Things to do this weekend: Music festivals, garden tours, markets and more

There will be several special events coming up this weekend.

On Friday, Colonial Williamsburg will host an Archaeology Center Groundbreaking. The ceremony will celebrate the opening of a new, world-class archaeology center, which is set to open in 2025. The event is free and open to the public and will be held from 4:00 – 4:30 pm across from the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg.

On Saturday morning, the Williamsburg Botanical Garden and Freedom Park Arboretum (WBG-FPA) will hold an Earth/Arbor Day Plant-A-Tree Ceremony at Freedom Park in Williamsburg at 10:30 am. The free, family-friendly event will feature the planting of a Hackberry tree, giveaways and more.

Also on Saturday, the Tartans and Tie Dye Celebration – a Celtic, folk and rock music event to benefit The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life – kicks off in Yorktown. The all-day event will run from 11:00 am – 9:00 pm. Vendors, crafts, family activities, food and more will be available. Meanwhile, the Hampton Mosaic Festival, a free celebration of local and international culture, history and art featuring a “world market” with vendors, will be held at Mill Point Park from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

On Sunday, the Williamsburg Craft Beer Festival will be held at the Williamsburg Community Building Lawn. The event will include craft beer, live music and local food – all for a good cause. Proceeds will benefit nonprofit organizations in the Williamsburg area.

Additionally, there will be several multi-day events this weekend, including CNU’s free, weekend-long Virginia Community Music Festival (Saturday & Sunday at the Ferguson Center) and the Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival (Thursday-Saturday at Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center).

Williamsburg REALTORS has also 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.

Lastly, I want to again reiterate that I am incredibly grateful to everyone who donated to The Triangle’s first-ever fundraiser. Your generosity is much appreciated, and I am very happy to report that we nearly met our fundraising goal. Thank you for helping to keep this publication going.

See the list below for the full community calendar of events for this week.

-Christin

Events This Weekend

Friday, April 21

Special Event

• Archaeology Center Groundbreaking – Art Museums (Colonial Williamsburg). Attend a groundbreaking ceremony for the Colin G. and Nancy N. Campbell Archaeology Center. The center will be a world-class facility featuring CW’s extensive archaeological collection. See the website for additional details. 4:00 – 4:30 pm. 

Nature

• Forest Explorers Friday – Freedom Park (Williamsburg). Learn about the animals living in the park and where to look for them when exploring. Good for all ages; a parent/group leader/guardian must attend with kids. Free. 5:30 – 7:00 pm. 

Teens

• Teens Night Out – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Celebrate the grand opening of the James City County Library Teen Room with an evening of food, games, crafts, music and more. For ages 13-18. 6:30 – 8:30 pm. 

Live Music

• Live Music on the Pavilion: Allegra Duchaine – Williamsburg Winery (Williamsburg). Bring in your weekend with an acoustic performance by Allegra Duchaine at the 1619 Wine Pavilion. 4:00 – 7:00 pm. 
• Joe’s Day Off – Two Drummers Smokehouse (Toano). Patrons can enjoy BBQ and three hours of live music by popular band Joe’s Day Off. 6:00 – 9:00 pm. 
• The Connection – The Brass Tap (Williamsburg). The Connection debuts live at The Brass Tap. 7:00 – 10:00 pm. 
• VSO Presents: Romantic Meltdown – Ferguson Center for the Arts (Newport News). This performance features music by Anna Clyne, an inventive collaborator described by NPR as “fearless.” Purchase tickets here. 7:30 pm.

Saturday, April 22

Special Events

• Hampton Mosaic Festival – Mill Point Park (Hampton). “Hampton Mosaic Festival: A Celebration of Culture, History and the Arts” celebrates the diverse history and cultures found in Hampton and throughout the world. The event is designed for families and people of all ages and will feature dance, music, visual art, storytelling, cultural crafts, food and vendors in a world market. The event is held by the Hampton Clean City Commission in honor of Earth Day. 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. 
• Outdoor Enthusiast Festival – Newport News Park (Newport News). Celebrate the great outdoors with a special event hosted by Newport News Parks & Recreation. There will be activities throughout the day, including a rock-climbing wall, a live gator show, axe throwing, boating, disc golf and more. Admission is free; parking is $5. Satellite parking will also be available at Greenwood Elementary and Woodside High with free shuttle service. 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.
• Tartans and Tie Dye Celebration – Watermen’s Museum (Yorktown). Head to the Watermen’s Museum for a celebratory mosaic of Celtic, folk and rock music to raise awareness and funds for The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. There will be vendors, crafts, family activities, food and beverages. Bagpipers will also perform. This is an outdoor festival; attendees should bring a lawn chair. Click here for a full schedule and list of bands that will perform. $10 suggested donation at the gate. 11:00 am – 9:00 pm. 
• Counter Cultures: Reign – Jamestown Settlement (Williamsburg). Emcee Ken Johnston of History Now will introduce a variety of modern performances rooted to the traditions of Indigenous, English and African cultures tracing back to the 17th century during this special, all-day event. This program is included in general admission. See the full schedule of events here. Tickets are $18 for adults; $9.00 for kids. Residents of James City County, York County and Williamsburg receive free admission with proof of residency. 11:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Markets

• Yorktown Market Days – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). Shop for seasonal produce, freshly baked goods, meats, fresh-cut flowers, honey, handmade soaps and candles, work from local artists and artisans and more. Evan Young, a rock, country and surf singer, will perform on the Riverwalk Landing Stage. Free. 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 – 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

• Bird Walk – New Quarter Park (Williamsburg). Walk through New Quarter Park in search of birds. Walks are held the 4th Saturday of each month. Binoculars are available for loan. 8:00 – 10:00 am. Register here. 
• Earth Day – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Celebrate Earth Day at York River State Park. The focus will be on oysters and the water ecosystem they help support. Exhibitors will be on hand. Included with park admission. 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. 
• Earth/Arbor Day Plant-A-Tree Ceremony – Freedom Park (Williamsburg). Attend the third annual Earth/Arbor Day Plant-A-Tree ceremony, hosted by the James City Clean County Commission and the Williamsburg Botanical Garden and Freedom Park Arboretum (WBG-FPA). A Hackberry tree will be planted, and there will be giveaways including seeds, DIY bird feeders and more. This is a family-friendly event, and registration is not required. Free. 10:30 am.
• Stargazing – York River State Park (Williamsburg). The Virginia Peninsula Stargazers will point out the different items of our solar system in the night sky during this stargazing event. This program is weather dependent. See the website for details. 8:00 – 11:00 pm. 

History

• History Programs: Schooling – Freedom Park (Williamsburg). Attend an interactive, hands-on school day for adults and children. You’ll learn about how prominent Virginia diplomat William Ludwell Lee freed his slaves in 1806 and provided in his will an opportunity for those aged 18 and younger to receive an education. 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.
• Public Auction – Auction Stage (Colonial Williamsburg). Participate in an exciting auction, where you’ll be able to bid on selected items from CW’s stores and exclusive items not sold elsewhere. The selection changes for each auction. 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. 

Recycling/Drug Take Back Events

• DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day – James City County Police Department (Williamsburg). DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs at this free event. 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. 
• Fight the Bite 2023 Tire Recycling Event – 102 County Drive (Yorktown). York County residents are invited to recycle up to five tires per household for free. Tires must be off-rim and free of mud/concrete. Sponsored by York County Mosquito Control. 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

Classes for Adults

• Backyard Chicken Keeping – Yorktown Library (Yorktown). Learn the basics of keeping a small flock of pet chickens in your backyard. 1:30 – 3:00 pm. 
• Cutting the Cord – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Learn how to save money each month by not paying the cable company for channels you don’t need. You’ll hear about options for streaming those same Live TV channels over home wi-fi for $25-$70 a month with no annual contracts. 2:00 pm. 

Crafts

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

Kids & Families

• Kids Bounce – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). This mini trampoline class offers a unique experience for kids to burn their energy. $5. 10:00 – 10:45 pm. 

Live Music

• Blues And The Bayou – Williamsburg Community Building (Williamsburg). Attend a free concert under the big top featuring live music by Bobby Blackhat and Blackcat Zydeco. Rain or shine. 
• Choral Concert: W&M Women’s Chorus – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). The Women’s Chorus from The College of William and Mary, under the direction of Dr. Jamie Bartlett, will perform their annual spring candlelight concert. 8:00 – 9:00 pm. 

Sunday, April 23

Special Events

• Williamsburg Craft Beer Festival – Williamsburg Community Building & Lawn (Williamsburg). Attend the eighth annual Williamsburg Craft Beer Festival – an event featuring craft beer, local food and live music for a good cause. All proceeds benefit nonprofits in the Williamsburg area. Valid 21+ ID required for entry. General admission tickets are $5 and include entry to the event, a complimentary tasting glass for beer tastings, live music and food for purchase. VIP tickets are also available. Tickets can be purchased here. 12:00 – 5:00 pm.
• Reception: Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center Members’ Show – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Attend a reception to celebrate the WCAC’s latest exhibit of member art. This event is open to the public. 1:00 – 3:00 pm.  

Kids

• Paws to Read with K-9 Connection – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Children are invited to practice reading aloud to trained therapy dogs at this drop-in event. 2:30 pm. 

Live Music

• Live Music on the Pavilion: Felicia Hoyos – Williamsburg Winery (Williamsburg). Enjoy a relaxing Sunday afternoon with wine and music by Felicia Hoyos. 2:00 – 5:00 pm. 

Multi-Day

Special Events

• CNU’s Virginia Community Music Festival – Ferguson Center for the Arts (Newport News). This free event features many of your favorite community ensembles performing a concert in one of CNU’s acoustically superb concert halls. This year’s featured ensemble is The Alexandria Harmonizers, a renowned men’s a capella group from Northern Virginia. Free; no ticket required. April 22-23. Begins on April 22 at 11 am. See a full event schedule for Saturday and Sunday.
• Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival – Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center (Newport News). Attend the 25th Annual Ella Fitzgerald Music Festival at the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, April 20 – 22. This multi-day event will feature three amazing shows in the Ella Fitzgerald Theatre. The festival’s highlight is a concert by nationally acclaimed jazz singer and two-time Grammy winner Samara Joy (Saturday, April 22, 8:00 pm, $40. There will also be a performance by Legacy Jazz (Heritage High School) and the Christopher Newport University Jazz Ensemble (Thursday, April 20, 8:00 pm, $40). To purchase tickets, click here. 
• Spring Sidewalk Sale – Merchants Square (Williamsburg). Find unique gifts, accessories and fashion for the whole family at this year’s Spring Sidewalk Sale. Friday, April 21 – Sunday, April 23. 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. 
• 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 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. 
• CW Lights – Governor’s Palace Gardens (Colonial Williamsburg). Enjoy a magical glow experience at Colonial Williamsburg. Stroll through the world-class gardens at the Governor’s Palace, where the spring blooms will be illuminated like never before. You’ll also enjoy the finest 18th-century entertainment. This is a family-friendly event. CW Lights runs nightly through Saturday, April 22. Admission is $19 for adults, $12 for children 2-12 and free for children under 2. Tickets are available for three time slots: 8:00 – 9:00 pm, 8:30 – 9:30 pm or 9:00 – 10:00 pm. 

History

• Street Theatre – Front of Raleigh Tavern (Colonial Williamsburg). This street theatre performance explores the daily lives of the ordinary people who lived in 18th-century Colonial Williamsburg. Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout April. 10:00 – 10:25 am.
• Presentation: Musket Demonstration – Magazine Yard (Colonial Williamsburg). In this presentation, a member of Colonial Williamsburg’s Military Programs staff will demonstrate the loading and firing of the musket using an 18th-century loading procedure. This is a recurring event with multiple times/dates; see the website for details.

Art

• Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center (WCAC) Members’ Show – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). WCAC will be showcasing member art at this exhibit. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, April 14 – May 31, 2023. 
• Quilts Exhibit – Gallery at York Hall (Yorktown). Stop by to view the quilts exhibit at the Gallery of York Hall. The Gallery features paintings, pottery, jewelry, stained glass, quilts, and other pieces from more than 300 local artists available for purchase, and a portion of proceeds supports performing and visual arts in Historic Yorktown. The quilts exhibit runs April through May. Admission to the gallery is free. Hours are 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Tuesday – Saturday and 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Sunday.

Future Events to Note

• Birding & Brunch – Freedom Park (Williamsburg). Saturday, April 29, 8-11 am (register by April 22). Learn about the spring migration of many songbirds and how to begin to identify them. After the bird walk, enjoy brunch items including bagels, croissants, fruits, cheeses and virgin mimosas. Weather permitting. $12.
• Open Door Series: Molasses Creek with Coyote – Williamsburg Presbyterian Church (Williamsburg), Sunday, May 7, 4 pm. Enjoy a free concert featuring Molasses Creek with Coyote, high-energy folk musicians and award winners from Garrison Keillor’s “Prairie Home Companion.”
• WSO’s Masterworks Concert #5 – Williamsburg Community Chapel (Williamsburg). Thursday, May 25, 7:30 pm (pre-concert lecture 6:30 – 7:30 pm). 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.
• 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.