Things to do this week: Pawpaw Festival, summer concert series finales and more events

Yorktown’s Sounds of Summer Concert Series will conclude for the season this week with a performance by Tidewater Drive Band on Thursday.

The U.S Army TRADOC Band’s 91st season of its Music Under the Stars series will also be coming to a close with two 1812 Overture Finale concerts: one at Magnolia Park at Fort Eustis (Thursday) and one at Victory Landing Park in Newport News (Friday). Both concerts are free and open to the public.

Port Warwick’s Summer Concert Series continues this week with a performance by Forte Jazz Band on Wednesday. 

Historic Endview in Newport News will also host its annual Pawpaw Festival on Saturday. The free, family-friendly event celebrates America’s largest native fruit and features talks, nature trail tours, children’s activities and live music.

Some other highlights this week include a free Backyard Bash in Newport News, a book signing at Barnes & Noble in New Town featuring local authors Michael and Melinda Richardson, a moonlight canoe tour at York River State Park and a free outdoor movie night featuring the film Puss in Boots: The Last Wish in Merchant’s Square.

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

-Christin

Events This Week

Monday, August 21

History

• Beginner Workshop: Weaver – Historic Trade: Weaver (Colonial Williamsburg). Learn the history behind weaving in Williamsburg during the Revolution and create your own handwoven cotton tea towel to take home. All necessary supplies will be provided. Spots are limited and tickets are $60.00. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. 

Kids

• Reading with a Ranger – York County Public Library (Yorktown). Kids ages 2 1/2 through 5 are invited to attend a story time with a real park ranger from Colonial National Historical Park. The featured story will be “If I Were a Park Ranger” by Catherine Stier. This program will be offered during two time slots: 10:15 – 10:45 am and 11:00 – 11:30 am. 

Yoga

• Community Yoga at the Watermen’s Museum – Watermen’s Museum (Yorktown). Participate in a rejuvenating yoga practice while overlooking the beautiful York River. This program is held the first and third Mondays of each month. $10 per session; $30 for a 4-session pass; $5 for students. 6:00 – 6:50 pm

Film

• Cinema @ Scotland Street: “Corsage” – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). This film series features indie, foreign, art house and documentary films. This week’s featured film is Corsage (2022). Admission is free. NR. 6:00 – 8:00 pm. 

Crafts

• Meet Your Maker(space): 3D Printer – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). Celebrate the new Makerspace at Yorktown Library and learn all about the library’s 3D printers. No registration is needed. 6:30 – 7:30 pm.

Tuesday, August 22

Film

• Art House Café Film Series: “The Gardener” – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). This film series brings an art house flavor to your Tuesdays. This week’s featured film is The Gardener (2016; G). 2:00 – 3:30 pm.

Game Night

• Dungeons & Dragons (18+) – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Attend an evening of Dungeons & Dragons. For both new and experienced players 18+. Light refreshments will be provided. See the website to register. 6:00 – 8:00 pm. 

Public Meeting

• Informational Open House – York County Public Works Building (105 Service Drive, Yorktown). The public is invited to an informational open house regarding two proposed sidewalk/bicycle trail projects. The County is applying to VDOT for federal grant funding for two proposed projects. The first is a sidewalk along Route 17 between York High School and the Villas at Yorktown, and the second is a pedestrian/bicycle trail running from Oriana Road, through the McReynolds Athletic Complex, and ending at the entrance to the Harwoods Mill Treatment Plant. For more information, contact the Planning Division. 5:00 – 7:00 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 – 9:00 pm.

Wednesday, August 23

Recycling

• 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. Food donations for FISH and used eyeglasses/hearing aids will also be accepted. See the club’s website for acceptable items – NOT acceptable are pet food, mulch, and other yard product bags.

Crafts

• Cricut: Intro to Heat Transfer Vinyl – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Learn the basics of heat transfer vinyl during this program. Participants will leave with a monogrammed canvas pouch. This class is geared toward adults and spots are limited. See the website for registration details. 11:00 am. 

Kids

• Wet-N-Wild Wednesdays – Charles Brown Park (Yorktown). Kids ages 5-12 are invited to enjoy inflatable water slides, water toys, sprinklers and more at this fun event. Kids should wear swimsuits and sunscreen. Free. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.
• Introduction to 3D Printing – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Kids ages 6-12 will learn the basics of 3D printing. Basic computer skills are required, and kids who need help using a mouse or keyboard may need an adult to stay with them for the program. For ages 6-12. 1:00 – 2:30 pm. 
• 3D Printing Clinic – James City County Library (Williamsburg). This drop-in session allows intermediate 3D printer users to work on their projects and ask questions. For ages 6-12. 3:00 – 5:00 pm. 

Books

• Author Talk with Cassandra Clare – Virtual (hosted by Williamsburg Regional Library). View a live author talk featuring Cassandra Clare, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Mortal Instruments series, The Infernal Devices series, and The Last Hours series. An interactive Q&A will take place, allowing viewers to ask the author questions directly. See website for registration and event access information. 8:00 pm. 

History

• Hampton Roads & the 1933 Chesapeake–Potomac Hurricane – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). August 23, 2023 marks the 90th anniversary of the 1933 Chesapeake-Potomac hurricane. Historian Frank Green of the York County Historical Society will discuss the storm’s effects on the Yorktown, Dare, Seaford, Dandy and Poquoson areas. Registration is not required. 6:30 – 7:30 pm. 

Health & Wellness

• Tai Chi for Beginners  – Freedom Park (Williamsburg). Learn the basic elements of Tai Chi in this program led by James City County Park and Recreation. Free. 5:00 – 6:00 pm. 
• Drumming for Wellness – Freedom Park (Williamsburg). Learn basic drumming techniques and participate in drum circles. No musical experience needed; all instruments provided. Ages 16+. Free. 6:00 – 7:00 pm. 
• Meditation @ Tabb – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Deepen your mindfulness and meditation practice with this monthly program offered by Melissa McGill, Ed.D, certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher. Registration is encouraged. 6:30 – 7:30 pm. 

Music

• Port Warwick Summer Concert Series: Forte Jazz Band – Port Warwick (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 Forte Jazz Band. 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 24

Genealogy

• Introduction to Ancestry Library Edition – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Use the library’s Ancestry subscription to find your family in census, birth and other records; passenger lists; yearbook photos and more. Seating is limited. See website for registration details. 2:00 – 3:30 pm. 

Film

• Throwback Thursday Film Series: “The Sound of Music” – 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 The Sound of Music (1965; G). 2:00 – 5:00 pm. 

History

• Museum Discoveries: Musical Instruments – Art Museums (Colonial Williamsburg). Colonial Williamsburg’s harpsichord makers will demonstrate their work and answer questions. Included with Art Museum admission or a Good Neighbor pass. 2:00 – 4:00 pm. 

Tweens/Teens

• Summer Drop-in D&D – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Tweens and teens ages 9-18 are invited to drop-in and play and learn Dungeons & Dragons. 5:30 – 7:30 pm. 

Families

• Brooks Crossing Summer Family Nights Series – Brooks Crossing Innovation and Opportunity Center (Newport News). Guests of all ages are invited to attend an exciting evening of free entertainment featuring learn, innovation and fun. There will be hands-on STEM activities, Robotics, Virtual Reality, DJ Mixing, free food and much more. Workforce Development partners will also discuss job and training opportunities. Free; registration is recommended. 6:00 – 8:00 pm. 

Music

• Sounds of Summer Concert Series: Tidewater Drive Band – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). Don’t miss one of the final Sounds of Summer concerts of the season. This week’s featured band is Tidewater Drive Band. Coastal Thirst and Pop’s Kettle Corn will be selling snacks and dinner offerings. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and small coolers. There will be a dance floor and friendly games of corn hole. In the event of inclement weather, call the York County Event Weather Hotline (757.890.3520) to see if the concert will still be held. Free. 6:30 – 9:00 pm. 
• Music Under the Stars: 1812 Overture Finale – Magnolia Park (Newport News). Enjoy a performance of the 1812 Overture Finale by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band (TRADOC Band), held in Magnolia Park at Fort Eustis. Bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets. Free. 7:00 pm. 
• Organ Recital: Dr. JanEl Will – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Enjoy sacred 18th-century music by candlelight featuring Dr. JanEl Will, organist at Bruton Parish Church. 8:00 – 9:00 pm.

Friday, August 25

Crafts

• Embroidery Machine 101 – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). This beginner’s class teaches participants how to use the Makerspace’s new embroidery machine. For ages 13 through adult. 4:00 pm. 

Yoga

• Full Moon Yoga Nidra with Sound Bath: Blue Moon – Freedom Park (Williamsburg). This unique and entertaining workshop teaches different ways to incorporate sound into your yoga practice. For ages 14+. Free. 6:00 – 7:00 pm. 

Music

• Live Music on the Pavilion: Felicia Hoyos – Williamsburg Winery (Williamsburg). Get your weekend started with a live performance by Felicia Hoyos at the 1619 Wine Pavilion, paired with a glass of your favorite wine. 4:00 – 7:00 pm. 
• Music Under the Stars: 1812 Overture Finale – Victory Landing Park (Newport News). The U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band (U.S. TRADOC Band) will conclude its Music Under the Stars summer concert series with this special finale at Victory Landing Park. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Free. 7:00 pm

Kids/Families

• Family Zumba: Summer Splash – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). This family Zumba class is designed to allow families to be active together. This fun fitness program features exciting music with easy-to-follow movements. For ages 5+. Free. 5:30 – 6:30 pm. 
• BAM! Family Drum Fitness: Wipeout Drum Fest – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). Drum away stress while increasing your fitness and listening to great music. For people of all ages (5+) and abilities. Free. 6:30 – 7:30 pm.

Saturday, August 26

Special Events

• 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. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. 
• Made Summer Tent Sale – Midtown Row (Williamsburg). Made Co. in Midtown Row will be holding a big summer sale on Saturday, August 26. Everything in the ten will be 20-40% off. 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. 
• 1619 Commemoration of the First Enslaved African Landing – Fort Monroe (Hampton). This event reflects on the significance of the 1619 landing of enslaved Africans and the contributions of Africans and their descendants to American society. Hosted by the Fort Monroe Authority, National Park Service, Project 1619 and the City of Hampton. Free. 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. 
• Book signing: Beautiful Blue & You… Too – Barnes & Noble (New Town in 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. 
• Backyard Bash – Superblock (Newport News). Wind down the summer with the Backyard Bash, featuring live music, good food, cold beverages and fun activities in the heart of historic downtown Newport News. Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket. Free admission. Free parking. 4:00 – 8:00 pm. 
• Take Your Kid Fishing – Little Creek Reservoir Park (Toano). Park staff will teach you and your child the fundamentals of fishing during this fun event. All equipment will be provided. See the website for registration information. Free. 10:00 am – 12:00 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. Reg Lanning will perform live music (9 – 11 am). The market runs from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm.
• 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. Ron Fetner will play acoustic guitar on the Riverwalk Landing Stage (9 am – 12 pm), and the Fifes and Drums of York Town will perform around Riverwalk Landing. 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. 

Nature

• Bird Walk – New Quarter Park (Williamsburg). Enjoy a morning bird walk at New Quarter Park. Free. 8:00 – 10 am. 
• Dabble in Discovery – York River State Park (Williamsburg). A park ranger will help you discover the aquatic, insect, mammal and plant life in the park’s ecosystems. This program is included with park admission. 1:00 – 3:00 pm. 
• Mysterious Moonlight Canoe Tour – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Explore the marsh at night and discover the various creatures that may be seen in the creek, along the shoreline and in the night sky. This program is included with park admission. Canoe rentals are $13/person or $8/person for a family of 4+. 7:00 – 10:00 pm. 
• River Seine – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Rangers will use a 2-man seine to discover the fish and shellfish that live in the water. This program is included with park admission. 1:00 – 3:00 pm. 

Outdoor Recreation

• Walk This Way: Williamsburg Walking Club – Warhill Sports Complex (Williamsburg). Walking coaches will guide you through the trails of James City County during this program. There is a new trail start location each month. For ages 14+. Free. 9:00 – 10:00 

Technology

• Saturdays @ Frink: Digital Navigation – Abram Frink Jr. Community Center (Williamsburg). Learn to maneuver the digital world with individual and group classes. 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. 

Crafts

• Tie-Dye Pillowcases – City Square Plaza (Williamsburg). Head to the City Square outside the library to tie-dye some pillowcases (or bring other items to tie-dye). While supplies last; for ages 13 through adult. 11:00 am. 
• Crafternoon – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). This monthly program is for adults of all skill levels interested in crocheting, knitting, needlepoint and other related crafts. Library staff will be available to teach crocheting and knitting basics to beginners. A limited amount of supplies will be provided. See the website to register. 3:00 – 5:00 pm. 

Writing

• SLAM Poetry Connections – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). This program aims to develop poets as writers and performers. Attendees will learn about observation, writing and performance in a safe, judgment-free space where people can learn about life in others peoples’ shoes. For ages 13 through adult. 2:00 – 4:00 pm. 

Music

• Bobby Thomas – Spoke + Art Provisions Co. (Williamsburg). Enjoy live music by Bobby Thomas. 12:00 – 4:00 pm. 
• Downtown Hampton Block Party (Downtown Hampton). This event marks the conclusion of the Downtown Hampton series of summer block parties. This week’s featured band is the Michael Clark Band. See the website for more details. 6:00 – 9:30 pm.

Sunday, August 27

Crafts

• Sit and Stitch – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Beginners are invited to meet up, learn the basics of knitting and stitch along with others. 1:00 pm. 

Nature

• River Seine – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Rangers will use a 2-man seine to discover the fish and shellfish that live in the water. This program is included with park admission. 1:00 – 3:00 pm. 
• Sunset Paddle – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Wind down your weekend with a scenic evening trip on the York River at sunset. This program is included with park admission; see website for kayak and canoe reservation pricing. 5:30 – 7:30 pm. 

Games

• Tabletop Gaming (18+) – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Attend three hours of tabletop gaming every 4th Sunday of the month. For adults 18+ and all levels of gaming experience. 1:30 – 4:30 pm. 

Music

• Live Music on the Pavilion: Jocelyn Oldham – Williamsburg Winery (Williamsburg). Enjoy a relaxing Sunday afternoon performance by Jocelyn Oldham at Williamsburg Winery’s 1619 Pavilion. 2:00 – 5:00 pm. 
• Wyatt Baldwin – Spoke + Art Provisions Co. (Williamsburg). Listen to live music by Wyatt Baldwin on the deck at Spoke + Art. 12:00 – 4:00 pm. 

Film

• Summer Breeze Movie Series: “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” – Merchants Square (Williamsburg). This week’s featured Summer Breeze Movie Series film is Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (sponsored by Three Cabanas). 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. Begins at 7:45 pm.

Multi-Day

Special Event

• Bier Fest – Busch Gardens (Williamsburg). Celebrate the end of summer at Busch Gardens Bier Fest, the largest craft beer festival in Virginia. The event features over 120 craft brews featuring 33 local Virginia breweries, savory snacks, a rotating lineup of local bands and more. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (plus Labor Day), August 18 – September 4. See website for details. This event is included with park admission.

Art

• 40 Years of Art at the Muscarelle – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Explore featured pieces of art from the Muscarelle and William & Mary, from the collection’s origins more than 300 years ago to the museum’s opening in the 1980s and the future. Open Monday-Friday, 9 am – 5 pm, August 21 – November 1, 2023 (closed September 2-4 and October 13).

Kids

• Last Blast Before School – James City County Library (Williamsburg). This program features different activities and crafts each day of the week, August 21 – August 25. See the website for a list of daily themes. 3:00 – 5:00 pm. 
• Junior Rangers/Nature Explorers Kids Camp – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Kids will explore the wonders of the estuarine marshes, shoreline and woodlands during this day camp program, which runs Monday, August 21 – Thursday, August 24. Camps are for ages 6-8 and 9-11. See website for details and reservation information. Cost is $40 per week. 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. 

Charity

• Commissioners and Cans Food Drive – 120 Alexander Hamilton Boulevard (Yorktown). The Commissioner of Revenue’s Office is holding a food drive to collect dry and canned food donations for those in need in our area. Donations will be accepted during office hours, Monday – Friday, 8:15 am – 5:00 pm through August 31. 
• 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.
• 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.

55+

• Senior Center of York August Activities – Senior Center (Yorktown). York County’s Senior Center offers programming throughout the year for adults ages 55 and up. See the calendar of upcoming events for the month of August here. 

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.

Future Events to Note

• 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. 
• Yorktown Art Stroll – 331 Water Street (Yorktown). Don’t miss the Yorktown Art Stroll on Sunday, September 24, from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. There will be a wide range of art for sale, including oil, acrylic, and watercolor paintings; glass; drawings; photography; jewelry; pottery; fiber art; handmade soap; and woodwork. The event is free and open to the public. 
• 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.