Yorktown Military Appreciation Weekend, live music and more events this week

Yorktown is gearing up to host its annual Military Appreciation Weekend Friday, June 9 – Sunday, June 11.

The free, three-day patriotic event celebrates the contributions of our American heroes. It will feature special programming throughout Historic Yorktown, including at Watermen’s Museum, York Hall, Riverwalk Landing and Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters.

The event kicks off Friday at 6:00 pm at the Watermen’s Museum with a lecture called “A Question of Religious Freedom: The 1773 Baptist Preacher Trials.”

The festivities will continue Saturday with programming throughout the day, including a performance by the Royal Atlantic Ceremonial Band at Riverwalk Landing from 9 am – noon, a Roll of Honor Veterans Ceremony at Watermen’s Museum at noon, patriotic singing at Watermen’s Museum at 1 pm and a Militia Participatory Drill at York Hall at 3:30 pm.

Sunday’s events will all be held at Watermen’s Museum and will include music by the LCV project at noon, a ceremony featuring the USCG Colorguard at 2 pm and a canon demonstration at 3:30 pm.

See a full list of Yorktown’s Military Appreciation Weekend events here.

There will also be plenty of free live music to enjoy this week, including three concerts on Wednesday (Slapnation in New Town, Tiki Bar Band in Port Warwick and the Peninsula Concert Band at Williamsburg Library Theatre), the return of the Sounds of Summer Concert Series in Yorktown on Thursday (featuring Strictly Bizzness), a Music Under the Stars concert by the U.S. Army TRADOC Band in Newport News (Friday) and a variety of performances at 2nd Sundays in Williamsburg (Sunday). 

Some other events to highlight this week include the Williamsburg Greek Festival (June 8-11), National Outlet Shopping Day at the Williamsburg Premium Outlets (June 10-11) and the Bluegrass & Brew Festival in Hampton (June 9-11).

See below for The Triangle’s full list of events coming up this week.

-Christin

Events This Week

Monday, June 5

Informational

• Peninsula Agency on Aging: Community Health – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Learn about the Peninsula Agency on Aging’s Community Health Program. The PAA is a dedicated team of community health workers ready to advocate, educate, and empower older adults to lead healthy lifestyles. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.

Yoga

Community Yoga – Watermen’s Museum (Yorktown). Bring your yoga mat and meet at the carriage House for this yoga session in a beautiful setting. Meets the first and third Mondays of the month. Classes are beginner-friendly; proceeds go to the Watermen’s Museum. $10 per session; $30 for a 4-session pass; $5 for students. 6:00 – 6:50 pm. 

Tuesday, June 6

Special Event

• Community Connections Mural Reveal – 1234 Richmond Rd. (Williamsburg). Celebrate the second mural completion in Midtown Row. This event will take place at the side wall of Food Lion, across from Sal’s By Victor. You’ll be able to meet Britt Flood, the artist, and view her recently completed mural. 4:30 – 5:30 pm. 

Film

• Art House Café Film Series: “Encounters at the End of the World” – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). This film series brings an art house flavor to your Tuesdays. This week’s featured film is Encounters at the End of the World (2007; G), a documentary about Antarctica. See the trailer here. 2:00 – 3:45 pm.

Family History

• Oral History How-To – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). If you’re interested in doing an oral history with your family but don’t know how, attend this free, one-hour session with William & Mary oral historian Andre Taylor, who will talk about how to plan and conduct an oral history. 6:30 pm. 

BINGO

• BINGO Night – Tabb Library (Yorktown). Attend a free summer-themed BINGO night featuring multiple rounds of competition. Registered attendees are guaranteed two BINGO cards for gameplay. Each round winner will receive a prize. Adults and teens accompanied by adults are welcome, and Hawaiian shirts are encouraged. 6:30 – 7:45 pm. 

Live Music

• Youth Choir Concert: Crossroads Youth Choir – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Attend a candlelit concert featuring the Crossroads Youth Choir from Bartlett United Methodist Church in Bartlett, Tennessee directed by Donia Wade. 8:00 – 9:00 pm. 

Wednesday, June 7

Special Event

• Chesapeake Bay Writers Club: Writing Your Story Free Seminar – Midtown Row Clubhouse (Williamsburg). Patti Gaustad Procopi will give a talk on “Writing Your Story.” You’ll learn ideas for telling a story through a Q&A book, writing a memoir or writing a fictionalized version of your life story. Pre-registration is required; see the website for details. Free. 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. 

Books

• Bestsellers: “William Kent Krueger” – James City County Library (Williamsburg). WRL is forming a new book group that allows participants to hear from bestselling authors and discuss their work. The first featured novelist will be William Kent Krueger, author of the Cork O’Connor mystery series (Fox Creek) and individual novels (Ordinary Grace and This Tender Land). This new book group meets on the first Wednesday of every month. 2:00 pm. 
• The Fun Habit: An Author Talk with Mike Rucker, Ph.D. – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Join library staff to view this live author talk in Stryker Center, Room 127 or register and view virtually at libraryc.org/wrl. There will be an interactive Q&A, so viewers can ask the author questions directly. 4:00 pm. 

Live Music

• New Town Tunes: Slapnation – Sullivan Square in New Town (Williamsburg). The New Town Tunes spring concert series has been extended! This week’s show will feature Slapnation. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from New Town Restaurants, Local Food Trucks & Breweries. Follow New Town Williamsburg on Facebook for updates. Free. Gates open at 5:00 pm; show starts at 5:30 pm.
• Port Warwick Summer Concert Series: Tiki Bar Band – Port William Styron Square (Newport News). Enjoy a free concert by Tiki Bar Band. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Food and drinks are permitted, and there will also be a wide selection of food available for purchase from on-site food trucks. Free. Weather-related updates will be posted on the website and the Port Warwick Summer Concert Facebook page. The show is scheduled to run from 6:00 – 9:00 pm.
• Peninsula Concert Band – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Enjoy a concert by the Peninsula Concert Band, who will perform a variety of music including march, classic and popular tunes. The band has been performing in the Tidewater area for more than 70 years and is comprised of volunteers. Free. 7:00 pm. 

Thursday, June 8

Film

• Throwback Thursday Film Series: Jane Eyre – Throwback Thursday Film Series: “Jane Eyre” – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg).  This film series features a variety of contemporary and classic movies for an adult audience. This week’s featured film is Jane Eyre (2011; PG-13). 2:00 – 4:00 pm. 

Live Music

• Sounds of Summer Concert Series: Strictly Bizzness – Riverwalk Landing (Yorktown). This week’s featured band is Strictly Bizzness. 6:30 – 9:00 pm.
• Chamber Recital: Sylvan Waters Duo – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). Enjoy a candlelit recital at this historic 18th-century worship center, featuring the Sylvan Waters Duo, Dr. Tula Irving, harp & Raymond Irving, double bass. 8:00 – 9:00 pm. 

Friday, June 9

History

• Laird Brothers’ Rams – The Mariners’ Museum and Park (Newport News). Presenter John V. Quarstein, director emeritus of the USS Monitor Center, will present about the Laird shipyard in Birkenhead, England, which attempted to construct two ironclad rams for the Confederacy. In-person attendance is included in $1 admission; virtual attendance is free. 12:00 – 1:00 pm. 
• A Question of Religious Freedom: The 1773 Baptist Preacher Trial – Watermen’s Museum (Yorktown). Attend an interactive historical performance of the 1773 Baptist Preacher Trial that led us on the path toward our shared religious freedom. This event marks the kickoff of Yorktown’s Military Appreciation Weekend. Free. 6:00 – 7:00 pm. 

Crafts

• Makerspace: Meet Your Machine – Williamsburg Library (Williamsburg). Learn sewing machine basics in this beginner course. Spots are limited; call to register. For ages 13+. 4:30 – 6:00 pm. 

Live Music

• U.S. Army TRADOC Band: Music Under the Stars – Huntington Park (Newport News). The U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Band returns for its 91st season with a series of live summer music events. This week’s concert theme is “248th Army Birthday Celebration.” Free and open to the public. Bring your own chair. 7:00 pm. 
• Bluegrass & Brew Festival: Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent – The American Theatre (Hampton). This festival features Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent, who will be performing a blend of bluegrass, traditional country and gospel music. Six local breweries will also be participating. 8:00 – 11:00 pm. 

Saturday, June 10

Special Events

• Heritage Humane Society Furever Homes Race – Jamestown High School (Williamsburg). The 4th annual FURever Homes 8K, 5k, and Pet Run is designed for runners and walkers of all ages and fitness levels. All proceeds will benefit the homeless pets at Heritage Humane Society. The course starts and ends at Jamestown High School. See the website for additional details or to register. Registration ranges from $20-$40 depending on the race selected and includes a race medal, swag bag and drink voucher. 8:00 am. 
• Capital Color Ride  – Chickahominy Riverfront Park (Williamsburg). Attend this family-friendly biking event along a 15-mile stretch of the Virginia Capital Trail. You’ll encounter color stops, snacks, water and more at restaurants. The registration fee is $18 and includes a free shirt and refreshments. Ages 3 and under are free. 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.
• 12th Annual Day of Remembrance – Fort Monroe Outlook Beach (Hampton). The Sankofa Projects will educate and celebrate the richness and diversity of the African diaspora. There will be African drumming, songs, dance, poetry, historical presentations and traditional African libation. Free. 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. 

Markets

• 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. The Royal Atlantic Ceremonial Band will perform a variety of military-themed tunes on the Riverwalk Landing Stage at this week’s market. 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 Audio Portrait this week 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.

Recycling

• Household Chemical Collections – Warhill High School (Williamsburg). VPPSA is hosting a free household chemical collections and recycling event for the residents of Williamsburg, James City County, York County, Hampton and Poquoson. Click here to see a list of acceptable materials. 8:00 am – noon. 

Kids & Families

• Awesome Opossums – Newport News Park Discovery Center (Newport News). Learn more about the interesting and often misunderstood opossum. 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. 
• Saturdays @ Frink: Pop-N-Play – Abram Frink Jr. Community Center (Williamsburg). Stop by anytime between 10:00 am – 1:00 pm for classic arcade games and other fun activities. Free. 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. 
• Preschool Dance Party – Stryker Center (Williamsburg). Kids and their parents are invited to this hour of exciting songs, movement, rhymes, bubbles and fun. 11:00 am. 

Gardening

• In the Garden: Walk on the Wild Side – James City County Library (Williamsburg). Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Peggy Krapf will discuss habitat gardening for birds, butterflies and other pollinators. 10:15 am. 

Film

• Saturday Morning Cartoons: “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” – Williamsburg Library Theatre (Williamsburg). This month’s film series is for animation lovers. This week’s featured film is Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022; PG). 10:30 am. 

Outdoor Recreation

• Creek Pick Your Paddle – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Explore the wetlands and encounter a variety of wild creatures as you paddle along the river. Canoes or kayaks are available for rent. See the website for rental details. 4:00 – 6:00 pm. 

Live Music

• Travis Colby – Spoke + Art Provisions Co. (Williamsburg). Enjoy live music by Travis Colby at Spoke + Art. 12;00 – 4:00 pm.
• Downtown Hampton Block Party – Downtown Hampton. Enjoy live music all summer long at the Downtown Hampton Block Party. The June 10th event will feature Slapnation. Free. 6:00 – 9:30 pm. 
• Bluegrass & Brew Festival: Steep Canyon Rangers  – The American Theatre (Hampton). The Bluegrass & Brew Festival returns with Grammy-winning group Steep Canyon Rangers. A number of breweries will be present. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased here. 8:00 pm. 
• Organ Recital: Stephen Henley – Bruton Parish Church (Williamsburg). This candlelit concert features sacred music on the Dobson Pipe Organ featuring Stephen Henley, organist from Richmond. 8:00 – 9:00 pm. 

Sunday, June 11

Special Events

• 2nd Sundays – Downtown Williamsburg. Attend this street fair featuring more than 150 unique artisans, musicians, street performers and food vendors in downtown Williamsburg. This month’s event will feature live music by RapJack on the Main Stage (2:45-5 pm). See the website for a full list of performers and vendors. This event runs from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. 

Outdoor Recreation

• Roaming Ranger – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Meet with the park’s naturalist/ranger and discover the aquatic, mammal, insect and plant life in the park’s ecosystems. Included with park admission. 4:00 – 5:00 pm. 
• Sunset Paddle – York River State Park (Williamsburg). Explore the water and wildlife at sunset. Kayaks and canoes are available to rent. See the website for details. 5:30 – 7:00 pm. 

Live Music

• Townsend and Bobby Thomas – Spoke + Art Provisions Co. (Williamsburg). See Townsend and Bobby Thomas perform live at Spoke + Art. 12:00 – 4:00 pm.
• Bluegrass & Brew Festival: Carbon Leaf  – The American Theatre (Hampton). The Bluegrass & Brew Festival concludes with Virginia-based quartet Carbon Leaf, who will perform music that pulls from folk, Americana, roots and rock traditions. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased here. 3:00 – 5:30 pm. 

Multi-Day

Special Events

• Yorktown Military Appreciation Weekend – Watermen’s Museum (Yorktown). Attend a weekend-long patriotic salute to our Armed Forces. The event kicks off Friday, June 9 at 6:00 pm and continues Saturday, June 10 (8:00 am – 3:30 pm) and Sunday, June 11 (12:00 pm – 3:30 pm). See a full schedule of events here. Free. 
• Williamsburg Greek Festival – St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church (Williamsburg). June 8-11. Enjoy a variety of Greek food and pastries as well as traditional Greek music, dancing and vendors at the Williamsburg Greek Festival. See the website for additional details. This event runs Thursday (4-9 pm), Friday & Saturday (11 am – 9 pm) Sunday (12 – 7 pm). 
• National Outlet Shopping Day – Williamsburg Premium Outlets (Williamsburg). The biggest outlet savings event of the year will take place at Williamsburg Premium Outlets June 10-11, 2023. There will be deals at stores throughout the outlets all weekend long. See the savings guide here.
• 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 May 27 – September 4. See the website for additional details or to purchase tickets.
• Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival – Busch Gardens (Williamsburg). The Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival features over 150 international flavors at 16 themed food and beverage locations throughout the park. This year, there are more than 40 new offerings and a rotating menu of returning favorites. This event runs Thursdays-Sundays through June 11. See the website for additional details.

Theatre

• The Spitfire Grill – James-York Playhouse (Williamsburg). See The Williamsburg Players’ latest production: The Spitfire Grill. Shows will be held Thursday & Friday (8:00 pm), Saturday (2:00 pm & 8:00 pm) and Sunday (2:00 pm). Tickets are $20 for adults; $12 for children. See the website for details or to purchase tickets. June 2 – June 18. 

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.

Future Events to Note

• Williamsburg Live 2023 – Lawn of the Art Museums at Colonial Williamsburg. Featuring a line-up of nationally-known and award-winning musical acts, performing under the stars in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg. Friday, June 16-18.
• STEAMing Through History Family Activity Day – Lee Hall Depot. A family-friendly day of fun featuring interactive demos and hands-on activities related to railroad science. $12 per person or $25 per family. Saturday, June 17. 
• Family Movie Night – Williamsburg Crossing. Enjoy a free outdoor family movie night featuring the film DC League of Super Pets, hosted by Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, Muddy Marley’s Dog Wash, Coastal Animal Referral, Colonial Barber & Beauty and Two Trolls Consignment Boutique. Saturday, June 17.
• Juneteenth Freedom Festival – Newport News (exact location TBD). Free community festival with musical entertainment, food and craft vendors and children’s activities. Monday, June 19.
• Project: 5:47, the Longest Day of Play! – James City County. Join JCC Parks & Recreation in celebrating the longest day of the year. There will be a variety of free activities and outdoor adventures all throughout the day. Some events require early registration by June 18. Other programs are drop-in (no registration needed). Wednesday, June 21.