It’s Fourth of July weekend, which means you’re likely up to your eyeballs in picnics and barbecues – but if you’d like to find some other things to keep you busy, just take a peek below at some ideas we’ve collected.
We pull these ideas off our community calendar, which you can find on the right side of WYDaily.com. Submitting to the calendar is free and easy, so make sure to add upcoming events for your group or organization.
Most of the goings-on around town have an Independence Day theme, but there are also a few shows and some outdoor fun to round out the holiday weekend. Read on!
Independence Day
There are all kinds of events happening to celebrate the Fourth of July around the Historic Triangle. So as not to repeat ourselves, we’ll just share this link to a story that ran earlier this week, which covers all the big celebrations (some of these are happening on multiple days, not just on Thursday, so take note as you read). The story includes information on Busch Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg, York County, and the Yorktown Victory Center – you’ll just have to decide which one (or ones) you’ll be attending.
To keep up the celebration of our nation’s independence, stop by the special exhibition at Jamestown Settlement called “Jamestown’s Legacy to the American Revolution.” This exhibit examines the lives of Revolutionary War-era descendants of people associated with 17th-century Jamestown and features more than 60 artifacts acquired for the future American Revolution Museum at Yorktown (to replace the Yorktown Victory Center), including a 19th-century life-size sculpture of George Washington. Here’s the calendar link.
Bank of America’s Museums on Us program is helping cardholders celebrate Independence Day by offering free admission to Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum and DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum. The free admission program runs July 6 and 7. Card holders must present their Bank of America or Merrill Lynch credit or debit card along with a photo ID.
Family Fun
Visit the Virginia Living Museum for a patriotic laser light show! “Spirit of America” mixes great patriotic music with America-inspired rock and roll and songs that have defined American music. Rock out with great artists like John Fogerty, Garth Brooks, Lee Greenwood and so many, many more. This show is recommended for ages 6 and up. The calendar has details.
Share outdoor fun and create memories on Woodstock Pond at York River State Park on Saturday with a fishing contest. Children 15 and younger can catch bass, bluegill, and crappie for prizes – remember to bring your own rod and reel. The park has a limited amount of tackle and bait if you need some. The calendar has all the details.
York River State Park is also hosting a guided bike tour on Saturday. The Majestic Oak is the oldest tree in the 2,550 acre park, but few people hike the distance to see it – this moderate, four-mile guided bike ride will get you there. Bring your own bike. Here is more information.
Music and Theater
“Scream Queens,” an outrageously campy musical comedy about former B-movie horror actresses who reunite for a Sci-Fi convention, will be performed this weekend at the Williamsburg Library Theatre. Presented by Panglossian Productions and Williamsburg Regional Library, the production has several show times, so be sure to look at the calendar to get all the details.
The College of William & Mary Bookstore is hosting guitarist Louis Vangieri on Sunday afternoon for a free performance. Drawing influence from such diverse artists as The Beatles, James Taylor and Pat Metheny, Vangieri performs an eclectic blend of acoustic covers and original works. The calendar has more details.
Farmers Markets
The Norge Williamsburg Small Animal Sale and Market is happening again this weekend, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the Williamsburg Tractor Supply Company Store at 119 Norge Lane. There will be over 20 vendors, inculding Blue Summer Moon Farm, A Rich Oasis Farm, Tupperware, Pampered Chef, Kittys Knits and Bits, Spirit Beads Jewelry, Notes of Whimsy, and many more. Here is the Facebook page with more information.
From 8 a.m. to noon, check out Yorktown Market Day on Saturday. You’ll find fresh produce, meat and seafood, baked goods, coffee, specialty cut flowers, art, entertainment and much more. Here’s the calendar link.
Saturday is also the Toano Farmers Market, which features Bob’s Sausage Company, Rainbow Eggs, Heidi’s Home Grown, plus an array of produce vendors. You’ll find this market at the corner of Forge and Richmond Roads in Toano; here is some more information from our calendar if you have any questions.
The Williamsburg Farmer’s Market is also going on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon on Duke of Gloucester Street. You’ll find all kinds of scrumptious produce as well as other gourmet and fresh-from-the-farm foods.
