Virginia Symphony Orchestra to present two free concerts in Historic Triangle this week

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra (VSO) is presenting two free, outdoor concerts in the Historic Triangle this week.

The first concert, Symphony Under the Stars, will be held at William & Mary’s Lake Matoaka Amphitheatre on Thursday, August 31. The concert will be free, but wristbands will be required due to venue capacity limitations. Wristbands will be distributed by the venue ticket office beginning at 6:00 p.m, and the concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. 

Lawn chairs are welcome but should not block the view of other guests. Personal coolers and picnic baskets are also welcome; however, neither external alcoholic beverages nor glass containers are allowed in the venue. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase at the venue.

Guests are encouraged to park in the garage located at 201 Ukrop Way and should arrive after 5 p.m. to allow daytime traffic to clear the lots.

The concert will be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.

VSO will also perform in Historic Yorktown this Saturday, September 2, at 7:30 p.m. for the 25th annual outdoor concert under the stars at Riverwalk Landing.

This year, the orchestra will perform music from around the world, including pieces from Ireland, Germany, France, the African diaspora, Russia, Asia and the Americas. 

The free concert is presented by the Celebrate Yorktown Committee of the Yorktown Foundation with generous support from York County, the York County Arts Commission, and the Virginia Commission for the Arts, as well as community contributors from organizations, businesses, and individuals.

Parking is available in the two-level parking terrace on Water Street and at York Hall, the County Administration Building, York-Poquoson Court Complex, and other designated lots throughout town. For this event only, guests may also park at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown beginning at 5 p.m.  

Concert-goers are encouraged to arrive early and bring a cooler and lawn chairs or a blanket. The award-winning Fifes and Drums of York Town will put on a festive performance at 6 p.m., and blue ribbons will be awarded to the most creative dining set-ups prior to the event.

In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be rescheduled, with a rain date of September 6.

Some other events to highlight for this week include the final Port Warwick summer concert of the season, featuring Vinyl Headlights; a free Full Moon Hike at Freedom Park; a kayaking program at Mariners’ Lake in Newport News and the Crabtown Seafood Festival in Hampton.

The Summer Breeze Movie Series also concludes with a final free outdoor movie in Merchant’s Square this Sunday. The title of the film has not yet been announced, but updates will be posted to the Merchants Square Facebook page. 

-Christin

Events This Week

Tuesday, August 29

Film

• Art House Café Film Series: “Emily” – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). This film series brings an art house flavor to your Tuesdays. This week’s featured film is Emily (2022; R). See the website for a description. 2:00 – 4:10 pm. 

Music 

• Capitol Concert – Capitol Hall of Burgesses (Colonial Williamsburg). Join the Governor’s Musick Ensemble in the Hall of Burgesses for a special evening of chamber music. Tickets are $19 for adults, $12 for children under age 12. 7:00 – 9:00 pm. 

Wednesday, August 30

Books

• A Year Inside College Admissions: An Author Talk with Jeff Selingo – Virtual (hosted by Williamsburg Regional Library). Jeff Selingo, journalist and higher education expert, dispels entrenched notions of how to compete and win at the admissions game in his book. In this live event, viewers can ask questions to the author directly. 2:00 pm. 

Music

• Port Warwick Summer Concert Series: Vinyl Headlights – Port Warwick (Newport News). Enjoy the final Port Warwick summer concert of the season. Vinyl Headlights will perform pop, rock and popular dance music from the 1960s to today. If a concert is canceled due to weather, an announcement will be posted to the Port Warwick Facebook page. These concerts are family-friendly and open to all. Food trucks from Big Daddy’s BBQ, Boyd’s Tasty Dogs, Pop’s Kettle Corn, Kona Ice, and Scratch Bakery will be onsite this week. Free. 6:00 – 9:00 pm.

Outdoor Recreation

• Full Moon Hike – Freedom Park (Williamsburg). Explore Freedom Park after dark. Multiuse Trail 3 will reopen after sunset for a self-guided hike on a one-mile, paved ADA-compliant trail winding through the Colby Swamp and wooded forest. Bug spray and a flashlight are recommended. Free. 7:30 – 8:30 pm. 

Thursday, August 31

Special Event

• Red Cross Blood Drive At Midtown – Midtown Clubhouse (Williamsburg). Midtown Row is hosting a blood drive on Thursday, August 31 at 221 Monticello Avenue. The event will be held from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. Schedule an appointment here. 
• Evening Lecture: Lessons from America’s Flatboat Era – The Mariners’ Museum and Park (Newport News). Rinker Buck, master storyteller and New York Times bestselling author, will discuss his newest book, Life on the Mississippi: An Epic American Adventure. A book signing will follow the Q&A. Advanced registration is required whether attending in person or virtually. In-person attendance is $10 for guests and free for museum members. Virtual attendance is free. 7:00 – 8:30 pm. 

Film

• Throwback Thursday Film Series: “Funny Girl” – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). This week’s featured film is Funny Girl (1968; G), featuring Oscar-winning actress Barbara Streisand. 2:00 – 4:35 pm. 

Music

• Virginia Symphony Orchestra: “Symphony Under the Stars” – Martha Wren Briggs Amphitheatre at Lake Matoaka (Williamsburg). The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will present a free concert at Lake Matoaka Amphitheatre, sponsored by William & Mary, the City of Williamsburg and the W&M Student Assembly. This event is free, but wristbands will be required to enter the venue due to capacity limitations. Wristbands will be distributed by the venue ticket office beginning at 6:00 pm. The gates will open at 6:30 pm, and the concert begins at 7:30 pm. The concert will be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. See the website for additional details, including parking information.
• Organ Recital: Cheryl Van Ornam – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Enjoy a candlelit recital featuring organist Cheryl Van Ornam from First Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. 8:00 – 9:00 pm.

Friday, September 1

Nature

• Waters, Woods, and Wildlife Paddle – Mariners’ Museum and Park (Newport News). Enjoy a relaxing paddle on Mariners’ Lake. All kayaking levels are welcome. Equipment (kayaks, paddles and life jackets) are included in the program fee. Advance registration is required and space is limited to 10 individuals per program. Sessions will be held from 10:30 – 11:45 am and 2:00 – 3:15 pm. $10. 
• Operation Oyster Reef – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Discover what makes oyster reefs so important to the health of the Chesapeake Bay and learn about how York River State Park is contributing to the habitat. 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. Included with park admission. 

Craft

• Sew a Scrunchy – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Participants will learn sewing basics and leave with a scrunchy. For ages 13+. See the website for registration details. 2:00 pm. 

Teens

• Teen VR Night – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Teens ages 13-18 are invited to be transported into virtual reality with VR headsets. 4:00 – 5:30 pm. 

Music

• Live Music on the Pavilion: Second Wind Trio – Williamsburg Winery (Williamsburg). Get your weekend started with a performance by Second Wind Trio at the 1619 Wine Pavilion. 4:00 – 7:00 pm.

Saturday, September 2

Special Events

• 3rd Annual One Love Reggae Music Festival – Tradition Brewing Company (Newport News). The 3rd Annual One Love Reggae Music Festival focuses on using the messages of reggae to provide a holistic approach to music, health and soul. It features the merging of different genres of music and features a lineup of 11 local artists, good food and over 45 local craft vendors. See the website for the full lineup. Free admission. 11:00 am – 9:00 pm. 
• Counter Cultures: Rebellion – American Revolution Museum (Yorktown). Explore the Reign & Rebellion special exhibition and enjoy a day of lively presentations and interactive sessions. This event focuses on protest, rebellion and revolution and their impact on 18th and 19th century Virginia. 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. 
• Crabtown Seafood Festival – Mill Point Park (Hampton). The annual Crabtown Seafood Festival returns this Saturday, September 2. The event features seafood vendors, educational exhibits, food vendors, nautical art, kids activities and live music. 11:00 am – 7:00 pm. 
• Sunset Cruise & Harbor Tour – 710 Settlers Landing Road (Hampton). Enjoy the last sunsets of summer on the Hampton Queen. The cruise departs at 6:30 pm and returns to the dock at 8:00 pm. There will be freshly popped popcorn, hotdogs and other snacks on board. Tickets are $24-$42. Afternoon sightseeing tours are also available. See the Hampton Harbor Tours website for details. 
• Movies in the Park: “Luca” – Charles Brown Park (Yorktown). Attend a movie in the park featuring the film Luca (PG). Bring chairs or a blanket for seating. Concessions are available. Free. Begins at sunset. 

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 am – 12:00 pm.
• 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 guitarist Phil Poteat will perform on the Riverwalk Landing Stage. 8:00 am – 12:00 pm. 
• 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.
• Buckroe Beach Farmers Market – Buckroe Beach (Hampton). Shop for fresh produce, baked goods, dog treats, gift items and much more from 30+ local vendors. 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. 

Kids

• Preschool Dance Party – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Preschool-age kids are invited to attend this fun hour of songs, movement and rhymes. Parents can join in on the dancing, too. 11:00 am. 

Nature

• Dabble in Discovery – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Meet with a naturalist/ranger and discover the aquatic, insect, mammal and plant life in the park’s ecosystems. Included with standard park admission. 1:00 – 3:00 pm. 

Music

• Scott Varney – Spoke & Art Provisions Co. (Williamsburg). Enjoy live music by Scott Varney. 12:00 – 4:00 pm. 
• Virginia Symphony Concert – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). Enjoy a night of music under the stars in Historic Yorktown. The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will perform for the 25th annual outdoor concert. This year, the orchestra will take guests on a musical journey around the world, with pieces from Ireland, Germany, France, the African diaspora, Russia and Asia and the Americas. Visitors are encouraged to bring a cooler, blankets and lawn chairs for seating. The award-winning Fifes and Drums of York Town will perform at 6:00 pm, and blue ribbons will be awarded to the most creative dining set-ups prior to the event. Free. 7:30 – 9:00 pm. 
• Organ & Harpsichord Recital – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Bruton Parish music director and organist Rebecca Davy will present a program of both harpsichord and organ music from the past and present. 8:00 – 9:00 pm.

Sunday, September 3

Nature

• River Seine – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Rangers will use a 2-man seine and other nets to discover what is in the water. Included with standard park admission. 1:00 – 3:00 pm. 
• Paddle thru the Past – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Discover Native American, Colonial and Civil War history while kayaking or canoeing down one of the nation’s most historic waterways. This program is included with park admission. See the website for canoe and kayak rental fee information. 4:00 – 6:00 pm. 

Music

• Stephen Christoff – Spoke & Art Provisions Co. (Williamsburg). Stop by Spoke & Art and enjoy a live performance by Stephen Christoff. 12:00 – 4:00 pm. 
• Summer’s End Campout at the Fields w/ Abby Bryant & the Echoes – Indian Fields Tavern (Charles City). Enjoy a concert by Abby Bryant, a soulful singer who performs vintage-inspired Americana and soul rock. For details on more upcoming events, following Indian Fields Tavern on Facebook. Tickets are $15.

Multi-Day

Special Events

• Homeschool Family Days – Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Homeschool students are invited to discover the sights and sounds of the 17th and 18th centuries. Families will be able to interact with educators while exploring a variety of historical topics. Tickets to Homeschool Family Days are $10 for students (K to Grade 12), $19 for adults and free for children under age 4, with unlimited admission to both museums for two weeks September 2-17. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at either museum. 
• Bier Fest – Busch Gardens (Williamsburg). Celebrate the end of summer at Busch Gardens Bier Fest, the largest craft beer festival in Virginia. The event features over 120 craft brews featuring 33 local Virginia breweries, savory snacks, a rotating lineup of local bands and more. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (plus Labor Day), August 18 – September 4. See website for details. This event is included with park admission.

Art

• 40 Years of Art at the Muscarelle – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Explore featured pieces of art from the Muscarelle and William & Mary, from the collection’s origins more than 300 years ago to the museum’s opening in the 1980s and the future. Open Monday-Friday, 9 am – 5 pm, August 21 – November 1, 2023 (closed September 2-4 and October 13).

Charity

• Commissioners and Cans Food Drive – 120 Alexander Hamilton Boulevard (Yorktown). The Commissioner of Revenue’s Office is holding a food drive to collect dry and canned food donations for those in need in our area. Donations will be accepted during office hours, Monday – Friday, 8:15 am – 5:00 pm through August 31. 
• Free Youth Disc Golf – New Quarter Park (Williamsburg). Youth (high school seniors and below) are invited to play disc golf for free at New Quarter Park all throughout the month of August. 
• 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 through September 4. See the website for additional details or to purchase tickets.

55+

• Senior Center of York August Activities – Senior Center (Yorktown). York County’s Senior Center offers programming throughout the year for adults ages 55 and up. See the calendar of upcoming events for the month of August here. 

Nature

• Butterfly Haven Exhibit – Virginia Living Museum (Newport News). Over 450  butterflies and moths and dozens of chrysalis are now part of the Butterfly Haven exhibit at the Virginia Living Museum. The exhibit will be open July 29 – September 24. Click here for details.

Future Events to Note

• Music in Midtown: Good Shot Judy – 200 College Row (Williamsburg). Attend the final 2023 Music in Midtown concert, featuring Good Shot Judy, on Thursday, September 7, 2023. This event is free and open to the public. 6:00 – 8:00 pm. 
• Yorktown Rhythms on the Riverwalk – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). Yorktown’s fall concert series, Rhythms on the Riverwalk, debuts with a performance by the HM Johnson Band on Thursday, September 7, 2023, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. 
• ‘The Janes’: A Free Documentary Screening – Williamsburg Regional Library Auditorium (Williamsburg). The League of Women Voters is offering a screening of the film The Janes on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. at 5:00 p.m.  See the website for a film description and additional details.
• Yorktown Art Stroll – 331 Water Street (Yorktown). Don’t miss the Yorktown Art Stroll on Sunday, September 24, 2023, from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. There will be a wide range of art for sale, including oil, acrylic, and watercolor paintings; glass; drawings; photography; jewelry; pottery; fiber art; handmade soap; and woodwork. The event is free and open to the public. 
• 2nd Annual Pints and Paws 5K Run/Walk, 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk and “Pup Strut” – 2070 Jamestown Road (Williamsburg). Registration is now open for a 5K running and walking event with a 1 Mile Fun Run Walk and Pup Strut to benefit 4Paws Animal Rescue. The event will be held on Sunday, October 1, 2023 and is co-sponsored by Colonial Sports. One beer and one slice of pizza will be included in the registration; non-drinkers will receive a root beer. Awards will be given out to humans and canines. See the website for additional information or to register. 
• NAMI Family to Family Education Program – Williamsburg House of Mercy (Williamsburg). NAMI will hold a series of 8 free weekly classes structured to help family members, partners and significant others understand and support those living with mental illness while maintaining their own wellbeing. The program will be offered Wednesdays from 6:00 – 8:30 pm, October 4 – November 29, 2023. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. If you have questions, call (757) 220-8535 or email info@namiwilliamsburg.org.