Things to do this week: Toano Summer Solstice, outdoor concerts and more events

The Toano Historical Society is kicking off its second annual Toano Summer Solstice event on Saturday, June 24, in celebration of the start of summer.

The event will be held at the Village Green in Toano – located at 7891 Richmond Road – from 5-8 pm. There will be live music by local band Joe’s Day Off, shopping featuring vendors from the Toano Open Air Market and food and drinks from Alewerks Brewing Company, Two Drummers Smokehouse and Moto Crepe.

General admission tickets are $30 and can be purchased online. Discounts are also available for members of the Toano Historical Society. Admission is free for children under the age of 18.

All proceeds benefit the Toano Historical Society, and adult tickets include a first free drink and a commemorative glass.

James City County is also celebrating the start of summer by hosting a special event called Project: FiveFortySeven on Wednesday, June 21 – the longest day of the year and first official day of summer.

Events will begin as soon as the sun rises at 5:47 am and will continue throughout the evening. All day long, the County will offer free access to outdoor pools, recreation centers and select group fitness classes. There will also be a variety of free, special programs offered at parks throughout the county, including paddling, a guided history talk, axe throwing, a public art project and trackless train rides. 

Most programs are drop-in style, but some require pre-registration. See the day’s full event schedule for more details.

There will also be numerous free summer concerts throughout the week, including performances by Brasswind (New Town), Anthony Rosano & Conqueroos (Port Warwick), Tidewater Drive Band (Yorktown), York River Concert Band (Williamsburg Library) and the TRADOC Band (Newport News).

Good Shot Judy will also be performing at New Kent Winery on Saturday. Tickets are $10.

Want to submit an upcoming event for consideration? Email me at christin@thetriangle.news.

See this week’s full community calendar of local events below.

-Christin

Monday, June 19

Juneteenth

• Free Juneteenth Admission to Colonial Williamsburg – Historic Area and Art Museums. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is offering free, single-day tickets in honor of Juneteenth on June 19. To receive complimentary admission, reserve your ticket and view the full list of CW’s Juneteenth programs here. 9:00 am – 4:30 pm. 
• Free Juneteenth Admission to Jamestown Settlement – Jamestown Settlement (Williamsburg). All are invited to enjoy free admission to Jamestown Settlement on June 19 in commemoration of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the U.S. See the website for details. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. 
• Greater Williamsburg Juneteenth Events – Multiple Locations. See a full list of Juneteenth programming happening throughout Greater Williamsburg on the Juneteenth Community Consortium’s website.  
• Juneteenth Freedom Festival – King-Lincoln Park (Newport News). To commemorate Juneteenth, the City of Newport News is hosting a free community festival featuring live music, food and craft vendors, informational exhibits and activities for kids. 12:00 – 5:00 pm. 

Yoga

• Community Yoga at the Watermen’s Museum – Watermen’s Museum (Yorktown). Meet at the Carriage House for a rejuvenating yoga practice in a beautiful setting. Classes are beginner friendly and all proceeds go to the Watermen’s Museum. 6:00 – 6:50 pm. 

Tuesday, June 20

Kids 

• Terrific Tuesday – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Kids of all ages are invited to enjoy the summer sunshine after story time. There will be lawn toys and other outdoor activities. Weather permitting. 10:30 am. 

History

• A Taste of Freedom – Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg (Williamsburg). Learn about how thousands of formerly enslaved men, women and children gained freedom and sanctuary by escaping to Union camps in the South during this special event. Requires Art Museum admission or a Good Neighbor pass. 1:30 – 2:15 pm. 

Crafts

• Cricut 101 – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Learn the basics of how a Cricut works so you can get started working on new projects. For ages 13+. 2:00 pm. 

Film

• Art House Café Film Series: “Turn Every Page” – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). his film series brings an art house flavor to your Tuesdays. This week’s featured film is Turn Every Page (PG; 2022). See the trailer here. 2:00 – 3:55 pm.

Writing

• Tabb Library Writers’ Group – Tabb Library (Williamsburg). This group features monthly meetings where writers can have a space to work on their projects, offer and receive critiques and meet other local writers. Registration is encouraged. 6:30 – 7:45 pm.

Wednesday, June 21

Special Events

• Project: 5:47, the Longest Day of Play! – Multiple Locations (James City County). Join JCC Parks & Recreation in celebrating the longest day of the year. There will be a variety of free activities and outdoor adventures all throughout the day. Some events require early registration by June 18. Other programs are drop-in (no registration needed). See a full list of the day’s events here.
• Anniversary of the Fort Eustis Military Railroad – Warwick Courthouse (Newport News). Kenneth Jones, president of the Lee Hall Train Station Foundation, will present on the Ft. Eustis Military Railroad intra-plant industrial rail transportation system existing within the boundaries of the US Army Transportation Center and Fort Eustis. Free. 11:30 am. 

Recycling

• Soft Plastic Recycling –  Colonial Towne Plaza Shopping Center (Williamsburg).  Recycle your soft plastic from 9:00 – 10:00 am at Colonial Towne Plaza Shopping Center, 6925 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg. This event is hosted by the James City County Lions Club. 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.

Kids

• STEAMing Through History for Kids – Lee Hall Depot (Newport News). Kids are invited to spend the morning exploring the train station and participating in hands-on railroad science activities in this half-day camp. This is a drop-off program for kids ages 8-14. Purchase tickets ($12 each) in advance here. 9:30 am – 12:30 pm. 
• Rainbow Puppets: That’s the Truth! – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Kids will learn the importance of telling the truth through this Rainbow Puppets presentation, which features a trio of storybook favorites, including Pinocchio, Rumpelstiltskin and the Wolf Crier. Two times are available; 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. 

Lecture

• “I made this…”: The Work of Black American Artists and Artisans Exhibit Lecture – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). The curators of the “I made this…” exhibit from the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg will discuss the process of selecting artifacts and the stories behind the pieces that were selected. 12:00 pm. 

Wellness

• Drumming for Wellness – Freedom Park (Williamsburg). Practice mindfulness and learn basic drumming and meditation techniques while participating in a drum circle. For ages 16+. Free. 6:00 – 7:00 pm. 

Live Music

• New Town Tunes: Brasswind – Sullivan Square (New Town). The New Town After Hours Concert Series wraps up with a performance by Brasswind – Hampton Roads’ premier horn band. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from New Town restaurants, local food trucks and breweries. Dogs are welcome. Free. 5:30 pm. 
• Port Warwick Summer Concert Series – William Styron Square (Newport News). This week’s concert will feature funk and rock and roll by Anthony Rosano & Conqueroos. Free. 6:00 – 9:00 pm. 

Thursday, June 22

Books

• Yorktown Library Reads – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). This group reads a different book each month and then meets up for good conversation. This month’s featured book is Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano. 10:30 – 11:30 am. 

Kids 

• Tampa Taiko – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Tampa Taiko, an Arts for Leaning Ensemble, presents a fun-filled, interactive program featuring a modern drumming performance. 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. 
• Storytime & Craft – James City County Library (Williamsburg). This program features new stories and crafts with different themes every week. Get a ticket from the Youth Services desk an hour before the program to save your spot. 6:30 pm. 

Film

• Throwback Thursday Film Series: “Romancing the Stone” – 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 Romancing the Stone (1984; PG). See the website for a description. 2:00 – 3:50 pm. 

Live Music

• York River Concert Band – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Enjoy a concert by the York River Concert Band, a local band made up of local community members of all ages and walks of life. Free; no tickets required. 7:00 pm. 
• Sounds of Summer Concert Series: Tidewater Drive Band – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). This week’s featured band is Tidewater Drive Band. Tasty concert snacks and dinner offerings will also be sold by Coastal Thirst, Water Street Grille, and Pop’s Kettle Corn. 6:30 – 9:00 pm.  
• Choral Evensong: University of Notre Dame – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Attend a candlelight concert by the University of Notre Dame Children’s Liturgical Choir directed by Mark Doerries. 8:00 – 9:00 pm. 

Friday, June 23

Special Event

• Natural History of Oysters – New Quarter Park (Williamsburg). Learn about the natural history of oysters during this free summer evening program led by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Register by June 21. 6:30 – 8:30 pm. 

History

• Lt. John Mercer Brooke – The Mariners’ Museum and Park (Newport News). Learn about John Mercer Brooke, who played a critical role in the design and production of the finest naval rifled guns of the Civil War. In-person attendance is included in $1 admission; virtual attendance is free. Register here. 12:00 – 1:00 pm/

Kids

• Puppet Storytime – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Children are invited to attend an all-ages story time featuring WRL puppets brought to life by teen volunteers. 10:00 am. 
• Fun Fridays on the Square – City Square Plaza (Williamsburg). Kids are invited to attend this fun program featuring games, activities and snacks on City Square outside the Williamsburg Library each Friday throughout the summer. 10:30 am. 

Teens

• Teens Night Out – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Teens ages 13-18 are welcome to celebrate summer with weekly Teens Night Out programs every Friday, June 16-August 18. 6:00 – 8:00 pm. 

Live Music

• Live Music on the Pavilion: Junior Wilson – Williamsburg Winery (Williamsburg). Get your weekend started with a performance by Junior Wilson at the 1619 Wine Pavilion. 4:00 – 7:00 pm. 
• Music Under the Stars – Huntington Park-Beach, Rose Garden & Tennis Center (Newport News). Enjoy a free concert by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band. This week’s concert theme is “Rock with TRADOC!” Free and open to the public. 7:00 pm. 

Saturday, June 24

Special Events

• Spencer’s Ordinary Wreath Ceremony – Freedom Park (Williamsburg). Attend a memorial service in honor of the valiant Americans who gave their lives in the Battle of Spencer’s Ordinary on June 26, 1781. A series of skirmishes took place in the woods and meadows of Freedom Park between units of Lord Cornwallis and French General  Marquis de Lafayette. The service will be conducted by the Sons of the American Revolution, and a presentation on the history of the battle will follow in the Freedom Park Interpretive Center. 10:00 – 11:30 am. 
• Toano Summer Solstice – 7891 Richmond Rd. (Toano). Celebrate the beginning of summer at the 2nd Annual Toano Summer Solstice. There will be live music by Joe’s Day Off, shopping featuring vendors from the Toano Open Air Market, and food and drinks from Alewerks Brewing Company, Two Drummers Smokehouse and Moto Crepe. All adult tickets include a first drink and a commemorative glass. Proceeds benefit the Toano Historical Society. Tickets can be purchased here are $30 for general admission; discounts are available for Toano Historical Society members. Children under 18 are free. 5:00 – 8:00 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 harmonists Audio Portrait will perform various hits 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 ACV this week 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.

Nature

• Bird Walk – New Quarter Park (Williamsburg). Attend a bird walk led by the Williamsburg Bird Club. Free. 8:00 – 10:00 am. 
• Walk & Talk Fossils – New Quarter Park (Williamsburg). This walk and talk event focuses on fossils. All participants will leave with their own fossil. Register by June 22. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. 

Outdoor Recreation

• Walk This Way: Williamsburg Walking Club – Greensprings Interpretive Trail (Williamsburg). Walking coaches will guide you through the trails of James City County during this program. This month’s featured trail location is Greensprings Interpretive Trail. 9:00 – 10:00 am. 

History

• Documenting Williamsburg and James City County History – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Curators from the Williamsburg Historic Records Association will discuss what to do if you have materials you’d like to donate that are related to the history of the City of Williamsburg or James City County. You’ll also hear about ongoing oral history projects. 10:30 am. 

Teens

• Anime Afternoon: “Black Clover” – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Teens are invited to attend an anime screening featuring the film Black Clover (PG). 1:30 – 4:00 pm. 
• SLAM Connections – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). SLAM Connection is designed to develop poets as writers and performers in a judgment-free space. For ages 13+. 2:00 – 4:00 pm. 

Crafts

• Crafternoon – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). Attend a relaxing afternoon of crafting. This program is designed for adults of all skill levels interested in crocheting, knitting, needlepoint and other related crafts. Registration is recommended. 3:00 – 5:00 pm. 

Game Night

• Peonies & Poison: a Murder Mystery Event – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). Attend York County Public Library’s first-ever mystery event. Participants will work in teams to help solve a murder mystery. For adults 18+. 

Live Music

• Lane Rice – Spoke & Art Provisions Co. (Williamsburg). Enjoy live music by Lane Rice. 12:00 – 4:00 pm. 
• Vineyard Live Concert: Good Shot Judy – New Kent Winery (New Kent). New Kent Winery is kicking off its Vineyard Live Concert Series with popular local swing band Good Shot Judy. There will also be wine, beer and food trucks. A few hundred seats will be available, but the venue recommends bringing your own chairs or blankets. Tickets are $10 for general admission. To reserve tickets, click here. 
• Newsboys – Busch Gardens (Williamsburg). Newsboys will be performing as part of Busch Gardens’ Summer Nights Concert Series on June 24. The group is one of the most popular bands in Christian music history, having sold more than 10 million albums. The concert is free with park admission. 7:00 pm. 
• Organ Recital: In Celebration of Creation – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Enjoy a candlelight organ recital by Dr. JanEl Will, organist at Bruton Parish, in this historic worship center. 8:00 – 9:00 pm. 

Sunday, June 25

Crafts

• Sit and Stitch – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Beginners can meet up and learn the basics of knitting in this program. 1:00 pm. 

Games

• Tabletop Gaming (18+) – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Enjoy three hours of tabletop gaming. For adults 18+ of all levels of gaming experience. This program meets on the 4th Sunday of each month. Drop in any time. 1:30 – 4:30 pm. 

Kids

• Paws to Read with K-9 Connection – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Kids are invited to drop in and read a story to trained therapy dogs. 2:30 pm. 

Outdoor Recreation

• Sunset Paddle – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Enjoy a scenic evening trip on the York River. This event is included in park admission. See the website for canoe and kayak reservation details. 5:30 – 7:30 pm. 

Live Music

• Live Music on the Pavilion: Jocelyn Oldham – Williamsburg Winery (Williamsburg). Listen to relaxing music by Jocelyn Oldham while overlooking the vineyards at the 1619 Wine Pavilion. 2:00 – 5:00 pm. 

Multi-Day

Special Event

• Hampton Jazz Festival – Hampton Coliseum (Hampton). This annual, three-day gathering features a variety of popular jazz performers. The event will take place Friday, June 23; Saturday, June 24; and Sunday, June 25. See the website for details or to purchase tickets. 

Kids & Familes

• 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 May 27 – September 4. See the website for additional details or to purchase tickets.