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by Christin Nielsen July 15, 2026 |
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This weekend will be a scorcher, but you can still beat the heat without staying cooped up at home. With evening concerts, special history events and free movies, there will be something for everyone in and around the Historic Triangle from July 15 to 19.
On the local live music scene, chart-topping performers Anthony Rosano & The Conqueroos are set to take the stage at Port Warwick on Wednesday evening. Riverwalk Landing will come alive with the best hits from the 1990s and 2000s on Thursday night as the band Uncle Jesse performs.
Several special history-themed events are happening this week. To mark the restoration of the nearly 250-year-old Historic First Baptist Church, a celebratory Old Fashion Frame Raising will take place Saturday morning. The event is free and open to the public.
Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is honoring the remarkable popularity of American Girl's Felicity Merriman with a weekend-long event. "A Doll's History Brought to Life" will feature a panel discussion, an 18th-century fashion showcase, hands-on crafts and a meet-and-greet with author Valerie Tripp.
There's still time to take advantage of a special offer at historic sites throughout Newport News.
During the month of July, everyone is invited to enjoy free admission at the Virginia War Museum, Historic Endview, Lee Hall Mansion, Lee Hall Depot and the Newsome House Museum & Cultural Center through 250 Rewind. The rare opportunity is part of the city's commemoration of America's 250th anniversary.
The Merchants Square Movie Series is also returning for the season in a new format. While free movie screenings will continue on Sundays, show times have changed to 2 p.m. Films will be shown in the Kimball Theatre, rather than outside. The feature this week is Lilo & Stitch (PG).
Below is our curated guide to events happening in and around the Historic Triangle, July 15 - 19. |
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EVENTS THIS WEEK: JULY 15-19 |
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 |
SPECIAL EVENT |
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HISTORY |
Recording Her Story: An Oral History Workshop in Women's History | Williamsburg Library | In this workshop, participants will learn how to plan, record and preserve an interview. Although tailored to women's history, this workshop will be beneficial to anyone looking to begin an oral history project. Free. 5:30 - 6:30 pm.
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MUSIC |
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THURSDAY |
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A free history presentation on the evolution of Merchants Square will take place at the Kimball Theatre on July 16. (Photo courtesy of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation) |
SPECIAL EVENT |
The Evolution of Merchants Square | Kimball Theatre | This visual and narrative program, presented by two members of the Colonial Williamsburg Rockefeller Library, will feature photos of Merchants Square showing the old businesses from the turn of the century to the present. Free & open to the public. 2 pm.
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AUTHOR TALK |
Migrant Heart: The Hidden Cost of the American Dream | Williamsburg Library | In her ambitious new memoir, "Migrant Heart: Essays About Things I Can’t Forget," bestselling author Reyna Grande illuminates the hidden cost of the American Dream and the complex journey of healing that follows survival. Register here to attend this virtual author talk. Free. 2 - 3 pm.
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FILM |
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KIDS |
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Tots & Trains | Lee Hall Depot | The Tots & Trains Summer Series invites toddlers and their grown-ups to enjoy a morning of stories, creativity and hands-on fun inspired by trains and adventure. Admission is $3 per child, free for adults. 10 - 10:45 am.
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TEENS |
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MUSIC |
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FRIDAY |
KIDS |
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TEENS |
Teens Night Out | James City County Library | This program gives teens a space to get together with friends and enjoy games, snacks, music and more. This month's event topic is "Tonight is PowerPoint Night." Free. 6 - 8 pm.
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NATURE |
The Lost Lighthouses of the York River Kayak Trip | York River State Park | Kayak to Croaker Landing and discover the history of two lighthouses where automated lights still guide maritime traffic today. Click here for kayak rental fee information, additional information or to reserve your spot. Free. 10 am - 12 pm.
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Old and Remarkable Trees Tour | Christiana Campbell's Tavern | During this one-hour walking tour, guests will learn about the Colonial Williamsburg Arboretum and the plants that make up its collection, including impressive state and national champion trees. Weather permitting. Requires a Good Neighbor Pass or CW admission. 10 - 11 am.
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ART |
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SATURDAY |
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The historic First Baptist Church, built in 1776, will host an "Old Fashion Frame Raising" on Saturday to celebrate the church's restoration. (Photo via First Baptist Church on Facebook) |
SPECIAL EVENTS |
Old Fashion Frame Raising | Historic First Baptist Church | One of the oldest African American churches in the nation will raise the timber frame for the African Baptist Meeting house, honoring the original site of the church. This event is an important step in the church's restoration, ensuring the building will stand tall by the church's 250th anniversary in October. All are invited to attend. Free & open to the public. 9 am.
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Viking: 50 Years on Mars | Virginia Air & Space Center | The NASA Langley Research Center is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first successful surface mission to Mars. Guests will have the opportunity to meet members of the Viking mission, hear from industry experts about current and past Mars exploration efforts and view real science and engineering projects created by students from Virginia Tech and the University of Arizona. This event is included with admission for adults. The first 200 children will be admitted for free. 10 am - 4 pm.
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WRITING |
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NATURE |
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KIDS |
Books, Bubbles, and Foam | Abram Frink, Jr. Community Center | Kids will explore the science of bubbles and have a blast with a foam cannon that shoots bubbles up to 6 feet high. Free snacks and freeze pops are provided at noon. Free. This program runs from 10 am - 1 pm.
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MUSIC |
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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.
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- Yorktown Market Days | Riverwalk Landing | Purchase just-picked produce, warm baked goods, farm-fresh eggs, hand-poured candles and local art that’ll brighten your home. The Hannah J Duo will perform on the Riverwalk Landing Stage this week. Free & open to the public. 9 am - noon.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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SUNDAY |
NATURE |
Fossil Frenzy | York River State Park | Discover relics of very old creatures - such as early whales, porpoises, sharks and clams - during this hike to a fossil beach. Included with park admission. 10 am - 12 pm.
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WRITING |
Writers' Club | Stryker Center | During this supportive writers group workshop, participants will learn what to expect from the editing process, how to avoid common pitfalls and the essential marketing responsibilities they should be prepared for. Free. 2 - 3 pm.
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FILM |
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MUSIC |
Choral Evensong | Bruton Parish Church | The Choirs of Bruton Parish, directed by Rebecca Davy with JanEl Will at the organ, present Music from Great Britain by Stanford, Britten & Sarah MacDonald. Free; donations gratefully accepted. 5:30 - 6:30 pm.
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MULTI-DAY |
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Acclaimed "American Girl" author Valerie Trip meets fans of the Felicity Merriman book series, based on a Colonial-era girl from Williamsburg. (Photo courtesy of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation) |
SPECIAL EVENTS |
A Doll's History Brought to Life | Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg | July 17 from 1:30 - 7 pm and July 18 from 11 am - 7 pm | This two-day celebration explores the remarkable story behind American Girl's Felicity Merriman. Attendees will be able to participate in a panel discussion with the author, researchers and interpreters whose lives were shaped by American Girl books. Some of the weekend's programs are free. See the website for the full event schedule.
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250 Rewind | Various Newport News Museums | July 1 - 31 | Celebrate 250 years of America by exploring people and places that shaped the nation and our 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.
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The Gondoliers | The Dr. Mary T. Christian Theatre | Virginia Peninsula Community College | Hampton | July 23 - 28 | The Society of the Performing Arts & the Virginia Peninsula Production Company present Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Gondoliers.” Performances are at 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 23; Friday, July 24; Saturday, July 25 and 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 26. Purchase tickets here.
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EXHIBITIONS |
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.
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