Things to do this week: Schooner Virginia free deck tours, ComicCon and more events

Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL) will host ComicCon, a fun afternoon celebrating science fiction and fantasy, at the Williamsburg Library, the Stryker Center and City Square on Saturday, July 22, from 1 – 4 pm. 

Attendees can meet Alix E. Harrow, New York Times bestselling author of The Ten Thousand Doors of January, at 1 pm in the Williamsburg Library Theatre. Other special guests will include musician D.J. McGuire, author Brian Forrester and David Piatak, a member of the SLS Aerodynamics Team at NASA Langley Research Center. 

ComicCon will also feature a traditional Japanese drum performance by Tampa Taiko in City Square, a cosplay workshop, a cosplay contest with prizes and live music. A Vendors Gallery at the Stryker Center will include local art, gaming, comic vendors and a used book sale sponsored by the Friends of WRL Foundation. See the full schedule at wrl.org/comic-con.

In Yorktown, free Schooner Virginia Deck Tours will be available at the Riverwalk Landing Piers on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The ship is a reproduction of the last tall sail vessel built for the Virginia Pilot Association, which sailed from 1917-1926.

Some other highlights this week include a Youth Career Series program at the Stryker Center (Wednesday), the rescheduled 3rd Annual Williamsburg Appreciation Day (Thursday), Civil War Activity Day at Historic Endview (Thursday), the Chesapeake Bay & Western Model Railroad Club’s 50th Anniversary Open House (Saturday & Sunday) and a free summer movie at Merchant’s Square, featuring the film Paw Patrol: The Movie (Sunday).

Free summer concerts continue throughout the week, with performances by country music singer Celeste Kellogg in Port Warwick (Wednesday), The Deloreans in Yorktown (Thursday) and Good Shot Judy in Williamsburg (Thursday).

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

-Christin

WRL staff members Ben Strohm (as Mad Max) and Emma Pruss (as KiKi from Kiki’s Delivery Service) share a sneak peek of their cosplay costumes. Williamsburg Regional Library will host ComicCon on Saturday, July 22. (Photo courtesy of Williamsburg Regional Library)

Events This Week

Monday, July 17

Nature

  • Roaming Ranger – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Meet with a naturalist/ranger and discover the aquatic, insect, mammal and plant life in the park’s ecosystem. 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. 

Film

  • Cinema @ Scotland Street: “Eiffel”– Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). This film series features indie, foreign art house, and documentary films. This week’s featured film is Eiffel (2021; R). 6:00 – 8:00 pm. 

Kids

  • Watch-and-Play: “Finding Nemo” – James City County Library (Williamsburg). This interactive, all-ages summer movie series features snacks, crafts and more. This month’s featured film is Finding Nemo (G; 1 hr 30 min). 6:00 pm. 
  • Crafternauts – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Kids in grades 1-5 are invited to participate in a weekly space-themed craft. Register online. 11:00 – 12:00 pm. 

Yoga

  • Community Yoga at the Watermen’s Museum – Watermen’s Museum (Yorktown). Participate in a rejuvenating yoga practice in a beautiful setting overlooking the York River. Classes are beginner-friendly; proceeds go to the Watermen’s Museum. $10 per session; $30 for a 4-session pass; $5 for students. 6:00 – 6:50 pm.

Tuesday, July 18

Kids

  • Puppet Storytime – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Kids ages 3+ are invited to sing and dance with puppets and enjoy books, flannel board stories and more. Free tickets must be reserved to attend this program; they can be reserved at the Children’s Desk starting an hour before the event. 10:00 am. 

Arts & Crafts

  • Pompom Wreath – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Make a colorful wreath out of pompoms. For ages 13+; see website for registration information. 2:00 pm. 
  • Art House Café Film Series: “Loving Vincent” – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). This film series brings an art house flavor to your Tuesdays. This week’s featured film is Loving Vincent (2017; PG-13). See the trailer here. 2:00 – 3:35 pm. 

Teens

  • Teen Tuesday – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Teens will explore the Apollo 13 mission and learn about how the astronauts were brought home safely through creative efforts. 5:00 – 6:30 pm. 

Writing

  • Tabb Library Writer’s Group – Tabb Library (Yorktown). This monthly group offers writers space to work on their projects, offer and receive critiques and meet other writers. 6:30 – 8:30 pm. 

Wednesday, July 19

Kids

  • Larsen’s Amazing World of Reptiles – James City County Library and Williamsburg Library. Reptile experts Scott and Kim Larsen will present interesting facts about reptiles and invite participants to meet them up close. Free tickets are required and can be picked up at the Children’s Desk starting an hour before the show. This program will be held at James City County Library at 11:00 am and Williamsburg Library at 2:00 pm 

History

  • The Virginia American Revolution 250th Anniversary Commission – Warwick Courthouse 1884 (Newport News). This presentation focuses on the ways in which the American Revolution was not only a war, but also a revolution of ideas. The talk is presented by Cheryl Wilson, Commission Executive Director. 12:00 pm. 

Tweens & Teens 

  • Youth Career Series: Muscarelle Museum – Stryker center (Williamsburg).  Steve Prince, Director of Engagement & Distinguished Artist In Residence for Muscarelle Museum, will discuss curatorial jobs in museums, art history and art education and each participant will work on creating patchwork narrative quilt sections for the Communal Quilt Project. Supplies provided. For ages 9-18. See website for registration details. 2:00 pm.

Games

  • Adult Game Day – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Play casual board games with other adults, including Scrabble, backgammon, Uno and chess. There will be light refreshments. 2:00 – 4:00 pm. 

Health & Wellness

  • Drumming for Wellness – Freedom Park (Williamsburg). Practice mindfulness through participation in drum circles and sound immersions. Ages 16+. Free. 5:30 – 7:00 pm. 

Medicare 

  • Medicare Education – Tabb Libray (Yorktown). If you’re planning to enroll in Medicare soon and have questions about how it all works, this program can help. It will offer a free and unbiased Medicare overview. 12:00 – 1:00 pm. 

Live Music

  • Port Warwick Summer Concert Series: Celeste Kellogg – William Styron Square (Newport News). Enjoy live outdoor concerts on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer. This week’s concert will feature country, rock and pop musician Celeste Kellogg. 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, July 20

Special Events

  • Civil War Activity Day – Historic Endview (Newport News). A variety of activities for all ages will bring Civil War history to life. Guests will be able to learn about the camp life of soldiers, participate in drill and marching exercises, explore the era’s food and medicine and use flags to send signals. This event is included with regular admission ($8/adult, $7/senior, $6/student (ages 7-18), and $20/family). Guests under age 7 are free. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
  • 3rd Annual Community Appreciation Day – Art Museums’ Lawn (Colonial Williamsburg). The 3rd Annual Community Appreciation Day will be held on the Lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg (301 S. Nassau St.) on July 20. This event begins at 5 pm and will feature family-friendly lawn games, a community art project and free sno-balls and ice cream from Sno-to-Go. The evening concludes with a performance by Good Shot Judy starting at 6:00 pm. Community Appreciation Day is hosted by the City of Williamsburg, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and William & Mary. Free and open to the public. 

Books

  • Author Talk – Stryker Center (Williamsburg) and Virtual. Attend an author talk featuring award-winning psychologist Ethan Kross, who wrote the national bestselling book Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It. 1:00 pm. 

Kids

  • Lego Club – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Kids in grades PreK-5 are invited to drop in and create with Legos. 1:00 – 5:00 pm. 
  • Nature Discovery Day – Riverview Farm Park (Newport News). This family-friendly event focuses on animals and learning more about nature. Park Naturalists will supply hands-on-materials to delight learners of all ages. 10:00 am – noon. 
  • DIY Craft: Quilting – Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg (Williamsburg). Enjoy a mini quilting project while hearing the story of quilter Arlonzia Pettway. Requires Art Museum admission or a Good Neighbor Pass and a $5 program ticket. 10:30 – 11:30 am.

Film

  • Throwback Thursday Film Series: “The Way” – 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 Way (2010; PG-13). See the trailer here. 2:00 – 4:05 pm.

Arts & Crafts

  • Cricut 101 – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). This program will provide an overview of how a Cricut works. For ages 13+. No registration needed. 2:00 pm. 

Kids

  • Storytime & Craft – James City County Library (Williamsburg). This program features new stories and crafts with a different theme each week. Pick up a free tick starting an hour before at the Youth Services desk to reserve a spot. 6:30 pm. 

Teens 

  • Teen Gaming – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). Teens from around the community will get together and try out video games at the library. 5:00 – 7:00 pm. 

Yoga

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

Live Music

  • Sounds of Summer Concert Series: The Deloreans – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). Enjoy live music by popular 80s tribute band The Deloreans. Coastal Thirst, Boyd’s Tasty Dogs, and Pop’s Kettle Corn will be selling tasty concert snacks and dinner. In case of inclement weather, updates will be posted on Facebook and Instagram, as well as the York County Event Weather Hotline at 757-890-3520. Free. 6:30 – 9:00 pm. 
  • Summer Breeze Concert Series: Good Shot Judy – Art Museums’ Lawn (Williamsburg). Good Shot Judy will perform as part of the Summer Breeze Concert Series during Williamsburg Community Appreciation Day. 6:00 – 8:00 pm. 
  • Early Music Chamber Recital – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Enjoy a recital featuring Sophie Lowe on baroque violin, Ryan Lowe on baroque cello, and Rebecca Davy on harpsichord. 8:00 – 9:00 pm. 
The Deloreans, a popular local 80s tribute band, is slated to perform at Riverwalk Landing on Thursday, July 20. (Photo courtesy of York County)

Friday, July 21

Special Events

  • Schooner Virginia Free Deck Tour – Riverwalk Landing Piers (Yorktown). Enjoy a leisurely deck tour aboard the Schooner Virginia at Riverwalk Landing in Historic Yorktown. The ship is a reproduction of the last tall sail vessel built for the Virginia Pilot Association. The original ship sailed from 1917-1926 and trained apprentice pilots in seamanship and navigation. Free. 2:30 – 5:30 pm. 
  • Schooner Virginia Sunset Sails – Riverwalk Landing Piers (Yorktown). Register for a relaxing sunset sail on the Schooner Virginia. For individuals 5 years and older. Tickets are $60. 6:30 – 8:30 pm. 

Kids 

  • Forest Explorers Friday: Bats – Freedom Park (Williamsburg). Participants will explore the Free Black Settlement and the meadow, seeking out resident bat populations to learn about their foraging habitats. Weather-permitting. For all ages & families. Free. 6:30 – 8:30 pm. 
  • Mariners’ Museum’s “Sailing under the Stars” – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). Kids ages 3 and up will learn about the night sky and test their navigational skills. 10:00 – 11:00 am. 
  • Puppet Storytime – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Kids are invited to attend this all-ages storytime featuring the WRL puppets, brought to life by teen volunteers. 10:00 am.
  • Fun Fridays on the Square – City Square Plaza (Williamsburg). Kids can enjoy games, activities and snacks on City Square outside the Williamsburg Library each Friday after storytime. 10:30 am. 

Teens 

  • Teens Night Out – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Teens can celebrate summer with weekly programs every Friday through August 18. This week’s featured activity is a taste test. For ages 13-18. 6:00 – 8:00 pm. 

Live Music

  • Live Music on the Pavilion: Brian Carmona – Williamsburg Winery (Williamsburg). Start your weekend off with a performance by Brian Carmona at the 1619 Wine Pavilion, which overlooks the vineyards. Weather permitting. For weather-related cancelations please visit the 1619 Wine Pavilion page. 4:00 – 7:00 pm.
Free deck tours of the Schooner Virginia will be offered Friday, July 21, Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23. Sunset and afternoon sails will also be available. (Photo courtesy of York County)

Saturday, July 22

Special Events

  • ComicCon – Williamsburg Library, the Stryker Center and City Square (Williamsburg). Williamsburg Regional Library will host ComicCon, an afternoon of fun celebrating science fiction and fantasy on July 22. Alix E. Harrow, New York Times bestselling author of The Ten Thousand Doors of January, will be present for a talk and book signing at 1 pm in the Williamsburg Library Theatre. There will also be other special guests, a Japanese drum performance in City Square, a cosplay contest with prizes, live music, a vendors gallery and more. For a full schedule of events, visit wrl.org/comic-conFree. 1:00 – 4:00 pm.
  • Schooner Virginia Free Deck Tour – Riverwalk Landing Piers (Yorktown). Enjoy a leisurely deck tour aboard the Schooner Virginia at Riverwalk Landing in Historic Yorktown. The ship is a reproduction of the last tall sail vessel built for the Virginia Pilot Association. The original ship sailed from 1917-1926 and trained apprentice pilots in seamanship and navigation. Free. 2:30 – 5:30 pm. 
  • Schooner Virginia Sunset Sails – Riverwalk Landing Piers (Yorktown). Register for a relaxing sunset voyage on the York River. For individuals 5 years and older. Guests may pack a picnic. Tickets are $60. 6:30 – 8:30 pm.  

Markets

  • 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. Acoustical trio Dead Rise will perform on the Riverwalk Landing Stage. 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 am – 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.
  • 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. 

Kids & Families

  • Take Your Kid Fishing – Little Creek Reservoir Park (Toano). Spend a fun day fishing with your child. Park staff will teach you and your child the fundamentals of this favorite pastime. All equipment is provided. Ages 5-12. Free. 10:00 am – noon. 
  • Fantastic Foxes – Newport News Park Discovery Center (Newport News). Learn all about foxes and their amazing survival skills. This program will be offered at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. 
  • Family Movie – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). Enjoy popcorn and a movie in the Yorktown Auditorium. This week’s featured film is Capture the Flag (PG). 2:00 – 4:00 pm. 

Health & Wellness

  • Walk This Way: Williamsburg Walking Club  – Powhatan Creek Trail (Williamsburg). Walking coaches will guide you through the trails of James City County. A new trail is featured every month. Ages 14+. Free. 9:00 – 10:00 am. 
  • Learn to Row – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). This program offers a free introduction to indoor rowing. For ages 14+. Free. 10:00 – 10:45 am. 
  • Indoor Cycle 101 – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). Learn everything you need to know to enter the “spin” world. For ages 14+. Free. 10:30 – 11:15 am. 
  • Breathing Practices for Stress, Anxiety and the Busy Mind – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). Learn and practice several breathing exercises. For ages 14+. $8. 1:00 – 3:00 pm. 

Nature

  • Fossil Frenzy Hike – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Discover relics of ancient creatures while hiking to a fossil beach. This event is included with park admission. 10:00 am – 12:00 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. Included with standard park admission. 1:00 – 3:00 pm. 

Arts & Crafts

  • Crafternoon – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). This program features a relaxing afternoon of crafting and community for adults of all skill levels interested in crocheting, knitting, needlepoint, and other related crafts. Library staff will be on hand to teach crocheting and knitting basics to beginners. A limited amount of supplies will be available. Meets monthly. 3:00 – 5:00 pm. 

Live Music

  • Nathan Lienard – Spoke & Art Provisions Co. (Williamsburg). See Nathan Lienard perform live at Spoke & Art. 12:00 – 4:00 pm. 
  • Erik Gaines – Copper Fox Distillery (Williamsburg). Hear live music by Erik Gaines, who draws influences from southern rock, country, folk and blues artists. 5:00 – 7:30 pm. 
  • Downtown Hampton Block Party: Igor & Red Elvises (Hampton). Enjoy live music every Saturday all summer long. This week’s featured band is Igor & Red Elvises. Free. 6:00 – 9:30 pm. 
  • Flo Rida – Busch Gardens (Williamsburg). Award-winning rapper, songwriter and singer Flo Rider performs live at Busch Gardens. This concert is free with standard park admission. 7:00 pm. 
  • Organ & Voice Recital: “Songs of the Sea” – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Organist Dr. JanEl Will and baritone Chris Mooney will present Songs of the Sea in this historic worship space. 8:00 – 9:00 pm.
James City County Parks & Recreation will host a free “Take Your Kid Fishing” event at Little Creek Reservoir on Saturday, July 22. (Photo courtesy of James City County)

Sunday, July 23

Special Events

  • Schooner Virginia Free Deck Tour – Riverwalk Landing Piers (Yorktown). Enjoy a leisurely deck tour aboard the Schooner Virginia at Riverwalk Landing in Historic Yorktown. The ship is a reproduction of the last tall sail vessel built for the Virginia Pilot Association. The original ship sailed from 1917-1926 and trained apprentice pilots in seamanship and navigation. 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.
  • Schooner Virginia Sunset Sails – Riverwalk Landing Piers (Yorktown). Register for a two-hour sail on the York River. For individuals 5 years and older. Guests may pack a picnic. Tickets are $60. 2:00 – 4:00 pm.  

Games

  • Tabletop Gaming (18+) – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Drop in for tabletop gaming featuring a wide variety of board and card games. For 18+ and all levels of gaming experience. 1:30 – 4:30 pm. 

Kids

  • Open Play – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). Kids are invited to play a variety of games featuring regularly rotating toy resources. For ages 2-10. 2:00 – 4:00 pm. 

Teens

  • Teen Gaming – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). Teens are invited to spend time with other teens while playing games. 1:30 – 4:30 pm. 

Live Music

  • Lane Rice – Spoke & Art Provisions Co. (Williamsburg). Enjoy live music by Lane Rice. 12:00 – 4:00 pm. 
  • Live Music on the Pavilion: Jocelyn Oldham – Williamsburg Winery (Williamsburg). Enjoy relaxing music by Jocelyn Oldham in a beautiful setting overlooking the vineyards at the 1619 Wine Pavilion. Weather permitting. For weather-related cancelations please visit the 1619 Wine Pavilion page. 2:00 – 5:00 pm. 
  • Beer Garden Beats with Troy Breslow – Virginia Beer Company (Williamsburg). Troy Breslow performs live at the Virginia Beer Company. The brewery will open at noon and Moto Crepes will dish sweet and savory snacks during this event. 2:00 – 5:00 pm. 

Summer Movie

  • Sunday Movie Night: “Paw Patrol: The Movie” – Merchants Square (Williamsburg). Enjoy a free outdoor summer movie in the parking lot behind Baskin Robbins & the Peanut Shop. This week’s featured film is Paw Patrol: The Movie (PG; 2021). This event is sponsored by Wythe Candy. 8:30 pm.
The Chesapeake Bay & Western Model Railroad Club (CB&W) will host its 50th Anniversary Open House on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free. (Photo courtesy of CB&W)

Multi-Day

Special Events

  • Chesapeake Bay & Western Model Railroad Club – 110 F Dare Road (Grafton). Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Chesapeake Bay & Western Model Railroad Club. This special event will include continual train operations on both levels. The club will host a lunch featuring barbecue and soul food on Saturday. A wide variety of memorabilia will also be available for sale. Admission is free. The open house will be held Saturday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm and Sunday, noon to 4:00 pm. Click here for additional information. 

Art Exhibits

  • 2nd Annual Juneteenth Commemorative Art Exhibition – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). The soul of the African American community is expressed in art in this exhibit. Runs through July 28 during the center’s open hours (Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and Saturday & Sunday, 12:00 – 5:00 pm). 
  • Through the Eye of a Naturalist – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). This photo display features the work of members of the Historic Rivers Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists. Runs July 17-August 31 during library hours. 

Kids

  • Kids Dream Family Film Series – Movie Tavern (Williamsburg). The Movie Tavern theater in Williamsburg is offering $3 summer movies every week, June 13 – August 5, 2023. Movies will be shown at 11:00 am, Tuesday through Saturday. Movie Tavern has also recently launched the “Kids Dream Passport,” which allows children to see each film for just $15 total. Purchase the pass or individual tickets and see the full lineup of movies on Movie Tavern’s website
  • 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.

Future Events to Note

Williamsburg REALTORS Raising The Roof 5K Run/Walk – 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.

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