The week ahead: Local history festivals, nature walks and more |
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| York County History Day will return to Historic Yorktown on April 12. (Photo courtesy of York County) |
| From history celebrations to nature activities, this weekend will offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy springtime in the Historic Triangle.
Historic Yorktown will host York County History Day on Saturday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature live music, military demonstrations, living history, a cannon firing and special exhibits. It is free and open to the public.
Saturday also marks the kickoff of the 2025 Yorktown Market Days season. A Go Green Market featuring special exhibitors and musical performances will be held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
James City County is offering the community a chance to step back in time with an all-new Vintage, Visions & Vibes event this weekend, April 11 and 12. The two-day extravaganza will celebrate the area's rich history and vibrant culture.
Friday will feature a ticketed, "Dining in the Dark" experience and vintage games for ages 21+. Saturday's event, which is family-friendly, will include a vintage and collectibles market, live music, a classic car show and children's activities.
Acclaimed violin and viola duo, The Marcolivia Duo, will perform in Williamsburg on Saturday as part of the W&M Arts Quarter Music Series. The concert is free and open to the public.
Additional highlights this week include a Campfire Social at Chickahominy Riverfront Park; a River Raptors Walk, Twilight Trek and Osprey Watch at York River State Park; Lighting of the Cressets at Colonial Williamsburg and the free Phoebus 125th Anniversary Weekend.
The Food Network's renowned Great Food Truck Race is coming to Newport News with a variety of food trucks, competition and entertainment on April 7 and 8. The event is free to attend, and live national television filming will be in progress.
See below for our curated guide of events happening in and around the Historic Triangle this week, April 7 - 13. |
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Events This Week |
| Below is The Triangle's roundup of local events happening April 7-13. Click on the bolded, hyperlinked event title for additional details. |
Monday, April 7 |
| NATURE |
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| GENEALOGY |
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| WRITING |
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| YOGA |
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Tuesday, April 8 |
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| Adriano Marinazzo in 2012 at Casa Buonarroti studying Michelangelo's original drawings. (Courtesy of the Muscarelle Museum of Art) |
| SPECIAL EVENTS |
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Curator's Opening Lecture: "Michelangelo: The Genesis of the Sistine" | Muscarelle Museum of Art | Exhibition curator Adriano Marinazzo will introduce "Michelangelo: The Genesis of the Sistine," sharing new insights from his extensive research on the subject. This is an encore presentation of the Muscarelle's sold-out Curator's Opening Lecture, originally presented on March 18. Tickets are required and available here. Free admission. 5 - 6 pm.
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Chamber Music Society of Williamsburg: Ariel Quartet | Williamsburg Library Theatre | Enjoy a performance by Ariel Quartet, a group that has dedicated much of its artistic energy to the groundbreaking Beethoven quartets and has performed throughout the United States and Europe. Tickets for individual concerts are $30 and are available at the door (cash or check only) on a first-come, first-served basis, 15 minutes before each concert. 7:30 pm. |
| KIDS |
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| TEENS |
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| AUTHOR TALK |
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| CRAFT |
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| BINGO |
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| HISTORY |
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Palace Concert | Governor's Palace | Colonial Williamsburg | Enjoy an elegant evening of chamber music featuring 17th- and 18th-century music for harpsichord, voice, flute and strings. Not appropriate for children ages 6 and under. Tickets are $19 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under. 7:30 pm.
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Wednesday, April 9 |
| KIDS |
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| LITERATURE |
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| HISTORY |
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Dancing at the Governor's Palace | Governor's Palace | Colonial Williamsburg | Dancers will discuss various types of 18th-century dances and demonstrate them for the audience. Tickets are $19 for adults, $12 for children 12 and under. Audience members will have the chance to participate at various intervals if they wish. 7:30 pm. |
| SCORE WORKSHOP |
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| WELLNESS |
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Thursday, April 10 |
| NATURE |
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| KIDS |
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"Hatchet" Escape Room | James City County Library | Kids ages 9+ are invited to participate in an escape room challenge based on Gary Paulsen's classic survival story. Sessions start at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Reserve a ticket at the Youth Services Desk starting 30 minutes before the chosen time slot. Free. 1 - 4 pm. |
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| HISTORY |
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| FILM |
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Throwback Thursday Film Series: "Moneyball" | Williamsburg Library Theatre | This series screens classic films for an adult audience. The theme for April is Patron Requests, and this week's featured film week's feature is Moneyball (2011, PG-12). 2hrs 13 min. See the trailer here. Free. 2 pm. |
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| LIVE MUSIC |
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Friday, April 11 |
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| York River State Park will host an Osprey Watch program on April 11. (Photo by Alexa Heinrich via Pexels) |
| BOOKS |
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Natural Readers: A Walking Outdoor Book Group | Freedom Park Interpretive Center | Walk one of the Freedom Park trails while discussing William W. Warner's Beautiful Swimmers, a Pulitzer Prize-winning book about the culture and economy built around the life of the blue crab. This group meets on the second Friday of each month. Free. 10 am. |
| NATURE |
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| KIDS |
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Once Upon a Cuento | Yorktown Library | Children will enjoy a story, songs, craft and other activities. This program is designed for children starting with the basics as well as those looking to practice their knowledge of the Spanish language. Designed for children and accompanying adults. For ages 0 - 3 months to 10. Register online. Free. 10:15 - 11 am.
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| LIVE MUSIC |
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Saturday, April 12 |
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| Yorktown Market Days returns for its 2025 season with a Go Green Market on April 12. (Photo courtesy of York County) |
| SPECIAL EVENTS |
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Yorktown Market Days: Go Green Market | Riverwalk Landing | This special market includes free reusable bags, special exhibitors with a limited supply of free giveaways and engaging children's activities. Local vendors will be selling unique artwork, fresh produce, baked goods and more. Free admission. 9 am - 12 pm. |
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Spring into Conservation | Freedom Park | This public educational event features tables and information about what you and your family can do to best care for our environment, starting in your own home. There will be giveaways, crafts and children's activities. All ages. Free. 9 am - noon. |
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York County History Day | Watermen's Museum | Celebrate the history of York County. This special event highlights the American Revolution and Civil War. There will be music, military demonstrations, crafts, food and more at the Watermen's Museum and York Hall. Free. 10 am - 4 pm. |
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River Raptors Walk | York River State Park | Discover the majestic bald eagles, red shouldered hawks, red tailed hawks and osprey who make their home in the park year-round. Included with park admission. 10 am - 12 pm. |
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Campfire Social | Chickahominy Riverfront Park | Celebrate spring with a good old-fashioned campfire gathering featuring s'mores, activities, storytelling and more around the campfire. All ages. Free. 7 - 8 pm. |
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Memphis Gold Blues: Otis Redding Tribute | Kimball Theatre | This evening program features high-energy blues with Chester Chandler of Memphis Gold as he pays tribute to Otis Redding along with special guests Bobby BlackHat, Ms. Zeno the Mojo Queen, and Zach T. Brown. Tickets are $40. 7 pm. |
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| KIDS |
- Saturdays @ Frink: Lego Build Tournament | Abram Frink Jr. Community Center | Kids will show off their Lego building skills in this tournament. The competition begins at 11 am; other interactive activities will be held between 10 am - 1 pm. Free.
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- Teeny Tiny Farm | Tabb Library | This family-friendly event features opportunities to meet and pet adorable animals. There will also be tasty treats available for purchase from the Get Cheesy and Dough Haus food trucks, a Used Book Sale (1 - 4 pm) and craft activities. Free. 1 - 3 pm.
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- Egg Decorating | Stryker Center | Children are invited to stop by the Stryker Center to paint, draw and decorate plastic eggs. Free. 1 - 4 pm.
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| MARKET |
- Williamsburg Farmers Market | Merchants Square | The Williamsburg Farmers Market, founded in 2002, features the finest Virginia-grown and Virginia-made produce, plants and products. The event also features live music and children's programming. Free admission. 8 am - 12 pm.
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| TEENS |
- Teen Buttons and Origami | Tabb Library | Middle and high school students are invited to drop by Tabb Library for button making and origami. No registration needed. Free. 11 am - 12 pm.
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- Teen Ice Cream Making | James City County Library | Teens ages 13 - 18 will learn to make ice cream and will make a few flavors to try. Free. 1 - 2 pm.
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| MUSIC |
- Historic Organ Recital: Thomas Marshall | Enjoy music featuring the Historic English Chamber, one of Colonial Williamsburg's 18th-century instruments. This recital features Thomas Marshall, organist at Williamsburg United Methodist Church. Free; freewill donations gratefully accepted. 10 - 10:30 am.
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- W&M Arts Quarter Music Series: Marcolivia Duo | Music Arts Center, Concert Hall | Attend a concert featuring The Marcolivia Duo (violin/viola). Based in the D.C. area, the group has been featured numerous times on NPR's Performance Today and Front Row Washington. Free and open to the public. 7:30 pm.
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- Organ & Trumpet Recital | Bruton Parish Church | Enjoy a unique recital of Music of Space, honoring the 55th anniversary of Apollo 13. Free; freewill donations gratefully accepted. 8 - 9 pm.
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Sunday, April 13 |
| ART & MUSIC |
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| KIDS |
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Beanbag Book Club | James City County Library | Children will read, craft and play games centered on the book "Ada Lace, on the Case" by Emily Calandrelli. For ages 5 – 8. Reserve a ticket at the Youth Services desk starting 30 minutes before the program. Free. 1:30 pm.
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| HEALTH & WELLNESS |
- Rhythm Revolution: Outdoor Drum Fitness | Veterans Park | Participate in an innovative and immersive fitness experience set in the great outdoors. This unique class combines the power of drumming, invigorating workouts and wireless headphones. See the website to register. For ages 13+. Free. 2 - 3 pm.
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| LIVE MUSIC |
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VBC Storytellers | The Virginia Beer Company | This 9-week music series allows guests to get up close and personal with local singers/songwriters as they play their music and talk about the stories behind their songs and albums. This week marks the final concert in the series, featuring Joe Heilman. 3 - 6 pm. |
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Multi-Day |
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S.T.E.A.M. Fest at the Airport | Waltrip Williamsburg Executive Airport | Williamsburg | Children are invited to celebrate the art of kite making, learn about the science of kite flight and experience international tales. This program will be held daily, Monday - Saturday, with a new continent of focus each day. Free. 10 am - 12 pm. |
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Vintage, Visions & Vibes | Jamestown Beach Event Park | April 11, 5:30 - 11 pm & April 12, 11 am - 5:30 pm | Step back in time at the Vintage Visions & Vibes Festival, a two-day extravaganza celebrating the rich history and vibrant culture of James City County. Friday will feature a "Dining in the Dark" experience for ages 21+ and vintage games. Saturday will feature a vintage and collectibles market, live music performances, a classic car show, a kids' zone and more. The Friday event requires a ticket, which can be purchased here. There is a $5 parking fee per car for the Saturday event.
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Great Food Truck Race | Newport News | The Food Network's renowned Great Food Truck Race is making its way to Newport News, bringing an exciting blend of food, competition, and entertainment to the heart of the community. The event will take place in two locations. On Monday, April 7, food trucks will be stationed at Port Warwick. On April 8, the event moves to Victory Landing Park. The event is free to attend at both locations and runs from 11 am to 5 pm on both days.
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Harvey | Williamsburg Players | 200 Hubbard Lane | March 28 - April 13 | This play tells the tale of Harvey, an imaginary six-and-a-half-foot rabbit. Tickets are $22 for adults, $12 for children and students. |
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| TAX ASSISTANCE |
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Williamsburg AARP Tax-Aide Tax Assistance | Williamsburg & James City County Libraries | Greater Williamsburg Tax-Aide provides free tax counseling, preparation and filing service to taxpayers with low to moderate income, with special attention to those aged 60 and older. The program is operating out of both the downtown Scotland St. library location and the County library on Croaker Road. Appointments can be made online or by phone. Walk-ins are also welcome as schedules allow. Appointments are available at Williamsburg Library (757-354-1260) Monday - Saturday and James City County Library (757-561-0545) on Monday, Thursday and Saturday, Feb. 1 - April 15. Free.
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| This newsletter was written by Christin Nielsen. Thanks for reading! |
