Things to do this Week: Valentine markets, A history tour, live music and more

Yorktown’s first winter market of the season returns this Saturday. Vendors and artists will line the waterfront from 10 a.m to 2 p.m to sell locally grown, produced and crafted goods. Shoppers will find eggs, meats and seasonal produce from local farms as well as a variety of baked goods, homemade candles and soaps, gourmet chocolates, scarves and mittens, flowers, spices, local art and more.

Visitors can bundle up and grab a cup of coffee or hot steaming soup to enjoy while shopping. Food trucks will also be present.

This weekend’s market is Valentine’s Day-themed and will feature a variety of seasonal treats and gifts. Kids will also have the opportunity to create a holiday-themed craft.

Additional winter markets will be held along the waterfront on Feb. 25, March 4 and March 18. 

Some other events to highlight this week include a series of One Book One Community events hosted by Williamsburg Regional Library and William & Mary, a free concert featuring the band Kadencia at Williamsburg Library (Friday), a Valentine’s Day-themed Williamsburg Farmers Market in Merchants Square (Saturday) and a guided history tour of the Free Black Settlement at Freedom Park (also Saturday).

-Christin

Tuesday, Feb. 7

Films

• Art House Café Film Series: La Misma Luna (Under the Same Moon) – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). This film series aims to bring an art house film flavor to your Tuesdays. You’ll also meet new friends, enjoy light refreshments, hear from special guests and have a discussion after the film. This week’s featured film is La Misma Luna (Under the Same Moon) (2007; PG-13). This film is part of the One Book One Community series. Copies of the book are available for checkout at both libraries and the audiobook is available for download. 2:00 – 3:50 pm.

Health & Wellness

• Group Fitness Sampler –  James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). If you’re considering trying a group fitness class or want to add something new to your routine, check out this program. All levels are welcome; two 25-minute classes will be offered in one session. For ages 14+. This week’s class program features classes on muscle burn and TRX. Free. 5:30 – 6:30 pm. 

Game Night

• BINGO Night – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Attend a free and fun BINGO night at Tabb Library. There will be four to six rounds of friendly competition and a prize for each round winner. 7:00 – 8:15 pm. 

Wednesday, Feb. 8

History

• How Did They Survive? – Hennage Auditorium (Colonial Williamsburg). Ayinde Martin, Journeyman Carpenter, will discuss enslaved people in colonial Virginia and their survival techniques and skills. 4:30 – 5:15 pm. 

Teens

• Harry Potter Trivia Night – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Teens ages 13-18 are invited to show off their Harry Potter knowledge at this fun event. 6:00 pm. 

Thursday, Feb. 9

Films

• Throwback Thursday Film Series: “Fargo” – 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 Fargo (R; 1996). 2:00 – 3:45 pm. 
• Celtic Film Series: “Once” – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). The Celtic Film Series runs the second Thursday of the month through May 2023. This month’s featured film is Once (R; 2007). 6:00 – 7:30 pm. 

Kids

• Snuggle Stories – Tabb Library (Yorktown). This family story time is for children of all ages with a parent or caregiver. It features stories, songs and a craft or activity. Kids are encouraged to wear their pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animal. 7:00 – 7:30 pm. 

Live Music

• VSO Presents: Shining Stars – Ferguson Center for the Arts (Newport News). This program celebrates the musical artistry of Concertmaster Vahn Armstrong and Principal Oboe Sherie Aguirre, two of VSO’s most beloved veteran performers. Tickets are $25-$79. 7:30 pm.

Friday, Feb. 10

History

• Bray School Preservation Launch – Art Museums’ Lawn (Colonial Williamsburg). The community is invited to attend this official launch of the preservation of the Williamsburg Bray School at its new, permanent exhibition site in Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area. The Bray School was an 18th-century school dedicated to educating enslaved and free Black children. 2:00 – 2:30 pm.
• US Slave Revolts at Sea – The Mariners’ Museum and Park (Newport News). Learn about the most successful slave revolt in U.S history, when enslaved persons took over the ship Creole that sailed from Hampton Roads to New Orleans in 1841. This lecture is free to attend virtually; the in-person event is included with $1 admission. Advance registration is required. 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm.

Nature

• Waterfowl Watch – York River State Park (Williamsburg). See the park’s outdoor displays of decoys and images and discover the ducks that inhabit the area until early spring. Bring binoculars for the best views. 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. 

Kids

• Stuffie Sleepover – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Kids are invited to bring their favorite stuffed animal to the Valentine’s Day Stuffie Sleepover. Kids should drop their stuffie at the Tabb Youth Services desk on Friday, February 10, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m and fill out a tag to identify their stuffed friend. Their stuffie will have a night of games, snacks and fun. Stuffies should be picked up the following day, Feb. 11, between 10 am – 5 pm. 
• Kid’s Valentines Chocolate Making – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). Kids will have fun in this Valentine’s Day-themed chocolate-making workshop, instructed by Williamsburg Chocolatier, Inc. For ages 6-13. Spots are limited; register online in advance. $25.5:00 – 7:00 pm. 
• Valentine’s Love Bug – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). Kids ages 4-9 are invited to create a fun ladybug sculpture with heart-shaped wings, perfect for Valentine’s Day. $15. 6:00 – 7:00 pm.

Live Music

• Ewell and Dewey Decibel Concert Series: Kadencia – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Enjoy a performance by Kadencia, a 13-piece orchestra founded in Puerto Rico. Now based in Richmond, the band has quickly made an impact in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. They’ll be playing original Bomba, Plena and Salsa. Free and open to all ages; no ticket is required. 7:00 pm.
• Nathan Lienard – The Corner Pocket (Williamsburg). Enjoy live music by local singer/songwriter Nathan Lienard. 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm. 
• Zack Salsberry Trio – Paul’s Deli (New Town) – Enjoy music by the Zack Salsberry Trio at Paul’s Deli in Williamsburg. They’ll be playing something for everyone, including blues, classic rock, R&B, alt/indie rock and some originals. 10:00 pm – 1:00 am. 

Saturday, Feb. 11

Recycling

• James City County Household Chemical Collections – Warhill High School (Williamsburg). VPPSA is holding a free drop off for hazardous materials and computer recycling. All collections are open to residents of Williamsburg, James City County, York County, Hampton and Poquoson. For more information and a list of accepted items, click here. 8:00 am – noon.

Markets

• Williamsburg Valentine’s Market – Merchants Square (Williamsburg). Attend a Valentine’s Day Market in Merchants Square! This event will be held rain or shine. 8:00 am – noon. 
• Hilton Village Farmers Market – Historic Hilton Village (Newport News). Support local farmers and bakers by shopping at the Hilton Village Farmers Market, held year-round every Saturday. 8:00 am – 12:00 pm. 
• Yorktown Winter Market: Valentine’s Day – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). Yorktown’s winter markets return this Saturday with a special Valentine’s Day-themed event at Riverwalk Landing. You’ll find uniquely crafted goods perfect for that special someone, as well as a selection of baked goods, fresh produce and meats, sweet treats, locally-made art and more. A craft activity for kids will also be available.10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

Black History Month 

• Freedom: The Hands That Built History Tour – Freedom Park (Williamsburg). Commemorate Black History Month with this impactful event. There will be a guided tour of the Free Black Settlement highlighting how Black slaves struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society. You’ll also experience stories of hardship and triumph and meet African American artisans, who will demonstrate woodworking and white oak basket weaving as it was done centuries ago. Registration is required; select one of four timeslots. $5 per person (includes hot beverages). Register here. 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
• Rebellion & Runaway Walk – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Walk through the park and discover how African slavery began in the Virginia Colony and how courageous runaways overcame the challenging terrain of the Tidewater region. Reservations are required. Included with regular park admission. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. 
• Loquacious Lucy, Queen for a Day – Hennage Auditorium (Colonial Williamsburg). This special Black History Month performance features Lucy, a gregarious, enslaved child. When she learns her best friend has been sold, her father must teach her hard lessons about slavery and instill in her the pride of her ancestors. Requires Art Museum admission or a Good Neighbor pass.10:30 – 10:55 am.
• We Stand for Justice: A Salute to African American Heroes of Newport News – Main Street Library (Newport News). During this special event, Newport News Public Library will salute and induct three new members into We Stand for Justice, an ongoing tribute to African American heroes of Newport News. 11:00 – 12:30 pm. 
• Black Superhero Showcase – Grissom Library (Newport News). In honor of Black History Month, all are invited to attend this special event featuring the East Coast Alliance of Cosplayers and superhero BINGO. Registration is required. 1:00 – 4:00 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 series. You’ll have a blast while making a positive impact on your health. There will be a new trail location each month. Register here. 10:00 am – 11:00 am. 

Living History

• Inside James Fort: Forged in Iron – Historic Jamestowne (Williamsburg). Blacksmith Steve Mankowski will offer demonstrations and a discussion of the types of work that happened at the site of the original James Fort Forge. Included in admission to Historic Jamestowne. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. 

Kids & Families

• Saturdays@Frink: Pop-N-Play – Abram Frink Jr. Community Center (Williamsburg). Kids can join anytime between 10 a.m – 1 p.m for classic arcade games and other fun activities.
• Science Saturday – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Kids in grades 1-5 are invited to learn all about DNA during this program. Registration is required. 10:15-11:00 am. 
• Family Fun Day – Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center (Newport News). Enjoy a free family-friendly day of fun, featuring a variety of demonstrations, entertainment and art activities for kids. You’ll also be able to tour the Ansel Adams: Compositions in Nature exhibition before it closes on March 5. 1:00 – 4:00 pm. 

Teens

• Super Smash Bros. Tournament  – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Teens ages 13-18 can stop by and take part in a Super Smash Bros. Tournament, where they can show their skills or play with other beginners. The first-place winner will receive a cash prize. 1:00 pm.

Gardening

• In the Garden: To Prune or Not to Prune, That is The Question – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Frank Caruso will discuss pruning basics and offer tips for successful pruning. There will also be Pruning Calendars for trees and shrubs available. 10:15 – 11:15 am.

Crafts

• Valentine Card and Paper Rose Craft – Tabb Library (Yorktown). During this craft program for adults, you’ll create a handmade Valentine’s gift for someone special or yourself. You’ll leave with a layered card and paper rose magnet. For ages 18+; registration is required. 1:30 – 2:30 pm. 

Live Music

• Nadia Koz – The Corner Pocket (Williamsburg). Williamsburg-based guitarist and vocalist Nadia Koz will perform live at The Corner Pocket Saturday night. Koz plays Motown, blues and rock n roll from the 20s to the present. 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm. 
• An Evening with Dee Dee Bridgewater – The American Theatre (Hampton). Hear this Grammy and Tony Award-winning vocalist put a unique spin on jazz classics. Tickets are $35-$45 and can be purchased here. 8:00 – 10:00 pm.
• Organ Recital: Cheryl Van Ornam – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Experience a candlelit recital featuring organist Cheryl Van Ornam from First Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. 8:00 – 9:00 pm.

Sunday, Feb. 12

Kids

• Paws to Read – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Kids can practice their reading skills out loud alongside a trained therapy dog during this program. 3:30 – 4:30 pm. 

History & Culture

• Cultural Heritage Series: Historic First Baptist Church – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Learn about the Church’s history ministry through relics and artifacts from the descendants of the First Baptist Church of Williamsburg. 3:00 pm. 

Multi-Day

• One Book One Community – Williamsburg Regional Library (Williamsburg). Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL) has once again partnered with William & Mary Libraries to host the One Book One Community initiative, which encourages the community to have a shared reading experience connected to a socially relevant book. The 2023 book selection is The New American by Micheline Aharonian Marcom. For more information about these programs, visit wrl.org/onebook. This week’s One Book One Community events will include:
  • a book discussion at Williamsburg Library and online (Feb. 8 & Feb. 10) 
  • a discussion featuring Monika Gosin, chair of William & Mary’s Latin American Studies Department, at Williamsburg Library (Feb. 8)
  • a Pub Quiz at James City County Library and online (Feb. 9)
  • a showing of the documentary Waking Dream at Williamsburg Library (Feb. 11) 
  • a book discussion at James City County Library and online (Feb. 11)
• Valentine’s Theme Tea – Williamsburg Inn (Williamsburg). Indulge in the fine tradition of Afternoon Tea with friends and loved ones at The Williamsburg Inn. This special, Valentine’s-theme tea includes a selection of handmade freshly baked scones, tea sandwiches and pastry delights served with a signature tea. Live Irish harp music will also be played. $58/adult tea, $28/child tea. This event will be held Feb. 10, 11 and 12, with reservations available at 2:00 pm, 2:15 pm and 2:30 pm. 
• Buildings and Business: The Landscape of African Americans in the East End of Newport News – The Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center (Newport News). The Newsome House presents “Buildings and Business: The Landscape of African Americans in the East End of Newport News,” Feb. 1 – 25. The exhibit explores the important role African Americans played in the physical and cultural development of the East End of Newport News. Admission is free, and the museum is open Thursday-Sunday. 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.
• Valentines for Veterans – Pearl Bailey Library (Newport News). Kids are invited to stop by the Library Youth Services Desk, Jan. 30 – Feb. 10 for a Valentines for Veterans activity. They’ll create valentines to be given to our local veterans. 
• Phillis Wheatley and the Music of Freedom – Hennage Auditorium (Colonial Williamsburg). Attend a musical exploration of the paradox of freedom as seen through the poetry of Phillis Wheatley. Wheatley was named after a slave ship that brought her to the colonies as a child. She possessed great talent and ultimately wrote poetry that garnered the attention of George Washington, who became a strong proponent of her writings. 4:30 – 5:30 pm. This special Black History Month program will be held on Fridays, Feb. 10, 17 and 24, 4:30 – 5:30 pm. 
• A Taste of Freedom – Hennage Auditorium (Colonial Williamsburg). This performance highlights the life of Americus Weston, a formerly enslaved man who gained freedom by escaping to a Union camp in the South. Requires Art Museum Admission or a Good Neighbor Pass. Saturdays, Feb. 11, 18 and 25 from 1:30 – 2:15 pm. 
• Liberty Ice Pavilion – Colonial Williamsburg. The Liberty Ice Pavilion at Colonial Williamsburg is open daily through Feb. 26, 2023. See the ice rink’s full operating schedule here.
• Busch Gardens Mardi Gras – Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Busch Gardens reopens in celebration of Mardi Gras every weekend from Jan. 27 through Feb. 26. The event will feature jazzy live music, classic Cajun flavors and favorite events like the cirque show Carnaval Imaginique. Guests will also enjoy colorful entertainment throughout all nine of Busch Gardens’ villages. Visit buschgardens.com for additional information or to purchase tickets