Fall festivals, a vintage market and a celebration of cats: Here's what's happening in the Historic Triangle this week

Our roundup of 32 things to do, Oct. 30 - Nov. 2.

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Oct. 29, 2025 Fall festivals, a vintage market and a celebration of cats: Here's what's happening in the Historic Triangle this week The 3rd Annual Midtown Row Fall Festival returns on Nov. 1. (Photo via Midtown Row) From fall festivals and a vintage market to live music, there will be a variety of free and low-cost special events in the Historic Triangle this week. Midtown Row's 3rd annual Williamsburg Fall Festival will return on Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m. The family-friendly celebration, which is free and open to the public, will feature a petting zoo, mechanical bull, inflatables and games. The Fuzz Band will perform live, and food and craft beers will be available for purchase.  The Mariners Museum and Park will also host its annual Fall Festival on Saturday afternoon from 1 to 5 p.m. The event will feature pumpkin decorating, music, the Teeny Tiny Farm, food trucks and beer and cider tastings. Entrance to the festival is $2 per person. Children 3 and under are admitted free. York County's popular Vintage Market will be back at the McReynolds Athletic Center on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The public is invited to browse collectibles, antiques, art and unique home decor.  A classic car display will add to the atmosphere, and food trucks will be on site. Acoustical hits will be performed by local musician Phil Poteat. This weekend also brings a special event just for cat lovers. The Virginia Cat Festival - a celebration of all things feline - will be held at the Williamsburg Lodge on Nov. 1 - 2.  Sponsored by the City of Williamsburg, the event features cat-themed activities, vendors, special guests, informative workshops and - of course - adoptable cats. Other highlights this week include a free performance by York River Concert Band at Williamsburg Library Theatre, a Halloween night Lighting of the Cressets at Colonial Williamsburg, the final Haunted Trail event of the season at Historic Endview and a free drive-through rabies vaccination clinic for pets. Also, a quick note to thank those of you who checked in with concern amid my unexpected recent absence. I just wrapped up moving and then ended up getting sick, so our regular newsletters did not go out last week. I'm happy to be back as we gear up for what's sure to be a busy fall and holiday season. See below for our curated guide to things to do around the Historic Triangle, Oct. 30 - Nov. 2. EVENTS THIS WEEK  Each week, we scour event calendars from across the region and send readers a list of local events and activities worthy of their time. For additional event details, click on the bolded, hyperlinked titles. Thursday, Oct. 30 The York River Concert Band will perform at the Williamsburg Library Theatre on Oct. 30. (Photo via York River Concert Band) SEASONAL Unseen Creatures: A Collector's Tales | Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg | This immersive theatrical walking tour blends history, folklore and eerie mystery. Attendees will explore the collection that led to tales of Virginia's Folklore Creatures. For ages 10+. A food truck by The Wandering Sausage will be on site during this event. Tickets are $10 for children 5 and under, $20 for youth (6+) and adults. 6:30 - 8 pm.  FILM Throwback Thursday: "My Favorite Wife" | Williamsburg Library Theatre | The Throwback Thursday film series screens a variety of classic and contemporary movies for an adult audience. This week's feature is "My Favorite Wife" (1940, NR), featuring Cary Grant, Irene Dunne and Randolph Scott. 1hr 28min. Free. 2 - 4:30 pm.  KIDS & TEENS W&M Wordshop Juniors | Williamsburg Library | Kids and teens ages 8 - 14 are invited to attend this creative writing club run by W&M students. Participants will learn how to advance their craft and express themselves through creative writing. Free. 5:30 - 6:30 pm.  PUBLIC MEETING Grove Community Meeting | Little Zion Baptist Church | James City County citizens are invited to attend a meeting hosted by Board of Supervisors Vice Chair John McGlennon. Topics will include the Grove park, Grove Convenience Center, the trash and recycling program, the Route 60 project, drainage projects and a check-in with local officers regarding any crime concerns. 6 - 8 pm.  LIVE MUSIC Dewey Decibel Concert Series: York River Concert Band | Williamsburg Library | Enjoy a concert featuring the York River Concert Band, a talented musical group made up of local community members of all ages. Free. 7 - 10 pm.  Candlelight Organ Recital | Bruton Parish Church | Rebecca Davy, music director at Bruton Parish Church, presents a recital of organ music. Free; donations are gratefully accepted. 8 - 9 pm.  Friday, Oct. 31 Lighting of the Cressets returns to Colonial Williamsburg on Oct. 31. (Photo via Christin Nielsen/The Triangle) SEASONAL Trick-or-treating will take place in York County, James City County and the City of Williamsburg on Oct. 31, from 6 - 8 p.m. Households that do not want to participate are asked to turn off their porch lights.  Lighting of the Cressets | Colonial Williamsburg | Head to Duke of Gloucester Street for the Lighting of the Cressets: a fan-favorite tradition. Colonial Williamsburg's 18th-century streets will come to life at night with strolling musicians. Free. 6 - 9 pm.  Haunted Trail | Historic Endview | Spend Halloween night at Historic Endview's Haunted Trail. Guests will be accompanied by a guide through a spooky landscape experience. The trail is 1/2 mile long, winds through the woods and involves special effects. Tickets are timed, and groups depart every 10 minutes. The trail's terrain is uneven in some areas. $10 if purchased here in advance, $15 at the door. 7 - 10 pm.  Halloween Costume Party | Tradition Brewing | Head over to Tradition Brewing for a fun and frightful Halloween night. There will be a costume contest, board games, a DJ, a food truck and a new beer release with draft specials. Free admission. 6 - 10 pm. Halloween Night with Deadrise | City Center at Oyster Point | Enjoy live music, a costume contest and great food and drinks at this Halloween-themed event. 7 - 10 pm. Saturday, Nov. 1 Mariners Museum and Park will host its annual Fall Festival on Nov. 1. (Photo via Mariners Museum) SPECIAL EVENTS Queens Lake Arts & Crafts Show | 234 E Queens Dr. | Williamsburg | The 16th annual Queens Lake Community Arts & Crafts show will be held on Nov. 1. The event highlights the work of local artisans and makers and will feature needlecrafts, jewelry, local authors, holiday decor, gifts, photography and concessions. Free admission. 9 am - 3 pm.  Peace Hill Farm Fall Festival '25 | 18401 The Glebe Lane | Charles City | Historic Peace Hill Farm will present its annual family-friendly fall festival on Nov. 1. The event will feature live music, games for all ages and animals. Food trucks and more than 40 local vendors will be present. Vendor booths will offer trick or treating, and Halloween costumes are welcome. Free admission. 10 am - 4 pm.  3rd Annual Williamsburg Fall Festival | Midtown Row | This family-friendly, dog-friendly event features a petting zoo, inflatable slide, bounce house and games, a mechanical bull and more. The Fuzz Band will perform live music, and craft beers and food will be available for purchase. Free admission. 12 - 4 pm.  York County Vintage Market | McReynolds Athletic Complex | Shop for collectibles, antiques, unique home decor and accessories at this vintage market. There will be a classic car display, food trucks and live acoustic music by Phil Poteat. Free admission. 9 am - 3 pm.  The Mariners' Park Fall Festival | Mariners' Museum and Park | Enjoy a day filled with fall fun, including pumpkin decorating, family-friendly activities, Teeny Tiny Farm, live music and food trucks. Festival admission is $2 per person (free for children 3 and under). Tasting tickets are $45 in advance and available here. 1 - 5 pm. Fall Foliage Walk | Newport News Park Discovery Center | Attend a 'Fall Foliage' nature walk in the beautiful Newport News Park.  Free. 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.   Lessons from John Quincy Adams | Kimball Theatre | This compelling evening brings history to life through the insights of John Quincy Adams. An audience Q&A session will follow. Tickets are $35 for general admission and can be purchased here. 7 - 8:30 pm. PETS Drive-Through Rabies Vaccination Clinic for Pets | James City County Law Enforcement Center | James City County is hosting a free rabies vaccination clinic for pets on Nov. 1. All dogs should be leashed, and cats should be in carriers. Pets must be at least 12 weeks old. You do not need to be a James City County resident to attend. Pre-register here. Free. 9 am - 12 pm.  LIVE MUSIC Organ Recital: Christopher Reynolds | Bruton Parish Church | Attend an organ recital presented by Christopher Reynolds, organist from St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Richmond. Free; donations gratefully accepted. 8 - 9 pm.  MARKETS Williamsburg Farmers Market | 345 W Duke of Gloucester St. | Shop from the finest Virginia-grown and Virginia-made produce, plants and products. This farmers market features over 40 vendors, live music and children's programming. Rain or shine. Free admission. 8 am - 12 pm.  Toano Open Air Market | 7891 Richmond Road | Toano | Shop from various vendors selling their finest products. Located on the Village Green near Hohl. Free admission. 9 am - 12 pm.  Hilton Village Farmers Market | 10260 Warwick Blvd | Historic Hilton Village's weekly market on Main is held every Saturday, year-round. Free admission. 9 am - 12 pm.  Sunday, Nov. 2 A free history lecture will be held at York Hall on Nov. 2. (Photo courtesy of York County) SPECIAL EVENTS Legacy Hall Showcase | 4301 New Town Ave. | The biannual Legacy Hall Showcase returns on Nov. 2. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the event space and meet local vendors. Refreshments and prizes will be included. Free and open to the public. 1 - 4 pm.  An Indigenous History of Bacon's Rebellion | Kimball Theatre | Learn about recent archaeological work conducted by Dr. Julie King, who has researched the Dragon Swamp on the border of Middlesex County. King will discuss the impact of Bacon's Rebellion (1676 - 77) on Indigenous Tribes in the Middle Peninsula. Register here. There is a $10 non-member fee collected at the door once you are registered. Seating begins at 1:30 pm. General admission.  Virginia Militia Commanders at Yorktown | York Hall | Dr. Sean Heuvel, director of Graduate and Professional Enrollment at Christopher Newport University, will host a discussion about the leadership of the Virginia Militia forces who were involved in the Battle of Yorktown. A book signing will follow the lecture. Free and open to the public. 2 pm.  KIDS WYO Meet the Instruments | James City County Library | Children will join musicians from the Williamsburg Youth Orchestra for an interactive program where they'll explore a variety of musical instruments. For ages 6-11. Free. 2 - 3 pm.  Multi-Day The Virginia Cat Festival returns to Williamsburg Nov. 1 - 2. (Photo courtesy of Virginia Cat Festival via Facebook) SPECIAL EVENTS Virginia Cat Festival | Williamsburg Lodge | The Virginia Cat Festival is a celebration of all things cat - for cat people. Event programming includes a Marcatplace featuring a variety of merchandise for purchase, hands-on workshops with cat experts and advocates, cat adoptions through Critters 4 U Rescue, games and meet-and-greets with entertainers. A Halloween-themed ball inspired by CATS musical will be held from 8 - 10 pm on Saturday, and a Catvideofest will take place from 8 - 9:30 pm at Williamsburg Library Theatre. Tickets are available here. Nov. 1 - 2.  Military Encampment | Colonial Williamsburg | Explore the encampment of the Virginia Regiment and witness the sights and sounds of the revolution as the soldiers prepare for war. Requires CW admission or a Good Neighbor Pass. Oct. 30 - 31, 10 am - 5 pm.  DANCEVENT | PBK Memorial Hall, Glenn Close Theatre | Enjoy a concert of original works created by W&M dance faculty and performed by faculty, guest artists and members of the Orchesis Modern Dance Company. Oct. 30 - Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 2, 2 p.m. Tickets are $7 - $20.  Veterans Art Show at Yorktown Library | In honor of Veterans Day, The Yorktown Arts Foundation is presenting a special exhibit at the Yorktown Library. The exhibit showcases artwork created by active duty and military veterans living in the Peninsula and Tidewater region. Oct. 27 - Nov. 21.  Free.  THEATRE Rehearsal for Murder | 200 Hubbard Lane | The Williamsburg Players returns with Rehearsal for Murder, a thrilling theatrical mystery in which the theater becomes the set for the play. Tickets, available here, are $12 for students and children, $22 for adults. Oct. 31 - Nov. 16 SEASONAL Howl-O-Scream | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | Howl-O-Scream runs through Nov. 2. There will be five haunted houses, six terror-tories, four sinister shows and more. Parental discretion is advised after 6 pm, as this year's event contains amplified scares that are not recommended for children. This newsletter was written by Christin Nielsen. Thanks for reading! The Triangle exists thanks to the support of our generous readers. Support Our Work 📰  Sign up to receive The Triangle's weekly newsletters here. 🖥️ Visit The Triangle's website to read previous newsletters. 📧 To reach out, email christin@thetriangle.news or reply to this email. Sent to: godlyman@alexanderofyork.com Want to change how you receive The Triangle? Update your preferences here or unsubscribe here. The Triangle, P.O Box 7003, Williamsburg, VA 23188, United States

District 5 Report and Crime Watch Updates by Supervisor Tom Shepperd

Thomas "Tom" G. Shepperd, Jr. York County Supervisor, District 5 Hm: (757) 858-8591 Mb: (757) 903-1875 Email address: Shepperd@yorkcounty.gov District 5 Report and Crime Watch Update October 2025 Subscribe for District 5 Report and Crime Watch Updates Dear Neighbors,   The District 5 Report is designed to keep you up to date on activities in and around our area. Residents and homeowner associations are encouraged to share the information with others in their communities. Please click on the "Subscribe" to receive the report or send an email request to shepperd@yorkcounty.gov. Comments and questions are always welcome.*   Regards,   Tom   Thomas G. Shepperd, Jr. District 5 Representative York County Board of Supervisors   (C) 757-903-1875 (H) 757-868-8591   shepperd@yorkcounty.gov   ------------October 2025 District 5 Report and Crime Watch Update----------- Topics York County Recycling Transportation Crime Watch Wildlife Safety Elections 2023 Real Estate Assessments and the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Page 1

York County Recycling By now most of you know the Virginia Peninsula Public Service Authority (VPPSA) recycling contract with TFC ended September 30. The termination of the recycling contract followed months of disagreement between VPPSA and Tidewater Fiber Corporation (TFC) over performance issues. While I will not discuss the performance issues, I can say that the termination was an abrupt action that occurred without input by the Board of Supervisors. Personally, I believe the termination was ill conceived and not managed well. The 17,000 York County households that participated in the recycling program were receiving the recycling collection service on a regular basis, which wasn’t bad at all. Now, here we are without a recycling service. This means that an additional 350 to 400 tons of material is being sent to the dump each month. The City of Williamsburg, City of Poquoson, and James City County quickly established temporary recycling contracts with TFC at a reduced cost. This continued their programs until a new contract could be established. York County, based on the recommendation of the VPPSA attorney, simply stopped curbside recycling all together. This led to questions about service rate changes, what to do with recycling containers, and the future of recycling in York County. As fortune would have it, the County’s trash collection contract expires in June 2026. In preparation for a contract change, the County initiated a request for bids to provide trash collection service earlier in the year. Since the bid submissions were soon due back to the County, it was possible to add curbside recycling to the bid request. As things currently stand, the County has received new bids for trash and curbside recycling. Details of the bids are currently being negotiated. It appears likely York County will have curbside recycling by the first of January, if not sooner. In the meantime, hang onto your recycling containers. You can still take the same recyclable material to the VPPSA site on Goodwin Neck Road. More information to follow later. 2. Transportation By the time you read this report, the new turn lanes on Victory Boulevard to Hampton Highway heading north will be stripped and open. There will be a slight lane shift of three feet on Victory Boulevard towards the center median. This will move traffic away from workers who will be installing the new eastbound lane on Victory Boulevard between Route 17 and Hampton Highway.  Also, you can expect to see jersey barriers between the traffic and the new lane construction.  VDOT is currently planning an alternate route for the lane expansion east bound on Victory Boulevard between Hampton Highway and Big Bethel Road. Big Bethel Road will be the alternate route when a lane closure on Victory Boulevard takes place. VDOT is working to determine the best traffic light sequencing at the intersection of Big Bethel Road and Hampton Highway. Traffic light adjustments will be necessary to allow for more traffic to flow from Big Bethel to avoid traffic backups. The traffic nightmare continues.

3. Crime Watch Remember when our number one crime in York County was larceny from vehicles. Not anymore. The new number one crime is traffic violations. Larceny from vehicles has dropped off dramatically. The Sheriff believes the drop is the result of increased patrols (we did bring on more deputies last year) and car owners being more vigilant about not leaving valuables exposed in their vehicles. Last year major crimes dropped by 20% and so far, this year major crimes are down another 20%. To say York County is a safe place to live is an understatement. We should all be proud of our crime prevention programs to include our neighborhood Crime Watch. As for traffic violations, I believe the increase in deputies dedicated to traffic enforcement and the installation of speed cameras in school zones has brought increased awareness of traffic violations. Also, you need to be aware that Blue Line Solutions provides speed cameras like those used in school zones. The Sheriff said that the County will be moving to Blue Line Solutions cameras soon. The speed cameras provide DMV information to law enforcement. Currently, the New Kent County Sheriff’s Office is using speed cameras to enforce highway speeds in work zones along I-64. The Sheriff reports that they see around 50,000 violations a week. Drivers who are caught exceeding the speed limit receive a letter of citation and a $100 fine. Fines received from the speed cameras go into the New Kent County’s General Fund. If only 60% of the fines are collected, that equates to $3 million a week or $156 million a year.     Another technology used around the country to help reduce criminal activity is the Flock camera. The Flock camera is often referred to as a license plate reader and is not used in highway speed enforcement.  This camera does not provide DMV information. It informs law enforcement of the presence of a vehicle of interest. As you might expect, this is invaluable information when searching for a vehicle involved in some type of criminal activity.  The County currently has 32 Flock cameras. The Sheriff informed me that he is getting 6 more, which will bring the total to 38 cameras. Flock cameras are a particularly important tool in catching criminals of all kinds and were used to solve a murder in York County last year.

4. Wildlife Safety For many decades in York County, Animal Control belonged to the County’s Fire Department. It is now the responsibility of the Sheriff’s Office. Residents across the County are reporting seeing raccoons walking around in circles and stumbling during the middle of the day. If you see such action, stay away from the animal and call 911. The report will be handled just like any other emergency call and Animal Control or a deputy will respond to the call.   All the raccoons reported to the Sheriff’s Office this year have suffered from what is commonly called distemper, which is not a zoonotic (transmitted to human) disease. However, rabies a deadly and highly contagious zoonotic disease, is very common in raccoons.  There are about five zoonotic diseases carried by raccoons, mice, rats, fox, opossums, and bats that can either kill you or make you very sick. The bottom line is to avoid contact with these animals, especially if they appear sick.  Simply call 911 and let Animal Control take care of the situation.

5. Elections 2025 Election Day is November 4th. Early voting started September 19th and the last day to early vote is Saturday November 1st. Early voting is a great way to avoid the crowds and being forced to walk through rain and cold weather on election day.  Early voting is taking place at 5322 Geo. Wash. Mem. Hwy. (Rt 17) Yorktown, VA. For those of you in the northern end of the County, you can early vote at 6614 Mooretown Rd. Suite A, Williamsburg, VA. The voting offices are open Monday through Friday 8:30 A.M to 5:00 P.M. Saturday October 25th and November 1st the offices will be open from 9A.M to 5 P.M. for early voting. More information concerning this year’s elections can be found at Yorkcounty.gov/357/voter-registration.

6. Real Estate Assessment & Fiscal Year 2027 Budget York County conducts a real estate assessment of all properties within the County every two years. This year is the end of the two year assessments cycle.  Property owners can expect to receive their assessment notices in the mail at the end of December 2025. It is estimated that property assessments will increase between 10 to 12 percent. Information on how to obtain answers to questions about your assessment, including the process for review and appeal, will be described in your assessment letter.  The County is currently developing the fiscal year 2027 budget. This budget will be approved in May 2026 by the Board of Supervisors. The May deadline allows the County the time needed to satisfy State code requirements that all municipalities must begin the fiscal year with a balanced budget. The 2027 fiscal year begins July 1, 2026. Approving the real estate tax rate is an essential action that is necessary to fund the yearly budget. Both the County tax rate and County budget are recommended by the County Administrator for approval to the Board of Supervisors. The tax rate approved in May 2026 multiplied by the real estate assessment you received in December 2025 will determine the amount of real estate tax you must pay to the County. It is important to note that there will be several public meetings and public hearings concerning the proposed budget and tax rate prior to final approval by the Board.  At the direction of the Board of Supervisors, the County Staff is studying the possibility of changing the real estate assessments from a two year to a one year cycle. One objective of the study will be to identify and set a long term tax rate that will not change from year to year. Henrico County has successfully used this approach for the past decade. Lessons learned from years of experience with a stabilized tax rate and yearly assessment are: -          The impact on household budgets due to large variations in real estate assessments is minimized. -          Revenue requirements for the budget become more predictable for both the County and homeowners. -          There is a significant increase in public awareness and understanding of budget requirements and how taxpayers’ funds are being spent. -          Increased communication between the County Government and its citizens leads to increased transparency, accountability, and trust. You can expect to hear more about the study later this budget cycle.

* Comments and opinions expressed in the District 5 Report are authorized and approved by me and do not necessarily represent the position of other elected representatives. All email correspondence to and from this address is subject to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and to the Virginia Public Records Act, which may result in monitoring and disclosure to third parties, including law enforcement.

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Tom Shepperd | 131 Chinquapin Orch | Yorktown, VA 23693-2322 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice