Williamsburg Live music festival, free CW admission for Juneteenth, Father's Day events and more to do this week (June 13-19)

The popular Williamsburg Live music festival – a three-day event hosted by the Virginia Arts Festival – is returning this week to the Lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, June 17-19. The event will feature performances by Mandy Moore (Friday), Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit (Saturday) and Martina McBride (Sunday). If you’d like to attend but still need to get your tickets, visit vafest.org.

Some other highlights for this week include the Toano Summer Solstice and a wide variety of events commemorating Juneteenth in the Greater Williamsburg area, Newport News and Hampton. In addition, Colonial Williamsburg is offering a free single-day Juneteenth ticket, which includes admission to the Historic Area and Art Museums on June 19 from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm.

There’ll also be a unique Father’s Day Walking Tour in Yorktown, a free Take Your Kid Fishing program at Little Creek Reservoir Park and a Father’s Day Surf & Turf activity at York River State Park.

-Christin

Monday, June 3

Super Smash Bros. Open Play – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). Youth ages 9-18 are invited to play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on Nintendo Switches on the big screen in the Williamsburg Library Theatre. Registration is required for those who want to play in the tournament on August 1; for all others, registration is not required. 1:00 – 3:00 pm.
Rigamajig Building – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Kids are invited to stop by the Schell Room to build whatever they can think up with the library’s giant Rigamajig building set.
Summer Blockbuster: “Jurassic Park” – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Once a month throughout the summer, the library will screen retro blockbuster movies for tweens and teens. This month’s featured film is Jurassic Park (1993; Rated PG-13). 4:00 – 6:30 pm.
Anime – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Middle and high school students are invited to join other anime fans for a movie, discussion, snacks and anime. Registration is not required. 6:00 – 7:00 pm.

Tuesday, June 14

Puppet Storytime – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Kids ages 3+ are invited to sing and dance with puppets and enjoy books, flannel board stories and other activities at this event.
Catch-a-Craft ️– Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Kids are invited to make a new craft every week at this drop-in event. The craft room will be open on Tuesdays from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
Terrific Tuesday – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Kids of all ages are invited to enjoy story time followed by outdoor activities with lawn toys at this event. Weather permitting. 10:30 am.
Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior – Virtual or Grissom Library (Newport News). This series welcomes everyone to learn about various aspects of life with Alzheimer’s or other related dementias. Presented by the Alzheimer’s Association; for ages 18+. 12:00 – 1:00 pm.
Loving: A Story of Change in Virginia – Virtual, hosted by Grissom Library. Dr. Peter Wallenstein, author of Race, Sex, and the Freedom to Marry: Loving v. Virginia (2014), will discuss the landmark Supreme Court Case, Loving v. Virginia, and its continued effects on American society. Richard and Mildred Loving were an interracial couple in Virginia who were arrested in their home for violating Jim Crow laws by getting married. For ages 18+. 6:00 – 7:30 pm.
Nia for Beginners – Main St. Library (Williamsburg). Nia is a sensory-based movement practice that blends yoga, dance and martial arts to empower people of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities to move in a way that connects mind, body and spirit. For adults 18+. Free. 6:00 – 7:00 pm.
Art House Café Film Series: “The Eagle Huntress” – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). This month’s featured film is The Eagle Huntress (2016). Rated G. See film description here. 2:00 – 3:30 pm.
Spice World – Tabb Library (Yorktown). If you love cooking and want to try out new flavors and recipes, check out the Spice World Club at Tabb Library. Each month, Spice World features a new spice or spice blend from a different part of the globe along with a free take-home kit with recipes. Join every 2nd Tuesday of the month to discuss recipes and opinions after cooking with the spice at home. Light refreshments will be available. 6:30 – 7:30 pm.
Full Moon Hike – Freedom Park (Williamsburg). Explore Freedom Park after dark during this special full moon hike. The park will be open past sunset (until 9:30 pm) for people to embark on self-guided hikes on Multiuse Trail 3. The trail is paved and ADA-compliant. Bring a flashlight and bug spray. Free. Starts at sunset (8:29 pm).

Wednesday, June 15

Jonathan Austin Juggling & Magic – Williamsburg Library and James City County Library (Williamsburg). Kids are invited to watch as juggler Jonathan Austin pedals on his unicycle high above the crowd, performing magic and other amazing tricks. This event will be held at both Williamsburg Library (10:00 am) and James City County Library (1:00 pm).
Story and a Walk – King-Lincoln Park (Newport News). Bring your pre-school-aged learner to the Interpretive Center at King-Lincoln Park for a nature story about the Chesapeake Bay and a discovery walk along the beach. 10:00 am.
Intro to 3D Printing ️– Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Interested in learning about how 3D printing works? This adult-oriented lecture covers the ins and outs of 3D printing and the many ways it’s used in industries throughout the world. 1:00 pm.
Memory Cafe ✔️– Tabb Library (Yorktown). This social gathering is for anyone personally impacted by memory loss and their care partners. It features opportunities for unstructured conversation and refreshments, hosted by trained facilitators. 1:30 – 3:00 pm.
Top Ten Tips for Using Your New iPhone or iPad ✔️– Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). If you recently got a new iPad or iPhone and aren’t sure how to use its many features, you’ll find this class helpful. You’ll learn about some of your device’s basic features, including how to download and use WRL apps to access e-books, magazines and digital audiobooks. 2:00 – 4:00 pm.
Movies at Main Film Discussion Group: “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” – Main Street Library (Newport News). This month’s featured film is Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, starring Fred Rogers. Stay around after the showing for a discussion on the film. For adults 18+. 5:00 – 7:30 pm.
Port Warwick Summer Concert Series: The Wampler Brothers – William Styron Square (Newport News). Port Warwick’s Summer Concert Series returns with Bluegrass and acoustic music by The Wampler Brothers. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket, food and drink. Weather permitting. Free. 6:00 – 9:00 pm.

Thursday, June 16

Persnickety Reads Book Club – Persnickety Crane Cafe’ (Yorktown). Join the library’s Bookclubz page, read the featured book and then join the discussion at Persnickety Crane Cage, every 3rd Thursday at 10:00 am.
City Center Farmers Market – City Center at Oyster Point (Newport News). Find fresh, healthy, farm-to-table foods like produce, beef, jams and local treats at this Farmers Market, every Thursday through September 1. 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Canva Basics Workshop – Pearl Bailey Library (Newport News). Want to learn more about Canva? Check out this one-hour, one-session workshop. Canva is a free online graphics tool that allows you to create original designs and edit photos. 10:15 – 11:15 pm.
Evening Yoga – Tabb Library (Yorktown). This class will focus on yoga and breathing exercises led by a certified yoga instructor. Held the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month; for ages 18+ and all skill levels. Bring a yoga mat.
Fish Adaptations with VIMS – Williamsburg Library and James City County Library (Williamsburg). Kids will learn about the ways fish adapt to their habitats during this program led by experts from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. This program will be held at Williamsburg Library at 10:00 am and James City County Library at 1:00 pm.
Throwback Thursday Film Series: “The Deep” – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). This week’s featured film is The Deep (1977). 2:00 – 4:10
Storytime & Craft: Magical Adventures – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). This children’s program will feature new stories and crafts with a different theme each week. Pick up a ticket at the Youth Services desk starting an hour before the program to reserve a spot. This week’s theme is “Magical Adventures.” 6:00 pm.
Animanga Club – Grissom Library (Newport News). Teens age 12-17 are invited to watch anime, discuss Japanese culture, play games and have fun at the Animanga Club, which meets on the third Thursday of every month. 6:30 – 7:45 pm.
Music By The Bay Summer Concert: U.S. Fleet Forces Brass Band – Continental Park (Fort Monroe). Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy music from some of the region’s most talented performers. This week’s concert will feature Stan’s U.S. Fleet Forces Brass Band. Free. 7:00 – 8:15 pm.
Sounds of Summer Concert Series: Another Level – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). This week’s featured band is Another Level. Lawn chairs, blankets and small coolers are permitted. 7:00 – 9:30 pm. Free.

Friday, June 17

Puppet Storytime – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). 10:00 am. Kids ages 3+ are invited to sing and dance with puppets and enjoy books, flannel board stories and other activities at the Stryker Center.
Catch-a-Craft ️– James City County Library (Williamsburg). Kids are invited to make a new craft every week at this drop-in event. The craft room will be open from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Fun Fridays on the Square – City Square Plaza (Williamsburg). Kids of all ages are invited to attend this all-ages story time each Friday on City Square outside of the Williamsburg Library. The program will feature children’s games, activities and snacks. Weather permitting. 10:30 am.
Pride Film Festival: “Born to Be” – Williamsburg Library Theatre. This week’s featured film is the documentary Born to Be (2019). NR. 2:00 pm.
Looking at Juneteenth: What It Is and What It Isn’t – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Williamsburg Area League of Women Voters members will discuss the origin of Juneteenth and how to celebrate it locally. 2:00 pm.
Simple Circuit Greeting Card Workshop: Father’s Day Cards ️– Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Tweens and teens ages 9-18 are invited to stop by the Makerspace to create a simple electric circuit for a light-up Father’s Day Card. Other designs are also available. Space is limited; call to register for one of two sessions: 2:00 – 3:00 pm or 4:00 – 5:00 pm.
Forest Explorers Friday: Osprey ‍♀️- Chickahominy Riverfront Park (Williamsburg). This nature program will feature a guided hike with staff up to the top of the bridge for an opportunity to look into an Osprey nest. Children and their parents are invited to learn all about plants, wildlife, insects and more. Weather permitting. Free. 5:30 – 7:00 pm.
Juneteenth Commemorative Art Exhibition: Opening Reception ️– Stryker Center (Williamsburg). A selection of works by local and regional Black artists will be on display. The opening reception will be held on June 17 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, and the show will run through July 8.
Splash on Friday – James City County Recreation Center (Williamsburg). Enjoy family time at the pool, including access to a free swim area and an area for a Wibit inflatable obstacle course. Registration is required; call (757) 259-4185 to sign up.
Cooking by the Fire – New Quarter Park. Cook pizza kebabs at New Quarter Park. Registration is required and must be done by June 15. Meet at the Fire Circle. 6:30 pm.
Movies Under the Stars: “Encanto” – Chickahominy Riverfront Park. All ages are welcome to attend this movie under the stars, featuring the film Encanto (rated PG). Bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks. Weather-permitting. Free. 8:30 pm.

Saturday, June 18

Yorktown Market Days – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). Shop for seasonal produce, freshly baked goods, honey, handmade soaps and candles, artwork and more from local creators and artisans. 8:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Williamsburg Farmers Market – Duke of Gloucester Street and P4 parking lot (Williamsburg). The Williamsburg Farmers Market is back for the 2022 season! Shop from producers of locally grown produce, baked goods, cut flowers, organic vegetables, herbs, pasture-raised meats, cheeses, fresh bread, honey and more. Visa, Mastercard, SNAP and W&M express are now accepted. 8:00 am – noon.
Toano Open Air Market – 7891 Richmond Road (Toano). Shop safely every Saturday while supporting local farmers, artisans, pollinators and a variety of other vendors. Pre-ordering is recommended to ensure product availability. 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.
Walk This Way: Williamsburg Walking Club ‍♀️- Freedom Park Multiuse Trail 3. A walking coach will guide you through the trails of James City County at these fun walking club meetups, which feature a different trail location every month. Free. For ages 14+. 9:00 – 10:00 am.
Virginia State Parks History & Culture Day – York River State Park (Williamsburg). York River State Park will host a variety of events highlighting the history of York River State Park for Virginia State Parks History & Culture Day. Featured activities will include African American Waterman’s Walk (10:00 am), Heronious Point of View (1:00 – 3:00 pm) and Paddle thru the Past (4:00 pm).
Animal Tracks – Newport News Park (Newport News). Learn how to identify the footprint tracks of various animals, like bobcats, raccoons, coyotes and opossums. Participants will also be able to make ink-stamp animal tracks to remember how to identify each animal. This session is offered at two times: 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Take Your Kid Fishing – Little Creek Reservoir Park (Williamsburg). Spend a day with your child fishing from the shores of Little Creek Reservoir Park. Staff will be available to teach you and your child the fundamentals and all equipment will be provided. Free. For ages 5-12. 10:00 am – noon.
Bookmobile FunFest: Bubbles and Foam – Abram Frink Jr. Community Center (Williamsburg). Kids are invited to explore the science of bubbles and experience the fun of a foam cannon that shoots out bubbles up to 6 feet high. Free pizza and ice cream will be available at noon. 10:00 am – 1:00 pm.
Researching Ancestors of Color: A Genealogy Workshop – Tabb Library (Yorktown). In honor of Juneteenth, the York County Public Library will host this special genealogy workshop about researching ancestors of color led by Renate Yarborough Sanders. Discover how to research and extract data about people of color from various types of documents. Join at the library or virtually via Zoom. 10:30 – 11:30 am.
Williamsburg Friends of IANDS June 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 guest speaker is Andrew Petro. See the organization’s website for more information about Andrew and the Zoom meeting details. Free and open to the public. 11:00 am.
Preschool Dance Party – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Preschool-aged kids will enjoy this exciting hour of songs, movement, rhymes and fun. 11:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Present Day Pirates – York River State Park (Williamsburg). The park will supply guests with a GPS unit and a ranger will guide you off the beaten path to help you find caches of park information and unique treasures. Included with park admission. 1:00 – 3:00 pm.
Gamer’s Guild – Main Street Library (Newport News). Tweens and teens can team up with friends to play a collection of games from The Jackbox Party Pack 3 at this event. For ages 12-17. 1:00 – 4:00 pm.
Juneteenth – Jamestown Settlement (Williamsburg). This special, 90-minute event honors Juneteenth and features a variety of performers from Atumpan Dance Theatre and Teens With a Purpose. The program interprets the theme “what freedom means” through music, dance, spoken word and dramatic readings. Admission to this Juneteenth program is free for everyone. Advance online ticket registration is strongly encouraged due to limited capacity. Register here. 2:00 – 3:30 pm.
Memory Cafe ✔️– Grissom Library (Newport News). This fun, informal social gathering is geared toward caregivers and individuals experiencing the impacts of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related conditions. Coffee and tea will be available. 2:00 – 3:00 pm.
PAWS to Read – Main Street Library (Newport News). Kids ages 6-11 can practice their reading skills alongside a trained therapy dog. Registration is not required. 2:00 – 3:00 pm.
Toano Summer Solstice – Village Green (Toano). Celebrate the beginning of summer with good food, wine, beer and live music from Joe’s Day Off at Toano Summer Solstice, hosted by the Toano Historical Society. Food and drinks will be available from Saude’ Creek Vineyard, Alewerks and Two Drummers Smokehouse. Bring a lawn chair. Tickets purchased before June 12 are $20 for THS members; $25 for non-members. After June 12, tickets will be $25 for members, $30 for non-members. Price includes your first glass of wine or beer and a commemorative glass. All proceeds go to the Toano Historical Society. 5:00 – 8:00 pm.
York County Juneteenth Celebration – York County will commemorate Juneteenth with this community-wide event. There will be speakers, activities and entertainment by DJ Freestyle, Marching Elite, Intense Fiyaaaa and Crimson Thunder. Food truck vendors, a concession stand and free sno-cones and popcorn will also be available. Afterward, stick around to catch a free movie in the park featuring the film “Soul,” which begins after sunset. Free. This event starts at 5:00 pm.
Terrific Turtles – Newport News Park (Newport News). Learn about how the shallow waters of Newport News Park’s reservoir is the perfect paradise for turtles – and find out about the six different types of turtles who live there. 6:30 pm.

Sunday, June 19

Free Juneteenth Single-Day Ticket – Colonial Williamsburg. In honor of Juneteenth, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is offering free admission to the Historic Area and the Art Museums on June 19 from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm. A variety of special Juneteenth programming will take place throughout the day. Download the 2022 Juneteenth Programming schedule here.
Juneteenth Community Consortium Inter-Faith Experience – Lawn of the Art Museums (Colonial Williamsburg). This interfaith worship service will be held in celebration of Juneteenth Independence Day and will include scripture, prayers and hymns. Sponsored by the Virginia Arts Festival. 9:00 – 10:00 am.
Juneteenth Festival – Darling Stadium (Hampton). The City of Hampton will be celebrating Juneteenth with this festival, featuring live entertainment, games, sports, food, face painting, a bounce house, and prizes. Health screenings, health insurance enrollment, voter registration and a Covid-19 vaccine/booster/testing clinic will also be available. 11:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Celebrate Juneteenth Film – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). This screening features the film Miss Juneteenth (2020), which tells the story of a former beauty queen and single mom who must prepare her rebellious teenage daughter for the “Miss Juneteenth” pageant in Fort Worth, Texas. Unrated. 1:30 – 3:15 pm.
Paws to Read with K-9 Connection – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Kids are invited to drop in and practice their reading skills alongside trained therapy dogs. No registration is required. 2:30 – 3:30 pm.
Father’s Day Walking Tour – In honor of Father’s Day, this walking tour will take guests on a journey through the past to learn about Yorktown’s famous Dads. $10 per person; free for children under 12. 1:00 – 2:00 pm.
Father’s Day Surf & Turf – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Take dad on an adventure on land and sea at York River State Park. You’ll paddle the York River to Fossil Beach, where you’ll search for prehistoric relics. Call for reservations and rental fees. 2:00 – 5:00 pm.

Multiple Days

Williamsburg Live – Williamsburg Live – one of Southeastern Virginia’s most popular outdoor music weekends – returns to the Lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, June 17-19. Fans can enjoy many options of locally-sourced food trucks and craft beverages before settling in for performances by Mandy Moore, AHI on Friday, June 17; Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Waxahatchee on Saturday, June 18; Martina McBride on Sunday, June 19. Tickets are available at www.vafest.org, by phone at 757-282-2822, or in person at the VAF Box Office at 440 Bank Street in Norfolk and the Williamsburg Municipal Building, 401 N. Boundary Street in Williamsburg. See the Virginia Arts Festival’s website for additional information, including profiles of the artists.
Yorktown Battlefield Walk – Yorktown Battlefield Visitors Center. A park ranger will guide this short walk across the battlefield while discussing the 1781 Siege of Yorktown. This event is free for visitors who have paid the per-person park entrance fee. 10:00 am – 10:45 am.
Ranger Talk – Yorktown Battlefield Visitors Center. Join a park ranger for this brief exploration of the people, places and events in Yorktown during America’s war for independence. 1:30 pm – 1:50 pm and 3:00 pm – 3:20 pm. Dates: Sunday, June 12, Monday, June 13, Tuesday, June 14, Friday, June 17, Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19.
Summer Kids Dream $3 Movie Series – Movie Tavern in Williamsburg. Movie Tavern will be offering $3 movies as part of its Summer Kids Dream Family Film Series all summer long through September 1. See website for a list of upcoming movies, showtimes and additional details.
Annual JCC Parks & Recreation Student Art Show & Exhibit ️ – Williamsburg Library. View unique artwork by Anne Kushnick’s oil painting, pastel and acrylic students. Some of the art will be available for purchase. Runs June 17 – July 15 during library hours.
Gallery at York Hall Photography Exhibit ️– Gallery at York Hall in Yorktown. This exhibit features the photography of Shirley Whitenack and runs from July 1 through July. Free. Gallery hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm and Sunday, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
Juneteenth Week 2022 Festivities – Newport News. Between June 8-19, the city of Newport News will celebrate Juneteenth, an official state holiday in Virginia that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. A wide variety of events and programs will be held throughout the city. This week’s events include:
- Raising of the Flag Ceremony (Monday, June 13, City Hall, 1:00 pm). The community will come together for a special raising of the Juneteenth Flag on Monday, June 13. Local dignitaries will be present, and there will also be a reading of the Mayoral Proclamation and remarks by guest speaker Dr. Grainger Browning, Jr.
- Bingo (Tuesday, June 14, Brittingham-Midtown Community Center, 6:30 – 8:30 pm.) Play bingo, win prizes and enjoy refreshments while learning about why Juneteenth is an important part of U.S history. Registration is required.
- Juneteenth Debate (June 15, 6:30 – 8:30 pm, Denbigh Community Center). This live debate will feature the youth of our community and focus on two cases and key decisions made by the U.S Supreme Court regarding racial segregation.
- Spoken Word (Thursday, June 16, Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, 7:00 – 9:00 pm). Local artists and poets will present poetic oral performances designed for self-expression on the themes of liberty, freedom, equality and justice. Registration is required.
- Juneteenth Mime (Friday, June 17, The Mariners’ Museum and Park, 7:00 – 9:00 pm). Silent performers will enliven the room through dance and music, telling stories of emancipation, freedom, liberty, equality and justice.
- Juneteenth Youth Field Day (Saturday, June 18, Riverview Farm Park, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm). Youth ages 6 through 17 are invited to attend a day of outdoor sporting games while bringing awareness to the four pillars of commemoration – liberty, freedom, equality and justice – through team spirit, friendship and unity.
- Juneteenth Historical Pageant (Saturday, June 18, Virtual, 7:00 – 8:30 pm). Individuals throughout historical periods will share their views on how the founding documents of freedom impacted lives. This virtual event will be broadcast on NNTV 48 and nnva.gov/nntv.
- Juneteenth Freedom Festival (Sunday, June 19, King-Lincoln Park, 12:00 – 4:00 pm). This free community festival will feature entertainment by the Unifics, children’s activities, informational exhibits and food and craft vendors.
- See the full list of the city’s upcoming Juneteenth events here.

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In observance of Juneteenth, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is offering free admission to the Historic Area and A…