Wednesday, August 5, 2026

37 Historic Triangle events this week, from National Farmers Market Week to the Merchants Square Concert Series


Here's our roundup of the best events happening around the Historic Triangle, Aug. 5 - 9.
 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

 37 Historic Triangle events this week, from National Farmers Market Week to the Merchants Square Concert Series

Yorktown Market Days will celebrate National Farmers Week on Aug. 8. (Photo courtesy of York County)

by Christin Nielsen

Aug. 5, 2026

Yorktown Market Days will once again honor the local farmers who provide locally-grown produce to the community with a special National Farmers Market Week celebration on Saturday, Aug. 8.


The event features a full schedule of activities designed to recognize the critical role farmers markets play in the nation's food system. 


Over 50 local vendors will set up booths along the York River from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. A wide variety of fruits, vegetables and pasture-raised meats will be available, along with specialty items like artisan bread, fresh-pressed juice and made-from-scratch desserts. 


The Virginia Chef's Association will host a pulled pork cooking demonstration, and the Yorktown Flower Shoppe will show visitors how to make summer floral arrangements.


Other activities include a "Guess the Produce" game and a bird feeder craft project for kids. Live music will be provided by local musician Phil Poteat from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the Riverwalk Landing Stage.


Yorktown Market Days is an award-winning farmers market that hosts special events throughout the year. 


There is no charge to attend the markets, and they are held rain or shine. To ensure everyone has access to fresh, healthy food, the market participates in SNAP, a program that offers discounts to low-income families, making farm-fresh food more accessible.


Other event highlights this week include a free Carnival Family Festival at the WISC, Dairy Day at Lee Hall Mansion and a free showing of "Superman" (2025) at the Kimball Theatre.


The live music lineup features free concerts by Taylor Swift tribute band Midnight Rain in Port Warwick on Wednesday, party band 10 Spot at Riverwalk Landing on Thursday and Nashville-based folk-rock musician Amelia Day at Merchants Square on Friday.


Below is our curated guide to events happening in and around the Historic Triangle, Aug. 5 - 9.

EVENTS THIS WEEK: AUG 5 - 9

 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

Midnight Rain will perform at the Port Warwick Summer Concert Series on Aug. 5. (Photo via Midnight Rain)

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. 


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 art galleries. Free & open to the public. 3 - 4 pm. 


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


THURSDAY

The Sounds of Summer Concert Series continues this week with 10 Spot. (Photo courtesy of York County)

AUTHOR TALK

FILM

  • Throwback Thursday: "The Godfather, Part II" | Williamsburg Library | This film series screens a variety of classic films for an adult audience. This week's feature is "The Godfather, Part II" (1974, R), the sequel to the original film. Starring Robert Duvall, written and directed by Francis Ford Coppola. 3hrs 32min. Free. 2 - 5:35 pm. 


SEMINAR

  • Trusts and Estates Seminar: Asset Protection | Stryker Center | This recurring series offers practical guidance to help local families protect their loved ones, assets and wishes through proper estate planning. This month's topic is "Flexible Tools for Asset Protection and Peace of Mind." Free. 2 - 3 pm. 


MUSIC

  • Sounds of Summer Concert Series: 1o Spot | Riverwalk Landing | 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. 6:30 - 9 pm.


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


FRIDAY

The Merchants Square Concert Series returns on Aug. 7. (Photo by Christin Nielsen/The Triangle)

SPECIAL EVENT

  • First Fridays Moon Markets | Historic Hilton Village | Shop from small business vendors, listen to live music and enjoy local food trucks. Free admission. 6 - 9 pm. 


NATURE

  • What is Pollinating in the Meadow at Brickyard Landing? | Brickyard Landing | Stroll through a recently planted native plant meadow. Find out which plants will invite butterflies into your yard and learn about native plants and host plants. No registration required. Weather permitting. Free. 10 - 11:30 am. 


KIDS

  • Catch-a-Craft | James City County Library | This drop-in program features a new craft each week. The craft theme this week is "dinosaur keychains." For ages 3 - 12. Free. 10 am - 4 pm. 


TEENS

  • Teens Night Out | James City County Library | Teens are invited to kick off the start of the new school year with the last weekly Teens Night Out event of the summer. There will be games, snacks and fun. For ages 13 - 18. No registration required. Free. 6 - 8 pm. 


HISTORY

  • A Century in the Making Series | Hennage Auditorium | Colonial Williamsburg | Commemorate Colonial Williamsburg's first century with this special presentation series. The Aug. 7 topic is “'Truly eighteenth century in character'”: Ceramics and Glass in the Early Years of the Craft House," by Angelika Kuettner. Free & open to the public. 4 - 5 pm. 


MUSIC

  • Merchants Square Concert Series: Amelia Day | Merchants Square | Nashville-based Amelia Day delivers introspective folk-rock, driven by expressive vocals and thoughtful lyrics. Day draws from classic folk traditions while connecting with modern audiences. Free & open to the public. 6 - 7:30 pm. 


SATURDAY

The WISC will host a free Carnival Family Festival event on Aug. 8. (Image courtesy of WISC)

SPECIAL EVENTS

  • Carnival Family Festival | Williamsburg Indoor Sports Complex | Families are enjoy summer with carnival games, delicious food and local vendors. Free admission. 9 am - 12 pm.


  • Yorktown Market Days: National Farmers Market Week | Riverwalk Landing | 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. Free admission. 8 am - noon. 


  • Dairy Day | Lee Hall Mansion | Learn about the old Lee Hall Dairy and the dairies of the Virginia Peninsula. Kids will have the opportunity to play dairy farm games, make a cow puppet and explore artifacts and photos. Included with regular museum admission. 10 am - 1 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.


OUTDOOR RECREATION

  • Walk Well: Mindful Walking Series | Warhill Sports Complex Trailhead | Participants will learn proper walking mechanics, breathing techniques and strategies to make walking more effective and enjoyable. Free. 9 - 10 am. 


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. 


  • SRP Finale Jack's Jungle Animal Experience | Yorktown Library | Celebrate the end of York County Public Library's summer reading program, Unearth a Story. This summer reading finale event will also feature escape rooms, a caricature artist, a dinosaur adventure and a concert featuring Cindy Kays and Friends. Free. 10 am - noon. 


  • Pop-N-Play: Dinosaur Mania | Abram Frink, Jr. Community Center | Kids will enjoy an unforgettable day with giant, coding dinosaur robots. There will be games, races and snacks at noon. For all ages. Free. 10 am - 1 pm. 


  • Chris Campbell: Music for Kids! | Williamsburg Library | Chris Campbell, a singer, songwriter, musician and ventriloquist, will perform an upbeat and interactive program for the whole family. Free. 11 am - noon. 


  • Exploring Solar Energy | Williamsburg Library | Members of COSAAT, a youth-led nonprofit, will deliver a presentation and provide a hands-on solar kit assembly activity. For ages 7+. Registration required. Free. 2 - 3 pm. 


DATE NIGHT

  • Pottery Date Night | James City County Recreation Center | Couples are invited to attend a messy creative date night, where they'll learn the basics of wheel throwing and work collaboratively on a project. Successful pieces will be available for later pickup. $65/couple. A $20 materials fee is due to the instructor at the beginning of the workshop. Ages 18+. 6 - 8 pm. 


MUSIC

  • Organ Recital: Dr. JanEl Will | Bruton Parish Church | Enjoy a recital 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.


SUNDAY

2nd Sundays returns to Merchants Square on Aug. 9. (Photo courtesy of Merchants Square)

STREET FAIR

  • 2nd Sundays | Downtown Williamsburg | This nearly year-round street fair features 200 unique artisans, musicians, street performers and food vendor along 6 blocks of downtown Williamsburg. Free admission. 11 am - 4 pm. 


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. 10 am - 12 pm.


  • Fossil Frenzy | York River State Park | Discover relics of very old creatures while hiking to a fossil beach. Included with park admission. 1 - 3 pm. 


KIDS

  • Sensory Playdate | James City County Library | Children with special needs can enjoy an hour of sensory bin play before the library's regular open hours. Free. 12 - 1 pm. 


FILM

  • "Superman" | Kimball Theatre | The Merchants Square Summer Film Series continues with Superman (2025, PG-13). No tickets or reservations are required. Free. 2 - 4:02 pm. 


MULTI-DAY

HISTORY

  • 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. 


EXHIBITS

  • Give Me Liberty: Virginia & The Forging of a Nation | American Revolution Museum at Yorktown | July 1 - Jan. 31, 2027 | 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. "Give Me Liberty" is presented by the VA250 Commission and produced in partnership with the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation and the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. 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 PREVIEW

  • Needlework Workshop for Kids | American Revolution Museum at Yorktown | Aug. 13 | 10 am - 1 pm | Kids are invited to try a new art form in a fun, casual environment. $12 per child. Advanced registration required. 


  • Sounds of Summer Concert Series with Slapnation | Aug. 13 | 6:30 - 9 pm | Riverwalk Landing | Slapnation is a ten-piece-band that performs a range of music, including funk, Motown, beach tunes and disco. Food trucks will be on site during the concert, including Burger Mania, Coastal Thirst Beach Deli and Dong's. Free admission. 


  • "Project Hail Mary" | Kimball Theatre | Aug. 16 | 2 pm | The Merchants Square Movie series returns with a free showing of "Project Hail Mary" (PG-13). Based on Andy Weir’s bestselling novel, this sci-fi adventure stars Ryan Gosling. The film follows a science teacher who wakes up alone on a spacecraft and must piece together a mission that could save Earth. Free admission.


The Triangle relies on community support to keep going. Donate here.

📰  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 7004, Williamsburg, VA 23188, United States