Things to do this weekend: Live music, annual plant sales, Art at the River and more events

Music lovers will have several opportunities to catch a live concert in and around the Historic Triangle this weekend.

Heading into the weekend, City Center at Oyster Point will launch a new First Fridays in City Center event series on Friday, May 5. There will be live music on the Market Stage, local food and drinks and more (5:00 – 9:00 pm).

An Afternoon of Flute, Song, and Piano featuring musicians Steven Tung and Carl Olson will be held at the Williamsburg Library Theatre on Saturday afternoon (3:00 – 4:30 pm).

There will also be live music throughout the afternoon at Yorktown’s Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival (Saturday) the Art at the River Juried Art Show at Riverwalk Landing (Sunday).

Finally, on Sunday, a concert featuring Molasses Creek – an Ocracoke Island-based band known for its high-energy performances and heartfelt songs – will be held at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church at 4:00 pm. The show marks the conclusion of the Open Doors Concert Series for the season.

Other highlights for this week include a Full Moon Hike at Freedom Park in Williamsburg (Friday), the Children’s Festival of Friends at Newport News Park (Saturday) and two big, annual plant sales: the James City County Williamsburg Master Gardener Plant Sale (9 am – noon at the Williamsburg Botanical Garden in Freedom Park) or the York/Poquoson Master Gardeners’ Annual Spring Plant Sale (8 am – noon at the York Learning Garden in Yorktown).

-Christin

Friday, May 5

Special Event

• First Fridays Block Party – Market Stage (City Center at Oyster Point). Head out for a new First Fridays event series at City Center at Oyster Point. There will be live music, local food and drinks and more. 5:00 – 9:00 pm.

Nature/Outdoor Recreation

• Mysterious Moonlight Canoe Tour – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Explore the marsh at night by canoe. This event is included in park admission; canoe reservations are $12/person or $8/person for a family of 4+. 7:30 – 10:30 pm. 
• Full Moon Hike – Freedom Park (Williamsburg). Explore the park after dark by enjoying a full moon hike after sunset at Freedom Park. Visitors may only use Multiuse Trail 3 at this time. Bring a flashlight. This event is weather permitting. Free. 8:00 – 9:00 pm. 

Tweens/Teens

• Teen After Hours – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Tabb Library will host a night of Putt Putt for tweens/middle school students (5:30 – 6:30 pm) and teens/high school students on Friday, May 5. Register online. 

Live Music

• Live Music on the Pavilion: Hard Times Band – Williamsburg Winery (Williamsburg). Enjoy a performance by Hard Times Band while sipping a glass of your favorite wine. 4:00 – 7:00 pm. 

Saturday, May 6

Special Events

• Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). Head to Riverwalk Landing for one of Yorktown’s biggest festivals of the year. Attendees will be able to sample more than 30 craft beers, enjoy delicious barbeque (available for purchase) and listen to some of the best Blues musicians in Hampton Roads. Tickets are $40 online or at the door (if available). A limited number of non-drinking tickets are available for $15. Tickets can be purchased here. 12:00 – 6:00 pm.
• James City County Williamsburg Master Gardener Plant Sale – Freedom Park Botanical Garden (Williamsburg). James City County Williamsburg Master Gardener Association (JCCWMGA) is hosting a plant sale on Saturday, May 6 at the Williamsburg Botanical Garden (WBG) located within Freedom Park at 5537 Centerville Road. This sale runs only on Saturday, May 6, rain, or shine. There will be a wide selection of annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, trees, and shrubs. Much of the plant stock has been raised by the Master Gardeners themselves. In addition to plants, visitors can shop the Green Thumb Market for gently used tools, equipment, and specialty items to perk up their garden decor. Admission to the WBG and parking in Freedom Park are free. For more information see jccwmg.org. 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. 
• York/Poquoson Master Gardeners’ Annual Spring Plant Sale – York Learning Garden (Yorktown). Garden enthusiasts are invited to attend the York/Poquoson Master Gardeners’ Annual Spring Plant Sale. The event is located at the Learning Garden at 301 Goodwin Neck Road in Yorktown. Shop for flowers, shrubs, trees, Yorktown onions and more – all for reasonable prices. Cash or check only. 8:00 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. The market runs from 8:00 – 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.

Nature

• Burning of the Socks/Paddling Season Kick-Off – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Kick off the spring kayak season by participating in the Burning of the Socks, a tradition among sailors on the Chesapeake Bay. Bring a pair of natural fiber socks to burn in the ceremony, and then join park staff for the first paddle of the season. This event is included with park admission. See the website for kayak and canoe reservation details. 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. 

Kids

• Children’s Festival of Friends – Newport News Park (Newport News). Children and their families are invited to attend the 31st Annual Newport News Children’s Festival of Friends. This year’s event features classic favorite characters, including the Berenstain Bears, Rainbow Fish, Curious George, Paddington Bear and Spiderman. There will be over 100 hands-on activities, a live performance, inflatables, trackless train rides and more. Food vendors will also be on site. Admission is free; parking is $5. 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. 
• Rainbow Puppets – “That’s the Truth!” – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). Rainbow Puppets presents a trio of character-developing storybook favorites in order to help kids understand the importance of always telling the truth. For ages 3 and up. 10:30 – 11:30 am. 

History

• The Battle of Williamsburg at New Quarter Park – New Quarter Park (Williamsburg). Historians and costumed interpreters will gather to talk to visitors about the Civil War Battle of Williamsburg and its aftermath. This event will take place at Redoubt 12. Free. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. 
• Beginner Workshop: Gunsmith – Historic Trade: Gunsmith (Colonial Williamsburg). Make three pieces of a rifle with sheet brass under the guidance of the Gunsmiths. The minimum age for this program is 13, and there is a limit of four participants. See the website to reserve tickets. $60. 10:00 – 11:00 am. 
• Talking History Lecture: Beau Robbins – American Revolution Museum (Yorktown). Historical interpreter Beau Robbins will portray America’s first naval hero John Paul Jones. 3:00 – 4:00 pm. Free. Admission is limited and registration is required. 

Music

• Afternoon of Flute, Song, and Piano with Steven Tung and Carl Olson – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Enjoy an afternoon of piano and flute music. Free. 3:00 – 4:30 pm. 
• Arturo Sandoval – The American Theatre (Theatre). Enjoy a special performance by legendary jazz musician Arturo Sandoval, who has won four Grammy Awards, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and countless other accolades for his musicianship and humanitarian efforts. Tickets are $35-$45. 8:00 – 10:00 pm. 
• Youth Harp Recital: Youth Harp Society – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Enjoy a candlelit recital featuring harp music by the Williamsburg Youth Harp Society with Cynthia Campbell, Director. 8:00 – 9:00 pm.

Educational

• Raising Rabbits – James City County Library (Williamsburg). The Fuzzy EAR of Gloucester, VA will lead this informative presentation about caring for and raising rabbits,  particularly the English Angora and French Lop breeds. 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. 

Crafts

• Sewing Saturday: Luggage Tags – Abram Frink Jr. Community Center (Williamsburg). Sew a luggage tag at this event. Supplies are provided. Bringing your own sewing machine is encouraged. See website for registration details. 9:45 am – 12:00 pm.
• Saturdays @ Frink: Maker Saturday – Abram Frink Jr. Community Center (Williamsburg). Drop in to create, invent and design something. 10:00 am – 1:00 pm.
• Makerspace: DIY Pillowcase – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Learn basic sewing skills and create a pillowcase. For ages 13+. Call to register. 2:00 pm.
• Craft It!: Felt Succulent – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). Craft a tea tin succulent at Yorktown Library. This program is for adults and registration is required. 1:30 – 2:45 pm. 

Sunday, May 7

Special Event

• Art at the River Juried Art Show – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). The 10th annual Juried Art Show at the Historic Yorktown waterfront will feature the work of more than 35 local artists amid a beautiful backdrop. The Fifes and Drums of York Town will also perform. Free. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. 

Live Music

• Live Music on the Pavilion: Nathan Lienard – Williamsburg Winery (Williamsburg). Nathan Lienard will perform amid the backdrop of the beautiful vineyards at the Williamsburg Winery. 2:00 – 5:00 pm. 
• Open Door Series: Molasses Creek with Coyote – Williamsburg Presbyterian Church (Williamsburg). Enjoy a free Open Door concert featuring Molasses Creek with their high-energy performance, elegant harmonies and arrangements, stellar songwriting, blazing instrumentals and quirky sense of humor that have won loyal followers throughout the United States and around the world. For this concert, Molasses Creek joins forces with their friends, Coyote, for an exciting conclusion to the fourth Open Door Concert Series season! 4:00 pm.

History

• Norfolk Southern in Hampton Roads – Lee Hall Depot (Newport News). Learn about Norfolk Southern’s history in Hampton Roads during this presentation by author Elizabeth Cooper. Free admission. 2:00 pm. 

Writing

• How to Effectively Critique a Manuscript  – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). This interactive presentation, led by Sally Stiles of the Chesapeake Bay Writers, will focus on effective critique methods for manuscripts. 2:00 – 3:30 pm. 

Crafts

• Makerspace: Your Sewing Toolbox – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Beginner sewers will discover what they need for their own sewing toolbox. For ages 13+. Call to register. 2:00 pm.

Kids

• Beanbag Book Club – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Emerging readers are invited to read, play games and participate in fun activities. Attendees will get a copy of an early reader book to keep. There are two sessions available: 2 pm or 3 pm. For ages 5-8. Spaces are limited; call to register. 
• Paws to Read – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Kids are invited to practice their reading skills by reading to trained therapy dogs. For grades 1-5. There are two time slots: 1:30 – 2:30 pm  and 3:30 – 4:30 pm. 

Multi-Day

Special Event

• Pedal the Parkway – Colonial Parkway (Williamsburg). Bike/Walk Williamsburg and the National Park Service will close 8 miles of the Colonial Parkway off to vehicular traffic for the 25th annual Pedal the Parkway event from Friday, May 5 at 7:00 am – Sunday, May 7 at 8:00 pm. Free parking is available at the Jamestown Settlement and at the National Park Service Visitor Center on Jamestown Island. This event is held rain or shine.
• Cinco de Mayo – Busch Gardens (Williamsburg). Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Busch Gardens. There will be festive music, specialty Mexican food and beverages, a fiesta party zone and more. May 5-7. 

Music

The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci with the Virginia Choral Society and Chamber Orchestra – Hilton Presbyterian Church (Newport News). The Virginia Choral Society will present its spring concert, Jocelyn Hagen’s Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci at 4 pm on Saturday, May 6 and Sunday, May 7 at Hilton Presbyterian Church. This show is expected to sell out. General admission is $20. Early bird, student, senior and military discounts are available. See the website for details or to purchase tickets.

Theatre

Over the River and Through the Woods – Peninsula Community Theatre (Newport News). Enjoy a hilarious comedy show at the Peninsula Community Theatre. Runs May 5 – 21, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 2:30 pm. Standard tickets are $20; senior/military tickets are $16 and student tickets are $12. Purchase tickets here. 

Raffle/Fundraiser

Wheelbarrow of Summer Fun Raffle – Williamsburg REALTORS has kicked off a Wheelbarrow of Summer Fun raffle to raise money to build a house in James City County for a local family in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. All proceeds will be used to build a Habitat home for a local family. The winner will be drawn on June 15th. To purchase a raffle ticket, click here.

Exhibit

The Photographer’s Guild Member Exhibit – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). This exhibit features work from ten local photographers who enjoy the art and craft of photography and sharing their work. Exhibit hours: April 3 – May 31, 2023, during library hours. 

Ongoing Plant Sales

• Plants with a Purpose Honor Box Plant Sale – Freedom Park (Williamsburg). The 2023 Honor Box Plant Sale by the Williamsburg Botanical Garden and Freedom Park Arboretum (WBG-FPA) opens Saturday, April 22 and runs through May 26 from 7 am until sunset. Plants are priced as marked; pay with cash or check dropped in the lock box on the attached sale rack or pay for plants online at https://bit.ly/honorpay if the total is above $10. See the web link for additional details. 
• Spring Native Plant Sale 2023 – Virginia Living Museum (Newport News). Choose from an array of beautiful native plants for a variety of gardens and styles. Many are great for attracting butterflies, hummingbirds and other wildlife to your yard. April 22-23 and 29-30, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm. 

Future Events to Note

• Spring After Hours Concert Series – Sullivan Square in New Town (Williamsburg). James City Parks & Recreation, CultureFix and New Town are partnering to present a free 4-day Spring After Hours Concert Series. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Dates: Wednesdays, May 3 (Beatlesque), May 10 (Michael Clark Band), May 17 (Bullet the Blue Sky) & May 24 (LionsBridge). 5:30 pm. 
• HRP Presents: A Mother’s Day Concert – Fort Monroe Theatre (Hampton). Celebrate the mothers in your lives at this special concert featuring classical music performed by the Hampton Roads Philharmonic. May 14, 2:30 pm. 
• WSO’s Masterworks Concert #5 – Williamsburg Community Chapel (Williamsburg). Enjoy WSO’s final concert of the season: Masterworks Concert #5, Rhapsody in Blue, directed by Michael Butterman. A live stream of the performance will also be available. Thursday, May 25, 7:30 pm (pre-concert lecture 6:30 – 7:30 pm).
• WAAR Shred-a-Thon – WAAR Parking Lot (Williamsburg). Williamsburg REALTORS ® will hold a Document Shredding Community Event free to all on June 1 from 2-4  pm at WAAR office parking lot (5000 New Point Rd, Ste 1101, Williamsburg). 

Community Announcements

Host families are needed for exchange students – Host families are currently being matched with high school foreign exchange students for all school districts for the 23-24 school year. Spots are limited, and May 15th is the deadline. Students have their own spending money and health insurance, are fluent in English, fully supervised throughout their stay (semester or school year), and are matched based on shared interests/hobbies, country and gender preference. Anyone can host– traditional families, singles, working parents, empty nesters, etc. Contact Welby Whiting Fairlie 757-784-8763 or [email protected]. Additional information is also available at www.iseusa.org.