Veterans Day events, outdoor festivals, a shopping extravaganza and more to do this week

This week ushers in a variety of special Veterans Day events, including a Veterans Fireside Chat at Historic Endview (Nov. 10) and a Veterans Day Proclamation Ceremony and Military March (Nov. 11) at Colonial Williamsburg.

Veterans will also receive free admission to Colonial Williamsburg (Nov. 11 – 13) and Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum in Yorktown (Nov. 11). Admission to the Virginia War Museum, Historic Jamestowne and National Parks nationwide will also be free to everyone on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

The weekend brings the Maritime Festival and Wine Festival in Yorktown, the Bodacious Bazaar shopping extravaganza at the Hampton Roads Convention Center and an Oyster Roast Festival at the Virginia Living Museum. The James City County Police Department will also host a Stuff the Cruiser 2022 event in Williamsburg to collect holiday food for local families in need.

If you haven’t done so already, be sure to vote this Tuesday, Nov. 8, as early voting is now closed in Virginia. I’ve included some election-related notes below.

-Christin

Special Events

️ Monday, Nov. 7

• NaNoWriMo: Getting the Write Start – Grissom Library (Newport News). Join staff from the Tidewater Community Writing Center for a special NaNoWriMo kickoff event. NaNoWriMo is an international writing event where participants write a 50,000-word manuscript during the month of November. The program will discuss how to get started, get organized and more. 12:00 – 1:00 pm.

️ Tuesday, Nov. 8

• Election Day 2022 – Be sure to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 8 (if you haven’t done so already). Early voting is now closed in Virginia. To find your polling place, visit The Virginia Department of Elections website. Please note: Many of you who are currently represented by Congresswoman Elaine Luria (D-VA) have been moved to another district and will, therefore, not be voting in the race between Luria and Jennifer Kiggans (R-VA Beach) this year. New maps were drawn up during redistricting, removing parts of the Peninsula – including James City County, York County, The City of Williamsburg, Hampton and Poquoson – from the 2nd District, as WAVY News explains. Many local voters will instead be casting their ballots in the 1st District Congressional race. To find out whether or not your representatives are changing and view the approved maps, visit The Virginia Public Access Project’s website.
• Full Moon Hike: Frost Moon – Freedom Park (Williamsburg). Freedom Park will stay open past sunset, for this self-guided hike. Only Multiuse Trail 3 will be open, and users must depart by 6 pm. Weather permitting; no registration is required. Sunset – 6:00 pm.

️ Wednesday, Nov. 9

• VetNow: Online Support for Veterans – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Barry Trott from the Library of Virginia will discuss VetNow and its wealth of resources for veterans and military families. 6:30 – 7:30 pm.

️ Thursday, Nov. 10

• Over the River and Through the Woods – Smithfield (begins at the Scotland Ferry). Take in the views of the beautiful James River by the Scotland Ferry for a docent-led tour of St. Luke’s Church in Smithfield. You’ll then head to The Smithfield Inn for Lunch. This event is presented by the Williamsburg Symphony League. See the website for lunch choices and additional information. $55/person. 10:45 am.
• Veterans Fireside Chat – Historic Endview (Newport News). Spend an evening honoring veterans by listening to accounts from living historians portraying military personnel from various wars. There will also be a special nighttime tour of Historic Endview, focusing on the site’s connections to the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and the Civil War. Refreshments are included. $8 per person. 6:30 – 8:00 pm.
• “Heavy Metal:” Evening Lecture Series – The Mariners’ Museum and Park (Newport News). Award-winning international journalist and author Michael Fabey will lead a lecture based on his book “Heavy Metal.” For the book, Fabey went inside the gates of Newport News Shipbuilding, where the words “Made in America” still mean something. He’ll also discuss how shipbuilders put aside any differences of color, creed or politics to create something much larger than their individual selves. A book signing will follow the Q&A. This lecture is $10 for guests in-person (free to watch livestreamed online). Must register in advance whether attending virtually or in-person. 7:00 pm.

️ Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11

• Veterans Day Flag Setting Ceremony – Cedar Grove Cemetary (Williamsburg). The City of Williamsburg invites the public to help place flags on the graves of veterans in Cedar Grove Cemetery on Wednesday, Nov. 9. Flags will be provided. For additional details, click here. 9:00 am.
• Veterans Day Proclamation Ceremony – Palace Green (Williamsburg). Colonial Williamsburg’s Veterans Day programming begins with a ceremony on Palace Green to honor the men and women who have served in the U.S Armed Forces. The stirring tribute will be presented in partnership with the Williamsburg Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. 10:00 – 11:00 am.
• Yorktown Veterans Day Ceremony – American Revolution Museum (Yorktown). Join this special Veterans Day ceremony to honor the service of military veterans past and present. All veterans, active duty, reserve and retired military personnel and up to three direct family members can enjoy free admission during the day to Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Learn more about free military admission here. 11:00 am.
• Veterans Day Free Admission – Virginia War Museum (Newport News). All are invited to explore America’s history at the Virginia War Museum free of charge for Veterans Day. 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.
• Veterans Day and the Meaning of Peace – The Mariners’ Museum and Park (Newport News). John V. Quarstein, Director emeritus of the USS Monitor Center, will present a special history lecture on Veterans Day and the meaning of peace. Advance registration is required whether attending in-person or virtually. Cost for in-person attendance is $1; virtual attendance is free. 12:00 – 1:00 pm.
• A Military March Honoring America’s Veterans – Duke of Gloucester Street (Williamsburg). This afternoon march and ceremony honors America’s veterans and features the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums, Military Programs staff, and an address of gratitude to Williamsburg community veterans by Mrs. Washington. The march starts at Capitol Circle and concludes with a commemoration ceremony behind the Courthouse on Market Square. All armed forces veterans are welcome and encouraged to participate. 3:30 – 4:30 pm.
• National Parks Fee-Free Day – The National Park Service will waive entrance fees to all parks – and offer free parking – to everyone on Veterans Day. Parks in Virginia will also offer free parking. At Colonial National Historic Park at Historic Jamestowne, the NPS portion of the admission fee will be waived. Historic Jamestowne is also offering free, one-day admission on Friday, Nov. 11 in honor of Veterans Day. Visitors should check in to get their free admission passes at the ticketing desk inside the Visitor Center. For additional information about the National Park free entrance days, click here.
• Ford’s Colony Dance Band: Veterans Tribute – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). The Ford’s Colony Dance Band will pay tribute to the 77th anniversary of the end of WWII with a re-creation of the Benny Goodman weekly radio show, with news reports from the front lines. Free admission; no tickets needed. 7:30 pm.

Colonial Williamsburg will offer free admission for veterans on Veterans Day weekend (Nov. 11-13). Special programming will also be offered throughout the day on Nov. 11. (Photo provided by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation).

️ Saturday, Nov. 12

• Native American Day – Historic Jamestowne (Williamsburg). Join Historic Jamestowne in honoring Native American Heritage Month. Jamestown Island represents thousands of years of human occupation prior to the arrival of the English in 1607 and is the land of the Paspahegh, once part of the Powhatan nation, also called Tsenacommacah. On Native American Day, Daniel Firehawk Abbott (Nanticoke) will interpret traditional lifeways of Tidewater Algonquians. Visitors can also join public historian Mark Summers for the Powhatan & English Walking Tour and explore the exhibit “The World of Pocahontas” inside the Archaearium.
• Maritime Festival – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). Sample some of the best seafood in the area during this special market day. Artisans will also sell nautical-inspired jewelry and art; pirates will invade the waterfront; and there will be a History Fair inside the Freight Shed from 9 am to 3 pm featuring untold stories of Yorktown. Free. 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.
• In the Garden: Plants for Holiday Decorating – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). A VCE Master Gardener will present on Christmas Cactus, Amaryllis, and Paperwhites. Attendees will learn how to propagate, care for and maintain their plants for long-term use. 10:15 – 11:15 am.
• Oyster Roast – Virginia Living Museum (Newport News). The Oyster Roast features all-you-can-eat fresh local Virginia oysters, fried seafood, chowder and dessert. There will also be local craft brews, live local entertainment, a DJ, live animal encounters and conservation education, prize opportunities and more. Attendees will receive a commemorative glass. Tickets are $65 and will increase to $75 on Monday, Nov. 7. 3:00 – 6:00 pm.
• Stuff the Cruiser 2022– Walmart Neighborhood Market (Williamsburg). The James City County Police Department will host the “Stuff the Cruiser” food drive in partnership with local food banks on Nov. 12. All citizens are encouraged to stop by drop off holiday food items for families in need. Some suggested items include stuffing, potatoes, cornbread, canned vegetables, gravy, rolls, pie crust, marshmallows, disposable pans, pie filling and other non-perishable foods. 8:00 am – 12:00 pm.
• Household Chemical and Computer Collections – 105 Service Dr. (Yorktown). VPPSA will hold a household chemical collection event on Nov. 12 for residents from Hampton, Poquoson, Williamsburg, James City County and York County. See a list of acceptable materials here. 8:00 am – 12:00 PM.

Jamestown Rediscovery will host a Native American Day on Saturday, Nov. 12. Image features Daniel Firehawk Abbot Nanticoke by Chuck Durfor. (Courtesy of Jamestown Rediscovery.)

️ Sunday, Nov. 13

• Second Sundays – Downtown Williamsburg (Williamsburg). Second Sundays Williamsburg returns Sunday, Nov. 13 with unique artisans, musicians, street performers and food vendors. 11:00 am – 4:00 pm.
• Yorktown Wine Festival – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). Sample Rieslings and Gewürztraminers from Germany and indulge bubbly from France at the Yorktown Wine Festival. There will also be live music from Wonderland and Brasswind, food from local restaurants and the work of talented artisans. Click here for a list of participating restaurants. 12:00 – 6:00 pm.

️ Multi-Day

• Revel at Chowning’s Tavern – Chowning’s Tavern Garden (Colonial Williamsburg). Head to Chowning’s for an evening of 18th-century merrymaking. You never know who may stop by to share stories, converse, ignite a bit of treason or lead the room in boisterous song. Nov. 11 & 18. 7:00 – 9:00 pm.
• Lighting of the Cressets – Duke of Gloucester Street (Colonial Williamsburg). Colonial Williamsburg’s 18th-century streets will come alive at night with strolling musicians during the Lighting of the Cressets. This event is open to the public and will be held on select evenings throughout the month. This event will be held Nov. 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 25 & 26.
• The Bodacious Bazaar Fall Show – Hampton Roads Convention Center (Hampton). Kick off the holidays by starting your Christmas shopping at The Bodacious Bazaar, a 3-day shopping extravaganza featuring 350 quality vendors, artists, crafters, local businesses. Hours are Friday, Nov. 11, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm; Saturday, Nov. 12, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm and Sunday, Nov. 13, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Tickets are $9 for adults for one day or $13 for two days. Children are $6 (kids in strollers are free).
• Toys for Tots Annual Toy Drive – The Mariners’ Museum and Park (Newport News). The Mariners’ Museum and Park is hosting its annual toy drive for children in need. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for a child during the museum’s open hours and place it in the donation box in the Main Lobby. Toys for children 8 and over are always particularly needed. This event will run from Tuesday, Nov. 8 through Sunday, Dec. 11, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Music & Theatre

️ Monday, Nov. 7

• Anastasia – Ferguson Center (Newport News). The romantic and adventure-filled new musical, Anastasia, comes to the Ferguson Theatre on Monday, Nov. 7. The show is presented by Tony Award®-winning creators of the Broadway classic Ragtime. Tickets start at $55. 7:30 pm.

️ Thursday, Nov. 10

• The Doo Wop Project – Ferguson Center (Newport News). The Virginia Symphony Orchestra (VSO) presents The Doo Wop ProjectThe musical brings some of the greatest music in American pop and rock history. Tickets are $25 and up. 7:30 pm.
• Organ Recital: Cheryl Van Ornam (Bruton Parish Church). Enjoy a candlelit recital by organist Cheryl Van Ornam from First Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. 8:00 – 9:00 pm.

️ Friday, Nov. 11

• Michael W. Smith: The WayMaker Tour – Ferguson Center (Newport News). Multi-platinum artist and best-selling author Michael W. Smith will present an unforgettable night of music and worship with special guest Jon Reddick. Tickets are $14.88 and up. 7:30 pm.

️ Multi-Day

• Roald Dahl’s Matilda: The Musical – Williamsburg Players (Williamsburg). See the story of Matilda transformed into a vibrant musical. See website for times and ticket information. Nov. 4-20, 2022.

Art ️

️ Multi-Day

• Veterans Day Youth Art Show – Virginia War Museum (Newport News). This exhibit features artwork by students in kindergarten through 8th grade with themes related to military service. Included with regular museum admission. This exhibit will run Nov. 10 – 26, and the museum is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday, 9 am – 4 pm.
• Yorktown Arts Foundation: Fourth Annual Veterans Art Show – On the Hill Gallery (Yorktown). The 4th Annual Veterans Art Show is open to anyone who is serving or has served in the US military. It will be open Nov. 3-20. More information is available here. Free.

Films

️ Tuesday, Nov. 8

• Art House Café Film Series: “They Shall Not Grow Old” – The Cinema @ Scotland Street series features indie, foreign, art house and documentary films. The featured film for Nov. 8 will be They Shall Not Grow Old (2018; R). 2:00 – 3:40 pm.

️ Thursday, Nov. 10

• Celtic Film Series: “Black ’47” – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). The Celtic Film Series runs the 2nd Thursday of each month through May 2023. This month’s featured film is Black ’47 (2018; R). 6:00 pm.
• Throwback Thursday Film Series: Miracle in the Rain – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). The Throwback Thursday Film Series, now in its 19th year, features a variety of classic movies for an adult audience. The featured film for Nov. 10 will be Miracle in the Rain (1956; NR), 2:00 – 3:50 pm.

Groups & Gatherings

️ Saturday, Nov. 12

• Williamsburg Friends of IANDS November Meeting – Virtual. Williamsburg Friends of IANDS (International Association for Near-Death Studies) is a nonprofit organization that introduces the public to individuals who have had life-changing near-death experiences. This month’s featured speakers are Jeffrey and Spencer Olsen. Jeffrey Olsen is an international bestselling author who aims to inspire audiences globally. Free and open to the public. See the website for additional details and a Zoom link. 11:00 am.

Kids & Families

Williamsburg & Yorktown

️ Monday, Nov. 7

• Dino Glow! – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Kids are invited to drop in and build under a backlight with the library’s amazing foam dinosaurs. The creative building set features glow-in-the-dark tape so kids can create a creature that lights up in the dark.6:00 – 7:30 pm.

️ Friday, Nov. 11

• Splash on Friday – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). Enjoy family time at the pool, including a free swim area and area for a Wibit inflatable obstacle course. Registration is required. For all ages. Free. 6:00 – 8:00 pm.

️ Saturday, Nov. 12

• Science Saturday: Grossology Series – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Fall Science Saturdays are an overview of many things gross. This week’s series focuses on spit, slobber and drool. 10:15 – 11:00 am.
• Saturdays@Frink: Singer Chris Campbell – Abram Frink Jr. Community Center (Williamsburg). Families are invited to this special performance by singer, songwriter, musician and ventriloquist Chris Campbel. Show starts at 11 am; classic arcade games and other fun activities will be available between 10 am – 1 pm.
• Trackless Train Rides – Freedom Park (Williamsburg). James City County’s Trackless Train will be at Freedom Park in Williamsburg on Nov. 12 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm. It features four cars, an engine, coal car and two passenger cars as well as door locks, seat belts, lighting a PA system and a smoke system. Free. 2:00 – 4:00 pm.

️ Sunday, Nov. 13

• Paws to Read with K-9 Connection – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Paws to read is designed to help kids improve their reading skills by reading to a friendly, trained therapy dog. This is a drop-in event; no registration is required. 2:30 – 3:30 pm.

Newport News

️ Monday, Nov. 7

• Family Movie Night – Pearl Bailey Library (Newport News). Head over to Pearl Bailey for a family movie night featuring the animated film Minions: The Rise of Gru. All ages welcome; light refreshments will be provided. 5:00 pm.

️ Tuesday, Nov. 8

• The Art of Fall – Grissom Library (Newport News). Kids in grades K-5 are invited to create a mixed media fall-inspired masterpiece. 2:00 pm.

️ Wednesday, Nov. 9

• Kiddie Crafts – Willow Oaks Branch Library (Hampton). Kids are invited to visit the Children’s Department each week for a new craft. They can take a craft kit home with them if they are unable to stay. 9:00 am – 7:00
• Fairy Tales in Motion – Grissom Library (Newport News). Kids ages 3-7 will act out classic stories with music and expressive movement. 11:00 am.
• Black Panther Bash – Pearl Bailey Library (Newport News). Families are invited to celebrate the upcoming movie, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, with crafts and trivia. Costumes encouraged! No registration is required. 5:30 – 7:30 pm.

️ Thursday, Nov. 10

• Storytime at Barnes & Noble – Barnes & Noble (Newport News). Storytime is back at Barnes & Noble in the Yoder Plaza Shopping Center (12170 Jefferson Avenue). Head over to the kids’ department every Thursday for an in-store storytime. Children of all ages are welcome; no reservations are needed. 10:30 am.

️ Saturday, Nov. 12

• Storytime – Barnes & Noble (Hampton). Head to Barnes & Noble at the Peninsula Town Center (5100 Kilgore Ave.) in Hampton for a children’s storytime. Every Saturday morning, staff will read a story or two, offer an activity if time permits and have a snack. 11:00 am.

Just for Teens & Tweens

️ Tuesday, Nov. 8

• Teen Game Night – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Teens ages 13+ are invited to attend this evening of tabletop games and video gaming. No registration is required for this drop-in event. 6:00 – 7:30 pm.

️ Wednesday, Nov. 9

• Teen Drop-In Craft – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Middle and high school students are invited to drop into the teen area of the library to make a quick craft. This month’s featured craft will involve making a bookmark with 3D pens. 4:00 – 5:00 pm.
• Makerspace: Design Your Own 3D Keychain – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Teens 13+ will learn the basics of Tinkercad and design their own 3D keychain. Spots are limited; see the website for registration information. 4:30 – 5:30 pm.

️ Multi-Day

• Teen Writing Lounge – Multiple Locations (Williamsburg). Teens ages 13-18 are invited to join this fun event for writing prompts and exercises to get their creativity going. This program meets Sundays throughout November. It will be held at James City County Library on Nov. 13, at the Stryker Center on Nov. 20 and at Williamsburg Library on Nov. 27. See website for additional information. 2:00 – 3:30 pm.
• Teen Tuesdays – Pearl Bailey Library (Newport News). Teens are invited to hangout at Pearl Bailey’s Teen Spot every Tuesday. There will be different activities each week. Click here for more details. 5:00 – 6:00 pm.

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