Things to do this week: Summer celebrations, live music, outdoor markets and more events

Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL) is inviting the community to attend its End of Summer Splash Party to celebrate the end of its summer reading program. The event will be held on Saturday, August 12, from 1 to 4 p.m. at James City County Library.

The event will feature a giant foam cannon, water toys and bubble makers for families to enjoy. Popsicles and other treats will also be given out to help guests stay cool in the summer heat.

The event marks the conclusion of WRL’s Summer Reading program, which is designed to combat the reduction in student summer reading by offering fun reading challenges and events. More than 2,400 children participated in the program this year.

Some other highlights this week include Yorktown’s National Farmers Market Week Wrap-Up event, featuring cooking demonstrations by local personal chef Taylor Duncan; a free Campfire Social at Chickahominy Riverfront Park; and Made in Newport News, a special event featuring live music and entertainment, family activities, art experiences, a beer garden and more. The 2nd Sundays art and music festival will also return to Williamsburg on Sunday.

There will also be plenty of live music for all to enjoy, including free concerts by Nashville Nights Band (Wednesday in Port Warwick), The Main Event Band (Thursday in Yorktown), The Shootouts (Thursday in Williamsburg), Chisman Creek Band (Thursday at Fort Monroe), the TRADOC Band (Friday in Newport News) and the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band (Saturday at Williamsburg Library). 

Merchants Square’s free Summer Breeze Movie Series also continues with a showing of Minions: The Rise of Gru on Sunday, August 13. 

Also, a quick correction: Tonight’s (Sunday, August 6) featured movie in Merchants Square will be Frozen: Sing Along Version. A previous newsletter incorrectly stated that the featured film would be Raiders of the Lost Ark.

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

-Christin

Events This Week

Monday, August 7

Arts & Crafts

• Beginner Workshop: Weaver – Historic Trade: Weaver (Colonial Williamsburg). Try your hand at weaving and spark your patriotic spirit by learning the history behind weaving in Williamsburg during the Revolution. This two-hour class is for all levels of experience and all necessary supplies will be provided. Participants will weave a cotton tea towel to take home on pre-warped modern looms. Limit of 6 participants. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. 

Kids

• Girls STEAM Ahead with NASA – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). Girls in grades 3-5 will use NASA’s Universe of Learning to learn about creating images from data collected by the James Webb Space Telescope. 1:00 – 2:00 pm. 
• Lego Club – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Kids can drop in to build and create. For grades Pre-K – 5. 1:00 – 5:00 pm.
• Preschool Storytime and Craft – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). This program features a story and craft based on the theme of the week. For ages 2 1/2 to 5. 7:00 pm. 

Open Mic Night

• Open Mic Night – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). Attend an evening of poetry, spoken word and song. Performers will have five minutes at the mic to share a poem, story excerpt or acoustic song. Community members are also invited to be apart of the audience. This event is for teens and adults and content should be appropriate for a public space. 6:00 – 8:00 pm. 

History

• Oral History How-To – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). In this free, one-hour session taught by William & Mary oral historian Andre Taylor, you’ll learn how to plan and conduct an oral history. 6:30 pm. 

Yoga

• Community Yoga – Watermen’s Museum (Yorktown). Participate in a rejuvenating yoga practice in a beautiful setting overlooking the York River. Classes are beginner friendly and 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, August 8

Recycling

• Soft Plastic Recycling – James City Lions Club (Williamsburg).  Recycle your soft plastic from 9:00 – 10:00 am at James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Rd., Williamsburg.  They will also accept food donations for FISH and used eyeglasses/hearing aids. See the club’s website for acceptable items – NOT acceptable are pet food, mulch, and other yard product bags.

Arts & Crafts

• Summer Sewing Series: Make an Easy Baby Quilt – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Learn the fundamentals of quilting and make a baby quilt in this 4-session series. Attendance at all 4 sessions are required and participants must register. Basic sewing skills are needed. For ages 18 and up. See website for registration details. 1:00 – 4:00 pm.

Technology

• Tech Tuesdays – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). Sign up to get help with their personal mobile device or tablet from library staff. Appointments are 25-30 minutes. This program is for adults, especially those ages 55+. Several afternoon timeslots are still available. 

Film

• Art House Café Film Series: “The Painter and the Thief” – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). This film series brings an art house flavor to your Tuesdays. This week’s featured film is The Painter and the Thief (2020; NR). 2:00 – 3:50 pm. 

Teens

• Teen Tuesday – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Middle and high school students will use basic Origami folds to create a rocket, stars and an alien. Registration is required. 5:00 – 6:30 pm. 

Workshop

• African American Newspapers in Genealogical Research – Virtual. The Summer Sankofa Series 2023, hosted by William & Mary’s Lemon Project Genealogy, will conclude with “African American Newspapers in Genealogical Research,” presented by Tim Pinnick. See the website to register. 6:30 – 7:30 pm. 

BINGO

• BINGO Night – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Attend a free BINGO night featuring multiple rounds of friendly competition. Light refreshments will be provided. 6:30 – 7:45 pm. 

Live Music

• 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 youth 12 and under. 7:00 – 8:00 pm. 

Wednesday, August 9

Market

• City Center Farmers Market – City Center at Oyster Point (Newport News). Attend a farmers market every Wednesday through September to find healthy, fresh, farm-to-table options, including produce, eggs, jams and local treats. 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. 

Kids

• The Rockstar Magic of Chris & Neal – James City County Library and Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Performers Chris and Neal return with a show filled with adrenaline-pumping music, magic and comedy. The program emphasizes character development and the importance of reading. Free tickets are required for this event and can be picked up at the Children’s Desk starting an hour before the program. This program will be held at James City County Library at 10:00 am and Williamsburg Library at 3:00 pm.
• Story and a Walk – Newport News Park Discovery Center (Newport News). Young “nature lovers in training” will enjoy this program featuring monthly picture storybooks about animals and their adventures in nature. Free. 10:00 am. 
• Mad Science of Hampton Roads: Up, Up and Away – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Kids of all ages are invited to attend this fun and educational program on the power of air. 11:00 – 11:45 am. 

Tweens/Teens

• Youth Career Series: George Nice & Sons Construction – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Tweens and teens ages 9-18 are invited to join a construction team from George Nice & Sons for an afternoon of education and hands-on activities. 1:00 pm. 
• Teen Gaming – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). Teens are invited to try out different video games in the library. 5:00 – 7:00 pm. 

Arts & Crafts

• Cross Stitch 101  – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Attend a beginner’s cross stitch program hosted by a special guest presenter, Tanya Lyons. All supplies are provided. Call to register. 11:00 am. 

Medicare Workshop

• Medicare Education – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Sheila Moynihan of Boomer Insurance will offer a free, unbiased Medicare overview to guide participants through the complexities of Medicare coverage. 6:00 – 7:00 pm. 

Live Music

• Port Warwick Summer Concert Series: Nashville Nights Band – William Styron Square (Newport News). Enjoy live outdoor concerts on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer. This week’s concert will feature authentic 90s country music from Nashville Nights 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 10

Special Event

• Wines Around the World at Merchants Square Wine Bar: SPAIN – Merchants Square (Williamsburg). Attend an evening of wine education and exploration of Spain. Tickets are limited and can be purchased here. 6:00 pm.

Technology

• Beginning Publisher – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Participants will learn how to create newsletters, posters and more using Microsoft Publisher. Seating is limited; call to register. 10:00 am. 

Film

• Throwback Thursday Film Series: “Cabaret” – 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 Cabaret (1972; PG). 2:00 – 4:05 pm. 

Kids & Families

• Brooks Crossing Summer Nights Series – Brooks Crossing Innovation and Opportunity Center (Newport News). Guests of all ages are welcome to attend this evening of free entertainment featuring hands-on STEM activities, Robotics, Virtual Reality, DJ Mixing, free food and much more. There will also be an opportunity to meet Workforce Development partners to learn about job and training opportunities. Registration is recommended. Free. 6:00 – 8:00 pm. 
• Healthy Food, Happy Kids – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). Learn new healthy breakfast, snack and lunchbox ideas for your child. This program is presented by Registered Dietitian Stephanie Militano, MS, RD, CSSD. Free. 6:30 – 7:30 pm.  

Live Music

• Sounds of Summer Concert Series: The Main Event Band – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). Don’t miss one of the final Sounds of Summer concerts of the season. This week’s featured band is The Main Event 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. 
• Summer Breeze Concert Series: The Shootouts – Art Museums’ Lawn (Colonial Williamsburg). Williamsburg’s Summer Breeze Concert Series is back this Thursday evening. This week’s concert will feature honky tonk and western swing music by The Shootouts. Refreshments will be available to purchase from select merchants. Free. 6:00 – 8:00 pm.
• Music by the Bay: Chisman Creek 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 band is Chisman Creek Band. Free. 7:00 – 8:00 pm. 
• Organ Recital: Dr. John Lowe – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Enjoy a candlelit recital by Dr. John Lowe, organist from Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Gainesville, Florida. 8:00 – 9:00 pm.

The TRADOC Band performs during the Music Under the Stars summer concert series in 2022. (Photo by The Triangle)

Friday, August 11

Nature

• Dabble in Discovery – York River State Park (Williamsburg). A park naturalist/ranger will help you discover the aquatic, insect, mammal and plant life in the park’s ecosystems. 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. 

Outdoor Recreation

• Open Archery Range – New Quarter Park (Williamsburg). Head to New Quarter Park to try archery during this open archery range event. Equipment will be available to borrow. See the link to register for a time slot. Spots are limited. For adults and youth 10+. Free. 6:30 – 8:30 pm.

Arts & Crafts

• Makerspace: Glowforge 101 – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Learn how the Glowforge works and become familiar with how to design items in the software. Spots are limited; call to register. For ages 18+. 4:00 pm. 

Teens

• Teens Night Out: Smash Tournament – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Teens are invited to celebrate summer with Teens Night Out programs every Friday through August 18 at JCC Library. This week’s featured activity is Super Smash Bros tournament. For ages 13-18. 

Live Music

• Governor’s Musick at the Art Museums – Hennage Auditorium (Colonial Williamsburg). Seasoned musicians from the Governor’s Musick ensemble will dive into various topis with informative and engaging talks and musical examples. Requires Art Museum admission or a Good Neighbor Pass. 4:30 – 5:15 pm. 
• Live Music on the Pavilion: Felicia Hoyos – Williamsburg Winery (Williamsburg). Start your weekend off with a performance by Felicia Hoyos while overlooking the vineyards at Wessex Hundred. 4:00 – 7:00 pm. 
• Music Under the Stars: TRADOC Band Concert Series – Huntington Park (Newport News). Enjoy a concert by the U.S. Army TRADOC Band. The theme for this week’s concert is Big Band. This event is sponsored by the Virginia War Museum. Free and open to the public. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. 7:00 pm.

Saturday, August 12

Special Events

• Yorktown Market Days: National Farmers Market Week Wrap-Up – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). This special market will wrap up Yorktown’s Farmers Market Week. In addition to a wide variety of offerings by vendors – including fresh produce, handmade items, work by local artists and fresh bakery treats – there will also be a variety of special activities. Kids will be able to play outdoor games, get temporary tattoos and plant seeds from 9 a.m., to 12 p.m. Local personal chef Taylor Duncan will give cooking demos from 9 to 11 am. Guests can enjoy live acoustic music from Richie Beard beginning at 9 am and a performance by the Fifes and Drums of York Town at 10 a.m. Free. 
• Summer Reading Finale – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). Celebrate the end of the Yorktown libraries’ summer reading programs with this fun event for all ages. There will be music by Phil Poteat, balloons, family BINGO, temporary tattoos, an appearance by magician and juggler Jonathan Austin and more. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. 
• End-of-Summer Splash Party – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Send off summer with a splash. This event celebrates the conclusion of the library’s summer programming with bubbles, water toys and more. 1:00 – 4:00 pm. 
• Made in Newport News – City Center at Oyster Point (Newport News). Celebrate the people, places and products of Newport News with this special event featuring live music and entertainment, art experiences, a  beer garden with Newport News brews, and iconic businesses, artists, creators, and more. All activities will take place around the City Center Fountain in the 700 block of Town Center Drive. Free. 4:00 – 8:00 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. This week’s farmers market will feature a Power of Produce Children’s Parade. Little ones are invited to dress like their favorite fruit or vegetable. They’ll follow the Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drums down Duke of Gloucester and meet in front of the main tent for photos. Popsicles will also be available for the kids. Sign up here for the parade. LCV Project will also perform live music from 9:00 am  – 11:00 am. The market will be held from 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. 

Recycling

• Household Chemical Collections – Warhill High School (Williamsburg). VPPSA is hosting a household chemical collection event at Warhill High School on Saturday, August 12, for residents of Hampton, Poquoson, Williamsburg, James City County and York County. A variety of chemical-based products including paints, fuels, solvents, pesticides, automotive products and other chemicals will be accepted. See the full list of acceptable materials here. 8:00 am – 12:00 pm. 

History

• Oral History How-To – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). In this free, one-hour session taught by William & Mary oral historian Andre Taylor, you’ll learn how to plan and conduct an oral history. 10:30 am.

Outdoor Recreation

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

Nature

• Summer Walk & Talk: Insects – New Quarter Park (Williamsburg). Hike through New Quarter Park in search of bugs. Be sure to wear bug spray. Free. For ages 8 through adult. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. See the link to register.  
• Stream to Sea Stroll – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Walk with park staff to a small woodland and marsh stream, freshwater pond and brackish/saltwater river and discover life in four different aquatic systems. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. 

Gardening

• Fall Container Gardening – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Angela Cingale, Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardner, will discuss ways to extend your container garden into the late summer and fall. 10:15 am. 

Tweens & Teens

• Homemade Ice Cream Making – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Tweens and teens will learn about ice cream making and make a few flavors to enjoy. For ages 9-18. 1:00 – 3:00 pm.  

Finances

• Girl, WHAT You Gonna DO With Your MONEY?  – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). This talk features a business woman’s view on money matters for women. It will cover money mindsets, the importance of financial education and creative ways to make money and fund your dreams. 2:00 – 3:30 pm. 

Live Music

• Phil Casey – Spoke & Art Provisions Co. (Williamsburg). Grab a bite at Spoke & Art while enjoying live music by Phil Casey. 12:00 – 4:00 pm. 
• Dewey Decibel Concert Series: USAF Public Band Recital – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). The United States Air Force will present a public recital with musicians from the Heritage of America Band as part of a chamber music concert series. This fun program will celebrate diversity and an appreciation of our communities. The exceptional musicians have earned international critical acclaim and have performed for U.S. presidents and foreign heads of state, including the Queen of England. Free admission; no tickets required. 2:00 pm. 
• Kanstyx: A Classic Rock Tribute to Kansas and Styx – Royal Palace Theatre (Busch Gardens Williamsburg). Busch Gardens’ Summer Nights Concert series continues this week with a performance by Kanstyx, which features the blending of Styx and Kansas tribute bands. This concert is free with standard admission. 6:30 pm. 
• Nuthin’ Fancy: A Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd – Royal Palace Theatre (Busch Gardens Williamsburg). Busch Gardens’ Summer Nights Concert Series concludes with Nuthin’ Fancy: A Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd. This concert is free with standard park admission. 8:00 pm. 
• Downtown Hampton Block Party: Brian Grilli – Downtown Hampton.  Enjoy live music in downtown Hampton all summer long. This week’s featured band is Brian Grilli. 6:00 – 9:30 pm. 

Kids & Families

• Campfire Social – Chickahominy Riverfront Park (Williamsburg). Celebrate summer with an old-fashioned campfire gathering featuring s’mores, activities, storytelling and more. 7:00 – 8:00 pm.

Sunday, August 13

Special Event

• 2nd Sundays Art & Music Festival – Downtown Williamsburg. Attend Williamsburg’s only almost year ’round arts & street festival. This family-friendly event features live music and entertainment, activities for kids and a wide variety of vendors. Free. 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. 

Kids

• iDance Storytime with the Arts – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Talented dancers with the Institute of Dance will present Storytime with the Arts, a series of performances featuring a story and craft based on a children’s story. (Recommended for ages 3-7). 2:00 pm. 
• Family Workshop: Cabinetmaker – Historic Trade: Cabinetmaker & Harpsichord Maker (Colonial Williamsburg). Attend an in-depth, hands-on tour and demonstration of hand planes, one of the traditional woodworker’s most indispensable tools. This workshop is designed for participants age 7 and older. Kids 7-13 must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. Kids 14-17 must be accompanied by an adult, either participating (purchase a workshop ticket) or non-participating (with a free Chaperone ticket). See the website for more details. This event is open to the public; tickets are $20. 10:00 – 11:00 am. 

Nature

• River Seine – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Discover the unique creatures that live in the brackish waters of the York River during this ranger-guided program. This program is included with standard park admission. 1:00 – 3:00 pm. 
• Sunset Paddle – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Wind down the weekend with a scenic trip on the York River and discover the creatures that are active at sunset. This event is included with park admission; see website for canoe and kayak rental information. 5:30 – 7:30 pm. 

Live Music

• Charlton Phaneuf – Spoke & Art Provisions Co. (Williamsburg). Enjoy live acoustic music by Charlton Phaneuf on the deck at Spoke & Art. 12:00 – 4:00 pm. 
• Live Music on the Pavilion: Allegra Duchaine – Williamsburg Winery (Williamsburg). Enjoy a relaxing Sunday afternoon concert featuring Allegra Duchaine while overlooking the vineyards. 2:00 – 5:00 pm. 

Movie Night

• Summer Breeze Free Movie Series: “Minions: The Rise of Gru” – Merchants Square (Williamsburg). This week’s featured Summer Breeze film is Minions: The Rise of Gru, sponsored by Aromas. 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. 8:10 pm.

Multi-Day

Recreation

• Pickleball 2-Week Clinic – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). Get introduced to one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports during this 2-week clinic. All equipment will be provided. Tuesdays & Thursdays, August 8 – 17. $20. 9:00 – 10:30 am. 

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. 

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. 
• 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.
• 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.