Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Cannon Country Fest, British Occupation Day, "Godzilla": This week's best events


Here's what's happening around the Historic Triangle this week, July 29 - Aug. 2.
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 Cannon Country Fest, British Occupation Day, "Godzilla": This week's best events

Canaan Smith will headline the Cannon County Fest on Saturday. (Courtesy photo)

by Christin Nielsen

July 29, 2026

Several special events are taking place across the Historic Triangle this week as July draws to a close.


Country music lovers might not want to miss the 3rd Annual Cannon Country Fest at Williamsburg Winery on Saturday. Williamsburg's own Canaan Smith will headline the event beginning at 6:30 p.m., and an additional lineup of local talent will perform earlier in the day starting at 2 p.m.


General admission tickets are currently on sale for $20. A limited number of VIP meet-and-greet tickets are also available.


Yorktown is gearing up to commemorate British Occupation Day on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.


The community is invited to stop by York Hall to explore the stories of the pivotal moment when British forces marched into Yorktown in early August 1781, altering the course of American history.


Special exhibits from the York County Historical Museum will be on view. The event is free and open to the public.


This week's live music lineup includes free concerts by the '90s band Be Kind and Rewind in Port Warwick on Wednesday and The Nashville Nights Band in Yorktown on Thursday. 


Additional highlights include the 19th Annual Jenna Bash Festival on Saturday and a free showing of "Godzilla: King of the Monsters" at the Kimball Theatre on Sunday.


Below is our curated guide to events happening in and around the Historic Triangle, July 29 - Aug. 2.

EVENTS THIS WEEK: JULY 29 - Aug 2

 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 details, click on the bolded, hyperlinked event titles.

WEDNESDAY

Be Kind and Rewind will perform in a free concert at Port Warwick on July 29. (Photo courtesy of the City of Newport News)

FOOD

  • Make Protein Goals Easy with Dietitian Rachael DeVaux | Virtual, hosted by WRL | Join an energizing conversation featuring dietitian Rachael DeVaux, a New York Times bestselling author. DeVaux's newest book, "The High Protein Plate," explains how anyone can easily incorporate protein into their diet. Register here. 2 pm. 


KIDS

  • A World of Song and Dance | Williamsburg Library | Children will take a melodic journey around the world with Arts for Learning's Rita Cohen. They'll explore diverse languages, countries and cultures. Space is limited; reserve a ticket at the Youth Services desk starting 30 minutes before the program. Free. 1 - 2 pm. 


HISTORY

  • Works By Black Artists and Artisans | Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg | Attend a guided tour of the "'I made this...' Works by Black Artists and Artisans'" exhibit. Free & open to the public. 3 - 3:45 pm. 


THEATRE

  • Shakespeare's Winter's Tale | Kimball Theatre | A friendly visit from the king of Bohemia to the neighboring kingdom of Sicily becomes an international scandal that quickly spirals out of control in this theatrical presentation of a Shakespeare classic. For audiences 12 and older. $20. 7 - 9:30 pm. 


MUSIC

  • Be Kind and Rewind | William Styron Square | Port Warwick | Be Kind and Rewind brings the ultimate '90s house party to Port Warwick. Free & open to the public. 6 - 9 pm. 


THURSDAY

The Nashville Nights Band is set to take the stage in Yorktown on July 30. (Photo courtesy of Visit Yorktown)

KIDS

  • Ceramics Workshop for Kids | American Revolution Museum at Yorktown | Children entering grades 3-6 are invited to attend a ceramic workshop in a fun, casual environment. The cost is $12 ($8 for members). Advanced registration is required. 10 am - 1 pm. 


AUTHOR TALK

FILM

  • Throwback Thursday: "Red Dawn" | Williamsburg Library | This film series screens a variety of classic films for an adult audience. The July 30 feature is "Red Dawn" (1984, PG-13), starring Patrick Swayze, C. Thomas Howell and Lea Thompson. Free. 2 - 4:30 pm. 


HISTORY

  • The Public Hospital of 1773 | Art Museums Lawn | Discover how Williamsburg's Public Hospital, the first mental hospital in British North America, transformed over time. Free & open to the public. 1 - 2:30 pm. 


MUSIC

  • Music in the Galleries | Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg | Enjoy 18th-century music featuring members of the Governor's Musick Ensemble while strolling through the galleries. Free & open to the public. 3 - 4 pm. 


  • Sounds of Summer Concert Series: The Nashville Nights Band | Riverwalk Landing | The Nashville Nights Band is made up of seasoned country musicians who have a passion for the music of the 90s country era. From Garth Brooks to Alan Jackson, they have an extensive repertoire of hit songs that will have the audience singing and dancing all night long. Free & open to the public. 6:30 - 9 pm. 


  • Organ Recital: Justin Oei | Bruton Parish Church | Enjoy a candlelit recital featuring Justin Oei, organist from The Falls Church in Falls Church, VA. Free; donations gratefully accepted. 8 - 9 pm. 


FRIDAY

NATURE

  • Dabble in Discovery | York River State Park | Visitor Center | Meet with park rangers and discover the aquatic, insect, mammal and plant life in the park's ecosystem. Included with park admission. 1 - 3 pm. 


KIDS

  • Catch-a-Craft | James City County Library | This drop-in program features a new craft each week. The craft theme for July 31 is "sock bunnies." Free. 10 am - 4 pm. 


  • Rob Westcott, Magician | Tabb Library & Yorktown Library | Award-winning professional comedy magician Rob Westcott will perform at Tabb Library from 10:30 - 11:15 am and Yorktown Library from 2:30 - 3:15 pm. Designed for children and accompanying adults. Free


TEENS

  • Teens Night Out | James City County Library | Teens are invited to celebrate the end of the month with friends, games, music, snacks and more. For ages 13-18. Free. 6 - 8 pm. 


SATURDAY

Yorktown will commemorate British Occupation Day on Aug. 1. (Photo courtesy of York County)

SPECIAL EVENTS

  • British Occupation Day | York Hall | In early August of 1781, British forces marched into Yorktown, changing the course of American history. Step into the past and explore the sights, sounds and stories that defined the British occupation. Free & open to the public. 10 am - 3 pm. 


  • 19th Annual Jenna Bash Festival | LifePointe Christian Church | Toano | The Jenna Bash Festival was founded in honor of Jenna Grace King, a Barhamsville teen who lost her life in a car crash. Families are invited to purchase a wristband for just $5 and enjoy unlimited access to games and inflatables. Highlights include a bounce house, live music, vendors, train rides, a bake sale, animal adoptions and a water slide. Proceeds benefit Proclaiming Grace Outreach, a 501(c)(c) charity that provides food, clothing and other services to help local families struggling with economic hardships. 11 am - 4 pm.


  • Cannon Country Fest | Williamsburg Winery | Williamsburg's own country music star Canaan Smith will headline the third annual Cannon Country Fest. A lineup of local country musicians will perform prior to Smith taking the stage. Discounted tickets starting at $20 are on sale now. Kids 12 and under can attend for free under General Admission. VIP tickets are also available. 2 - 9:30 pm.


HISTORY

  • Archaeology Behind-the-Scenes Tour | Colin G. and Nancy N. Campbell Archaeology Center | Attend a guided tour of the collection spaces and state-of-the-art laboratories at the newly opened Campbell Archaeology Center. Guests are encouraged to arrive 10 minutes early as tour sizes are limited. Free & open to the public. 11 am - noon & 2 - 3 pm.


NATURE

  • River Seineing | York River State Park | Seining Beach | Guests will follow the Woodstock Pond Trail to the river access point and watch as rangers use a 2-man seine to discover what is in the water. Included with park admission. 10 am - noon. 


  • Dabble in Discovery | York River State Park | Visitor Center | Meet with park rangers and discover the aquatic, insect, mammal and plant life in the park's ecosystem. Included with park admission. 1 - 3 pm. 


KIDS

  • Storytime for Tiny Tots | James Geddy House | Young children are invited to experience the magic of storytime in an 18th-century setting. Requires CW admission or a Good Neighbor Pass. 9 - 9:20 am. 


  • Preschool Dance Party | Stryker Center | This program features an hour of songs, movement, rhymes and fun. Free. 11 am - noon. 


  • Hands-On: Spy Craft | Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg | Bring the whole family and step into the world of Revolutionary-era secret agents. Work together to uncover clues, crack codes and participate in hands-on activities. Free & open to the public. 1 - 2:15 pm. 


  • Virginia Living Museum: Dinosaur Discovery | James City County Library | Virginia Living Museum educators will showcase dinosaur fossils and discuss the survival skills of animals from the past and present. For kids ages 6+. Reserve a ticket at the Youth Services desk starting 30 minutes before the show time. Free. 2 - 2:40 pm. 


  • Virginia Living Museum: Hungry Critters | James City County Library | Toddlers and preschoolers will get to meet Virginia Living Museum animal ambassadors and learn about their dietary habits. Reserve a ticket at the Youth Services desk starting 30 minutes before the program begins to secure a spot. Free. 2:55 - 3:15 pm. 


  • Dive-In Movie: "Lilo & Stitch" | Upper County Park Pool | Bring your family and enjoy a big-screen movie at the pool under the stars. Tickets are $2 each. 8 - 10:30 pm. 


MUSIC

  • Brass & Braggs | Kimball Theatre | For one night only, BrassWind and Larry Braggs - the longest-tenured vocalist in Tower of Power history - will perform together. Purchase tickets here. 7 pm. 


  • Organ Recital: Dr. JanEl Will | Bruton Parish Church | Enjoy a candlelight concert of 18th-century music by Dr. JanEl Will, organist at Bruton Parish Church. Free; donations gratefully accepted. 8 - 9 pm. 


MARKETS

  • Williamsburg Farmers Market | Downtown Williamsburg | Shop from over 40 vendors offering produce, prepared foods and baked goods, flowers, artisan chocolate, local honey, handmade soaps and more. Live music is performed weekly. Free admission. 8 am - noon. 


  • Yorktown Market Days | Riverwalk Landing | Discover freshly picked produce, warm baked goods, farm-fresh eggs, hand-poured candles and local art that’ll brighten your home. The Chisman Creek Band will perform on the Riverwalk Landing Stage this week. Free & open to the public. 9 am - noon. 


  • Toano Open Air Market | 7891 Richmond Road | Find fresh produce, baked goods, artisan-crafted products and more at Toano's outdoor farmers market. Free admission. 9 am - noon. 


  • 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 - noon.


  • Roots and Rhythm Marketplace | King-Lincoln Park | Newport News | Be part of the Roots & Rhythm Marketplace—where fresh produce, local flavor, live music and community come together. Vendor applications are currently being accepted for farmers, seafood vendors, exhibitors and crafters. 10 am - 1 pm. 


SUNDAY

NATURE

  • River Seineing | York River State Park | Seining Beach | Guests will follow the Woodstock Pond Trail to the river access point and watch as rangers use a 2-man seine to discover what is in the water. Included with park admission. 10 am - noon. 


WELLNESS

FILM

  • "Godzilla: King of the Monsters" | Kimball Theatre | The Merchants Square Summer Film Series continues with "Godzilla: King of the Monsters" (PG-13). 132 mins. No ticket required. Free & open to the public. 2 pm. 


MULTI-DAY

HISTORY

  • 250 Rewind | Various Newport News Museums | July 1 - 31 | Celebrate 250 years of America by exploring the people and places that shaped our nation and community. Throughout the month of July, the public is invited to enjoy free admission at Newport News museums and historic sites, including the Virginia War Museum, Historic Endview, Lee Hall Mansion, Lee Hall Depot, and the Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center. 


  • Centennial! | Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg | Daily through Sept. 6 | Participate in a guided tour of the art museums to commemorate 100 years of Colonial Williamsburg. Free & open to the public. 10 - 10:40 am. 


THEATRE

  • The Complete History of America (abridged) | Richmond Shakespeare | PBK Lab Theatre at William & Mary | July 30 (7:30 pm), Aug. 1 (2 pm & 7:30 pm) | This theatrical presentation offers a ninety-minute rollercoaster ride through American history. $35. 


EXHIBITS

  • Give Me Liberty: Virginia & The Forging of a Nation | American Revolution Museum at Yorktown | July 1 - Jan. 31, 2027 | Presented by the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission and produced in partnership by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation and the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, this exhibition highlights Virginia’s leading role in the American Revolution and invites visitors to uncover the stories and accomplishments of Virginia’s founders. Included with general admission. Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg receive free admission with proof of residency. 


  • The Great American Birthday Quilt Exhibition | Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center | Daily, 9:30 am - 5 pm | The Great American Birthday Quilt, created by Visit Williamsburg in collaboration with the Muscarelle Museum of Art, will be displayed throughout 2026. The meaningful piece brings together squares from people across the country to contribute to a powerful, shared story on America's 250th birthday. Free & open to the public. 


FUTURE EVENTS TO NOTE

  • Midnight Rain | William Styron Square | Newport News | Aug. 5 | 6 - 9 pm | The Port Warwick Summer Concert Series continues with Midnight Rain, a Taylor Swift tribute band. Free & open to the public. 


  • Sounds of Summer Concert Series: 1o Spot | Riverwalk Landing | Aug. 6 | 6:30 - 9 pm | From Motown to classic soul, rock’n’roll to contemporary party hits, 10 Spot entertains audiences of all music tastes. Free & open to the public. 


  • Carnival Family Festival | Williamsburg Indoor Sports Complex | Aug 8 | 9 am - 12 pm | Celebrate summer with a morning of carnival games, delicious food, local vendors and family fun. Free admission.


  • Yorktown Market Days: National Farmers Market Week | Riverwalk Landing | Aug. 8 | 8 am - noon | Celebrate National Farmers Market Week with a special market featuring fresh produce, family activities, a summer floral arrangement demo and live music by Phil Poteat.


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