activities for kids and their caregivers. 10:00 am. 

Tuesday, August 15

Kids

• All-Ages Storytime – James City County (Williamsburg). This program features stories, rhymes, songs and other activities for kids and their caregivers. 10:00 am. 

Film

• Art House Café Film Series: “The Last King” – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). his film series brings an art house flavor to your Tuesdays. This week’s featured film is The Last King (2022; PG-13). 2:00 – 3:50 pm. 

Books

• Author Talk with Robert Jones Jr. – Virtual (hosted by WRL) – Join an author talk featuring Robert Jones Jr., author of New York Times bestselling novel The Prophets. Viewers will be able to ask the author questions during a live Q&A. See the website for a registration and attendance link. 4:00 pm. 

Writing

• Tabb Library Writers’ Meetup – Tabb Library (Yorktown). This group provides writers with a space to work on their projects, offer and receive critiques or meet other writers. No registration is required. 6:30 – 7:45 pm. 

Trivia

• YCPL Trivia Night: Summer Edition – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). Gather a team of 2-4 to participate in Trivia Night. Question categories will include All Things Summer, General Knowledge, Food & Drink, Music, History and Sports. Complete the registration form on the website to sign up. 7:00-8:30 pm. 

Music

• Evening Program: Capitol Concert – Capitol Hall of Burgesses (Colonial Williamsburg). Join the Governor’s Musick Ensemble in the Hall of Burgesses for a special evening of chamber music. Tickets are $19 for adults, $12 for children under age 12. 7:00 – 8:00 pm. 

Wednesday, August 16

History

• Spy Pilot – Warwick Courthouse 1884 (Newport News). This program, hosted by the Warwick County Historical Society, features the son of Francis Gary Powers, a famed U-2 pilot. Powers’ son will discuss the espionage program that turned his father into a Cold War icon. 7:00 pm. 

55+

• Peninsula Agency on Aging: Community Health – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Representatives from the Peninsula Agency of Aging’s Community Health Program will answer questions about up-to-date and reliable vaccine recommendations for older adults. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. 

Game Day

• Adult Game Day – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Gather to participate in casual card or board games such as Scrabble and Uno. Light refreshments will be provided. 2:00 – 4:00 pm. 

Live Music

• Port Warwick Summer Concert Series: Good Shot Judy – William Styron Square (Newport News). Enjoy live outdoor concerts on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer. This week’s concert will feature swing and classic vocal jazz music by Good Shot Judy. If a concert is canceled due to weather, an announcement will be posted to the Port Warwick Facebook page. These concerts are family-friendly and open to all. Food trucks from Big Daddy’s BBQ, Boyd’s Tasty Dogs, Pop’s Kettle Corn, Kona Ice, and Scratch Bakery will be onsite this week. Free. 6:00 – 9:00 pm.

Thursday, August 17

Nature

• Nature Discovery Day – Riverview Farm Park (Newport News). This family-friendly event focuses on animals and nature. Park Naturalists will offer hands-on materials to delight learners of all ages. 12:00 pm. 

Teens

• Anime Afternoon – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Teens are invited to attend a screening of My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission. (2021; PG-13). 2:00 – 4:00 pm. 

Film

• Throwback Thursday Film Series: “Gigi” – 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 Gigi (1958; PG). 2:00 – 4:05 pm. 

Music

• Music by the Bay: U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band – Fort Monroe (Hampton). Bring chairs, blankets and your own picnic and enjoy summer sunsets and some of the region’s most talented performers. This week’s featured performers will be the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band –Rhythm in Blue Jazz Ensemble. Free. 7:00 – 8:00 pm.
• Summer Breeze Concert Series: Bill and the Belles – Merchants Square (Colonial Williamsburg). Williamsburg’s Summer Breeze Concert Series is back this Thursday evening. This week’s concert will conclude the Summer Breeze Concert series. The featured band is Bill and the Belles (Americana and Country Strings). Refreshments will be available to purchase from select merchants. Free. 6:00 – 8:00 pm. 

Yoga

• Evening Yoga – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Attend an evening of yoga and breathing exercises led by a certified yoga instructor. Classes are held the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. For ages 18+ and all skill levels. 6:30 – 7:30 pm. 

Friday, August 18

Kids

• All Ages Storytime – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). This program features stories, rhyme, songs and other activities for kids and their caregivers. 10:00 am. 
• Splash on Friday – Chickahominy Riverfront Park (Williamsburg). Enjoy family time at the pool. Games and prizes will be included. Registration required. Free. 6:00 – 8:00 pm. 

History

• USS Monitor’s Multinational Crew – The Mariners’ Museum and Park (Newport News). Sailors from across Europe and the U.S. manned the USS Monitor. This program will illuminate the challenges they faced and the discord that often erupted within the crowded, uncomfortable vessel. Presented by John V. Quarstein, director emeritus of the USS Monitor Center. This event is included in $1 admission or free to attend via livestream. Registration is required for all attendees. 12:00 – 1:00 pm. 

Teens

• Teens Night Out: Pizza Party – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Teens are invited to this fun conclusion of the Teens Night Out summer program series, which will feature a pizza party. For ages 13-18. 6:00 – 8:00 pm. 

Nature

• Friday Evening Canoe Adventure – Lee Hall Reservoir (Newport News). Join park rangers for a family-friendly, guided canoe program. A short canoe safety presentation is included. Attendees will learn basic canoe techniques and enjoy several nature and history-related educational stops on the water. For ages 8 and up and all levels of experience. Price is $8 per person. Space is limited. See website for registration details. 6:00 – 8:00 pm.
• Dabble in Discovery – York River State Park (Williamsburg). A naturalist/ranger will help you discover the aquatic, insect, mammal and plant life in the park’s ecosystems. This program is included in standard park admission. 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. 
• Forest Explorers Friday: Butterflies – Freedom Park (Williamsburg). Explore the Williamsburg Botanical Garden to find different species of butterflies. For all ages and families. Free. 5:30 – 7:00 pm. 
• Canoeing with the Stars – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Identify constellations in the night sky and hear legends of how they came to be. This program is weather-dependent. See website for canoe pricing/reservation information. 7:30 – 10:30 pm. 

Music

• Live Music on the Pavilion: Hard Times Band – Williamsburg Winery (Williamsburg). Get your weekend started with a performance by Hard Times Band paired with a glass of wine. Weather permitting. See website for weather-related cancellations. 4:00 – 7:00 pm. 

Saturday, August 19

Special Events

• Warwick County Historical Society Open House – Warwick Courthouse 1884 (Newport News). Attend a free open house at the historic 1810 Warwick County Courthouse and Museum. Visitors are welcome between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for courthouse tours to learn the history of Warwick County, which dates back to 1634. 10:00 a.m. 
• Williamsburg REALTORS Raising The Roof 5K Run/Walk – Billsburg Brewery (Williamsburg). The WAAR Outreach Committee is hosting the Williamsburg REALTORS Raising The Roof 5K Run/Walk fundraiser to benefit Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg on August 19. This fun event is a Colonial Road Runners Grand Prix event, with a USATF-certified 5K course.  After the race concludes, WAAR will be hosting a Community Day filled with fun and entertainment for everyone. This event is not just about running and walking; it’s about coming together as a community with a shared purpose: to tackle the pressing issue of affordable housing in the Greater Williamsburg Area. To learn more, donate or sign up for the race, click here.
• The Historical Foundation of Aberdeen Gardens Fish Fry – 55 N. Mary Peake Blvd (Hampton). Attend a fish fry hosted by the Historical Foundation of Aberdeen Gardens. Cost is $12.50 (cash only). See the website for menu details. 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. 
• First Africans Commemoration – Jamestown Settlement (Williamsburg). Jamestown Settlement will honor the legacy of the first recorded Africans brought to Virginia in 1619 by reflecting on history through an African American lens. The event will feature dialogue between historian Tony Cohen and anthropologist Chadra Pittman moderated by Barbara Hamm Lee, executive producer and host of “Another View” radio. Guests will also be able to learn about African and African American experiences in 17th-century Virginia in Jamestown Settlement’s permanent gallery exhibits, dramatic films and engaging interactives that share the story of Virginia’s Indian, English and West Central African cultures. This event is included with museum admission and will include time for questions from audience members.  Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive free admission with proof of residency.  2:00 – 3:30 pm. 

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 am – 12:00 pm and there will be live music by Audio Portrait this week from 9:00 – 11:00 am.
• Yorktown Market Days – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). Enjoy spectacular views of the York River while shopping for seasonal produce, fresh baked goods, meats, beautiful artwork and more. The Rocky Hock Ramblers Duo will perform old time Appalachian music on the Riverwalk Landing Stage. 8:00 am – 12:00 pm. 
• 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.
• Buckroe Beach Farmers Market – Buckroe Beach (Hampton). Shop for fresh produce, baked goods, dog treats, gift items and much more from 30+ local vendors. 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. 

Films

• Saturday Morning Cartoons: “The Bad Guys” – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). This monthly film series is for animation lovers. This week’s featured film is The Bad Guys (2022; PG). 10:30 am. 
• 
  Movies in the Park: “Minions: Rise of Gru” – McReynolds Athletic Complex (Yorktown). Attend a movie under the stars. This week’s featured film is Minions: Ruse of Gru (PG). Bring chairs and a blanket for seating. Concessions will be available. Free. Begins at sunset. 

Kids

• Bookmobile FunFest: Hunter Rhodes Magic – Abram Frink Jr. Community Center (Williamsburg). This fun kids’ program features a performance by entertaining magician Hunter Rhodes. 11:30 am. 
• Community Back to School Event – Lafayette High School (Williamsburg). A Community Back to School Event will be held at Lafayette High School on August 19. There will be a gaming truck, face painting, a monster truck, a bounce house, free haircuts, school supplies, food and more. This event is hosted by Real People Educating Others (RPEO). Free. 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. 

Game Day

• Chess Club – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). Drop in for open play chess every 3rd Saturday. For adults and youth 12+ of all skill levels. 1:00 – 3:00 pm. 
• Dungeons & Dragons Day of Play – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Attend an afternoon of multigame play for tweens, teens and adults. There will be single-meeting campaigns for ages 9 through adult. Play with teens and adults or tweens and families. Register by August 15 by emailing anorfolk@wrl.org. 1:00 – 4:00 pm. 

Music

• Jacob Vanko – Spoke & Art Provisions Co. (Williamsburg). Enjoy a live performance by Jacob Vanko. 12:00 – 3:00 pm. 
• Downtown Hampton Block Party: Brasswind – Downtown Hampton.  Enjoy live music in downtown Hampton all summer long. This week’s featured band is Brasswind. 6:00 – 9:30 pm. 

Nature

• Stargazing – York River State Park (Williamsburg). The Virginia Peninsula Stargazers will point out different components of the solar system in the night sky. Equipment will be provided. This event is forecast-dependent. See website for more information. 8:00 – 11:00 pm. 
• As Far as the Stars Night Hike – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Join park staff for a magical hike through the night. Then, continue your adventure with a stargazing program. 8:00 – 9:30 pm. 

Sunday, August 20

Nature

• Bird Walk – Newport News Park (Newport News). Join volunteers from the Hampton Roads Bird club for early morning birding on the first and third Sunday of the month. Beginners are welcome. Free. 7:00 a.m. 
• River Seine – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Park rangers will use a 2-man seine and other nets to discover the creatures in the brackish water of the York River. Included in standard park admission. 1:00 – 3:00 pm. 
• Sunset Paddle – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Conclude your weekend with a scenic evening trip on the York River. This program is included with standard park admission. See website for canoe and kayak rental information. 5:30 – 7:30 pm. 

Music

• Live Music on the Pavilion: Sammy Lee – Williamsburg Winery (Williamsburg). Enjoy a relaxing Sunday afternoon with music by Sammy Lee and a glass of your favorite wine. Weather permitting. See website for weather-related cancelations. 2:00 – 5:00 pm.
• Dale Traylor – Spoke & Art Provisions Co. (Williamsburg). Enjoy live music by Dale Traylor. 12:00 – 4:00 pm. 

Film

• Summer Breeze Free Movie Series: “Top Gun: Maverick” – Merchants Square (Williamsburg). This week’s featured Summer Breeze film is Top Gun: Maverick, sponsored by Morgan Stanley. The movie will be shown under the open sky in the parking lot of Baskin Robbins and The Peanut Shop. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Free. 8:00 pm.

Multi-Day

History

• Fife & Drum – Market Square North (Colonial Williamsburg). The Fifes and Drums will demonstrate the music and drill of various military ceremonies from the 18th century. Free and open to the public. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, August 16-18. 4:40 – 5:00 pm.  
• Revolutionary Points of View – Capitol Hall of Burgesses (Colonial Williamsburg). Step back in time and encounter the wide variety of viewpoints about the war and independence. Tickets are $16. Thursday, August 17 & Saturday, August 19. 7:00 – 8:00 pm. 

Music

• Live Music at Hilton Tavern – Hilton Village (Newport News). There will be live music at Hilton Tavern Brewing Co. on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Click here for this month’s live music schedule. 

Science & Nature

• Butterfly Haven Exhibit – Virginia Living Museum (Newport News). Over 450  butterflies and moths and dozens of chrysalis are now part of the Butterfly Haven exhibit at the Virginia Living Museum. The exhibit will be open July 29 – September 24. Click here for details. 
• Destination Dinosaurs – Virginia Living Museum (Newport News). Discover life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and interactive displays, find relics of the past as you dig for fossils and learn about linkages to the present. Dinosaurs inside the Museum, in the Conservation Gardens, and on the Dinosaur Discovery Trail in the woods create an expansive destination. From the towering T-Rex to the tanky Stegosaurus, you’ll encounter creatures that will take your breath away. This exhibit runs through September 4. See the website for additional details or to purchase tickets.

Kids

• Free Youth Disc Golf – New Quarter Park (Williamsburg). Youth (high school seniors and below) are invited to play disc golf for free at New Quarter Park all throughout the month of August. 
• Regal Summer Movies for Kids – Regal New Town (Williamsburg) and Regal Kiln Creek (Yorktown). Regal Cinemas is offering $2 family movies on select days all summer long through Sept. 6. For details, visit the Regal Cinemas website.

Future Events to Note

• Music Under the Stars Concert Series Finale – Magnolia Park & Victory Landing Park (Newport News). Attend the finale of the TRADOC Band’s Music Under the Stars Series with special performances on Thursday, August 24 (Magnolia Park) and Friday, August 25 (Victory Landing Park). Free. 
• Pawpaw Festival – Historic Endview (Newport News). Celebrate America’s largest native fruit and enjoy a sample. Members of Virginia Master Naturalists Peninsula Chapter will be present, along with representatives from the Butterfly Society of Virginia, Virginia Bee Society, Hampton Roads Bird Club, Leave No Trace, Newport News Waterworks, Foxy Lady Press, and Peninsula Tree Stewards. There will be talks, nature trail tours, kids activities and live music. Free. Saturday, August 26. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. 
• Book signing: Beautiful Blue & You… Too – Barnes & Noble (Williamsburg). Local authors Michael and Melinda Richardson will host a book signing for their new book, Beautiful Blue & You… Too on Saturday, August 26, from 1:00 – 4:00 pm. 
• Virginia Symphony Concert – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). Enjoy a special night of music featuring the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. The Fifes and Drums of York Town will also perform at the beginning of this event. Saturday, September 2. Free. 7:30 – 9:00 pm. 
• NAMI Family to Family Education Program – Williamsburg House of Mercy (Williamsburg). NAMI will hold a series of 8 free weekly classes structured to help family members, partners and significant others understand and support those living with mental illness while maintaining their own wellbeing. The program will be offered Wednesdays from 6:00 – 8:30 pm, Oct. 4 – Nov. 29. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. If you have questions, call (757) 220-8535 or email info@namiwilliamsburg.org.