The area’s autumnal arts festival starts this weekend for its fourth year with a new name.
Williamsburg Fall Arts, dubbed such earlier this month by the Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance, begins this Labor Day weekend with concerts, food events and a fundraiser. Previously called Arts Month, the programs run through Columbus Day weekend in October, culminating with the annual An Occasion for the Arts.
This week’s events:
Virginia Symphony Orchestra
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra will perform two outdoor waterfront concerts, free to guests. The first is Thursday at the Lake Matoaka amphitheater on the campus of the College of William & Mary, followed by a program Saturday at Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown.
Both concerts start at 7:30 p.m. under the direction of Benjamin Rous, and will include highlights of VSO’s upcoming season.
Guests to each are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets, as well as picnic baskets. At the Yorktown concert – which includes a pre-show performance by the Fifes and Drums of York Town at 6 p.m. – there will be a contest for most creative picnic setup.
In case of poor weather, Thursday’s concert will be held in Phi Beta Kappa Hall. There is no rain date set for Saturday’s event, and guests should call the weather hotline at 890-3520 to stay updated.
“Opening Night” Fundraiser
The third annual “Opening Night” event helps to kick off arts programming in Yorktown. The fundraiser runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in Freight Shed at Riverwalk Landing.
The previous two iterations of the event featured glass and metal arts. This year’s showcases a gallery of original pottery and ceramics, along with music, food and a silent auction.
The Taste Tradition at Colonial Williamsburg
Colonial Williamsburg features the culinary arts this weekend. The Taste Tradition premiered last year, and returns to celebrate the foundation’s chefs, modern food and beverages inspired by the 18th century.
One aspect of the Labor Day weekend festival is open only to guests staying through Colonial Williamsburg’s The Taste Tradition hotel package. “The Cult of Bourbon,” hosted by Garden & Gun magazine, is a tasting event led by industry insiders.
Other programs open for purchase by the general public:
- Bushels and Barrels, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday in Market Square near Chowning’s Tavern, $135: Chefs from seven of Colonial Williamsburg’s restaurant present unlimited tastings from a range of dishes, paired with wine and craft beers.
- Good to the Last Crop, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Williamsburg Lodge, $50: Executive Chef Rhys Lewis will lead a tour of Revolutionary City gardens followed by a tasting seminar featuring fresh ingredients.
- The Tasting Room, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Williamsburg Lodge, $50: Winemakers, brewers, distillers and cheese makers will introduce some of their favorite products. The morning session includes presentations on craft beers and Wisconsin artisan cheeses while the afternoon will have presentations on Virginia wines and pairing chocolate with scotch.
- Marquis de Lafayette Dinner, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday at King’s Arms Tavern, $135: Diners at this four-course meal will enjoy the company of the Marquis de Lafayette, who spent time in Williamsburg in the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Warehouse Sale, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Williamsburg Lodge, no ticket required: imited supplies of many of The Taste Tradition wines will be available for purchase.
- Suds & Sides, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday at the Williamsburg Lodge, $50: Brewmaster Andy Rathmann of St. George Brewing Company and Williamsburg Lodge Executive Chef Anthony Frank will give a tasting of award-winning ales and lagers paired with small bites.
- Flavors of American Heritage Chocolate, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday at the Williamsburg Lodge, $50: The tasting seminar will explore the history of chocolate and its ingredients.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here or call 855-296-6627.
Other ongoing arts events continue through the weekend, including:
- Summer Breeze Concert Series at 7p.m. Wednesday in Merchants Square, with the U.S. Air Force Rhythm in Blue Jazz Ensemble
- Candlelight concerts at Bruton Parish Church, featuring Rebecca Davy tonight and Weil Sawyer on Saturday, both on organ starting at 8 p.m.
- Military Band Concert Series at 6:30 p.m. tonight at Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown, with the Blue Aces
- Prince George Movie Nights, starts at dusk Sunday and this week features “Hunger Games: Catching Fire”
For more information about Williamsburg Fall Arts, visit its website.
